ROSWELL, GA – The Chattahoochee Nature Center was recently recognized by the Federal Highway Administration for efforts as part of building The Ray, “the sustainable road of the future.”
The director of horticulture for CNC, Henning von Schmeling, received the 2019 Environmental Excellence Award on behalf of CNC January 6. This award was given to CNC for its involvement in the pollinator habitat installation at the The Ray, in conjunction with the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and the Georgia Department of Transportation. The Ray is 18 miles of highway along I-85, near the Alabama border, billing itself as the sustainability highway of the future. As part of the project, von Schmeling and CNC joined with volunteers from Troup High School and Kia Motors in LaGrange, Ga., and the LaGrange visitor’s center, to plant two pollinator gardens. CNC grew the native pollinator plants that were planted in the gardens.
“The nature center is honored to be involved in this project, especially one of this size, magnitude, and success,” said von Schmeling. “Native pollinator plants make perfect sense for roadsides. They have deep roots and require little upkeep, prevent soil erosion, water pollution, and are drought resistant. And they provide food sources and homes to all kinds of insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while being beautiful to look at.”
Von Schmeling said this is the first pollinator garden along a Georgia highway.
Have you seen some changes on our grounds lately? Local Boy Scout Nick Dunson installed a series of benches to create a classroom near the ruined farmhouse on the property as part of his Eagle Scout certification.
He said he was familiar with CNC since he was a child, attending summer camp with Camp Kingfisher.
“I wanted to work on a project to benefit a place that I enjoyed as a child,” Dunson said. “I hope that campers and visitors will be able to use the classroom to be educated on nature and environmental science topics.”
All told, Dunson said the benches took him about 12 hours to complete, with “a lot more time spent planning.”
Be sure to check out the benches the next time you walk the wooded trails at CNC.
ROSWELL, GA. – Several local Girl Scouts have completed projects at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, enhancing the visitor experience.
Kyra Bard, Chloe Enderle, and Irene Palacios-Rodriguez of Troop 11763 selected CNC as the benefactor for their Silver Award Project. They created a Little Free Library inside CNC and filled it with books.
The girls designed, built, and decorated the library and sourced nature books for the initial collection. The library itself has a butterfly design, building off CNC’s efforts to support local butterflies and pollinators.
The scouts have been together for the last nine years under the leadership of Michelle Bard, who also serves as the director of the Milton Service Unit. Together the scouts said they enjoyed the painting of the library and collecting the books. When asked if they had any advice for other scouts working toward their Silver Award, they said, “Don’t wait until the last minute, and be sure to plan ahead!” Do they have plans to earn their Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting? The answer was a resounding “Yes!”
The Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette (grades 6-8) scout can earn. Scouts are charged with identifying a need in their community, building a team of project members, selecting and developing the project, making plans and putting it in motion, and finally reflecting, sharing their story, and celebrating their success.
Similarly, a new ADA-compatible audio tour of the Watershed Gallery is available for public use thanks to a thoughtful scout.
The audio tour leads the visitor on an in-depth tour of the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s indoor museum, the Watershed Gallery. It educates visitors about the local watershed environment of the Chattahoochee River surrounding the nature center by leading them throughout the gallery’s many exhibits.
During the tour, the listener is informed about many different informative topics. For example, the visitor will learn about what makes a watershed and the myriad of flora and fauna that inhabit the ecosystems. One of the most important topics covered in the tour is why we must take responsibility for protecting and keeping the Chattahoochee River and its surrounding habitats clean.
The audio tour is ADA-compliant because it allows visually impaired visitors to the CNC to have equally fun and educational experiences. It does this by using specific locations and easy directions to help visitors navigate through the Watershed Gallery. It also uses descriptive language in order to describe each and every exhibit in detail.
Annie Hankamer, a Girl Scout Ambassador and senior at Alan C. Pope High School in Marietta, decided to take action after finding out that the Chattahoochee Nature Center did not have an ADA-compliant audio tour. For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Hankamer wrote, recorded, and edited the Watershed Gallery audio tour for the general public to use. She was also able to create an audio tour creation guide in the hopes that future scouts will continue her mission of providing the nature center with accessible, ADA-compliant audio tours.
“I wanted for everyone who visits the Chattahoochee Nature Center to have an equal opportunity to have fun and learn about nature,” said Hankamer. “In completing this project, I have discovered how to lead a team, be confident, solve difficult problems, but most importantly, discover a passion for making positive changes in my community.”
The Chattahoochee Nature Center values the projects done by scouts – both boy and girl scouts – throughout its 127 acres. Many of these projects help the visitor experience, connecting them with nature. For information on how to submit a scout project, click here.
The Barn Owl (BNO) program delivers exciting hands-on science activities, longer hikes, and plenty of outdoor games. BNO campers are at an age with huge levels of enthusiasm, and may also enjoy Art in Nature Camp. BNO campers graduate to Beaver Pond for canoeing, where each camper gets the chance to steer a canoe (with the help of a high school volunteer). Of course, all this activity calls for plenty of water breaks and a chance every day to cool off in the pool!
How big are the groups?
Barn Owls are signed up based on a 1:9 counselor-to-camper ratio. BNO groups generally have 18 campers and 2 counselors. In rare cases, we will increase the ratio to a maximum of 1:10.
What’s the average day like?
Barn Owl program hours are from 9AM-3:45PM. The camper day is split into 6 activity periods, lunch inside Kingfisher Hall and 2 snack times. Activities include outdoor time, educational hikes, live animal encounters, swimming, canoeing, science exploration activities, and so much more. Educational content varies based on the session theme.
Gaga Ball
Gaga Ball is a Camp Kingfisher favorite. Barn Owls will learn the rules and basics of this game, which is a form of dodgeball played in an octagon pit. Even though Camp Kingfisher’s Gaga pit often gets muddy in the summer, it doesn’t stop campers from wanting to dig in and have fun!
Register Your Camper!
It’s never been easier to register for Camp Kingfisher! See options below to register online, over the phone 770.992.2055 ext. 222, or in the camp office.
If a camp session is full, the options are to choose another available session and/or add yourself to the wait list. Log into your account and select the desired session. Add the camper to the wait list and an email will be sent when a space becomes available. Secure the spot within 48 hours to guarantee camper placement in session.
Natasha Rice joined the Chattahoochee Nature Center from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA), where she served as Chief Administrative Officer/Vice President from 2015-2021, she implemented plans to update facilities, technology, and staffing through the proceeds of a $26.1 million capital campaign (including a $9M new construction project – this design was awarded Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence in Civic & Institutional Design in 2019.) On an ongoing basis, she oversaw facilities at 20+ youth-serving locations, as well as a 160-acre camp on the Broad River near Athens, GA. This role included guiding effective, efficient, and sustainable practices. Before BGCMA, Natasha worked for PulteGroup and The Home Depot. She has had experience as a management consultant, commercial banker, and volunteer to environmental nonprofits and she is thrilled to serve the community from within the organization. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers College and a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University.
Karen Ewing, Vice President of Administration
Karen Ewing is CNC’s Vice President of Administration. She oversees the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of the Center’s administrative, risk, and financial areas. She holds a BA from the University of Georgia, with a major in Economics, and an MBA from Georgia State University with a concentration in Finance. She has been with CNC since 2006 and was previously employed with the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association and SunTrust Bank. She lives in Atlanta and has two grown children.
Alicia Thompson, Senior Director of Learning and Engagement
Alicia Thompson was born and raised in Atlanta and has been with Chattahoochee Nature Center since 2007. She began her career with CNC working with Camp Kingfisher, and over her 15 years with the center has seen CNC grow. As Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, she oversees visitor experience and educational programming. She guides a vision for environmental education that engages diverse audiences of all ages and abilities through interpretive programming, community partnerships, and authentic outdoor experiences. Outside of CNC, she has served on several boards and is a 2022 graduate of the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL). Alicia has paddled hundreds of miles of Georgia’s rivers. Her passion for canoeing led her to volunteer with Georgia River Network, where each summer for 10 years, she organized and led groups of underserved youth who participated in Paddle Georgia, a transformative week-long, 90+ mile paddling trip. She is a proud lifetime member of Girl Scouts of the USA and is a Gold Award Girl Scout. She graduated with distinction from the Warnell School of Forest Resources at the University of Georgia and earned her Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, birding, and tending to her yard – a Certified Backyard Habitat. Alicia lives in Roswell with her husband and their pets Flint and Rue.
Tamara Kinmon, Senior Director of Special Events, Marketing, and Camp Kingfisher
Tamara joined the Chattahoochee Nature Center in 2017, and at that time began in a new position as Special Events Manager. She has grown and developed a dynamic department over her 5+ years with the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Prior to CNC, she spent 20+ years with the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta in roles encompassing marketing, membership, leadership development and programming. As Senior Director of Special Events and Marketing she oversees special events, venues sales, Camp Kingfisher, and CNC’s marketing and communication program. Tamara resides in Alpharetta with her dog, Dakota.
David Miles, Senior Director of Resource Development
David is the Senior Director of Resource Development and is responsible for raising CNC’s contributed income, partnerships, and sponsors. He comes to CNC after serving as the Board Chair for the Chastain Park Conservancy. Previously he spent 25 years in Sales and Marketing in the Food Ingredient Industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University. David lives in Atlanta with his wife and three grown children.
Jennifer Rao, Senior Director of Operations
Jennifer Rao is the Senior Director of Operations for the Chattahoochee Nature Center and is responsible for the CNC’s facilities, operations, and project management. Jennifer oversees the Wildlife, Horticulture, and Facilities departments and works closely with staff to increase the visual appeal and functionality of the CNC property and to ensure the safety and care of all staff, visitors, and wildlife. Jennifer comes to the CNC after serving as the Director of Operations and Community Engagement for Discover Dunwoody, where she led the DMAP certification process, making the organization one of six Convention and Visitors Bureaus in the State of Georgia to have this recognition. She has over 15 years of project management experience, is a proud Veteran of the United States Navy, holds a SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) in Human Resources, and is finishing her Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Harvard. Jennifer lives in Dunwoody with her husband, daughter, and cat.
CNC offers programs for Girl Scouts of all ages. Take part in one of our 1½ hour programs where scouts work on badges or journeys. Each program will involve the scouts in hands-on activities in the outdoors and will include a visit with one of our non-releasable animals. Or take part in one of our Daisy, Brownie, or Junior scout night experiences where we work on badge components and experience nature at night, under the stars.
Scout information
All CNC programs strictly adhere to the badge guidelines as outlined in the official scout handbooks. CNC naturalists will attempt to complete as many requirements as possible for each badge. In some cases, your group’s punctuality and cooperation may dictate how many of the requirements will need to be completed at home.
Badge programs not listed may be available with the approval of the Scout Coordinator. Please use the form below or call 770-992-2055 ext. 249. A customization fee may be required.
Everyone should arrive 10-15 minutes before your starting time so that the program may begin promptly as scheduled. Unless otherwise instructed, please meet your group at the Scheduling Office Porch.
If you are planning to have a snack prior to your program, please be sure to allow enough time to eat, clean up and be ready to meet your naturalist in the plaza 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Programs are rain or shine. If it is raining, please bring rain gear. Every attempt will be made to go on the hike. If not, indoor activities will be provided to complete the badge requirements.
The scout badge is not included and is not available to purchase at the CNC. You may purchase a CNC patch for a discounted price on the day of your program in our Nature Store. You will receive a coupon from your Scout naturalist.
Can’t come to us? Check out our outreach programs, We will come to you!
Are you often wondering how to make your meetings or end of year celebrations more exciting? Would you rather CNC bring a program to your scout group? CNC has a variety of programs for small and large groups that cover a range of interests. Take a look at the available programs and contact CNC to reserve your dates.
Start a mini-garden by planting a seed with us. Find out what animals live in and around a garden and how helpful they can be. Use your powers of observation to discover the sights, smells, and textures of the outdoors, and learn about how to take care of our natural resources. This program follows the new It’s Your World-Change It! Daisy Flower Garden journey.
Discover how Daisies can make the world a better place. Learn about nature and the plants and animals that call Georgia home. Search for clues on a hike, learn the vital importance of water and how we can help conserve it. A conservation craft will help remind Daisies and their families to conserve water at home.
Camping is an adventure. Scouts will learn to prepare and pack for a camping trip and also learn useful knots along the way. We will explore the woods and learn the principles of Leave No Trace. After the program your troop will be ready to go off on their own camping trip.
From a blue sky to a bird’s song, nature can give you lots of ideas for art. Nature is our guide on this program. We will make water color paintings of what we see in nature. Additionally, we will search high and low for the sounds of nature on our hike. To conclude, scouts will present a skit to show their understanding of the Leave No Trace principles.
Can you name the five senses? These senses let us explore and gather information about the world we live in. Learn how the animals around us use their senses to survive and put your senses to the test in this Brownie adventure.
Bugs make up 80% of the animal species on Earth. Without them, life as we know it would change dramatically. Come discover their world as we examine them in action, explore their homes and make some buggy crafts to take home. In order to provide the best experience, the most opportune time to schedule this program is between March and November, as bugs like warmer weather.
What do you love about water? It nourishes us on a hot day. It has recycled itself for thousands of years. A single droplet can bend light into a rainbow of colors. Discover the water cycle, its prismatic properties and what fun water can be in this Wonders of Water Journey.
Now that we have an appreciation for water, it’s time to see how many easy ways there are to SAVE Water. See how people use water in different parts of the world and how much water can be saved by reducing runoff in our communities. Learn how to communicate to others how to SAVE Water too. Take the next step in the Wonders of Water Journey.
Explore the outdoors as a troop on our adventure into the wilderness. We will take up the challenge of a hike into the woods and go a little farther than you may have gone before, but not too far. We’ll use our sense of smell to create a scent diary along the way. Scouts will get to play the Sleeping Bag Relay Race, as well as learn about clouds by making a craft. Of course, we will cover how to build a campfire (don’t worry, we won’t light it).
On this program scouts will be both artists and investigators. Scouts will be nature detectives and spot things in nature both near and far. We’ll also make leaf rubbings and learn what leaves work best and why. As investigators, we will use our magnifying glasses to get up close and personal with nature to make detailed drawings. While outside scouts will create a dance for their favorite forest animal. To wrap it all up scouts, will make an Elf house for the elusive Brownie Elves living in the CNC forest.
Explore energy use in CNC’s LEED Certified Discovery Center so you can work to improve energy use in your own home and community. Light it up with an incredible electric experiment and discover what’s really happening when you flip the switch. After you Energize, complete the second step of the Get Moving Journey by learning how to be an energy efficient investigator.
Explore what animals need in their habitat, take a tour of the animals that call CNC home, find out what happens when habitats become endangered and how we can help protect them.
Discover the science and purpose of flowers, how flowers keep us from getting sick, and have some crafty fun making your own flower out of reusable materials. In order to provide the best experience, the most opportune time to schedule this program is between March and November, as flowers like warmer weather.
Learn the basics of energy and ways to conserve it. Discover how animals use energy and what we can learn from them. An energy efficiency craft completes the first step of the Get Moving Journey-Investigate is next.
On this program scouts will use the seven principles of Leave No Trace to be environmentally aware in planning a camping trip. We will prepare a “minimum impact campsite” and learn how to make “no trash” camp meals and snacks. Scouts will discover and play Camp Surface Hopscotch. We’ll do all these activities on our conservation hike as we record what we see and hear.
We will use our live animal demo to kick off our exploration. Scouts will make a craft showing how the animal is well-suited for life in our environment. We’ll then use sticks and other items we find in nature to make something from wood. On our hike we will bring some instruments with us on the trail, and make music with what we find in nature. Your scouts and our naturalist will be hiking to their own beat in no time. We’ll visit some of CNC’s outdoor art and learn about how our buildings fit in with nature.
Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards
Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator using the contact form below for more information about Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
Girls 11-17
Volunteer Opportunities: Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator using the contact form below for volunteer opportunities. If you have a group of cadettes and want to assist in Daisy, Brownie, or Junior scout nights, please contact our Community Programs Coordinator, Mark Gialanella using the form below.
Registration + Pricing
$170 per program
Includes 12 Participants, (children or adults), fee due at booking. Additional participants (ages 3 and up) are $12 each (with a maximum of 20 participants) and are paid for on the day of the program. Additional participants over the maximum of 20 will be charged an additional $25 each.
Book your program for Monday – Friday at 3:30pm and save $30!
Due to the number of limited spaces for our scout nights CNC uses a lottery system to fairly allocate spaces. The final payment is due no later than 2 weeks from the program date.
Please contact us using the form below with the following information: name, phone number, email address, mailing address, troop number, number of girls & adults, and any special accommodations that may be needed.
Payment Information
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due upon securing spaces for your scouts. Full payment for the program is required no later than 2 weeks from the program date. Please let us know if the number of children and/or adults changes as soon as possible. This number cannot be changed within the 2 weeks prior to the overnight.
Cancellations must be made in writing and received at least 2 weeks before the scheduled date of your program. Refunds will not be given for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to your program. All funds paid will be forfeited and you will be billed for any balance due.
Planning Your Program
>> Brownie Night – Saturday, March 2, 2024 | Enter the lottery by Friday, February 2, 2024 >> Junior Night – Saturday, March 9, 2024 | Enter the lottery by Friday, February 9, 2024 >> Daisy Night – Saturday, January 27, 2024 | Enter the lottery by Friday, December 15, 2023
Brownie Night
This unique night at CNC provides opportunities for Brownie Scouts to spend time in the outdoors exploring the Nature Center while participating in CNC’s favorite evening activities.
>> Learn about hiking gear >> Using your senses in the dark >> Night hike on the grounds of CNC with fun night-time activities >> Live nocturnal animal presentation >> Campfire with s’mores, songs, and stories
Details:
>> Time: 7-10 PM >> $20 per scout with one adult free for every 5 scouts; additional adults are $20 each. >> Maximum number of Brownies is 40 scouts per evening
Junior Night
This unique night at CNC provides opportunities for Junior scouts to spend time in the outdoors exploring the Nature Center while participating in CNC’s favorite evening activities.
>> Learning about the night sky >> Using your senses at night >> Night hike on the grounds of CNC with fun night-time activities >> Live nocturnal animal presentation >> Campfire with s’mores, songs, and stories
Details:
>> Time: 7-10 PM >> $20 per scout with one adult free for every 5 scouts; additional adults are $20 each. >> Maximum number of Juniors is 40 scouts per evening.
Daisy Night
This unique night at CNC provides opportunities for Daisy scouts to spend time outdoors exploring the Nature Center while participating in CNC’s favorite evening activities.
>> Learn about trail maps >> Night hike on the grounds of CNC with fun night-time activities >> Live nocturnal animal presentation >> Campfire with s’mores, songs, and stories
Details:
>> Time: 6-9 PM >> $20 per scout with one adult free for every 5 scouts; additional adults are $20 each. >> Maximum number of Daisies is 40
CNC offers programs for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA of all ages. Take part in a 1½ hour programs where scouts can earn achievements, electives, and badges which adhere to official BSA badge requirements. Each program will involve the scouts in hands-on activities in the outdoors and will include a visit with one of CNC’s non-releasable animals.
Need assistance funding your nature experience?
In memory of Will Alexander, CNC has a scholarship fund for Cub and Scouts BSA to help provide scout programs to those who need financial assistance. Please let us know when you are booking a program if you would like to utilize this fund.
Can’t come to us? Bring an Outreach program to you!
Are you often wondering how to make your meetings or end of year celebrations more exciting? Would you rather CNC bring a program to your scout group? CNC has a variety of programs for small and large groups that cover a range of interests. Take a look at the available programs and contact CNC to reserve your dates.
All CNC programs strictly adhere to the badge guidelines as outlined in the official scout handbooks. The CNC education staff will attempt to complete as many requirements as possible for each badge. In some cases, your group’s punctuality and cooperation may dictate how many of the requirements will need to be completed at home.
Badge programs not listed may be available with the approval of the Community Programs Coordinator. Please use our contact form below or call 770-992-2055 ext. 249. A customization fee may be required.
Everyone should arrive 10-15 minutes before your starting time so that the program may begin promptly as scheduled. Unless otherwise instructed, please meet at the Scheduling Office porch.
If you are planning to have a snack prior to your program please be sure to allow enough time to eat, clean up and be ready to meet your naturalist in the plaza 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
All programs are rain or shine. If it is raining, please bring rain gear. Every attempt will be made to go on the hike. If not, indoor activities will be provided to complete the badge requirements.
The scout badge is not included and is not available to purchase at the CNC. You may purchase a CNC patch for a discounted price on the day of your program in our Nature Store. You will receive a coupon from your Scout naturalist.
Explore the grounds and find living things, both big and small, with a CNC naturalist. Scouts will examine their own small area of the nature center with magnifying glasses and look to the sky to identify birds. Plus, each scout will have their very own take home planting project. This program covers requirements 1–5.
Get outside and take a hike to discover plants and animals in your local environment. Scouts will learn about outdoor ethics and the essential gear to take hiking. As the scouts explore, they will learn the concepts of balance in nature, food webs and food chains. This program covers requirements 1–7.
Scouts will develop their hiking skills as a group and take a one-mile hike while looking for wildlife. On this adventure with our naturalist, scouts will learn about hiking safety, proper clothing, map reading, Leave No Trace principles, and wildlife identification. This program covers requirements 1–8 as well as Spirit of the Water requirements 1 and 2.
Tour the Unity Garden and learn about sustainable gardening practices used there. Through hands-on activities, each scout will learn the types of plants that live in the local environment and their needs for survival. This program covers requirements 1–3, with instructions provided to complete requirements 4 and 5 on your own. In addition, our program will cover Spirit of the Water requirements 1 and 2.
Learn about endangered species and the causes of plant and animal extinction with a focus on those endangered plants and animals of Georgia. A visit to the Unity Garden will expose scouts composting and provide some thought provoking questions on how to dispose of some types of food waste. This program covers requirements 1-7.
Explore how to hike safely and responsibly while sharing some of the leadership roles of a hike. Scouts will create a hike plan, identify poisonous plants and potentially harmful animals, and complete a service project on CNC grounds. This program covers requirements 1–5 and 7–8. Requirement 6 (hike three miles) will not be completed entirely. Our hike will be a shorter distance.
Scouts will learn about bird migration, aquatic ecosystems and wetlands, human impact on the environment and ways that we can care for and restore fragile ecosystems. This program covers requirements 4–9. At the conclusion of the program, scouts will have completed the six requirements needed for full completion of the Webelos Into the Wild program.
Into the Woods is one of the Webelos/Arrow of Light elective adventures. In this adventure, scouts will learn to identify plants and trees as well as how they differ in locations around the world. Scouts will gain knowledge about ecosystems and the importance of conserving our natural resources. This program covers requirements 1 – 7.
Eagle Scout Award & Honorary Awards
Award projects are limited and may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please inquire about award projects using the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Service hours are available for scout troops and packs by performing various tasks around the nature center, including grounds maintenance, trash pick-up, trail work, or construction projects. Please inquire about volunteer projects using the form at the bottom of the page.
Registration + Pricing
$170 per program
Includes 12 Participants, (children or adults), fee due at booking. Additional participants (ages 3 and up) are $12 each (with a maximum of 20 participants) and are paid for on the day of the program. Additional participants over the maximum of 20 will be charged an additional $25 each.
Book your program for Monday – Friday at 3:30pm and save $30!
Join the Chattahoochee Nature Center for our Webelos / Arrow of Light Campout on Saturday, September 14 – Sunday, September 15, 2024. Spaces for the campout are awarded by lottery. Scouts will learn about proper camp setup, Leave No Trace principles, navigation, knot tying, and enjoy a campfire with s’mores. Scouts will also enjoy the sounds of nature at night on our naturalist-led guided night hike. In addition, scouts will get up close with our resident native Georgia wildlife through live animal presentations. Scouts should provide their own ready-to-eat, no cooking required, dinner, and camping gear. CNC will provide all other food and drinks, including evening snacks and breakfast.
We are honored to offer this campout opportunity to Atlanta area scouts through the use of our Will Alexander Memorial Scholarship. All units will be able to use the scholarship to receive a reduced fee of $25 per participant (scouts and adults). Units will also receive 1 free adult for every 5 paid scouts. Units selected in the lottery will need to provide a $150 non-refundable deposit.
Contact Mark Gialanella, Education Programs Supervisor, by Friday, August 9 to enter the lottery as a unit, for one of the limited spaces at our campout. Please submit the following information using the form below: name, phone number, email address, mailing address, troop number, number of boys and adults, and any special accommodations that may be needed.
For more information, email Scouts, call 770-992-2055 ext. 249, or contact us below.
Gardening for nature explored from six different angles by published authors, community educators and professors. It is easier to go wilder with your gardening when you understand where you and your location fit into the bigger picture.
Access to nature is rare in many urban environments but you can transition to a more wildlife-friendly garden or greenspace and enhance your connection with nature. All levels of gardening experience are welcome for this full day of learning. Join us and find the tools you need to make your garden positively contribute to our natural Georgia network.
How we garden at home and in the community makes a big difference in the natural world.
Morning pastries and coffee available at registration kindly provided by Summit Coffee, your local community-driven café focused on remarkable and approachable coffee. Lunch will be from Samad Mediterranean Grill.
Details
>> Includes keynote speakers, general sessions, light breakfast provided by Summit Coffee, boxed lunch, vendors, and opportunities to gain knowledge and connections.
>> Books published by our keynote and recommended by our speakers will also be available for purchase.
8AM: Doors Open for Registration & Vendor Booths Open
9AM: Plant Conservation in Georgia and our Dire Need to Engage Hearts and Minds with Jennifer Ceska
Georgia, her people, plants and animals, soils and waters are standing at a crossroads. There is urgency on behalf of all of Georgia’s facets in which roads we take, in which decisions we make, and not just decisions at agency or legislative levels, but decisions in our daily lives. Conservation professionals are not exaggerating or being dramatic here. Scientists are agreeing that for many species in the SE US, 20 years may be too late, and especially if people cannot “see” the trouble. Species are literally on the edge of winking out on our watch. And yet, we know what to do; we know how to help. But getting pushback from the public on changes we need to make on the landscape starting this year is a real and present challenge. Ceska will share stories of these challenges plant conservation is facing in Georgia right now, the opportunities and partners that are in place ready to help, and the serious need to think outside all boxes and help people see plants, their diversity, their role, their pressures. Conservation needs artists to help engage hearts and minds. Science needs the arts, and we celebrate these convergences. Because truly, 20 years may be too late.
10AM: Imperiled Beauty; Georgia’s Endangered Plants with Laura Martin
Georgia has 19 native plants on the federal endangered species list wherever they may grow. The story of how we are protecting these plants and safeguarding them for future generations is a fascinating tale. From drones to dogs, scientists are using an entirely new set of tools to ensure the future of our environment. Laura Martin will discuss the five main reasons for the loss of our native plant species: Habitat loss, Habitat degradation, Fire suppression, Invasive weeds and Pests and disease and will then talk about how teams of scientists, volunteers and conservationists are working together to save our species. Her talk is, in part, illustrated with photos of paintings from her current exhibit. Though the topic is serious, Laura’s optimism and ligh- hearted approach make this a presentation that is both educational, interesting and inspirational.
10:45AM: Break | Vendors Open, Plant Sale, and Wildlife Encounters
11:15AM: Nature’s Best Hope with Doug Tallamy
Recent headlines about global insect declines and three billion fewer birds in North America are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at sustaining the plants and animals that sustain us. To create landscapes that enhance local ecosystems rather than degrade them, we must 1) remove the invasives on our property and 2) add the native plant communities that sustain food webs, sequester carbon, maintain diverse native bee communities, and manage our watersheds. If we do this in half of the area now in lawn, we can create Homegrown National Park, a network of viable habitats throughout the U.S. that will provide vital corridors connecting the few natural areas that remain. This approach to conservation empowers everyone to play a significant role in the future of the natural world. It is also enormously restorative for those who take action.
12:15-1PM: Lunch | Vendors Open, Plant Sale, and Wildlife Encounters
1:00PM: Tending the Wild: Cultivating and Harvesting Wild Edibles with J. Holly-Campbell
Several of our native plants can be utilized for food, natural medicine, or crafts. Did you know that most of these plants can be grown in your own yard? During this presentation, participants will learn to identify, harvest, and safely utilize the speaker’s favorite native wild harvested plants. Species covered include common persimmon, pawpaw, black walnut, mulberry, elderberry, yaupon, and more.
2:00PM: Insect Allies: Finding Balance in the Garden with Gabrielle LaTora
Insects are the cornerstones of our ecosystem, working hard to keep nature in balance. They are extremely diverse in their lifestyles and habits and can even help us manage garden pests! Understanding the roles and life cycles of insect predators in our gardens and knowing your insect allies here in Georgia are key to promoting ecological balance in a landscape. Come discover the complexity of the insect world and how you can help protect it as Gabrielle takes us on a virtual insect safari getting up close with wasps, flies, beetles and other “Little Things that Run the World”!
2:45PM: Break | Vendors Open, Plant Sale, and Wildlife Encounters
3PM: Native Tree Planting: Going Wild Planning, Placing, and Caring with Dr. Kim Coder
Getting started properly is always the hardest part of anything. Tree planting is a fine example. Early mistakes can compound and lead to major problems later. Planning for success in site and species selection, installing without injury and damage, and continuing tree-literate care form opportunities to have great, long-lasting trees. This presentation will orbit around a number of things you can do to assure new trees are well started, as well as some things commonly done which damage new trees. Do not let the initial hope and optimism of tree planting lead to dead and dying trees!
T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware
Doug Tallamy is the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 112 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 42 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His books include Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, Nature’s Best Hope, and a New York Times Best Seller, The Nature of Oaks, winner of the American Horticultural Society’s 2022 book award. In 2021 he cofounded Homegrown National Park with Michelle Alfandari. His awards include recognition from The Garden Writer’s Association, Audubon, The National Wildlife Federation, Allegheny College, Ecoforesters, The Garden Club of America and The American Horticultural Association.
Jennifer Ceska
Conservation Coordinator, State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Jennifer Ceska is Public Service and Outreach Faculty at the University of Georgia and has served since 1995 as Conservation Coordinator in the Science & Conservation Program of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens. She received her masters at UGA in horticulture with an emphasis on plant conservation. Her specialty is creating project driven professional networks and facilitating projects for endangered species recovery. She has consulted with 14 states in developing their own conservation networks. Jennifer serves as project manager for the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, coordinating over 60 organizations contributing recovery actions to 114 critically imperiled plant species in Georgia. Professionals contribute intellectual, experiential, and physical resources from all areas of plant conservation from population genetics to conservation horticulture to habitat restoration for safeguarding ex situ and plant community resilience in situ.
Laura Martin
Botanist, Author, Artist
Laura C. Martin has had a long and happy career as a botanist, author and botanical artist. She has a degree in botany from the University of Georgia and a certificate degree in Botanical Art and Illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. In addition to publishing 26 books, she also wrote a weekly gardening column for The Atlanta Journal and Constitution for 9 years and, for many years, was gardening editor for both Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine and Georgia Magazine. She currently has a solo art exhibit at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens called Imperiled Beauty, Georgia’s Endangered Plants.
J. Holly-Campbell
Public Service Assistant, UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
Holly Campbell is a Public Service Assistant with the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, where she is an instructor of several undergraduate courses and also provides community forestry, dendrology, wild harvest, and wildland fire instruction to public and professional audiences outside of the university. In 2021, Ms. Campbell developed a popular wild harvesting webinar series that led to several statewide collaborations over the last several years, including development of a Wild Harvesting in Georgia undergraduate course at UGA, the Georgia Master Forager program offered by Spalding County Cooperative Extension, a wild harvest publication series, and several workshops and webinars around the state.
Gabrielle LaTora
Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UGA Extension Fulton County
Gabrielle LaTora is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for UGA Extension in Fulton County. An entomologist by training, Gabrielle is interested in insects on farms and in gardens and is passionate about closing the gap between people and their food. Gabrielle oversees the North Fulton Community Garden, answers clients’ questions about gardening and natural resources, works with urban farmers, helps coordinate Fulton County’s Master Gardener Extension Volunteer program, and delivers high-quality educational programs for Fulton County residents.
Dr. Kim Coder
Professor of Tree Biology and Health Care & University Hill Fellow for Distinguished Public Service and Outreach at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, USA.
Degrees from Iowa State University in forestry, tree biology, and forest ecology. Elected world President of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and served as President of the Southern Chapter of ISA, the international Arboriculture Research & Education Academy (AREA), and the Georgia Urban Forest Council. Appointed to the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) to the USDA-Secretary. First person to receive four of ISA’s world awards – the Shigo, Harris, Lilly, and Merit awards. Granted the Arbor Day Foundation’s highest award –the J. Sterling Morton award. Awarded the Mary Helen Ray Legacy Award by the Georgia Tree Council. International lecturer and consultant on tree biology and structure, tree health under climate change, tree biomechanics, and urban ecosystems.
This program is a combination of lectures and outside hands-on learning through field studies on the property of the Nature Center and some offsite field experiences. Relevant resource materials are given. This program can also provide SDUís for teachers and others. An informed person can help make changes in their lives as well as their community and safeguard the environment. After completing this fun and interactive program, the Georgia Master Naturalist graduates are encouraged to share their knowledge with their communities by volunteering or working in local schools, scout programs, or nature centers.
The monthly sessions may explore the following areas
total of over 50 hours
>> Nature Journaling
>> Introduction to Ecology
>> Watershed & Canoe study of the Natural History on the Chattahoochee River
>> Wetland Ecology
>> Eco regions of Georgia (The Natural Communities of Georgia)
>> Lichens
>> Mushrooms/Fungi
>> Mammals of Georgia
>> Minerals, Rocks and overall Geology of the State of Georgia
>> Basic Birding techniques and Birds of Prey
>> Insects
>> Tree ID & Forest Lore
>> Native Wildflowers and Pollinators
>> Snakes of Georgia
>> Amphibians of Georgia
Second Wednesday of the month September 13, 2023 – May 8, 2024 | 9AM – 4PM
by Leslie Edwards, Jonathan Ambrose, and L. Katherine Kirkman | Photographs by Hugh and Carol Nourse A landmark reference to the ecological diversity of the state
Master Naturalist Certificate
Georgia Master Naturalist program sponsored by The University of Georgia
Session handouts provided by the speakers
Hand Lens and Lanyard
Guided Canoe Trip on the Chattahoochee River
Snacks, coffee, and tea will be available (Please bring your own beverage container and lunch)
Program prices
Pre-registration is required
$575 non-members
$525 members
Refund & Cancellation Policy
If a class is cancelled for any reason you will receive a full refund. If you wish to cancel your reservation, please contact our office at least six business days prior to your scheduled program. $20 of your registration fee will be retained by CNC. You will receive confirmation when we receive your cancellation. If you do not receive confirmation within one business day, we have not received your cancellation. No refunds will be given for cancellations made fewer than 6 business days prior to your scheduled program. Refunds will be paid by check, please allow 4-6 weeks.
This program included a very interesting mix of topics which gave a beginner like me a broad look at Georgia from a Naturalist’s perspective.
Terrific classes
All of the classes were terrific and the speakers excellent. I especially like the order of the topics. They seemed to build on each other and fall in the right seasons. I still have lots of reading to finish.
great variety of speakers
I thought the program was awesome. I loved all the different speakers and exposure to different aspects of nature.
better understanding of my place in the ecosystem
The Master Naturalist program has given me a broader sense of my place in our ecosystem as well as the myriad ways we impact and are impacted by the natural world around us. I in no way feel that I have mastered any of the material but I do feel much better prepared to direct friends, family and interested parties to the organizations and people who can help address local issues and needs. I also feel more plugged in, more aware of the resources available to further my learning, address local environmental needs/concerns/issues. It has really whetted my appetite for more!
inspiring classes and instructors
I enjoyed learning from the excellent instructors who are experts in their respective fields. The class has really inspired me to increase my knowledge of nature and the great outdoors!
Passionate speakers
Regardless of subject, the speakers all had one thing in common, a passion for what they study.
enhanced my interest in environmentalism
I took the program to enhance my basic understanding of Biology, Botany, Geology, Ornithology and Entomology. These areas are all of interest to me and the program was very valuable to enhancing my understanding. As a result I am more interested in environmentalism, ecology and naturalism. I intend to pursue more knowledge in these areas and hope to provide volunteer work at the Chattahoochee Nature Center or other venues.
engaging hands-on approach
Thank you for opening up your personal and professional rolodex to enhance my insight into nature. I have always loved being in nature and this course was inspiring and engaging! The presenters gave a great overview of their subjects, along with a wonderful balance of informative detailed information and myth busters. I personally enjoyed the “hands-on approach” of being out in nature. Again, a well-balanced format of classroom discussion and then visual application.
enjoyable canoe trip
The canoe trip was a very enjoyable outing, as well as a good opportunity to use some of our learning from all the classes leading up to that day.