Search Results for: butterfly

A Night out with Nature

A Night Out with Nature Saturday, March 28 | 5:30-10PM

Experience an unforgettable evening of nature, music, cocktails, and fun! Enjoy a guided tour along the scenic river boardwalk, meet our animal ambassadors, and savor delicious food by Kingfisher Pond. Snap a selfie by the mural, and dance under the stars, all while supporting our mission to connect people with nature.

Come for the fun, stay for the cause!

THE DETAILS

>> Contribute to vital operational funding that fuels our mission to unite people with the wonders of nature

>> Meet resident animal ambassadors and discover the unique wildlife found in Georgia

>> Special fund the need opportunity, plus live auction

>> Support CNC’s mission to connect people with nature

View 2024 Event Photos

Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors

Belted Kingfisher

Barred Owl

Red-Tailed Hawk

Gopher Tortoise

Archer Western Brown and Caldwell 313 x 208

SwallowTail Butterfly

Alyse & Rick Hirsekorn
Ben Haislip
BIS Benefits
Bob Hagan
Caravita Home Care
CERN
Gary & Maria Ludi
Harriette Hoyt & Brian McCormack
HGOR
Integrated Construction & Nobility, Inc.
KPMG LLP
Mark P. Miller
McGriff
MVO Marketing
Newcomb – Boyd
Smith + Howard

Food and Entertainment

Tall Tales of the Natural World

Highlighting Tales around our Favorite Animals with wings, scales, and tails

By Emma Schell, Scheduling Coordinator
August 1, 2020

This fall at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, we are highlighting some of our favorite animals with wings, scales, and tails, but we also want to take a look at some of the TALES surrounding these critters.

Folklore and mythology are full of stories about all manner of remarkable and magical creatures. Though many of these tales are fictitious, we can turn to nature to discover the very real animals that inspired their stories.

Here are five mythical tales and their real-life counterparts:

1. Mermaids and Manatees

Stories of mermaids, sirens, and other humanoid water-dwellers are found in much of seafaring lore. In many myths, these creatures appear as women, sometimes with tails and sometimes without, who cause all sorts of ill luck for ships and their crews.

Today, many historical mermaid sightings are attributed to manatees and their close relative the dugong. These animals are capable of performing “tail stands” which allow them to emerge vertically from the surface of the water, and they are also able to turn their heads side-to-side like a human. From far off, these behaviors may have been enough to convince sailors that they had seen a mermaid.

2. The Kraken and The Giant Squid

Another creature of nautical fame, the Kraken is a colossal monster from Nordic lore said to attack ships by crushing them with its giant tentacles or by creating strong whirlpools to submerge them. The myths of the Kraken are now attributed to the very real giant squid, identified and described for the first time in 1853 by Norwegian naturalist Japetus Steenstrup.

Though we may have debunked the myth of the Kraken, the giant squid is a legendary creature in its own right. It is one of the largest invertebrates on earth, and the first video of one swimming in the ocean wasn’t captured until 2013. Though we know much more than we did in 1853, the giant squid’s elusiveness means we still have much more to learn.

3. Ghosts and Barn Owls

What better combination could we find than ghosts and barn owls? Ghosts star in of dozens of tales and stories, and barn owls can be found at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. In fact, if you’ve visited the barn owl enclosure and read the signs there, you already know about this relationship.

Barn owls can be found nesting in barns, attics, and even bell towers, and they emit a distinctive screeching call which can be quite jarring. Combine this call with the reflection of moonlight off a barn owl’s white feathers, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a ghost sighting.

4. Will-o’-the-Wisps and Methane

Will-o’-the-Wisp is one of the names given to lights that are sometimes seen floating in swampy areas. In some folklore these lights are attributed to spirits or fairies and are often ascribed the menacing motive of luring travelers away from safe paths.

One potential explanation for these lights is the combustion of natural gases. Swamps play host to lots of decaying matter, and this decomposition leads to the release of many gases, including methane. It’s thought that methane, in combination with the perfect amount of other gases, may ignite in the air, causing these small floating lights to appear for short periods of time. So there are likely no goblins in the swamp, just some really cool chemistry.

5. Butterflies and Witches

This last one doesn’t fit as neatly into the list, as tales about witches don’t originate from butterflies. In fact, the relationship might go the other way.

If you’ve stopped to think about it, you may have realized that “butterfly” is an interesting name choice. What do these insects have to do with butter? The origin of the word is not known for certain, but one explanation turns to witches. It is said that people once believed witches could turn themselves into butterflies and would steal milk and butter in this new flying form.

There are many more fascinating tales about creatures from myth and lore, but our real-life animal neighbors are just as exciting! Visit CNC this fall to meet these animals, hear their stories, and explore a world of Wings, Scales, and Tails.

Explore the Native Gardens at the CNC

Native Plant Scavenger Hunt

By Taylor Lamb, Horticulturist at CNC
July 26, 2020

There is no better time than now to get outside and stretch your legs and your brain! In the horticulture department at the CNC, we pride ourselves on our knowledge of native plant species, and we thought it would be fun to challenge visitors of all ages to a friendly scavenger hunt!

Georgia is renowned for its vastly differing landscapes. From the sandy, dry terrain of The Coastal Plains to the cool, moist climate of The Blue Ridge Mountains, plant species across Georgia have adapted over time to fill every niche.

This variety produces absolutely stunning and unique specimens that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Each of our gardens across the CNC strives to emanate these unique habitats, and we would love it if you join us on this virtual tour throughout our property.

Plan your visit to CNC to explore the gardens and try to find as many species as you can! Some of the plants are not in top bloom so it will be even more of a challenge!

Cowboy Pants: Garden on your left as you exit the top of the Discovery Center

Rudbeckia maxima, Large Coneflower

Extremely tall flowers that can reach 8 feet in height! In the Fall these tall stalks need to be stabilized so they don’t fall in the way of the path.

Schizachyrium scoparium, Little Bluestem Grass

Little Blue-Stem is aptly named as its foliage has blue tints to it. This becomes more apparent as Autumn approaches.

Craft’s Memorial Garden: Garden on your right as you exit the top of the Discovery Center

Manfreda virginica, False Aloe

This aloe plant look-alike fools many! It has an aloe-like basal rosette and tall flowering stalks that can reach 5 feet.

Butterfly Garden: Garden above Butterfly Encounter

Asclepias sp., Milkweed

This garden is home to many different species of milkweed – the host plant of the monarch butterfly. Monarch’s require these tall slender plants to reproduce.

Longleaf Pine Gardens: Gardens across the Brady Pavillion

Pinus palustris, Long-leaf Pine

These pines differ from the typical Loblolly Pine that we find around Atlanta with their long leaves and their distinctive growing habits. Immature adults will have one major shoot will stay in this form until they reach adulthood. Then they will branch off to look like a more standard pine.

Barbara’s Button Garden: Garden just below the Great Horned Owl Exhibit

Marshallia caespitosa, Barbara’s Button

Eccentric, low-growing perennial that forms white fluff ball blooms in early Summer.

Georgia’s Living Wetland: Garden past the Brady Pavilion as you walk the unpaved paths near the exit to the boardwalk.

Sarracenia sp, Pitcher Plant

This carnivorous plant is a perfect example of a species that has adapted to fill niches where most organisms would have trouble surviving. Pitcher plants thrive in highly acidic, nutrient-poor environments. When they feel an insect inside of their opening, they shut their hood trapping insects inside digesting/dissolving the prey slowly over time. We have many species in this garden including Purple Pitcher Plant, Yellow Pitcher Plant, and more.

We hope that you have enjoyed a virtual tour of the gardens found at the CNC. There are many other plants to explore in the gardens and we hope that you will plan your visit and take the time to experience the native gardens and all that they have to offer.

How to Invite Butterflies to Your Garden & Help Pollination

Planning is needed to invite pollinators

Edited by Henning von Schmeling, Senior Director of Operations
June 12, 2020

We have all heard the stories of bees and other insects dying out in large numbers. It’s a mysterious phenomenon, however our buzzing friends are not the only ones facing difficulties in populations.

Pollinators of all kinds – including bees and butterflies – are relied upon heavily in the plant world to, well, pollinate. The relationship between pollinators and flowers is one that most people understand. Butterflies rely on nectar, the sweet liquid found hidden within flowers. As a butterfly lands and sips nectar it unintentionally picks up pollen. By doing that it does the flower a favor by moving its pollen around the garden and ensuring another generation of blooms. While a butterfly may visit a variety of flowers for nourishment, they look for specific plants – called “host plants” – on which to lay eggs. A caterpillar is choosy; it will not munch the leaves of just any plant.

One famous example is the milkweed species of plant. Monarch Butterflies, those bright orange and black butterflies, will only lay their eggs on milkweed, making it essential to their survival. However, if the milkweed is not present when the Monarchs make their annual migration to Mexico, they cannot breed. Likewise, the Tiger Swallowtail, Georgia’s state butterfly, looks for tulip poplar trees, on which to lay their eggs.

Henning von Schmeling, with the Chattahoochee Nature Center, said planning is needed to invite pollinators into a garden.

“Everybody always says that you have to plant flowers since adult butterflies eat nectar, but you won’t raise butterflies unless you have the specific host plants that each species of adult butterfly needs to lay their eggs on,” said von Schmeling.

Even if you live in a subdivision where there are covenants with strict landscaping guidelines, von Schmeling suggests locating a section in the back for a natural garden. Butterflies are repelled, and often endangered, by herbicides and pesticides. They prefer overgrown areas, especially with native plants and flowers of the host and nectar plants they prefer and where they can lay their eggs where the caterpillars will thrive.

Local Girl Scouts complete projects

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.

Special Events

happenings

From family fun days and concerts to special exhibits and races, there’s always a way to connect with nature!

special events

>> A Night Out with Nature

>> back to nature holiday market

>> Harvest on the Hooch

>> sunset sips

fun for all ages

>> butterfly festival

>> family fun days

>> halloween hikes

>> Wildlife Baby Shower

seasonal exhibits

>> butterfly encounter

>> Ecotinker

>> enchanted woodland trail

>> naturally artistic

Races

>> corporate eco challenge

>> possum trot 10k

>> water drop dash

Education

Connect with nature and learn with CNC

Whether you are a scout, camper, nature lover, or just looking for some outdoor excitement, alone or with a group, CNC has an unparalleled, fun-filled educational experience you won’t soon forget. CNC also offers programming both at CNC and off-site.

school sponsors

school partners

Gardens

gardens

Native Plant Gardens

Since 1989, the CNC Native Plant Gardens have been a unique repository of grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees native to the state of Georgia. Since its inception, the gardens have grown to almost 3 acres and are home to over 600 native plants. CNC is also involved with the protection, restoration and safeguarding of a variety of plant species in Georgia, many of which are displayed in these gardens. All 3 of the distinct geographic regions of Georgia are represented in terms of plant species, from the coastal plain to the Piedmont to the mountains.

Unity Garden

The Unity Garden at the Chattahoochee Nature Center was established in April 2010 with a generous grant from Kaiser Permanente. The quarter-acre garden has three goals: Production, Donation, and Education.

All of the fresh produce grown in the Unity Garden is donated to the food pantry at North Fulton Community Charities. We deliver fresh vegetables and greens once or twice a week. The Unity Garden produces delicious food year-round and we strive to provide seasonal, healthy food to those who need it the most. To date, we have supplied over 50 tons of fresh produce.

Butterfly Garden

The Butterfly Garden is an impressive collection of both native and non-native plants that are specifically selected to attract butterflies. Non-native plants are used in this garden in order to increase the blooming season and add color. Many plants like Narrow-leafed Sunflowers, Goldenrod, Lantana, Butterfly Weed and Asters, bloom for a very long time and produce plenty of nectar for adult butterflies to feed on. In addition to nectar sources, many host plants have been included to encourage specific butterflies to lay their eggs here. Look for members of the bean family that have been planted for the many Skippers that feed on them as caterpillars including Spicebush for the Spicebush Swallowtail and Passionflower for the Gulf Fritillary.

Groups

Group rates

Your next group outing should be
at the Chattahoochee Nature Center!

Group rates available on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to learn more!

Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more with advance reservations. Group rates include reduced admission to the Chattahoochee Nature Center, access to the Discovery Center, exhibits, wildlife walk, trails, and daily free-with-admission programs.

If you are a school or scout group, visit our Education section for information on available field trips.

How to Book

Call Us to Book

Call us at 770-992-2055 ext 237 at least 10 business days in advance of your desired visit date.

Please be prepared with alternate visit dates

In order to give you the best experience, we limit the number of group reservations accepted during high visitation times. Group rates are not available for special events including Family Fun Days, Butterfly Festival, and Halloween Hikes.

Non-Refundable Deposit

A $75 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your group rate.

Group Rate Pricing

Group rate pricing is 15% off general admission pricing. Ages 2 and under are free.

Group rates apply to groups of 15 or more paid admissions

CNC Members and free pass holders may not be counted towards your group total.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be received in writing by fax at 770-552-0926 or email at grouprates@chattnaturecenter.org. You may cancel a reservation up to six (6) business days before the scheduled visit date in order to receive a refund minus the $75 non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be given for cancellations less than five business days before the scheduled attendance date. Refunds will be paid by check; please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Commonly asked Questions about group rates

What can I expect during my visit?

Your group rate visit to the Chattahoochee Nature Center includes admission to the Discovery Center, wildlife walk, woodland trails, river boardwalk, gardens, rotating exhibits, and daily free-with-admission programs.
How do I reserve group rates?
When do I pay for my reservation?
What do I do when I get there?
What happens if I miss my reservation?

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is fun in rain or shine. If weather or other circumstances cause you to change your visit date, we are happy to assist you. However, we do not issue refunds less than five business days before your reservation date. No part of the deposit is refundable.

Should unusual events cause the Chattahoochee Nature Center to close, we will notify you and reschedule your visit or refund your group admission including deposit.
What if I have more or less people than originally planned?
What if my group arrives and we have less than 15 people?
Do you have picnic facilities?
Is there free parking?
Is there bus parking?
What if I would like a guided tour or program?
Are there food, shopping and other attractions nearby?

Membership

membership

Become a Member

Renew Your Membership

A Chattahoochee Nature Center Membership is your passport to amazing nature experiences

When you become a member of CNC, you are not just paying admission to walk our trails. You become a part of our past, our present, and our future! Members sustain the mission to connect people to nature, wildlife rehabilitation programs, conservation efforts, education programs, and so much more.

By joining CNC, your membership shows your love for nature and concern for the Chattahoochee River watershed. You also understand that education helps preserve and conserve this vital resource while improving the quality of life for those living in metro Atlanta and the wildlife within our watershed.

Join us for amazing nature adventures, discoveries, and experiences that only happen when you are a member of the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

3 easy ways to join or renew:

Online

Call us

visit us

Benefits of being a CNC Member

>> FREE general admission to CNC for 12 months (excludes Butterfly Festival and Halloween Hikes)

>> Digital one-time use general admission guest passes for friends and family (guest passes cannot be used for Butterfly Festival and Halloween Hikes)

>> Free admission to “Family Fun Days” all year long

>> Access to admission discounts for friends and family

>> Members-only activities and invitations to member only events

>> Member discounts on popular CNC programs such as Birthday Parties, Canoeing, and more

>> Advanced registration and discount on Camp Kingfisher (must be Family member or higher)

>> Members-only access to annual Native Plant Sales

>>Free or reduced admission to hundreds of Nature Centers across the United States through ANCA. For information about reciprocal nature centers, click here.

>> Discounts in the Nature Store and semi-annual bird seed sales

>> Subscription to CNC’s quarterly digital newsletter, The Kingfisher

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and as such a portion of your Membership contribution may be tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult a tax advisor.

become a new member

renew your membership

BASIC MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL $65

Membership for 1 named adult
2 digital one-time use guest passes to share
1 digital membership card

PURCHASE

DUAL $85

Membership for up to 2 named adults*
3 digital one-time use guest passes to share
1 digital membership card per named adult

PURCHASE

FAMILY $130

Membership for 2 named adults* & up to 4 children
4 digital one-time use guest passes to share
1 digital membership card per named adult

PURCHASE

FAMILY PLUS $210

Family Membership benefits plus…
Bring a FREE guest each visit
4 FREE CNC Festival Tickets (festivals include Flying Colors Butterfly Festival & Halloween Hikes)

PURCHASE

NATURALIST $325

Membership for up to 2 named adults* & up to 4 children
6 digital one-time use guest passes to share
Bring a FREE Guest on each visit
6 FREE CNC Festival Tickets (festivals include Flying Colors Butterfly Festival & Halloween Hikes)

PURCHASE

GIFT MEMBERSHIP

Give the gift of membership all year long.
You will receive an email that you can forward to your gift recipient. Your gift recipient will receive a digital membership card to the email address you provided within 10 days.

PURCHASE

*Members at Dual level or higher may bring a single guest each visit in lieu of naming a second adult

Have a question about memberships?

view commonly asked questions

Search Results for: butterfly

A Night Out with Nature Saturday, March 28 | 5:30-10PM

THE DETAILS

Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors

Alyse & Rick HirsekornBen HaislipBIS BenefitsBob HaganCaravita Home CareCERNGary & Maria LudiHarriette Hoyt & Brian McCormackHGORIntegrated Construction & Nobility, Inc.KPMG LLPMark P. MillerMcGriffMVO MarketingNewcomb – BoydSmith + Howard

Highlighting Tales around our Favorite Animals with wings, scales, and tails

Native Plant Scavenger Hunt

Planning is needed to invite pollinators

happenings

From family fun days and concerts to special exhibits and races, there’s always a way to connect with nature!

special events

fun for all ages

seasonal exhibits

Races

Education

Connect with nature and learn with CNC

Adult, Children, and Family Programs

School Programs

community programs

Scouts Programs

camp kingfisher

Online Learning Resources

school sponsors

school partners

gardens

Native Plant Gardens

Unity Garden

Butterfly Garden

Group rates

Your next group outing should beat the Chattahoochee Nature Center!

How to Book

Call Us to Book

Please be prepared with alternate visit dates

Non-Refundable Deposit

Group Rate Pricing

Group rates apply to groups of 15 or more paid admissions

Cancellation Policy

Commonly asked Questions about group rates

membership

A Chattahoochee Nature Center Membership is your passport to amazing nature experiences

3 easy ways to join or renew:

Benefits of being a CNC Member

BASIC MEMBERSHIP

FAMILY $130

FAMILY PLUS $210

NATURALIST $325

GIFT MEMBERSHIP

Have a question about memberships?

Alyse & Rick Hirsekorn
Ben Haislip
BIS Benefits
Bob Hagan
Caravita Home Care
CERN
Gary & Maria Ludi
Harriette Hoyt & Brian McCormack
HGOR
Integrated Construction & Nobility, Inc.
KPMG LLP
Mark P. Miller
McGriff
MVO Marketing
Newcomb – Boyd
Smith + Howard

Your next group outing should be
at the Chattahoochee Nature Center!