The Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) was founded in 1976 in Roswell, Georgia. Its mission is to preserve and protect the environment for future generations by connecting people with nature. The CNC provides a safe and welcoming space for community members to connect with nature through education, interpretation, recreation, volunteerism and community events.
“Environmental education is at the heart of everything we do at CNC. We engage, educate, and inspire visitors, particularly children, in the wonders of nature. As Atlanta’s nature destination, we welcome nearly 140,000 visitors annually and provide transformative experiences that inspire an environmentally empowered community,” said Kristen Felty, director of development for CNC.
No other organization in the Atlanta area provides direct access to the Chattahoochee River with as many nature programs, including guided hikes, canoeing, horticulture education and wildlife rehabilitation.
With its 50th anniversary approaching, CNC recognizes the need to update its infrastructure. CNC has started to upgrade its IT systems, plan building improvements and diversify its workforce, volunteer corps, membership and visitor base.
“We aim to increase opportunities to interpret the Chattahoochee River and its ecosystems by convening experts, promoting CNC as a strategic resource for the southeast and expanding recreational opportunities on the river through community partnerships,” Felty said.
In addition, CNC plans to expand its adult education offerings and continue to deliver best-in-class environmental education programming for visitors.
Because 30% of CNC’s operating budget comes from individuals and organizations, funding from businesses like Yardi is critical. These funds support CNC’s efforts to preserve 127 acres along the Chattahoochee River while providing environmental education programs to K-12 students and adults in a safe and welcoming space for wellness and recreation. Funds also support CNC’s work rehabilitating nearly 700 native Georgian wildlife creatures, conserving native plants and growing produce for local food banks.
“At CNC, we recognize that our work to preserve and protect the natural environment for future generations is only possible with generous financial support and volunteer assistance from companies like Yardi,” said Felty. “We are grateful that our organizations and employees share a passion and commitment to the environment, and we look forward to working together to develop tomorrow’s nature enthusiasts.”
Educating the community
CNC’s educational programming continues to expand, particularly as further studies illustrate the benefits of children and adults being outdoors. The changing climate has also inspired people to become more environmentally conscious.
Felty shares, “One of our biggest success stories lies in our educational programming, where we maintain partnerships with two of our local school systems: the Fulton County Schools Cultural Kaleidoscope Program, which serves the district’s 7,000 second-grade students, and the Atlanta Public Schools’ Cultural Experience Project (CEP), which provides environmental education field trips to the district’s first-grade students.”
In a recent outing, members of the Yardi Atlanta office went to Chattahoochee Nature Center and worked in the Unity Garden, where fresh fruits and vegetables are grown from seed, harvested and donated to the North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry. Nearly 5,000 clients are served by the food pantry annually, and CNC is the largest supplier of fresh produce, donating an average of four tons per year. An extensive network of volunteers and part-time staff members maintain CNC’s Unity Garden.
CNC welcomes new corporate or individual volunteers to assist with various tasks around the 127-acre campus. Group volunteer opportunities include invasive plant removal, habitat restoration and general campus cleanup. Individual volunteers are routinely needed to help at community events, serve as docents or support CNC’s horticulture team.
CNC has something for everyone. There are three acres of native plant gardens, 100 native Georgia wildlife species, permanent exhibits focused on the surrounding ecosystem and a peaceful river boardwalk trail that allows visitors to observe the Chattahoochee ecosystem. CNC also hosts seasonal exhibits, family fun days, 5K and 10K races, adult programs and community events.
To learn more, visit CNC’s Volunteer Page or contact [email protected].
