Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) is celebrating 50 years of environmental education, conservation and wildlife rehabilitation along the Chattahoochee River, marking its evolution from a grassroots preservation effort into one of Georgia’s leading nature centers.
Founded in 1976 by local citizen activists determined to preserve green space in metro Atlanta, the nonprofit has since expanded from 6.7 acres to 127 acres and currently welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually.
Over the past five decades, the center has experienced several milestones, including the completion of the marsh boardwalk and the expansion of wildlife habitats in the 1980s; the debut of Camp Kingfisher in the 1990s; the addition of the Discovery Center, the Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion and a new wildlife rehabilitation center in the 2000s; the establishment of the Unity Garden in the 2010s; along with the launch of the $9.8 million “Growing Tomorrow’s Nature Enthusiasts” campaign and the River Boardwalk Trail in the 2020s.
“It’s hard to believe Chattahoochee Nature Center is approaching its 50th year as a place where people of all ages can experience the wonder of the natural world, connecting through a shared respect for the river, land, wildlife and plants,” said Natasha Rice, chief executive officer of Chattahoochee Nature Center.
“As we celebrate this tremendous milestone, we want to thank the incredible volunteers, members, partners, staff, and community who have helped us grow from a small grassroots idea, inspired by John Ripley Forbes and Frank McCamey, into one of Georgia’s leading centers for environmental learning. From rehabilitating injured animals to inspiring curiosity and environmental stewardship in the next generation, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our mission in action.”
In commemoration, CNC will be hosting numerous anniversary festivities on June 24–28, beginning with an evening of archery, canoeing, etc., followed by a 1970s-themed event (featuring live music and signature drinks) and concluding with the “official 50th Anniversary Community Celebration,” which the nonprofit describes as a “free-to-all, family-friendly day filled with nostalgia, excitement and community spirit.”
Ahead of the multi-day celebration, the center is also inviting the public to take part in the “50 Things to Do at Chattahoochee Nature Center” challenge, which encourages participants to complete a variety of activities for a chance to win monthly prizes (prize draws begin this upcoming July).