In this area of the Chattahoochee River watershed we are fortunate to have many green spaces for our plants and animals. Most people look at the mammals and the birds that can live there. I tend to look at the smaller, lesser known animals, insects and primarily the butterflies and moths. Along the edges of the swamps off of Columns Drive you can see the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, a rare disjunct population of this species. The closest known population to the one in Atlanta is in extreme NE Georgia, high up in the mountains.

Female Queen Butterfly, Danaus gilippus feeding on milkweed plantphoto courtesy of Henning von Schmeling

Unusual Butterfly Sightings at the Nature CenterThe Value of Green Space

Henningvon Schmeling

Director of Operations

The Baltimore Checkerspot lays its eggs in late summer on Turtlehead plants which are abundant in the park. The eggs will hatch that fall and this species of butterfly overwinters as a caterpillar. When warm weather returns in spring and the turtlehead starts growing again, the caterpillar will complete its cycle and pupates in late spring. In early summer the butterfly emerges and the cycle starts over.

On May 1, 2012 we were lucky enough to spot the first recorded occurrence of the Queen Butterfly in Atlanta. She was flitting around the butterfly garden, laying eggs on the milkweed plants we had planted. A Southern Dogface Butterfly showed up in our gardens a couple of years ago, another southern species far from its range. This species was seen here late in the season so it could have been an individual pushed northward by overpopulation in its southern range.

These are some of the examples of rare butterflies that find safe haven in the green spaces we preserve. Most insects do not need huge areas to survive as long as they have the host plants necessary to raise their young and plenty of nectar to feed on. Even the smallest of pieces of land which are protected and preserved can host a large thriving population of insects.Southern Dogface butterfly, Zerene cesonia

photo courtesy of Henning von Schmeling

Kingfishera publication of the Chattahoochee Nature Center

THE

www.chattnaturecenter.org

SUMMER 2014June · July · August

Get Nose to Proboscus at CNC’s Butterfly EncounterJune 9 - July 13Mondays - Saturdays: 10 am - 4:30 pm, Sundays: Noon - 4:30 pmIncluded with general admission and free to CNC Members

Back this summer - enter the Butterfly Encounter and surround yourself with beautiful blooming flowers and interact with colorful butterflies. CNC’s Butterfly Encounter promises hundreds of native butterflies and plants, great photo opportunities, and is sure to be fun for all ages.

The Kingfisher

Horticulture and Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Published by the Chattahoochee Nature CenterA community supported non-profit organization Paula Herr, Editor/Designer

Board of TrusteesMaureen Cowie, PresidentRichard Jacobson, Vice PresidentMid Thorne,TreasurerLillian Furlow, Secretary

Trey Almond Diane Barton Tanya BlalockSeth Chapman Dutch EarleBob HaganJane HartHarriette HoytLisa HydeSteve KrugGary A. Ludi, M.D.Jon McKeeKathleen McNicholasRandy PattersonSally RikerJay SuttonLou TabickmanKathi WurzelKeith ZiobronC. Max Zygmont

CNC Senior StaffExecutive Director Chris NelsonCommunity Programs Rebecca Gilbert Community Relations/MarketingLynn McIntyre DevelopmentDeAnn Fordham EducationTom HowickFinanceKaren Ewing Operations & HorticultureHenning von Schmeling Department Phone Listings(770) 992-2055

Adult Programs, x237Birthday Parties, x249Camp Kingfisher, x232, x222Canoe Programs, x237 Community Service/Facilities, x247Donations/Fundraising/Grants/Races, x226Education, x235Facility Rentals, x 250Festivals/Happenings/Programs, x 236Group Sales, x254Horticulture/Grounds, x225Marketing/Graphics & Print/Website, x224Membership, x225Nature Exchange, x258Nature Store, x238Offsite Programs, x246Public Relations/Community Affairs, x224Scheduling, x237School Programs, x235Scout Programs, x249Visitor Service Desk, x238Volunteers, x223Wildlife Assistance, x239

Quietly, behind the scenes, nature center employees and volunteers have been working on saving some of the most endangered animals and plants in Georgia. Our wildlife department works with the highly endangered bog turtle and the horticulture department works with several very rare and endangered plant species from the Rome area and the prairies.

Reptile Conservation at Chattahoochee Nature Center

When most people hear the phrase “endangered species,” elephants, rhinos, tigers and simi-lar animals come to mind. How-ever, the Wildlife Department at Chattahoochee Nature Center is working with an endangered species that can be found just a short drive away in our own state. Through a public/private partner-ship with several organizations such as the GA Department of Natural Resources, the US For-estry Service, and Atlanta Bo-tanical Gardens, CNC is helping bring the bog turtle, Glyptemys muhlenbergii back from the risk of extirpation (local extinction) in Georgia. Bog turtles are the smallest turtle in North America, reaching a maximum length of 4.5 inches, and identifiable by the large yellow-to-orange splotch

CNC’s Conservation Efforts in GeorgiaLisa Cole

Environmental Horticulturist

Henning von SchmelingDirector of Operations

Kathryn DudeckWildlife Director

Kathryn Dudeck with two of the first captive-reared bog turtles ready to release into the wild. Note the radio transmitters on the turtles’ backs so they can be tracked.

page 2

on either side of its head and neck. True to its name, this turtle prefers the mucky sphagnum wetlands and associated shallowmeadow streams found in the mountainous northeast corner of our state. Their numbers in Georgia were historically thought to have been in the thousands, but due in large part to human disturbance, fewer than 250 are known to remain in Georgia. Near-eradication of beaver in the first half of the 20th century contributed to the population decline, since these turtles are dependent on the beavers’ damming activity to create habitat. Addition-ally, settlement in the Appalachians led to stream channelization, or the straightening of the naturally-meandering waterways, minimizing wetland formation, as well as the introduction on non-native invasive plants and overgrowth of native plants from fire control have led to shading of the bogs, limiting the basking area and egg-laying sites for these animals.

A crab spider takes advantage of the insect magnetism of the

Whitetopped Pitcher Plant, the unlucky participant is a hover fly.

Sighted

on the

Visit today andsee what YOU’LL

find on CNC’s 127

beautiful acres!

Butterfly weed that can be found in front of the Discovery Center.

Bee-Balm, is a favorite for the hummingbirds

Conservation EffortsThe Bog Turtle Headstart Program and Mountain Bog Restoration Project began in 2003, with conservation efforts at CNC being two-fold. First, egg-bearing females are collected from the wild and transferred to CNC. These turtles lay their eggs and are then released back into the bog from which they were captured, while the eggs are allowed to incu-bate in conditions that mimic the natural bog habitat. Once hatched, the young turtles are cared for by the Wildlife Department for 22 months. After this time, they are the size of adult turtles (it would take ~5 years to reach that size in the wild), and are microchipped before release into restored bogs. Second, 4 breeding pairs of bog turtles are housed at CNC. Any offspring are reared in the same manner and are microchipped as well before release. This way, the captive-hatched turtles can be monitored if and when they are captured during bog turtle population surveys. So far, seventeen bog turtles have been released into a re-stored bog in Union County. The current goal of the project is to release 20 juveniles annually into restored habitats. It is a slow process, but knowing that we are helping this struggling species to return iswell-worth the challenge.

Plant Conservation in Georgia

CNC is a member of the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance (GPCA) and within that organization we work with plants from NW Georgia. Together with other member organizations we come up with the best strategies for saving rare plants and then we implement these both in the natural habitat and here at CNC.

One of our best success stories came with us growing Georgia Rockcress from the Rome area. The population at the NatureConservancy site had dwindled to one individual plant. Seeds were collected from that plant and given to the State Botanical Garden in Athens . After germination they were given to our horticulture team and from the few seedlings we were able to grow thousands after a couple of years. Many plants were planted back in to the wild in appropriate habitat with

New, undescribed Clematis from NW Georgia

mixed success. Drought and deer took their toll on the planted individuals and few flowered over the years. Direct sowing has been done on some barely accessible cliffs and slopes south of Rome and a few patches did very well. This year we will plant more and sow out more seeds as well.

Other plants we work with are several species of the genus Clematis such as the one pictured above. Not only have we successfully propagated Alabama Leather Flower and Freemont’s Leather Flower, we also grow two new undescribed species from NW Georgia.

We grow other plants for conservation which include White Spirea and Marsh Bellflower, two species of plants that grow in the same habitat where the bog turtle makes its home. Both seem to be rare in the wild but are easy to grow in cultivation and the offspring will be planted in restored bogs in north Georgia.

page 3

Metamorphosis MadnessThroughout JuneWhen you are ready for a change, come and join us to experience metamorphosis! Live organisms, a human-sized chrysalis, and more await your curiosity in the Nature Exchange. Included with general admission and free to CNC members

Summer Outdoor Scavenger HuntJune - August Take a break from the summer under the shade of the trees along our Kingfisher Pond Trail while you complete this scavenger hunt looking high and low for clues about summer in the outdoors. Included with general admission and free to CNC members

Nature Exchange Raffle Throughout JuneHere is your chance to WIN a special specimen from the Nature Exchange! This month, we are giving away one of our pinned insects valued at up to 20,000 points! Want to enter? One winner per month, and all entries will be put into a final summer drawing for a Guided Canoe Trip for two! See a Nature Exchange Naturalist for more information.

Saturday, June 7 10 am - 3 pm

&Sunday, June 8

Noon - 5 pmAll ages will be amazed when beautiful butterflies take center stage at this year’s annual festival!

Favorite CNC Fundraiser Pricing$12 General Public/$8 CNC MembersFree for children Ages 2 and UnderMembers can purchase their tickets in advance beginning May 23Info: 770-992-2055 ext. 254, programs@chattnaturecenter.org

Live Butterfly ReleasesSaturday: 11 am and 1:30 pmSunday: 1:30 and 3:30 pm

Butterfly Garden Tours and Plant Sale Live Butterfly EncountersCrafts and Face PaintingFood Trucks

June - Nature’s A-Changin’

Bring Your Camera!Photo Ops at the Festival and in the Butterfly Encounter.

15th Annual Flying Colors

Butterfly Festival

Butterfly Encounter June 9 - July 13Mondays - Saturdays: 10 am - 4:30 pm, Sundays: Noon - 4:30 pm

Exclusive Members ONLY Hour: Friday, June 13 from 9 - 10 amBack this summer - enter the Butterfly Encounter and surround yourself

with beautiful blooming flowers and interact with colorful butterflies. Hundreds of native butterflies and plants, allow great photo opportunities.

Included with general admission and free to CNC Members Presenting Sponsor

ButterflyFestival

page 4

Live Entertainment Butterfly Sidewalk ArtButterfly Costume ParadeAnd MUCH MORE throughout the day

Regularly Scheduled EventsNature’s A-Changin’ in NEX

Throughout JuneThe Chattahoochee:

Re-Imagine Our RiverFilm Showings: Mondays - Fridays, 1 pm

Saturdays, 11:30 am & 3:30 pmSundays, 12:30 & 3:30 pm

Wildlife Feeding TimeTuesdays & Saturdays, 4 pm

Storytime by the RiverWednesdays, 10:30 am

Creature FeatureThursdays & Fridays, 11 am & 4 pm

Saturdays & Sundays, 2 pmTrail Hikes

Saturdays & Sundays, 1 pmRiver Canoe Trips

Saturdays & Sundays, 6 pmAnimal Encounter

Sundays, 4 pm

June CalendarPrograms for All Ages at CNC

Special June Events Sunday, June 1

Canoe 101 & Canoe 102Friday, June 6

Home by Dark Concert at CNC

Tuesday, June 10Pee-Wee Naturalist Summer Series

Wednesday, June 11Stand-Up Paddleboard 101

Friday, June 13Adults Only Paddle

Sunday, June 15The Nature Club Field Trip

Father’s Day PaddleWednesday, June 18

Stand-Up Paddleboard 101 Saturday, June 21

Great American Backyard Campout,Possum Trot 10k & Drum Circle

Wednesday, June 25Stand-Up Paddleboard 101

Thursday, June 26The Nature Club: Dine and Discover

Saturday, June 28 Teddy Bear Picnic and Canoeing 101

Programs requiring registration: (770) 992-2055, x 237

scheduling@chattnaturecenter.org

The Nature Club Field Trip Chattahoochee River Headwaters HikeSunday, June 15, 10 am$10 General Public/$5 CNC Members, Registration Required by June 11

Our June field trip will be a trip to the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. Additional information including carpooling and registration is available at: www.chattnaturecenter.org/adult-activities/nature-club.

Adult ProgramsThe Nature Club Dine & DiscoverThe Appalachian TrailThursday, June 26, 7 - 9pm$10 General Public/$5 CNC Members

Join our monthly potluck and speaker series! Author of THRU: An Appalachian Trail Love Story, Richard Judy recounts his fascinating 2,184 mile odyssey from Springer Mtn. to Mt. Katahdin. Autographed books are $15.95 and one lucky winner will receive a two night’s stay at the Hike Inn! Hikers: There will be a gear swap!

Drum Circle returns! Saturday, June 21, 7-9 pm, $5 Donation requestedBring your drum to CNC and watch the sunset! Professional drum circle leader Chuck Cogliandro leads the rhythm as you take part in one of the most basic celebrations of music. All experience levels and spectators welcome.

Pee-Wee Naturalist Summer Series Tuesdays: June 10, July 8, and August 129:45 – 11 am, Ages 3 & 4$50 General Public/$40 CNC Members* *Adult helper required and admitted free Registration required by June 5Our programs encourage your child to harness their naturalist skills in an exciting, interactive way through animal encounters, trail hikes, games and more! June: insect transformations, July: backyard naturalist, August: cool water.

Great American Backyard CampoutSaturday, June 21 - June 22, 5 pm - 10 am $50 General Public Families/$35 CNC Member Families (price per tent); Registration Required by June 13

On your camp out you are guaranteed wildlife sightings on our Wildlife Walk! Bring a picnic with all the fixings, take photos, enjoy a camp-fire with marshmallows, and enjoy the beautiful grounds as you explore the great outdoors at the Backyard Campout.

Teddy Bear Picnic Saturday, June 28, 11 am, All AgesInvite your best stuffed friend to a picnic CNC! Miss Julia will lead the fun for the picnic: we will play games, hold a Teddy Bear Parade and make new friends during this special day out. Make sure to bring a picnic and blanket. Included with general admission and free to CNC members

River Canoe Trips Saturdays & Sundays at 6 pm in June, July & AugustAges 6 – adult, $30 General Public/$25 Members, Advance Registration Required Take an urban adventure and experience rich wildlife through our river canoe trips. Join experienced and knowledgeable river naturalists as you re-imagine the river through a canoeing experience. Equipment provided for participants.

Adults Only Paddle Friday, June 13, 6 - 9:30 pm18+,$30 General Public/$25 CNC Members, Registration required by June 11

Canoe 101 Sunday, June 1, and Saturday, June 28, 10 – 11:30 amAges 6- Adult, $15 General Public/$10 CNC Members, Registration required by May 29Learn the basics of canoeing and put your skills to the test. Practice canoeing on CNC pond, learn parts of the boat, & different strokes. Fun for kids and adults alike!

NEW! Canoe 102 Sunday, June 12:30 - 4:30 pm, Ages 16- Adult$20 General Public/$15 CNC Members, Registration required by May 28Learn advanced paddling techniques and how to right a capsized boat. Great for adults who will be leading others this summer - scouts, camp group, or family and friends!

Stand-Up Paddleboard 101 Wednesdays, June 11, 18, and 25 Ages 10- Adult,Two times to choose from (5 - 6pm and 7 – 8 pm)$20 General Public; $15 CNC Members; Registration required the Monday before each class. This fun class from Walk on Water Adventures, LLC, will teach entering and exiting the water safely plus paddling techniques. All equipment provided.

NEW! Father’s Day Paddle Sunday, June 15, 2 - 5 pmAges 6- Adult, $40 General Public/$30CNC Members; Advance Registration RequiredCelebrate Dad (and Grandpa!) with an afternoon paddle to the playgrounds at Riverside Park.Bring your Dad and save $5!

ButterflyFestival

Saturday, June 7 Sunday, June 8

Flying Colors Butterfly Festival

June 9 - July 13Butterfly Encounter

page 5

Summer Camp

Camp KingfisherNow through August 8

Home by Dark Concert at CNC Friday, June 6 - Gate opens at 6:30 pm James Casto is joined by Nashville’s Craig Carothers and Don Henry, who have written songs for Trisha Yearwood, Kathy Mattea, Miranda Lambert, Ray Charles and others. Hear the stories behind the songs and enjoy pure acoustic music. Book now at www.homebydark.com.

Your Big Backyard Throughout July

CNC is YOUR big backyard! We’ll plant a seed to take home to your backyard, get creative with our backyard play area, and take a break from the heat with our indoor scavenger hunt. Learn how to create a habitat that attracts wildlife - whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm. Included with general admission and free to CNC members

Backpack Fun Throughout July and AugustOur Watershed Backpacks are a great way to kickoff your exploration here at CNC. Filled with trail guides, binoculars, tools, and games - be sure to check out during your next visit. Backpacks are always FREE for Members and $3 for non-members.

July - Your Big BackyardRiver Canoe Trips Saturdays & Sundays 6 pm in July & AugustAges 6 – Adult, $30 General Public/$25 MembersAdvance Registration Required

Outdoor adventures are yours… no need to travel afar when the Chattahoochee River is in your own backyard. Enjoy the serenity of the river and discover the history, habitat, ecology and recent issues impacting the local watershed.

photo courtesy of Sam Chontos

photo courtesy of Sam Chontos

Private Canoe Excursions Ages 6 – AdultRegistration required at least 2 weeks in advanceA private canoe excursion gives your group the exclusive attention of our naturalists. It’s a great opportunity for groups who want to spend time together while exploring the Chattahoochee River. Trips can be arranged to fit your schedule and can accommodate large and small groups.

Butterfly Encounter June 9 - July 13Mondays - Saturdays: 10 am - 4:30 pm, Sundays: Noon - 4:30 pmExclusive Members ONLY Hour: Friday, July 11 from 5-6 pm

A highlight of our summer programming, the Butterfly Experiencereturns to CNC! Inside, colorfulbutterflies and blooms invite you to interact with them. The experienceis filled with hundreds of nativebutterflies and plants, so bring yourcamera and your favorite butterflywatching buddy and join!

Included with general admission and free to CNC Members

MAKE MEMORIES I photo opportunities I hundreds of butterfliesnative species I rainbow of colors I feed butterflies I nectar & host plants for sale

Breakfast with ButterfliesSaturday, July 12, 8 - 10 amAll Ages,$20 General Public/$15 CNC Members Registration Required by July 7 (limited spaces)

Our Butterfly Encounter will soon be leaving on July 13, but you have an exclusive chance to enjoy a special experience!

Join us for a light breakfast and time inside our butterfly encounter with a limited number of participants.

photo courtesy of Henning von Schmeling

page 6

Nature Exchange (NEX) Raffle Throughout JulyHere is your chance to WIN a special specimen from the Nature Exchange! This month, we are giving away a large Amethyst! Want to enter? One winner per month, and all entries will be put into a final summer drawing for a Guided Canoe Trip for two! Visit NEX for more information.

Presenting Sponsor

Programs for All Ages at CNCJuly Calendar

Special July Events

Through July 13Butterfly Encounter

Sunday, July 6Canoe 101

Tuesday, July 8Pee-Wee Naturalist Summer Series

Friday, July 11Adult Night Hike

Saturday, July 12Breakfast with Butterflies

Sunday, July 13Paddle and Hike at Gold Branch Park

Saturday, July 19Paddle and Picnic at Riverside Park

Thursday, July 24The Nature Club Dine & Discover

Saturday, July 26 Daisy Overnight

Drum Circle

Sunday, July 27Canoe 101

Programs requiring registration: (770) 992-2055, x 237

scheduling@chattnaturecenter.org

Regularly Scheduled Events

Your Big Backyard - NEXThroughout July

The Chattahoochee: Re-Imagine Our River

Film Showings: Mondays - Fridays, 1 pmSaturdays, 11:30 am & 3:30 pm

Sundays, 12:30 & 3:30 pm

Wildlife Feeding TimeTuesdays & Saturdays, 4 pm

Storytime by the RiverWednesdays, 10:30 am

Creature FeatureThursdays & Fridays, 11 am & 4 pm

Saturdays & Sundays, 2 pm

Trail HikesSaturdays & Sundays, 1 pm

River Canoe TripsSaturdays & Sundays, 6 pm

Animal EncounterSundays, 4 pm

Adult Programs

Drum Circle Saturday, July 26, 7 - 9 pm, All Ages$5 Donation requested

Bring your drum to CNC and watch the sunset! Professional drum circle leader Chuck Cogliandro leads the rhythm as you take part in one of the most basic celebrations of music. All experience levels and spectators welcome.

Canoe 101Sunday, July 6 and 27, 10 – 11:30 am Ages 6- Adult, $15 General Public/$10 CNC Members, Registration required by the Thursday before each classLearn the basics of canoeing and put your skills to the test. Practice canoeing on a CNC pond, learn parts of the boat, & different strokes. Fun for kids and adults alike!

Paddle and Hike at Gold Branch Park Sunday, July 13, 9 am – 1 pmAges 18+; $40 General Public/$30 CNC MembersThe Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is made up of over a dozen parks along the river from Buford Dam to I-75. On this trip for grown-ups only, we’ll explore the wetland marsh around the Gold Branch Unit by boat and by foot. Bring a sack lunch and drinks (no alcohol and no glass containers) for a picnic along the river, and feel free to borrow our coolers.

Paddle and Picnic at Riverside Park Saturday, July 19, 9 am – 1 pmAges 6- Adult, $40 General Public/$30CNC Members;$30 General Public/$25 CNC MembersRegistration Required by June 11

Bring your kids and paddle upstream with us to Roswell’s Riverside Park. Along the way we’ll explore a marsh and old beaver dam, and then play on the playground with some naturalist-led games. Bring a sack lunch and drinks (no alcohol and no glass containers)for a picnic along the river, and feel free to borrow our ice chest. To beat the heat, we’ll pass out water squirters for the paddle home!

Daisy OvernightSaturday, July 26 – Sunday, July 27, 6 pm – 10 am$25 Scouts and $15 Adults, Registration required by July 1 (limited spaces)

This is a soft introduction to the traditional campout experience as Daisies and their leaders will get to enjoy the outdoors but sleep inside in the comfort of our facilities. Everyone will enjoy animal encounters, games, and a campfire fully equipped with toasted marshmallows while also allowing plenty of free time for you and your troop.

page 7

Adult Night HikeFriday, July 118 – 10 pm, Ages 18+$10 General Public$7 CNC Members, Registration on the day of event is $15/$10Strap on your boots

and give your nocturnal senses a run for their money. Explore the sights and sounds around the Chattahoochee River as we hike the woodland or river boardwalk trails.

The Nature Club Dine & DiscoverPollinator Gardens Thursday, July 247 - 9 pm, Ages 16 - Adult $10 General Public$5 CNC Members

Join our monthly pot-luck and speaker series!

Presenter, Ron Smith teaches us how we can create our very own pollinator gardens. Animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops.

Summer Camp

Camp KingfisherNow through August 8

August - Wonderful Water!

Wacky Water WorldThroughout August The dog days of summer are here, so come cool off with us and learn about water! You’ll discover what your ‘water footprint’ is and get messy while you create a watershed. Included with general admission and free to CNC members

Guided Canoe Trip Raffle Throughout August There is no better way to cool off than to hit the river! Here is your chance to WIN two spots on one of our Guided Canoe Trips. To enter, simply see a Nature Exchange Naturalist. Winner will be notified during the first week of September.

page 8

Nature Exchange (NEX) Raffle Throughout AugustHere is your chance to WIN a special specimen from the Nature Exchange! This month, we are giving away a giant seashell! Want to enter? One winner per month, and all entries will be put into a final summer drawing for a Guided Canoe Trip for two! See a Nature Exchange Naturalist for more info.

Saturday, August 211am - 3pm

All AgesIncluded with General Admission

and FREE for CNC MembersJoin us for a cool and fun day all about water! And what better way to learn

than to play as you go. Bring your wet gear and get ready for stories,

games, crafts, and more!

Amazing Bubble Show11 am and NoonThe Amazing Bubble Show will create bubbles that are out of this world. Bo the Bubblologist will create HUGE bubbles, super long bubbles, bubble chains, square bubbles, bubbles in bubbles and even put a live person IN A BUBBLE!

Bubble Time1:30 pmCome and play! Make your own bubbles with Bo the Bubblologist. Using bubble wands made from normal and recycled materials, you can fill the sky with a million bubbles.

Water and ArtNoon -2 pm Get in touch with your creative side as you produce water-inspired crafts to take home!

The SprinklerNoon - 3 pmThe sprinkler is back! Our sprinkler shoots water 12 feet into the air and is sure to get you soaked. Please remember to bring your towel!

Miss Julia’s Story Time3 pmJoin Miss Julia at our water-themed story time! She will share several stories that are sure to be a fun and interactive reading romp for the whole family.

Bring Your Camera!

Water Day WaterDay

August - Wonderful Water! Programs for All Ages at CNCAugust Calendar

Programs requiring registration: (770) 992-2055, x 237

scheduling@chattnaturecenter.org

Regularly Scheduled EventsWonderful Water in NEX

throughout August

The Chattahoochee: Re-Imagine Our River

Film Showings: Mondays - Fridays, 1 pmSaturdays, 11:30 am & 3:30 pm

Sundays, 12:30 & 3:30 pm

Wildlife Feeding TimeTuesdays & Saturdays, 4 pm

Storytime by the RiverWednesday, August 6, 10:30 am

Creature FeatureThursdays & Fridays, 11 am & 4 pm

Saturdays & Sundays, 2 pm

Trail HikesSaturdays & Sundays, 1 pm

River Canoe TripsSaturdays & Sundays, 6 pm

Animal EncounterSundays, 4 pm

Special August Events

Saturday, August 2

Water Day

Saturday, August 2Morgan Falls Dam Tour and Paddle

Night HikeSunday, August 3

Woodland Restoration ProjectStand-Up Paddleboard 101

Saturday, August 9Canoe 101

Sunday, August 10STARLAB

Tuesday, August 12Pee-Wee Naturalist Summer Series

Sunday, August 17Canoe 101

Docent OrientationFriday, August 22

Drum CircleSaturday, August 23

Big Creek Wastewater Treatment Tour and Paddle

Thursday, August 28The Nature Club Dine & Discover

Friday, August 29Adults Only Paddle

page 9

Docent OrientationSunday, August 17, 12:30 – 5 pmAges 10 - adult (children 16 and under must have an adult), FREE, Registration Required by August 8

In this introduction class, we will explore the various areas of education volunteering, including leading guided hikes, interpreting exhibits, and doing animal presentations.

Adult Programs

The Nature Club Dine & Discover: Birding with John Yow Thursday, August 28, $10 General Public/$5 CNC Members

John will offer prizes during a birdsong identification quiz, then he offers glimpses into the livesof some of our favorite birds, based on his two recent books: The Armchair Birder: Discovering the Secret Lives of Familiar Birds, and the follow-up, The Armchair Birder Goes Coastal.

Drum CircleFriday, August 22, 8-10 pm, All Ages$5 Donation requested

Bring your drum to CNC and watch the sunset! Professional drum circle leader Chuck Cogliandro leads the rhythm as you take part in one of the most basic celebrations of music. All experience levels and spectators welcome.

Night Hike Saturday, August 28 – 10 pm, Ages 3 & 4$10 General Public/$7 CNC Members

There is still time to have a night-time adventure at CNC! Explore the woodlands or wetlands of CNC, visit with one of our non-releasable nocturnal animals and end the evening with time around the campfire roasting marshmallows.

STARLABSunday, August 10, 1 – 2 pm, Ages 6 – AdultTwo, 25-minute programs

Come watch the full moon rise in the east and set over the western horizon in CNC’s portable planetarium. You’ll see the night sky just as it will be that night so you can test your knowledge and continue exploring long after you’ve left the cen-ter! Learn how to locate the North Star, the Big Dipper and other famous constellations. (Please note for small children the planetarium is completely dark.)

Woodland Restoration Project Sunday, August 3, 10:30 am – 1 pm, Ages 5 – Adult, Registration required by July 25Help restore our woodlands to their more natural state. We will be working to remove invasive English ivy from the trails to help protect our trees.

River Canoe Trips Saturdays & Sundays at 6 pm in June, July & AugustAges 6 – adult, $30 General Public/$25 Members, Advance Registration Required

Adults Only Paddle Friday, August 29, 6 - 9:30 pm18+,$30 General Public/$25 CNC Members, Registration required by August 27Take an urban adventure and experience rich wildlife through our river canoe trips. Join experienced and knowledgeable river naturalists as you re-imagine the river through a canoeing experience. Equipment provided for participants.

Canoe 101 Saturday, August 9 and Sunday August 17, 10 – 11:30 amAges 6 - Adult, $15 General Public/$10 CNC Members, Registration required the Thursday before each classLearn the basics of canoeing and put your skills to the test. Practice canoeing on CNC pond, learn parts of the boat, & different strokes. Fun for kids and adults alike!

Morgan Falls Dam Tour and Paddle Saturday, August 2, 8:30 am - 1 pmAges 16+ (previous canoeing experience required); $40 General Public/$30 CNC MembersRegistration required by July 30The 110-year-old hydroelectric dam originally provided power for the street cars in downtown Atlanta. Representatives from Georgia Power will give us an inside and out tour of the newly relicensed dam. This 6-mile round trip paddle is for participants with previous canoeing experience.

Big Creek Wastewater Treatment Tour and PaddleSaturday, August 23, 8:30 am – 12:30 pmAges 6 - Adult, $40 General Public/$30 CNC MembersRegistration required by August 21Over 70% of metro Atlanta’s 5+ million residents rely on the Chattahoochee River for their water needs every day. That is a lot of responsibility! Join us on this family adventure to learn how Fulton County processes their wastewater and paddle around the marshes of Willeo Creek.

WaterDay

Thanks to Our 2011 Donors and Sponsors

page 10

Rising Kindergartenthrough

7th Grade

ANDCamp Kingfisher’s

Travel Program

Rising 8th & 9th GraderJune 2-August 1

l iveanimal encounters

explorescience guidedhikes

teaminitiatives

AmericanCanoeAssociation CertifiedInstructors

outdoorplay

travelprogram

Camp Kingfisher’s - Onsite Day ProgramSUMMER

2014 May 27 - Aug 8

1 & 2 week sessionsFull day program

FREE extended care

(770) 992-2055 x222www.chattnaturecenter.org/camp-kingfisher

10 Day Trips full of adventure and team building

Canoe the ‘Hooch, explore ancient caves, and snorkel in a freshwater river

ChrisNelson

Executive Director

Thanks to Our 2011 Donors and Sponsors

SAVE THE FALL DATES

Corporate Eco-ChallengeThursday, September 18

For more information on this new, fun and exciting event at CNC,

contact DeAnn Fordham.

Harvest on the HoochSunday, October 12

Our third annual Harvest on the Hooch is great family fun! Tour CNC’s community garden, sample local restaurants, special

microbrews, enjoy the sounds of bluegrass, and play family games. For sponsorships,

VIP tables or ticket information, contact DeAnn Fordham.

CNC DEVELOPMENT

DeAnn Fordham (770) 992-2055 x226

d.fordham@chattnaturecenter.org.

Saturday, June 21An Atlanta Tradition

for 36 years and running

Flat course. Great after-party at CNC Lakeside Pavilion. Register at any Big

Peach Running Co., or at www.active.com, or download a form at:

www.chattnaturecenter.org.

Libby Lintel has been working since mid-October as the part-time Volunteer Coordinator. Previously, she was our Unity Garden coordinator since its opening in 2010. Her background includes: retail merchandising and management, and education. She is a Georgia Master Gardener and a former high school horticulture teacher. Says Libby, “While I miss playing in the dirt in the Unity Garden, I am excited to learn and grow in my new position!” In her spare time, Libby enjoys learning to play clawhammer banjo.

page 11

A few weeks ago, Tom Howick, CNC’s Senior Director of Education, invited me to attend one of our Science-Technology-Environment-Math (STEM) education programs targeting “Water Ways” for Fulton County 5th graders. When I walked into Kingfisher Hall it was filled with nearly 150 students and teachers from Mimosa Elementary. The room was buzzing with noisy chatter until Alicia, one of our CNC Naturalists, walked in with a beautiful Barred Owl. Suddenly the room grew quiet. With the owl on her arm, Alicia smoothly began to engage the kids on the story of our riparian raptors and how they are a part of the Chattahoochee River’s fragile water basin and the role they play in the natural system. Slowly one student’s hand rose with a question about what Barred Owls ate. Rather than supplying a direct answer, Alicia pointed out the raptor’s talons and beak and asked, “What do you think?” Soon hands flew up all over the room with more questions and growing excite-ment. The exchange of information flowed

seamlessly, and I credit that to the numerous invest-ment of hours of training and commitment by our very professional and qualified team of educators.

In this program, I witnessed the students’ engagement with our natural world instead of being glued to their iPads or other electronic devices. The group continued their explorations and were led outside to an array of trough stations filled with sand, rocks and water. They experimented with the manipulation of a stream bed and learned about the constructive and destructive forces of water. As I stood there and watched, I was amazed to hear the quantity and qual-ity of the questions being asked. Clearly the water experiment was slightly less cool as seeing the Barred Owl turn its head 270 degrees! What was obvious, however, was how the naturalist had effortlessly gained the trust of the students and turned a great learning experience into fun discoveries.

Each year, CNC engages tens of thousands students around the metro Atlanta area on conservation principals. Students connect with nature on our 127 beautiful acres of river marsh, fresh water ponds, wooden uplands, and of course, the Chattahoochee River. As a private non- profit organization, CNC depends upon the support of corporations and individuals to continue our role as a community resource. Your time, talent and contributions are greatly appreciated.

Katie Gibson joins CNC as the new Unity Garden Coordinator, overseeing the planning and volunteer management of the center’s community vegetable garden which grows fresh produce for the food bank at North Fulton Community Charities. Katie started as a naturalist at CNC in 2013, which she continues in addition to her work in the garden.

Liz Platner started working at CNC in 2007 as a part-time naturalist. As of March 2014, she is our Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator in the education department. Liz draws on her experience as a classroom teacher, advertising executive, and PTA mom to provide great programming for both school and community groups here at CNC and offsite. In her free time, Liz enjoys hiking, paddling and working in her pottery studio at home.

Alicia Evans has been with CNC’s education department since 2007, and is now working with the community programs department as Visitor Experience Manager. She will blend her education, retail, and customer service experiences together in this new position and looks forward to ensuring all of CNC’s members and visitors have a top-notch experience during their visit. Alicia also serves on the board of the Environmental Edu-cation Alliance of Georgia. Away from CNC, she spends time in her canoe on the Chattahoochee, enjoying live music, and relaxing with her dog, Ella.

Welcome New CNC Staff Members

GEAR UP!CNC Members Only

Show your CNC Membership card and receive 10% off all purchases at

Big Peach Running Co. and 15% off any Pearl Izumi purchases at

Big Peach Running Co. Offer cannot be combined with other offers.

What’s Happening at CNC

Dear Postmaster: Please deliver in homes between May 18 - 20

Printed on recycled paper with post-consumer products

9135 Willeo RoadRoswell, GA 30075(770) 992-2055www.chattnaturecenter.org

HoursMonday through Saturday: 10 am to 5 pmSunday: Noon to 5 pm

General Admission FREE - CNC Members & Children 2 & under (excluding Flying Colors Butterfly Festival - a fundraiser for CNC)$10 - Adults$7 - Seniors (Ages 65+) & Students (Ages 13 -18)$6 - Children (Ages 3 -12)

Fundraiser Admission$12 General Public$8 CNC Members

(children 2 and under are free)

OUR SPONSORS

All ages will be amazed when beautiful butterfliestake center stage at this year’s annual festival!

(770) 992-2055 x236programs@chattnaturecenter.org

Live Butterfly ReleasesSaturday: 11 am and 1:30 pm

Sunday: 1:30 and 3:30 pm

Butterfly EncounterThis exhibit will be extended through July 13

Butterfly Plant Sale

Live Entertainment

Crafts & Face Painting

Butterfly Costume Parade

Pollinator Exhibitors and Vendors

PRESENTING SPONSOR