Leader in Environmental Education Commemorates Milestone with Curated Events Throughout the Year Ahead
ROSWELL, Ga. – February 19, 2026 – Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and leader in environmental education, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation along the Chattahoochee River and throughout metro Atlanta, is celebrating 50 years of connecting people with nature. Founded in 1976 by local citizen activists, CNC has grown into one of Georgia’s premier nature centers, welcoming more than 150,000 visitors annually.
“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. We remain committed to protecting the beauty and biodiversity of our environment through meaningful experiences that celebrate the Chattahoochee River region for the next 50 years and beyond.”
Across five decades, CNC has grown from a 6.7-acre site into a 127-acre environmental learning center encouraging outdoor discovery and connection with the natural world. What began as an effort to preserve green space in metro Atlanta has evolved into a state leader for plant conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and environmental education.
From the completion of the marsh boardwalk and the expansion of wildlife habitats in the 1980s to the debut of Camp Kingfisher in the 1990s, CNC has continued its growth since opening as Georgia’s first nonprofit nature center. The 2000s brought the Discovery Center, the Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion and a new wildlife rehabilitation center, while the 2010s introduced the Unity Garden — which donates all produce to North Fulton Community Charities — along with the beloved annual events like Butterfly Encounter and Sunset Sips. Now in its fifth decade, the 2020s have already seen major accomplishments, including the River Boardwalk Trail, the “The Flow” stairway mural by Thomas Turner, and the launch of the $9.8 million Growing Tomorrow’s Nature Enthusiasts campaign.
Ahead of its official celebration this summer, CNC is inviting visitors to participate in the “50 Things to Do at Chattahoochee Nature Center” challenge. The challenge follows four themed categories — Adventure, Artistic, Health & Wellness and Flora & Fauna. Participants who complete at least 45 of 50 activities — ranging from canoeing and hiking to art projects and wildlife encounters — can submit their challenge tracker with a photo online for a chance to win. Winners will be drawn monthly beginning July 2026.
CNC’s Official 50th Birthday Celebration kicks off Wednesday, June 24 with an adventure-filled evening of archery, canoeing and more. An additional celebration at Camp Chattahoochee will welcome Camp Kingfisher alumni to reconnect their beloved home away from home. On Thursday, June 25, the community is encouraged to wear 1970s-inspired attire for Celebrating the ’70s at Sunset Sips, featuring live music and groovy energy. The festivities conclude Sunday, June 28 with the official 50th Anniversary Community Celebration –a free-to-all, family-friendly day filled with nostalgia, excitement and community spirit.
Additional details on the 50 Things to Do at CNC challenge and all other upcoming events can be found online at www.chattnaturecenter.org. To stay up-to-date on everything happening at CNC, follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
