CNC Education
The central point of the Chattahoochee Nature Center is to teach both children and adults the various aspects of nature and its importance to the community as a whole. It is the main reason why the non-profit organization was founded in 1976. Today, the CNC continues to expand and find different ways to educate and entertain its visitors with the many wonders of nature.
For example, the “Nature Exchange” is an area where children can bring in different objects found in nature (shells, insects, rocks, etc.) and exchange them for points and prizes. It is essentially like an arcade ticket booth, only with insects and rewarded points as currency instead of tickets. This setup may seem strange, but it is certainly an effective way to encourage children to explore and be excited by nature.
CNC Experience
When I was a little girl, my parents would take my brother and I to the Chattahoochee Nature Center all the time. Back then, the Center was located at the bottom of the hill, and there was a wooden bridge that visitors could walk on and explore the grounds.
Now, the entire 127 acres has been renovated, with the central building being moved to the top of the hill, and the bridge is currently being relocated and renovated with extensions. It is an understatement to say I hardly recognize the area I used to explore as a child, but I believe the renovations are for the better: the betterment of the animals, and the betterment of the visitors and their experience. Perhaps those visits two-decades-ago is what made me the passionate nature-lover I am today.
Before Renovation 
After Renovation
CNC Interview
As of Wednesday, Nov. 10th, the Chattahoochee Nature Center has rescued 705 wild animals native to Georgia, the last being an Eastern Box Turtle who had to have his foot amputated due to the ghastly infection (maggots) of his injury. This rescue of injured animals is no mere feat, especially since their Rehabilitation Center has no government funding, and therefore the Center must pay all expenses (medical supplies, tons of food that only last about three weeks, etc.) right out of pocket. Fortunately, the CNC receives donations daily, which helps immensely with the care of these injured animals before they are to be released or placed in exhibits, depending on whether the animal has a high chance of survival.
However, the Rehabilitation Center can only do so much for these animals. Since most injuries are due to being hit by cars, 50% of raptors brought in are unfortunately euthanized due to their drastic injuries. While not every wild animal can be saved, there are still hundreds of birds and reptiles that have been nursed back to health and released back into the wild. “Most animals we release do not move very far away, so we do see rehabilitated animals now and again, hanging out,” says Kathryn Dudeck, the Wildlife Director at Chattahoochee Nature Center. The animals kept as permanent residents and put in exhibits are also given a second chance of life as they demonstrate their livelihood to educate young children and adults and teach them to love and respect nature.
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