Shutdown Superstars!
As the federal government shutdown enters its second month, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) is faring better than many national parks – thanks to the efforts of volunteers, park visitors and a generous local company. Cold weather and storms have also contributed to lower visitation levels and less trash.
Ruby-Collins, Inc., a general contracting company, is responsible for placing and servicing four Johnny-on-the-Spot toilets at the popular Cochran Shoals Unit in the park. On social media, hundreds of park-lovers voiced their appreciation for the much-needed contribution. 
Bob Bagus (left), another shutdown superstar and longtime volunteer, checked more than a dozen park units in a single day last week, emptying the trash cans and dog poop bins that were full. CPC volunteers are monitoring park units weekly and group cleanups will be organized, as needed.
What You Can Do: Take a bag to the park when you go and help us encourage all visitors to leave no trace other than footprints – no trash and no dog poop! Donate to CPC’s Park Cleanup Fund here.
Trail Stairway Celebrated
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On December 8, fifty CPC members and supporters gathered at the covered bridge over Vickery Creek in Roswell for a ribbon-cutting and member event. Braving a light rain, the enthusiastic group watched Superintendent Bill Cox and CPC Board President Sally Bethea cut the ribbon for a new trail stairway, a project that significantly improves visitor safety and access between the national park and Roswell’s Old Mill Park – in addition to reducing soil erosion into the creek from the steep slope.
This much-needed trail improvement project is a great example of our friends group in action, providing financial assistance to make the CRNRA the best it can be. CPC raised $55,000 to help match the NPS investment. Thank you to our major donors: REI, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Malon D. Mimms Company, Chuck Spornick Memorial, Annie and Jeremy Duguid, IBM, Missy and Clay Courts, Hagan Family Foundation, Trout Unlimited-Upper Chattahoochee, James Kieffer and Frank Bridges. And, kudos to the City of Roswell for providing a warm, indoor venue for refreshments and socializing!
Your Contributions at Work!
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The new year calendar year offers a perfect time for reflection on all that we’ve accomplished together in recent years. An amazing statistic shared by the National Park Service is the number of hours contributed by the Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Program in the past year – 40,472! This number is higher than all but a few of the other national parks located in the Southeast region. Volunteer at: www.crnra.vip
To view CPC's accomplishments, check out our 2017-2018 By the Numbers Report here. Thank you to all our members and donors! Not a member yet? We hope that you’ll join today!
THINGS TO DO IN THE PARK
Ranger-led activities in the park will resume, as soon as the shutdown ends. In the meantime, plan your visit to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area here.
REI Rock Climbing Anchors Class, Natural and Fixed Protection, Level 1. On Sat, Jan 26 (10-4pm), REI experts will host the class in the Allenbrook Unit of the CRNRA near Roswell. Details and registration here.
REI Digital Nature Stories: Smartphone Photography. On Sun, Jan 27 (2-5pm) learn outdoor photography techniques, what apps help you take better images and more in the West Palisades Unit of the CRNRA. Details and registration here.
MTB Atlanta: Sope Creek Trails Work Party on Sat, Feb 16 (9-12); Trail Crew Leader Class on Feb 23-24. Details here.
2019 Sweep the Hooch! Sat, April 6 (9-1pm) Mark your calendars for the biggest annual river and park cleanup and plan to register beginning Feb 14.
Become a member of Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy today!
As a member, you can help us achieve our vision of an inspired and thriving community of support for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Click here to join!
Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy Inc. is proud to support our Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the national park system managed by the National Park Service.