February 2023

We are Hiring an Executive Director 

We are excited to announce that we are seeking our first full time Executive Director for the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). This individual’s primary role is to advance CNPC on a sustainable, rapid pace of growth while fulfilling its mission to support the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). They will be the voice and face of the organization and breathe its purpose and potential every day.

In 2016, CNPC developed a strategic plan to achieve its mission, including new branding, a strengthened community presence, new partnerships, membership campaigns, and an expansion of the Board. These changes have led to dramatic growth and positioned CNPC to hire an Executive Director.  

The search is being conducted by the Potrero Group and information about applying for the Executive Director position can be found at https://potrerogroup.com/executive-search/chattahoochee-executive-director 

Finally, this could not have been possible without the support of our community, including current and former Board members. Thank you all.

Written by Mark Sauer

Image by Tom Wilson 

Don't forget to buy your tickets for Party for the Park on March 21 at SweetWater Brewery! 

Learn More

Thank You SCA Crew! 

It is time to say goodbye and thank you to the Student Conservation Association trail crew, who has spent the last few months rebuilding and improving miles of severely eroded trails in the CRNRA. We met up with them recently at Cochran Shoals, where they were armoring a section of the multi-use trail (seen in the picture). Thank you to the crew for their hard work and to the CNPC donors that helped fund them. We wish them the best of luck in their journey to become future environmental leaders. 

Photo of (left to right) Dakota Exum, Vinisha Browne, Pearl McCann, and Ella Osby

Photo of Sibley Pond by Tom Wilson


Photo of Gold Branch by Tom Wilson

Photo of West Palisades taken from Akers Mill

Photo looking north towards Johnson Ferry Rd. by John H. Crandall

Photo looking north towards Cochran Shoals by John H. Crandall

Photo of Herons by Tom Wilson

Winter Views in the Park

I live in Sandy Springs and one of my favorite times to visit and hike the park is in the winter.  

My local unit is East Palisades but we love to venture out to explore all of the CRNRA's units to take in the views during the beautiful "off season". There are no snakes, no spiders and no other critters to worry about and the park forests and river are peaceful, still and tranquil. Also, since fall has come and gone by this time, the views are stunning as you can see through the trees and admire sights you wouldn't typically notice during the spring and summer. Seeing the building skylines, cliffs, bird nests and even nearby homes lends the perspective that the park units are truly an amazing hidden part of this larger Atlanta metro area.  

You can visit our website at www.ChattahoocheeParks.org to view maps of the park's 15 units to choose your next unit to explore.


Written by John Harper Crandall

Show the Park Some Love and Recreate Responsibly

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area provides endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the trails, river and nature. To protect our trails and river from erosion, trash and damage, please remember these tips!

  • Know before you go. Check the status of the unit you want to visit for closures on social media at @chattahoocheerivernps or at https://www.nps.gov/chat/. This is especially important when deciding where to park. If you plan on mountain biking be sure to text RIDE to 770-727-5061 to make sure the trails are open. If it has rained within the last 24 hours, mountain bike trails are typically closed in designated CRNRA units. Biking is only allowed in Cochran Shoals - Sope Creek and on the Bob Callahan Trail in West Palisades. 
  • Plan and prepare. Be sure to bring your wallet or your phone to pay entrance fees.There are fee machines at some trailheads and a QR Code for online payments. Park entrance fees (or annual pass fees) go directly toward park maintenance and are crucial for maintaining a safe and fun park experience. You can purchase passes at https://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/fees.htm
  • Leave no trace. Litter can be unsightly and ruin a scenic hike. It also pollutes the river which provides 70% of Atlanta's drinking water. If you plan to bring food/beverages/towels/diapers into the park be sure to take anything out that you (or your kids) brought in. There are typically trash receptacles (including recycling) at every parking lot. All trash left in the park eventually washes directly into the river which can get caught in downed trees and pile up. Help us keep the parks clean!  See the seven Leave No Trace Principals here https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
  • Make it better. Stick to the designated trails and don’t harm trees or bushes, or be overly rough on structures like bridges, stairs, benches or overlooks. The structures weather nature every day, and we want them to last as long as possible so everyone can enjoy the park. Staying on official trails directs visitors and prevents fragmenting the forest. Every bit helps. 

Overall, enjoy your parks and use them responsibly and frequently. The CRNRA makes metro Atlanta a great place to live by providing an important refuge for the community's mental and physical well-being. Thank you for your support!

Written by John Harper Crandall

Volunteers in the Park (VIP) Program 

Become a VIP and “Find Your Park” at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. From teens needing to get their school volunteer hours to adults just wanting to give back on the trails, volunteering in the park is not only rewarding and fun, it is also a great way to help the park and make a difference.

Volunteers are essential in their help to maintain CRNRA, one of the most visited parks in the nation. And, it’s not all just trash pickup and trail work that is needed. There are opportunities to help out in the beautiful pollinator garden, become a Mountain Bike VIP, a River VIP, a trained water testing stream steward or many other great opportunities for all types and abilities. 


One VIP even created our VIP website that is used to find out about events and log volunteer hours. Learn more about volunteering at www.ChattahoocheeParks.org

Written by John Harper Crandall

We have lots of great events planned! 

Winter Owl Prowl

Feb. 4

3:30 - 6 PM

LEARN MORE

Pollinator Garden Workday

Feb. 6 

9 AM - 12 PM

LEARN MORE

Cellphonography in the Park

Feb. 18

4 - 6:30 PM

LEARN MORE

Community Hike 

Feb. 25 

9 AM - 12 PM

LEARN MORE

Community Hike with Walk with a Doc

March 18

9 - 11 AM

LEARN MORE

Party for the Park Benefit

March 21

6 - 9 PM

LEARN MORE

Become a member or donate today!

YOU can help us achieve our vision of an inspired and thriving community of support for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Follow us on social! - #ChattahoocheeParks

Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy  is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are proud to support our Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the national park system managed by the National Park Service.

Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy
P.O. Box 769332, Roswell, GA 30076
info@chattahoocheeparks.org
www.chattahoocheeparks.org
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