PRESS RELEASE: Chattahoochee Nature Center Launches “50 Things to Do” Challenge

Adventure Challenge Launches This Fall, Teasing Official 50th Anniversary Festivities Set for 2026

ROSWELL, Ga. – October 14, 2025 – Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and leader in environmental education, conservation and the rehabilitation of native plants and wildlife along the Chattahoochee River, metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia, is teasing next year’s 50th anniversary with the launch of a new “50 Things to Do at Chattahoochee Nature Center” challenge. Designed to encourage the community to experience the beauty of CNC all year long, the challenge kicks off this October during the popular Halloween Hikes and runs through June 2026.

“It’s hard to believe Chattahoochee Nature Center is approaching five decades of connecting people with nature, a milestone we are all incredibly proud of and excited to commemorate,” said Natasha Rice, chief executive officer of Chattahoochee Nature Center. “We decided to begin the celebration early in a way that truly engages our community, and launching our ‘50 Things’ challenge during Halloween Hikes felt like the perfect way to do that. Debuting the challenge during such a beloved fall tradition gives attendees the opportunity to start checking off experiences now while encouraging them to explore our trails, wildlife and other seasonal activities leading up to next year’s anticipated milestone celebrations.”

CNC’s “50 Things” challenge is organized into four distinctive themed categories — Adventure, Artistic, Health and Wellness, and Flora and Fauna — each designed to highlight different ways visitors can connect with nature. Activities range from canoeing and hiking to participating in art projects and wildlife encounters. Those who complete 45 of 50 listed activities can submit their challenge tracker with a photo for the chance to win prizes. Winners will be drawn monthly from July 2026 through October 1, 2026, as part of CNC’s official 50th anniversary celebration.

Founded in 1976 by local citizen activists, CNC has grown from a 6.7-acre site into a 127-acre environmental learning center that now welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually. What began as an effort to preserve green space in metro Atlanta has evolved into a statewide leader in conservation, rehabilitation and education. Over five decades, CNC has expanded its educational programming, wildlife habitats and facilities while remaining dedicated to its mission of connecting people with nature.

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 to grow since opening as Georgia’s first nonprofit nature center. The 2000s brought the Camille Creamer Beaver Habitat, 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 beloved annual events such as Butterfly Encounter and Sunset Sips. The 2020s have already seen major accomplishments, including the River Boardwalk Trail, The Flow stairway mural and the launch of the $9.8 million Growing Tomorrow’s Nature Enthusiasts campaign. In April 2025, CNC broke ground on Parker House, a new volunteer operations center that will serve as a premier training and educational space for the nature center’s dedicated volunteers.

Those who wish to participate in the “50 Things to Do at Chattahoochee Nature Center” challenge can download the brochure atwww.ChattNatureCenter.org/Blog/50-Things-To-Do-At-Chattahoochee-Nature-Centeror pick up a copy at the Discovery Center.

For more information about the Chattahoochee Nature Center, its history and next year’s 50th anniversary festivities, visit www.ChattNatureCenter.org/About/CNC-50-Years-of-History or call 770-992-2055. To say up-to-date on everything happening at CNC, follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

###

About Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC):

Chattahoochee Nature Center's (CNC) mission is to connect people with nature. Spending time outdoors is more important than ever to our communities' health and well-being. Situated along the Chattahoochee River in metro Atlanta, CNC offers visitors of all ages 127 acres to safely explore and endless opportunities to connect with nature while learning about Georgia's diverse ecosystem. The center features three ponds, six woodland and wetland trails, including a newly renovated 2,000-foot river boardwalk. We offer a space for quiet, reflective moments or more active options such as hiking or canoeing. CNC also offers programs involving rehabilitated native wildlife, horticulture, photography, art, and more. Our goal is to encourage life-long learning and demonstrate the important role nature plays in our daily lives. Annually, CNC serves more than 150,000 visitors and 52,000 schoolchildren, 18,000 of whom are from Title I schools. For more information, visit our website at www.chattnaturecenter.org.