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Member Group Spotlight
Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
Imagine getting a bird's eye view of verdant west Georgia wetlands from a perch nearly 80 feet above the earth's surface, cloaked in a leafy forest canopy. More than 2,100 visitors to Columbus State University's Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center have gotten just that, thanks to the TreeTop Trail that opened as part of Oxbow Meadows' 10th anniversary celebration last November.
A 192-foot aluminum suspension bridge allows visitors to walk gradually into two huge trees, one a white oak and one a sweet gum, at the center in south Columbus, near the Chattahoochee River. The walkway, built with funding from MeadWestvaco, features suspension-type trail segments that are attached to two tree platforms and a tower. The platforms' tree-friendly design prevents metal from penetrating the trees' bark, and platform attachments allow for tree movement and growth.
In February, the center invited elementary and middle school teachers to visit the trail and use the unique resource as a figurative springboard for developing more imaginative lesson plans for teaching about wetlands, wildlife and other environmental topics.
Becky Champion, Executive Director, said, "Each teacher, assisted by Oxbow staff, engaged their students in grade specific, tree related activities that were correlated with the new Georgia Performance Standards."
About 100 similar structures exist worldwide, but Oxbow Meadows' forest canopy walkway is the first of its kind built in the United States and one of just three such structures accessible to the public.
School groups and the general public (above age 7) can make reservations for Tree Treks by calling 706-687-4090. For more information, visit oxbow.colstate.edu. [back to top]
SACE Reduces Carbon Footprint
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, a member group of Earth Share of Georgia, recently announced a partnership with Green Mountain Energy Company's eMission Solutions division to offset 100% of their estimated carbon dioxide emissions. SACE will reduce CO2 by purchasing wind power renewable energy credits and planting trees through reforestation projects in Alabama. Their commitment will help avoid 330,000 pounds of CO2 per year, which is the equivalent impact of not driving over 366,000 miles. For more information on SACE, visit www.cleanenergy.org. [back to top]
Park Pride Keeping Community Healthy
Earth Share member group Park Pride has recently unveiled Atlanta's first Life Trail health system at Collier Heights Park. The Life Trail system is made up of 10 Wellness Stations that provide low-impact exercises specifically designed for older adults, helping them maintain their maximum level of wellness and independence. The stations have been constructed along a new walking path.
Part of Park Pride's mission, in addition to establishing new parks, is improving existing ones, as is evident in this project. When neighborhood residents were asked what they hoped to see at their park, they said they wanted something seniors could enjoy. Park Pride responded with the Life Trail system, tailoring the park to meet the community's needs. The new Life Trail system was dedicated May 20th with a parade and ribbon cutting ceremony. To learn more about Park Pride, visit www.parkpride.org.
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Earth Day Wrap-Up
Earth Share's 2006 Earth Day festivities were a huge success this year. Our three events were the perfect way to celebrate environmental responsibility and bring people together in the true spirit of Earth Day. A special thanks to all who were involved.
The Leadership Breakfast, held at Atlantic Station, brought together influential members of the business and environmental communities in a celebration of sustainable practices. Special guest speaker Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law two important pieces of environmental legislation, the Land Conservation Tax Credit Bill and the Litter Bill. The Governor also presented this year's awards, with the help of Dr. Bruce Perry, Medical Director of Kaiser Permanente. To read about our award recipients, visit our website at www.earthsharega.org.
Central Park at Atlantic Station offered the perfect backdrop for dancing, dining, mingling and bidding on silent auction items at the 12th annual Party in the Park. Guests grooved to the sounds of live bluegrass and rock while enjoying a feast courtesy of Whole Foods Market and Catering 101. The night's proceeds help support Earth Share.
To cap off the month, more than 150 volunteers from 14 different companies participated in environmental clean-up projects on Green Day. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. won the Green Day challenge by recruiting the most volunteers. Congratulations to Turner, and we hope your company will be able to join us next year! [back to top]
Earth Share Staff Update
Earth Share of Georgia welcomes Elizabeth Patrick to its staff as the new Administrative and Communications Coordinator. Elizabeth comes to Earth Share from Delta, where she was the marketing manager for The Delta Heritage Museum. [back to top]
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