The Atlanta Urban Ecologists program for youth in grades 8 through 12 will guide students in the discovery of the fascinating, rich ecology of Metropolitan Atlanta, providing opportunities for hands-on field experiences and fun with their peers. Perfect for students interested in pursuing careers in science or conservation or those who just enjoy being outside in nature, the Atlanta Urban Ecologists program provides students with opportunities to learn alongside experts in the field, as well as meaningful experiences in the outdoor places that make Atlanta the “City in a Forest.” Students will establish a network of environmental professionals who can assist with their academic and career development while having fun outdoors with their peers.
Sessions are hosted by a different environmental nonprofit on the second Saturday of each month from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM from October to May. These sessions will be preceded by a introductory class via webinar on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 PM.* A virtual orientation will be held on Thursday, October 1, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
This year, to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, we will require masks and social distancing for our in-person sessions, which will take place outdoors.
See below for the program calendar and session descriptions.
Partners for the 2020-21 program include Trees Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Audubon, Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Fulton County Public Works, Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve (DeKalb Co. Parks), Amphibian Foundation, and Cubihatcha Outdoor Center.
Program fee: $425
Early Bird fee (by September 25th): $400
Need-based scholarships are available. Email Melanie Furr, Director of Education, for more information.
*Changes to the schedule are noted in the program calendar below.
Sessions are hosted by a different environmental nonprofit on the second Saturday of each month from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM from October to May. These sessions will be preceded by a introductory class via webinar on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 PM.* A virtual orientation will be held on Thursday, October 1, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
This year, to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, we will require masks and social distancing for our in-person sessions, which will take place outdoors.
See below for the program calendar and session descriptions.
Partners for the 2020-21 program include Trees Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Audubon, Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Fulton County Public Works, Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve (DeKalb Co. Parks), Amphibian Foundation, and Cubihatcha Outdoor Center.
Program fee: $425
Early Bird fee (by September 25th): $400
Need-based scholarships are available. Email Melanie Furr, Director of Education, for more information.
*Changes to the schedule are noted in the program calendar below.
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2020-2021 program schedule
Tree Identification & Service with trees atlanta - October
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Thursday, October 8, 5:30-6:30 PM -- webinar
Saturday, October 10, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM -- outdoor session at Trees Atlanta Trees are a critical element of a healthy community. During these sessions, Atlanta Urban Ecologists will become better informed stewards of our urban forest by exploring and understanding the dynamic role that trees play in the urban ecosystem. We’ll learn how to start identifying a few trees commonly found in Atlanta during the live webinar. Students will then participate in a service-learning project (tree planting or forest restoration) with the intention of restoring biodiversity in Atlanta. |
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Urban Wildlife Monitoring and Conservation With BLue Heron Nature Preserve - November
Thursday, November 12, 5:30-6:30 PM -- webinar
Saturday, November 14, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM -- outdoor session at Blue Heron Nature Preserve (N. Buckhead)
Coyote, Beaver, and Deer are some of the mammals found at Blue Heron Nature Preserve, a City of Atlanta park tucked into one of Atlanta's most developed neighborhoods. During these Urban Ecologist sessions, we will explore the impacts of urban development on these animals and examine the ways in which they can, in turn, impact the urban landscape. We’ll gain insight into how the landscape of the Preserve was used in the past, its current use, and ways it might be used in the future to benefit both people and wildlife. The program will be capped off with students applying their knowledge in a hands-on project to alter the Blue Heron landscape for the betterment of both the wildlife and people who use this public park.
Saturday, November 14, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM -- outdoor session at Blue Heron Nature Preserve (N. Buckhead)
Coyote, Beaver, and Deer are some of the mammals found at Blue Heron Nature Preserve, a City of Atlanta park tucked into one of Atlanta's most developed neighborhoods. During these Urban Ecologist sessions, we will explore the impacts of urban development on these animals and examine the ways in which they can, in turn, impact the urban landscape. We’ll gain insight into how the landscape of the Preserve was used in the past, its current use, and ways it might be used in the future to benefit both people and wildlife. The program will be capped off with students applying their knowledge in a hands-on project to alter the Blue Heron landscape for the betterment of both the wildlife and people who use this public park.
Reptile Conservation with Zoo Atlanta - December
Thursday, December 10, 5:30-6:30 PM -- webinar
Saturday, December 12, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM -- outdoor session at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is directly involved in field conservation programs for wildlife and wild places around the globe and right here in Georgia. Members of our staff are personally engaged in field work, community outreach programs, research, and education programs. Zoo Atlanta is actively involved in two local, reptile conservation projects: Eastern Indigo Snake conservation and Diamondback Terrapin conservation. During this class, students will meet with our Herpetology staff to learn more about our conservation efforts and how they too can help saves species in their own community.
Saturday, December 12, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM -- outdoor session at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is directly involved in field conservation programs for wildlife and wild places around the globe and right here in Georgia. Members of our staff are personally engaged in field work, community outreach programs, research, and education programs. Zoo Atlanta is actively involved in two local, reptile conservation projects: Eastern Indigo Snake conservation and Diamondback Terrapin conservation. During this class, students will meet with our Herpetology staff to learn more about our conservation efforts and how they too can help saves species in their own community.
Urban Water Systems with Fulton County Public Works - January
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Thursday, January 7, 5:30-6:30 PM -- webinar
Saturday, January 9, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM -- outdoor session Drinking water and wastewater treatment systems are an important resource that Georgian’s rely on daily. Do you know how water gets to the sink or where it goes when it disappears down the drain? There are many ways that we can get involved in protecting our water resources by using our drinking water and wastewater systems properly, and there are many careers involved in keeping these vital systems running 24/7. During these sessions, we will learn about drinking water treatment processes that create safe drinking water. We’ll also tour a wastewater treatment plant to see what is required to treat water that we use before being able to return it to the environment. |
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Bird IDentification and Community Science with Georgia Audubon - February
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Thursday, February 18, 5:30-6:30 PM* -- webinar
Saturday, February 20, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM* -- outdoor session Birds are all around us, but they often go unnoticed as they go about their daily lives. In these sessions, we’ll explore the important ecological services birds provide and learn how to identify common local birds by sight and sound, as well as how to use observation skills, field guides, and technology to identify unfamiliar birds. During our field trip to a local birding hotspot, we’ll hone our skills using binoculars and identifying birds in the field, and students will keep contribute to community science by submitting an eBird checklist. *The February sessions will take place the third week of the month to avoid the holiday weekend. |
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Amphibian iD and MOnitoring with The amphibian foundation - March
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Thursday, March 11, 5:30-6:30 PM -- webinar
Saturday, March 13, 10:30-12:30 PM -- outdoor session at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve (Decatur) Amphibians eat millions of bugs, provide critical medical advancements in human health, and are important indicator species for the health of our planet, yet nearly 40% of the world's amphibians are in decline or already extinct. The Amphibian Foundation will lead students in lab and field identification of the 28 species of frogs and salamanders native to this region of Georgia—the ones found in our urban neighborhoods—as well as teach students how they can help collect important data for science and conservation. Students will conduct a field survey, learning the best practices for locating and safely handling amphibians. After the session, students can continue to participate in the Metro Atlanta Amphibian Monitoring Program (www.maamp.us), conducting field surveys and collecting data on our urban amphibian communities. |
Natural plant communities WITH Arabia mountain NATUre Preserve -- April
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Thursday, April 15, 5:30-6:30 PM* -- webinar
Saturday, April 17, 10:30-12:30 PM* -- outdoor session at Arabia Mountain (Stonecrest) Just beyond the urban core of Atlanta lies one of the best outdoor laboratories to study and experience Atlanta's urban ecology. As Atlanta’s urban wilderness, Arabia Mountain is 2,500 acres of forests, wetlands, and unique rock outcrops that protect a great diversity of life. Plan for an adventurous day of hiking to be introduced to Arabia's unique ecosystems and vegetation communities. We will highlight endemic plant species, adaptations, and the ecological relationships between plants and animals. We’ll explore, ask questions, and have fun. *The April session will take place during the third week of the month to avoid conflicts with spring break. |
BOAT TOur and Picnic at Cubihatcha Outdoor Center - May
Saturday, May 8, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM*
Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center is a Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) wetland enhancement and protection corridor created to improve and protect existing habitats while providing an avenue for public education and recreation. At this final session, we’ll take a boat tour of one of the five reservoirs managed by HCWA, observing a diversity of birds and other wildlife that make their homes here while learning about the multi-faceted work HCWA staff is doing to improve the landscape for both people and wildlife. We’ll wrap up with a picnic lunch and a celebration of our time together this year.
*Please note later end time. We will not have a webinar with this session.
Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center is a Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) wetland enhancement and protection corridor created to improve and protect existing habitats while providing an avenue for public education and recreation. At this final session, we’ll take a boat tour of one of the five reservoirs managed by HCWA, observing a diversity of birds and other wildlife that make their homes here while learning about the multi-faceted work HCWA staff is doing to improve the landscape for both people and wildlife. We’ll wrap up with a picnic lunch and a celebration of our time together this year.
*Please note later end time. We will not have a webinar with this session.
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