Laura Johnson and the Dunwoody Community Orchard and Garden are being recognized for their dedication, service, and leadership in sustainable practices.
Dunwoody, GA – April 12, 2022 – The City of Dunwoody is pleased to recognize Laura Johnson and the Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard as recipients of the 2021 Sustainability Hero Awards. Initiated in 2012, the Sustainability Hero Award program celebrates exemplary individuals and organizations to recognize their dedication, service, and leadership in sustainable practices. Nominations for the awards were open to the community; the winners were selected by members of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee and honored during Monday night’s City Council meeting.
“Components of ecosystems naturally fit together so life thrives, and this year’s Sustainability Heroes exemplify this,” said Nathan Sparks, chair of Dunwoody’s Sustainability Committee. “Laura Johnson and leaders of the DCGO use their passion for our natural world to hone their skills and share knowledge of organic agriculture.”
Laura Johnson was selected as the individual recipient of Sustainability Hero Award for her passion and devotion to promoting native ecosystems, bees and beekeeping. She is the co-founder of Bee Dunwoody and plays a critical role in helping Dunwoody uphold its commitment as a Bee City USA. Through her observation beehive, Johnson gives children and adults a window into the wonders of the natural world.
“When I heard about this award, I was shocked at first, and then deeply honored and moved,” said Johnson. “I share this award with many people who have helped make progress for pollinators in Dunwoody (including my very patient husband, David). We still have work to do, especially related to reducing mosquito-spraying. Pollinator habitats are healthier today thanks to Dunwoody’s support.”
The Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard was selected as the organization recipient of the Sustainability Hero Award for actively promoting and utilizing organic techniques and sustainable practices in gardening. The DCGO is a volunteer-run nonprofit founded in 2009. The group manages an Audubon-certified habitat and wildlife sanctuary at Brook Run Park that includes more than 90 raised beds that are leased annually to members to grow their own produce. The DCGO also encourages residents to grow at home through monthly master gardener talks, online resources, and plant sales. To support those in need, DCGO volunteers cultivate more than 30 garden plots to grow 3,000+ pounds of fruits and vegetables a year for two local food pantries, Malachi’s Storehouse and the Community Assistance Center.
“We all have one thing in common – we’re passionate about gardening,” said DCGO Chair Cyndi McGill during Monday night’s Council meeting. “We have an army of volunteers and almost 20 Master Gardeners who support our activities and share their knowledge. One of the biggest support arms for us is our city government and awesome Parks and Recreation Department, which make it possible for us to keep on growing and keep on teaching.”
The City of Dunwoody Sustainability Committee meets monthly and serves to encourage the city and the community to reduce its environmental impact by improving resource efficiency. Public education and outreach on sustainability is central to this mission.
“In honoring our heroes’ dedication to reducing our community’s environmental footprint, we can be inspired to start our own new sustainable practices, like walking, biking, recycling, and composting,” Sparks added. “And April 22 is Earth Day – a perfect day to celebrate nature and begin a new sustainable habit.”
Photos attached:
1) From L-R: Dunwoody City Councilmember Catherine Lautenbacher, Nathan Sparks, Mayor Lynn Deutsch, Laura Johnson, Councilmember Tom Lambert, Councilmember Stacey Harris, Councilmember Rob Price, Councilmember Joe Seconder.
2) In the middle, Cyndi McGill holds the Sustainability Hero Award on behalf of DCGO, posing with volunteers, Master Gardeners, Nathan Sparks, Mayor Deutsch and Councilmembers.
