Dunwoody, GA – The Dunwoody Nature center is pleased to announce that it is a 2015 recipient of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program. The grant award in the amount of $40,000 will be combined with matching funds and services from community partners in the amount of $85,547 to restore Wildcat Creek, a tributary of the Chattahoochee River. This grant completes the comprehensive renewal project that began in 2012 when a $60,000+ investment was made by the Nature Center and 21 other community partners to reinstate the meadow as Dunwoody’s central gathering place for communal learning and cultural activity. Wildcat Creek is literally the introduction point for thousands of visitors each year to the wonders of nature and to a greater understanding of their small place in the larger world. Unfortunately, deteriorating bank conditions during major storm events have created extensive scouring and erosion along the creek banks to such a degree that the beech, hickory, and poplar trees that shade the creek are now in danger of falling into it.
The restoration proposal includes shoring up the creek bank from the south entry point along the main trail, north to just past where the rain garden reconnects with Wildcat Creek – a total of 350 linear feet. The project will occur in two phases; the initial phase will require shoring up a failed weir – a remnant of the old grist mill that operated on the property a century ago. The weir potion of the project marks the southern terminus for the restoration and will be supported by the City of Dunwoody storm water division. Upon completion of this phase, the restoration will continue downstream where the majority of the bank erosion and scouring occurs for a total area restored of 3.9 acres. Planning, design, and permitting will be accomplished in conjunction with Engineering303, Corblu Ecology Group, and Georgia Development Partners and will utilize their combined years of expertise. The overall project design includes the creation of a bank full bench on both sides of the stream and a series of flood plain terraces. These terraces will also serve as an amphitheater and create a living classroom that allows visitors a place rest and learn while their families are experiencing Wildcat Creek. Additional project partners include: UPS Foundation, DeKalb County Master Gardeners, Spalding Garden Club, and Trees Atlanta. This restoration effort is a singular opportunity to support and validate the Nature Center’s mission of inspiring the love of nature and cultivating environmental understanding and stewardship by conserving and enhancing Dunwoody Park; educating children, families, and adults of all ages about the natural world and our place in it; and motivating environmental awareness and responsible action. Further, as a community outreach component of the grant, the Nature Center will develop programming to teach visitors about the effects of erosion and methods to prevent it. The Nature Center will also continue to develop the successful immersive learning for which it is known, thus completing the initiative that was started in 2012 with the original Meadow Restoration.
