The Dunwoody Nature Center

The Dunwoody Nature Center is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization established by community volunteers in 1990 to develop, improve, and preserve twenty-two acres of DeKalb County’s Dunwoody Park as a natural classroom for environmental education. Today the Park features wetland, woodland and streamside trails; display gardens; a picnic meadow; and a shaded playground. The park is open sun-up to sundown, seven days a week, free of charge. Dunwoody Nature Center is open Monday ­ Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays by prior arrangement, to provide a wide range of programs for children and adults. Programs include: field trips for school groups and scout troops; T’ai Chi, Teacher Training and Dream Gardens of Dunwoody tour for adults; family events including Animal Encounters and the Butterfly Festival; morning and after-school Curiosity Clubs for children ages 2-1T0; Holiday and Summer Camps. In 2001, the Nature Center served 6,728 participants in scheduled programs, and about 7,000 people who simply enjoyed the park facilities.

DNC’s environmental improvement philosophy includes:

Removing invasive, nonnative plants and replacing them with native species. Avoiding mowing, trimming, brush removal and deadheading, to allow plants, shrubs, and trees to continue their life cycles.

When trees fall, cutting only what is necessary to unblock the trail or rerouting the trail around fallen trees.

Isolating garbage cans to picnic areas.

Reminding dog owners to respect the leash and poop scoop law.

DNC’s educational philosophy includes:

Opening eyes and minds to the beauty of nature

Providing information about the plants and animals native to Dunwoody

Exploring the relationships among all inhabitants of the area, and the impact human activities have on the environment

Training children to be “backyard naturalists”

Providing educational experiences that appeal to different learning styles

The Dunwoody Nature Center is funded by donations; memberships from local businesses and citizens; program fees; and grants. The Center and Dunwoody Park are owned and partially maintained by DeKalb County Parks and Recreation. Staffing, operation, programming, equipment, supplies and environmental improvements are supported by the Dunwoody Nature Center, Inc.

For more information about the Dunwoody Nature Center please visit dunwoodynature.org

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