In Spring 2023, the Service-Learning Seminar in Urban Ecology & Environmental Conservation (HON 3280) was proud to partner with the following local organizations to offer volunteer and learning opportunities to Honors College Students at Georgia State University:
Amphibian Foundation
“The Amphibian Foundation is dedicated to connecting individuals, communities and organizations in order to create and implement lasting solutions to the global amphibian extinction crisis. We provide unique educational opportunities for all ages to learn about amphibians and inspire conservation. Established in 2016 by Mark and Crystal Mandica, we collaborate with partners in the fight against amphibian extinction.”
Atlanta Creek League
“Atlanta is rich in creeks. The city sprawls across three river basins—the Chattahoochee River, Flint River, and South River— and within each basin are dozens of streams. Some creeks are famous, some completely hidden, and all of them make Atlanta green and cool and wild. Atlanta Creek League helps people find, enjoy, and take care of the creeks in their neighborhood. Using the model of a baseball league — Creek Teams, River Divisions — we’re making it easy to rally around our natural resources the like sportsball fans do.”
Blue Heron Nature Preserve
“Nestled in Atlanta’s North Buckhead neighborhood, Blue Heron Nature Preserve is home to the 3-mile Blueway Trail which allows visitors to experience 30 acres of woodlands, wetlands, riparian areas and meadows – all without leaving the city. The Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Atlanta aims to preserve and enhance the 30 acres of natural habitat entrusted to us, especially the Blueway Trail, which is critical to our mission of creating a personal experience with nature.”
Concrete Jungle
“One in eight Georgians are food insecure, lacking reliable access to affordable, nutritious food, thus contributing to negative health outcomes. Food-insecure individuals are 2-3 times more likely to have diet-related chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. At the same time, food loss and waste in the US is higher than any other country. Concrete Jungle exists in the gap between food insecurity and food waste.”
Dunwoody Nature Center
“We aim to inspire the love of nature and cultivate environmental understanding and stewardship through a variety of programs and activities that engage the public and provide our community with a sense of place within the natural world. As a private, non-profit organization operating primarily out of Dunwoody Park, the Nature Center enjoys a strong and supportive public/private partnership with the City of Dunwoody. In addition to running mission based programs throughout the year, we are committed to enhancing and preserving Dunwoody Park for the enjoyment of the community. We are a living lab that is environmentally sustainable, inclusive and accessible to all.”
Wild Nest Bird Rehab
“Wild Nest Bird Rehab, Inc. is a nonprofit charity dedicated to rehabilitating wild songbirds for release back to the wild. We accept orphaned songbirds and injured songbirds and serve Atlanta and surrounding areas. Along with our rehabilitation services, our mission includes educating the public about how to attract and support native songbird species through native landscaping, the dangers to our songbird populations, and the important role songbirds play in our environment.”