Dunwoody Nature Center Awarded REI Grant

The Dunwoody Nature announced on Monday it has received a grant award from REI in the amount of $8,735 to redevelop and re-purpose its front meadow area along Roberts Drive.

This grant award follows immediately on the heels of the Nature Center’s groundbreaking in the restoration of the main meadow area behind the education building.

Dubbed the “Community Meadow Enhancement Project”, this renovation will build upon the improvements made from previous REI grants.

Financial support from REI in 2011 provided the Nature Center with the volunteers and equipment needed to restore a large area of land on the property; and specifically allowed the Nature Center to take back a 1.5 acre
parcel that had been overrun with invasive plants.

The Nature Center seeks to enhance this area with three specific programs: to establish garden beds, to build and install picnic benches, and to develop a system of stories high tree swings amongst the century old hardwood trees that now grace the grounds which have been cleared of invasive plants.

Executive Director Alan Mothner stated that the garden beds in the front meadow will be created for the exclusive use of nearby Austin Elementary school students. “The 13 garden beds will serve as an extension of Austin," said Mothner, "allowing teachers and parent volunteers to further the education of their students by providing for hands on experiential learning at our gardening area and outdoor classroom."