The Wylde Center's 8th Annual Coop Tour Scheduled for March 28-29, 2015

The Wylde Center will hold its Eighth Annual Urban Coop Tour, Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29, 2015 from noon – 5 p.m. each day. The popular tour will showcase 13 private and public chicken coops in Decatur, East Atlanta, Edgewood, Grant Park and the Old Fourth Ward. Coop owners will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the design of their coops. Many of the structures feature artwork, edible landscaping and other animals including rabbits, goats and even a potbellied pig. Early bird tickets are $20, or $25 at the tour. Free for children 12 and under. The tickets are good for both days and also include a preview fundraising event Friday, March 27, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Garden*Hood, 353 Boulevard Southeast, Atlanta, Ga. 30312. Rain or shine. http://wyldecenter.org/urban-coop-tour. “The Urban Coop Tour is once again chaired by Anne-Marie Anderson, who has assembled an eclectic and exciting variety of intown coops for people to see, including coops at private homes, two community gardens, a camp/school aftercare program and two retail stores,” said Stephanie Van Parys, executive director of the Wylde Center. “More and more city-dwellers are discovering that it is possible, and enjoyable, to raise their own chickens. The dual benefits of eating farm fresh eggs and reclaiming ownership of the local food chain have inspired hundreds of people in and around Atlanta to give chicken raising a try. Plus, the chickens eat insects as well as some kitchen scraps, providing an environmental benefit. The flock we maintain at the Oakhurst Garden is very popular with our visitors and demonstrates how chickens can thrive in an urban environment.” About the Wylde Center In 1997, an idea took root in the Oakhurst area of Decatur, Ga. Neighbors Sally Wylde and Louise Jackson envisioned a community garden where children could learn about the natural world and enjoy hands-on gardening activities. With the purchase of a half-acre of property at the corner of South McDonough St. and Oakview Road, the Oakhurst Community Garden was born. Today, supported by members, foundations, corporations and donors, the non-profit has been re-named the Wylde Center to honor its co-founder and to better encompass its expanded range of properties and programs. The Wylde Center oversees four distinctive greenspaces, a year-round educational program for all ages, social events and the Decatur City Schools’ Farm to School Program. Staff and volunteers engage children, families and individuals in activities designed to develop creative skills in sustainable urban living, organic gardening, health and nutrition. Despite its robust growth, the Wylde Center has stayed true to its original mission of cultivating vibrant greenspaces for everyone to enjoy and inspiring communities of environmental stewards. www.wyldecenter.org