Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Gets Award

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has been recognized for its role in promoting environmental education.

The Sandy Springs-based location received the Georgia Environmental Association's Award for Outstanding Service to Environmental Education. Park Rangers Dave Thomas and Marjorie Thomas accepted the award on behalf of the recreational area on Friday, March 28. 

The Georgia Environmental Education Association is an affiliate of the North American Association for Environmental Education, which is a professional association for educators working at nature centers, parks and other institutions.

"This award reflects the hard work of the park's educational staff and our volunteers, as well as the park's commitment to inspiring stewardship in the next generation," said Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Superintendent Bill Cox.

The park was nominated for the award by Sharon Smith of the Fulton County Water & Sewer Department, one of the park's regular partners in presenting educational programs such as the Ticket to Ride field trips. 

Funded by a grant from the National Park Foundation, Ticket to Ride paid for field trips for over 1,600 students in 2012 and 2013. The field trips involved activities presented by both county water education staff and park rangers and volunteers form CRNRA.

This is the first time the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has received this award since GEEA was created in 1992.