 Wylde Center at 25

For the Love of Nature

The sustainability issue

The sustainability issue

Wylde Center celebrates 25 years of environmental stewardship

Wylde Center executive director Stephanie Van Parys. (Photos by Isadora Pennington)

By Isadora Pennington

Composed of seven acres of land split between five different gardens, the Wylde Center is an invaluable resource for the communities which they serve. Oakhurst Garden, the first Wylde Center garden, was created by Sally Wylde in 1997. This first foray into community gardens was a result of Louise Jackson’s response to neighborhood children trampling her yard back in 1996. Instead of finding ways to prevent the children from walking through her garden, Wylde and Jackson partnered with neighbors and invited the children to become caretakers of the greenspace.

In time, Jackson’s yard was transformed into a lush garden full of vibrant, happy plants and lined with a colorful rainbow fence. The children were able to see their efforts pay off as plants grew and flourished.

The group then decided to create a garden in the median strip in front of Jackson’s home. When an undeveloped half-acre lot which had been used as a commercial basil farm came up for sale, Wylde and her husband, Britt Dean, acquired it and thus the Oakhurst Community Garden Project was born. This would pave the way for what later became an extensive network of greenspaces spread throughout the eastern communities of Atlanta and Decatur.

Today, Wylde Center Gardens include the Oakhurst Garden, Sugar Creek Garden also in Oakhurst, Hawk Hollow in Kirkwood, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and the Mulberry Fields Garden in Candler Park.

I recently spoke with Wylde’s executive director Stephanie Van Parys and development and events coordinator Ferrin Tinter to learn about their current projects and programs.

Parys has been at the helm of Wylde Center for the past 17 years after a stint at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. With a degree in horticulture, experience serving on the board of two nonprofits, and living in the neighborhood near the Oakhurst Garden, it was a natural fit for Parys to get involved with the Wylde Center. She first was recruited to the board by Sally Wylde herself, and after a year, Parys was asked to take over when Wylde retired.

In her youth, Parys was surrounded by a love for nature. Both of her grandparents – one set here in the states and another

in Germany – were gardeners, as was her mother.

“We lived in Germany for several years and I spent a lot of my childhood in a rural setting,” said Parys. “It wasn’t just about gardening, it was about being in the landscape, being in nature, and using that to live.”

She recalls eating a lot of salads that they sourced directly from her family’s garden and fond memories of playing around and under her grandfather’s cherry

Left, Mark Ethun and daughter Ellison learn about planting at the Wylde Center.

tree. “It was my favorite thing in the world,” she said, wistfully.

So, what exactly is it that makes the Wylde gardens so unique? Yes, we have parks and nature preserves, but what the Wylde Center offers is an immersive gateway to nature. These greenspaces are essential to the health of our local ecosystem. By planting and maintaining native, pollinator-friendly plants, the Wylde Center team can provide support to these often overlooked insects and animals that in turn keep flowers and plants growing in our communities.

“The Wylde Center is unique in that we do community programs, education programs, and actual physical gardens,” explained Parys. “The mission of the organization is to connect people to nature, and we really do use all of those facets to connect people to nature.” These community gardens are open to the public, maintained by a combination of staff members and community volunteers, and offer resources such as composting, raised bed plots, event rentals, classes, and even opportunities for little ones to meet and interact with farm animals such as the resident chickens and goats at Mulberry Fields Garden.

“It is such a waterfall effect, pun intended, for nature,” said Tinter. “Because our education program does help kids learn how to eat healthier, and we have a lot of young kids come to our garden. They want to touch things and eat things. The Wylde Center does a really beautiful job of showing you how to use the resources of nature without destroying it.”

During the pandemic, the Wylde Center gardens offered a much needed resource for people to connect with nature to relieve anxiety and provide a safe outlet away from the isolation of their homes. “It was very obvious that people needed to get out of their houses,” said Parys. “We had so many visitors to our gardens. People turned to gardens because it relieved their stress and anxiety.”

Beyond the healing properties of getting your hands dirty, breathing fresh air, and being surrounded by nature, the gardens also encourage community members to learn about environmental stewardship through their education program.

By attending workshops, both virtually and in person, visitors can learn how to start a garden, when to plant their summer plants – not only flowers, but also tips for growing fruits and vegetables. The Wylde Center offers one of the largest youth environmental and science education programs in metroAtlanta. Their programming includes the Decatur Farm to School program, Atlanta Farm to School, Healthy Living by Healthy Growing at the Decatur Housing Authority, and science programs and field trips linked to Common Core standards.

It’s also not only the wildlife that benefits from these greenspaces scattered throughout residential neighborhoods in Atlanta; their very existence has become a sort of “absorbant” to the city. The effects of climate change paired with the increased density of development in residential communities has made Wylde gardens much wetter. When it rains these open spaces tend to flood. Three of the five gardens are technically located in flood plains, but all of them have seen an increase in rainwater accumulation following storms. This eases the strain on sewer systems and prevents flooding in nearby homes and businesses. The Wylde Center organization itself is a nonprofit, and the structure is composed of about 16 full time staff members, as well as education, greenspace, development, public programs, and event rentals departments. Guided by a board of 18 engaged and talented community members, the team handles maintenance and programs at all five gardens yearround.

This year, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Wylde Center team is hosting some celebratory parties and initiatives to garner involvement within their community. They recently launched an all-ages scavenger hunt with 25 things to find at their greenspaces, complete with prizes such as t-shirts, bags, and gift cards. In June, an official Beer Garden party will commemorate the anniversary with live music, food, drinks, and plenty of good vibes.

Also, over the next 18-24 months, the Wylde Center is set to embark on a capital campaign that will see site improvement to all of their gardens which will include additional structures at the gardens, bathrooms, and a renovated main office at the Oakhurst Garden.

“Basically, what we are doing is making site improvements that will enhance our ability to educate children on site, adjusting to accommodate changes in climate, and make the gardens more accessible to the communities in which they exist,” Tinter said.

In Kirkwood, visitors will see the Hawk Hollow garden double in size with the acquisition of two additional adjacent lots.

When asked how people can get more involved with the Wylde Center and its initiatives, Parys suggested that interested parties consider becoming a donor, take beginnger gardening classes, become a plot holder at one of their gardens, or participate in the plant sale which is taking place from now through June at the Oakhurst Garden and online.

Family programs offer another great way to breed a love and understanding for the importance of nature with our youngest community members. Whether it be through organizing field trips with local schools, family programs, or merely by bringing them to these garden spaces to experience nature firsthand, there are some wonderful ways to instill environmental stewardship in our children’s lives.

“Just come visit us!” said Parys, with a trademark enthusiasm that she brings to all of her efforts at the Wylde Center. “One of the best ways to get involved with us is to come visit us.”

Learn at WyldeCenter.org.

From left, Mark and Ellison Ethun, Kenya Mann Faulkner, Shannon Earley, and Jessica Murphy at a Wylde Center workshop.

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Above the Water Line

Sally Bethea

Sally Bethea is the retired executive director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and an environmental and sustainability advocate.

There is such joy in the greenness of spring and the revival of the natural world – as ephemeral wildflowers and ferns emerge from piles of last autumn’s fallen leaves; as buds open and leaves unfurl on tree branches; and as birdsong, sweet smells, and warmer air bring feelings of hope after the dark, cold winter.

I rejoice in this season of rebirth, grateful for my growing garden and for my family’s safety and freedom in our democratic nation. Biologist and nature writer Rachel Carson observed: “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

This spring, there is also great sadness – the tragedy of Ukraine. Families and children are fleeing their homes to escape death and destruction: refugees from the most recent example of the utter madness of war. The courage of the people in Ukraine, and others who are risking their lives to help them, takes my breath away. Their brave actions are inspiring millions of people around the world, as they defend their country from an existential threat.

War, climate, and fossil fuels

Like other wars in the past century, this Russo-Ukrainian conflict reveals a root cause that enables Vladimir Putin’s aggression and largely dictates the political and military responses of other countries: the control of fossil fuels. For more than 150 years, the oil, gas, and coal formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms (fossil fuels) have powered labor-saving and life-enhancing technologies. The burning of these hydrocarbons has brought prosperity to many, but not all, and extreme wealth and power to a few.

Petroleum – its value and distribution – has become a dangerous weapon in the hands of those who crave absolute power and obscene wealth, exemplified by authoritarian petrostates like Russia, which supplies forty percent of Europe’s gas and eight percent of America’s imports. Along with international banks, Big Oil (the largest oil and gas companies) has inspired and enabled political strategies that have fueled armed conflict and now rising seas, as the planet heats. We have known these things for a long time, but – mired in disinformation and lacking political will – we have taken little more than incremental steps to achieve a safer, more peaceful, and carbon-free future.

Climate activist Bill McKibben describes the conflict in eastern Europe as “a war underwritten by oil and gas,” noting “the heart of Russia’s power… is almost entirely based on its production of gas and oil.” The late Sen. John McCain noted: “Russia is a gas station masquerading as a country.” Europe’s heavy reliance on Russian gas has placed its countries in a precarious position regarding the decisions they make to defend democratic Ukraine and themselves.

Understanding that the transition to renewables and energy security cannot be instantaneous, European countries are building liquified natural gas terminals to receive gas from other countries for near-term needs. President Biden has been urged to use the Defense Protection Act to get American manufacturers to produce cost-effective electric heat pumps in quantity for shipment to Europe, dubbed “Heat Pumps for Peace.” Experts say that a massive surge in the deployment of renewable energy (solar, wind, hydropower) could combat Russia’s grip on the world’s energy economy and fight the climate crisis. Oil and gas markets have always been volatile, while clean energy is affordable and reliable.

The European Union is moving to upscale production of renewable energy and bolster energy efficiency measures, expressed in a new ten-point plan. “What is at stake is both the need to accelerate our fight against climate change and the energy security and independence of the European continent,” said a French official. In the U.S., the Build Back Better program, proposed by the Biden Administration, has faltered – thanks largely to a coal millionaire named Joe Manchin. The climate portion of this bold initiative includes $555 billion to move the American economy away from its reliance on fossil fuels and toward distributed, community-led energy solutions.

A decision point

Can we finally muster the collective courage – like the Ukrainian people – to defend ourselves, future generations, and our planet from the horrors of war and the devastation of a hotter world? Can we acknowledge our addiction to petroleum and support a rapid transition to renewable energy sources? Our parents and grandparents faced hardships, political upheaval, and dramatic change during the Great Depression, then World War II, to make the world a better place. Can we match their fortitude and courage to deal with the existential crises we face today, knowing that there will be personal sacrifices like those they made?

Not surprisingly, the invasion of Ukraine has triggered a push by Big Oil and its allies to ramp up fuel production, secure more subsidies, and loosen regulations to allow new domestic drilling – although thousands of approved drilling permits remain unused. Climate advocates hope that the Russo-Ukrainian war will provoke greater support for clean energy sources, including an aggressive program to develop a network of zero-emission, electric vehicles. Clean energy is not only now affordable and reliable, but also essential to the future of human habitation of our planet.

A recent report from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concludes that about half of the world’s population is now “acutely vulnerable to disasters stemming from the burning of fossil fuels.” Caring about the people of Ukraine, ourselves, and the rest of the world means working to bring an eventual end to our enslavement to oil and gas. We are at a critical decision point.

As each of us commits to do what we can to help foster peace and an energysecure world, we should inspire our efforts by taking time to go outside and experience the infinite healing powers and possibilities of spring.

The Adams Park boardwalk.

By Collin Kelley

Twenty-four communities across the City of Atlanta and unincorporated DeKalb County will share $2.3 million for improvements to neighborhood parks thanks to grant awards from Park Pride.

This is Park Pride’s largest grant cycle in history, exceeding the prior year’s awards by nearly $1 million. The City of Atlanta is the program’s most recent funder, with the Atlanta City Council approving $700,000 for park improvement projects in lowincome communities.

“Every neighborhood in our city deserves access to quality greenspace, regardless of income or zip code. With this historic slate of grant awards from Park Pride, we will make progress on that goal,” Mayor Andre Dickens said. “I believe our parks have the ability to establish community connection and the power to shape and define the character of our neighborhoods. I am honored to continue building our strong partnership with Park Pride.”

Parks receiving grants include: Adair Park, Atlanta Memorial Park, Beaverbrook Park, Candler Park, Center Hill Park, Central Park, Chastain Memorial Park, Cleopas Johnson Park, DeKalb Memorial Park, Grant Park, Herbert Taylor and Daniel Johnson Parks, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Oakland Cemetery, LangCarson Park, Lenox-Wildwood Park, Lindsay Street Park, Lillian Cooper Shepherd Park, Melvin Drive Park, Peace Park, Sara J. Gonzalez Park, Lucius D. Simon Memorial Park, Springdale Park, West End Park, and Zonolite Park.

Dickens also recently announced the creation of a new advisory council he’s dubbed the “green cabinet.” The council has representatives from 13 local environmental groups who will advise the mayor on the city’s long-range parks and recreation plan adopted last year.

The cabinet will also advise the city on a parks and recreation infrastructure bond that will be put to voters in May and on how to use the South River Forest greenspace adjacent to the controversial Public Safety Training Center approved by the city last year.

City acquires land for public park to access Chattahoochee River

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By Collin Kelley

The City of Atlanta has acquired nine acres of land for a new public park that will eventually have direct access to the Chattahoochee River.

Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement that the Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation will develop what is being called Lower Paul Park due to its location along Lower Paul Avenue in the Riverside neighborhood in northwest Atlanta.

Purchase of the land was made possible thanks to a partnerships with The Conservation Fund and Park Pride, two of the organizations who are members of the mayor’s newly announced Greenspace Advisory Council.

“Acquiring this land allows the city to provide our residents with public access to the Chattahoochee River and offer needed parkland to the Riverside community – all while preserving beautiful greenspace for future generations,” Dickens said in a statement.

The assemblage for Lower Paul Park consists of 17 greenspace properties. Through a partnership with The Conservation Fund, three parcels were donated for the assemblage by Georgia Power. The city’s purchase contributes to the Trust for Public Land’s Chattahoochee Riverlands vision – a linear, 53-mile river corridor network of Greenways, Blueways and parks to reunite the Chattahoochee River with metro Atlanta.

Regional Counsel and Georgia and Alabama Associate State Director, Stacy Funderburke said, “The Conservation Fund is proud to once again partner with the City of Atlanta Parks Department to make the community vision for a new greenspace along the Chattahoochee River in Northwest Atlanta a reality. This fiveyear long property assemblage will now result in a vibrant new greenspace for the Riverside neighborhood and greatly increase access and recreational connectivity to the Chattahoochee River.”

The Atlanta City Council authorized the purchase of 15 of the parcels in 2021 and additional funding was made possible in part due to grants received by Park Pride and an EPA/Brownfield grant received by The Conservation Fund. Georgia Power and Riverwalk Atlanta donated properties toward the park assemblage as well.

While park specific features are being determined through a park visioning plan led by Park Pride, through continued collaboration with other property owners and stakeholders, the park is anticipated to include a Chattahoochee River Trail with direct access to the Chattahoochee River and a connection to the Whetstone Creek PATH multi-use Trail.

Novelis, a global company headquartered in Atlanta, is the #1 recycler of aluminum in the world, responsible for recycling more than 74 billion cans annually. According to Beatriz Landa, VP of Metal Procurement & Recycling, Novelis is making an impact with local partnerships, such as State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where it is diverting more than 90% of its waste each game day. Another program benefits the community by using proceeds from aluminum collection to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. More at novelis.com/ sustainability. The seventh annual Georgia Bird Fest returns April 23-May 15 with more than 40 events. Nature and bird enthusiasts will gather for field trips, workshops and events to celebrate Georgia’s spring migration period. For details and to register, visit georgiaaudubon.org/birdfest.

Live Thrive’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) ▼Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new River Boardwalk Trail and Connection Bridge last month. The 2,000-foot river boardwalk has been restored using state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable materials, and the pedestrian bridge over Willeo Road includes ADA-accessible ramps. The CNC main campus now connects directly to the River Boardwalk Trail, allowing visitors a safe, uninterrupted experience exploring the riverside campus. Learn more at chattnaturecenter.org.