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The Nature Conservancy Celebrates Earth Day, Offers Georgians Opportunities to Reconnect With Nature

From preserve tours to the Web, The Nature Conservancy celebrates the environment in Georgia and around the world

Atlanta—March 31,2006—As Earth Day draws near on April 22, 2006, The Nature Conservancy is offering Georgians an array of opportunities to celebrate nature and, in particular, to "share their message of hope for the future."

When Earth Day was established by founder Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1962, its purpose was to raise the American consciousness about environmental issues through education.  As a leading land and water conservation organizations in Georgia and across the world, The Nature Conservancy is offering a number of events and activities for the public to learn about the conservation of important natural places at home and throughout the world.

Upcoming Earth Day Events and Activities

12th Annual Hoochie on the Coochie
Friday, April 21, 2006
7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Ring in Earth Day 2006 and celebrate recent conservation successes at The Nature Conservancy's 12th annual Hoochie on the Coochie dinner dance. New to the Hoochie on the Coochie this year is a live auction, featuring a variety of nature-based trips available to the highest bidder.  Included in the auction are visits to two of The Nature Conservancy's flagship preserves, Bear Mountain Lodge in New Mexico and Pine Butte Guest Ranch in Montana. 

The Hoochie on the Coochie dinner dance is open to the public and will be held at the Atlanta home of Tricia and Inman Allen.  Corporate sponsors of the event include Cox Enterprises, Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power Company, Georgia-Pacific, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and REM. The cost is $100 per person; patron opportunities are available. For more information, contact Mimi Bittick at (404) 253-7208 or email mbittick@tnc.org.

Volunteer Work Party at Camp Meeting Rock Preserve
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Near Franklin, Georgia

Give back to nature this Earth Day by taking part in a Nature Conservancy work party at Camp Meeting Rock Preserve in Heard County, Ga.  Work along side The Nature Conservancy stewardship staff to remove invasive species and debris from the preserve. Bring sturdy shoes, work gloves, a hat, and sunscreen. Please contact Malcolm Hodges at (404) 253-7211 or mhodges@tnc.org for details and to register.

An Evening with Janisse Ray
Friday, April 28, 2006
Reception at 6:30 p.m.; Reading at 7:00 pm.
Paideia School Theater in Atlanta

Award-winning author and self-taught naturalist Janisse Ray (at right) will be the featured guest at a reception and reading hosted by The Nature Conservancy and The Paideia School Green Team.

A native of Baxley, Ga., Janisse's writing is inspired by a boundless passion for the environment, particularly Georgia's vanishing longleaf pine forests. Janisse is best known for her book, Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, which contains personal recollections of growing up in south Georgia and showcases her knowledge of nature and her commitment to conservation. Janisse has been a long-time friend and supporter of The Nature Conservancy. She was instrumental in the Conservancy's efforts to protect the longleaf pine forests and bottomland hardwood swamps at Moody Forest Natural Area. 

The event is free, but we ask that guests consider a $10 donation to be paid at the event. For more information, please contact Mimi Bittick, (404) 253-7208 or mbittick@tnc.org.

Etowah River Paddle
Saturday, May 6, 2006
One hour north of Atlanta

Celebrate Earth Day with a paddle on the beautiful Etowah River, one of Georgia's most biologically diverse freshwater systems, containing more imperiled species than any other river its size in the southeastern United States. Bring water, sunscreen, river shoes, binoculars, and a field guide. Lunch will be provided. 

To learn more about the trip and to make reservations, contact Appalachian Outfitters at (800) 426-7117.

The Nature Conservancy's Free Online Earth Day Resources

Share A Message of Hope for the Future
The Nature Conservancy invites you to share a message of hope for the future. Simply upload your thoughts on the future and share your reasons why there is hope for our planet.  Selected entries will be shared online, including Earth Day messages from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, NASCAR driver Ward Burton, Oscar award-winning actor Tom Hanks, and others.  Visit nature.org/earthday to share your message of hope with the world. 

Free Earth Day E-cards 
You can also send your friends and family free Earth Day e-cards to celebrate Earth Day 2006 and our world's natural beauty. 

Celebrate Earth Day Today and Every Day - Join The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy's efforts to preserve the diversity of life on Earth depends solely on the support of its members. Members of The Nature Conservancy are dedicated individuals committed to saving the last great places on Earth, vital to the organization's success in preserving unspoiled, protected lands for future generations.

Members are eligible to receive The Nature Conservancy's quarterly magazine, featuring in-depth updates on conservation projects throughout the world (available with a minimum $50 donation), as well as Landmarks, a quarterly publication offering conservation updates about the places where The Nature Conservancy works (available with a minimum $25 donation).  Learn more about becoming a member of The Nature Conservancy.

Receive Monthly Conservation Updates
Sign up for The Nature Conservancy's free Great Places monthly e-newsletter to stay informed about Earth Day activities near you, as well as on-going conservation work in Georgia.