CNPC Launches Island Ford Trail Project, largest in group’s history
The Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy has launched the Island Ford Trail Project, the largest initiative in its history and the first phase in a multi-year effort to improve the 66-mile trail network at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
The project is the first major implementation of the park’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan, which outlines a long-term vision to improve safety, sustainability and visitor experience across all 15 park units. The park, part of the National Park System since 1978, recorded 2.9 million visitors in 2023, ranking 31st in visitation among national parks.
Trail work begins at the Island Ford Unit, home to the park’s headquarters and visitor center. The project aims to address ecological concerns while enhancing the quality of the trail system.
“With visitation on the rise, many of the park’s trails are outdated and were never built for long-term use,” said Brittany Jones, executive director of CNPC. “This project balances environmental protection with the needs of today’s visitors.”
The effort comes amid funding uncertainty and staffing challenges within the National Park Service. Jones acknowledged the difficulties but emphasized the group’s commitment to supporting the park.
Phase 1 began in early 2024 with a planning study led by Alta Planning + Design and NPS-led assessments. Phase 2, scheduled for completion by December 2025, includes:
- 2.2 miles of new trail construction
- Resurfacing and repairs
- Erosion control and drainage work
- Safer, well-marked loops
- A redesigned trailhead at the visitor center
The park has more than $53 million in deferred maintenance needs. Trail restoration has been identified as a cost-effective way to improve infrastructure.
Funding support includes a major grant from the National Park Foundation. CNPC encourages the public to donate, volunteer or share information about the project.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta History Center announces summer programs, author talks
The Atlanta History Center has released its summer programming schedule, including free public events, author talks and community programs throughout June and July.
Juneteenth Celebration
The annual Juneteenth program will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 15, at the Buckhead campus. Admission is free. The event will focus on the legacy of Black artisanship through craft demonstrations, storytelling and interactive displays.
Community Events
Party with the Past will take place Wednesday, June 25, starting at 6:30 p.m. in Virginia-Highland. This free bar crawl highlights the history of the neighborhood and its long-standing local bars.
Comedy and Conversations will be hosted at the Midtown location’s Margaret Mitchell House at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26. The program will explore the women’s suffrage movement in Georgia through discussion and comedy.
History on the Rocks: Cyclorama Spritz is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at the Buckhead campus. The event includes a scavenger hunt, a screening, and one complimentary drink.
Author Talks
All Author Talks take place at the Buckhead campus unless noted:
- June 3: Becky Aikman discusses “Spitfires”
- June 4: Elizabeth Musser in conversation with Carolyn Curry
- June 10: Kevin Sack discusses “Mother Emanuel”
- June 11: Katie Mitchell presents “Prose to the People”
- June 20: Kristin Harmel on “The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau”
- July 9: Steve Oney discusses “On Air” at the Midtown campus
- July 17: Lauren Francis-Sharma discusses “Casualties of Truth”
Awards
The History Center received three Silver Telly Awards for digital content. Projects recognized include the podcast “1912: The Forsyth County Expulsion and Its Aftermath” and the exhibit “They Were No.1: The Ichiban Records Story.”
More details are available on the Atlanta History Center website.
— Derek Prall
‘Made in Doraville’ documentary offers sneak peek screening June 21 at Tara Theatre
“Made in Doraville,” a documentary about transformation, identity and resilience in one of the South’s most diverse communities, will debut with a hometown screening Saturday, June 21, at the historic Tara Theatre.
The film was created by Doraville natives Caroline Camick, Lisa Edmondson and Karen Ketchum. Co-directed by Camick, a former educator, the documentary follows Doraville’s shift from a General Motors factory town to a multicultural hub. Stories from longtime residents, artists, immigrants, and entrepreneurs highlight the community’s ongoing change.
“Doraville has always been a place where people come to build something new,” Camick said.
The film features an original song, “Dear Doraville,” written by Edmondson and composed by Jeff Clein and Joel Stewart. Edmondson said the film explores themes of belonging, cultural identity and the evolving nature of Southern towns, especially as the Assembly Atlanta development rises on the former GM plant site.
Producer Karen Ketchum called the project a reflection of the strong community bonds in Doraville. Cast member Claude Willis said the film helped him see his own story in a new way.
“Made in Doraville” will screen at events across Georgia and is under submission to film festivals.
More information is available on the film’s website.
— Derek Prall
Open Hand Names Christina Nail Director of Development and Marketing
Open Hand, one of the nation’s largest community-based providers of home-delivered meals and nutrition services, has named Christina Nail as its new director of development and marketing.
Nail previously served as senior community events manager at Open Hand, where she led fundraising events through strategic planning, budgeting and project management. She brings extensive experience in fundraising, event marketing and team leadership.
In her new role, Nail will focus on expanding the organization’s visibility, increasing philanthropic support and strengthening strategic partnerships to advance Open Hand’s mission of delivering medically tailored meals and nutrition education to individuals living with chronic illness.
“Christina’s deep knowledge of the nonprofit landscape, along with her passion for our mission, makes her a tremendous asset to Open Hand,” said Matthew Pieper, CEO of Open Hand. “We’re excited to welcome her to our leadership team as we work to grow our impact.”
— Derek Prall
Trust for Public Land Expands McIntosh Reserve in Carroll County
The Trust for Public Land has finalized the purchase of 327 acres of riverfront property to expand McIntosh Reserve, increasing the park’s total size to 1,750 acres. The acquisition marks a major milestone in the Chattahoochee RiverLands initiative.
The newly protected land adds nearly two-thirds of a mile of frontage along the Chattahoochee River and safeguards habitat for 19 rare and priority species, including the bluestripe shiner, highscale shiner and bald eagle. It also preserves land of cultural and historical importance, with archaeological evidence of human activity dating back to 8,000 B.C. and ties to the Muskogee (Creek) Nation.
“This is a transformational moment for the Chattahoochee River,” said Georgia Dusenbury, Georgia state director for Trust for Public Land.
A community event on May 22 marked the opening of the final stop on the 48-mile Camp + Paddle Trail, with the expanded McIntosh Reserve serving as its southernmost access point.
“This is more than a park expansion—it’s a bold step toward realizing the RiverLands vision,” said Michelle Morgan, chair of the Carroll County Commission.
The project also supports future connections to Moore’s Bridge Park and Chattahoochee Bend State Park, part of a planned 100-mile regional trail network.
— Derek Prall
Great to see local projects growing and community stories highlighted through programs and creative initiatives.