Announcing Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Hightower Award

Press Release

ROSWELL, GA, February 9, 2023 – The Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), the primary philanthropic partner and official Friends Group of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), announces the creation of the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Hightower Award. The award will be given to those whose efforts and dedication have had a lasting and positive impact on the CRNRA and its community. This award is named in honor of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Park Ranger Jerry Hightower, who is also the first recipient. 


Ranger Hightower’s relationship with the CRNRA predates its creation. He grew up exploring the creeks and woods that would one day comprise the park. Hightower’s twin passions are conserving natural lands and educating about environmental stewardship. When he returned from the VietNam War, he worked to protect the Chattahoochee River which led to President Carter signing the bill that created the CRNRA in 1978. Ranger Jerry became one of the first employees of the new national park.


As a park ranger at CRNRA, Ranger Hightower believes that the future of the environment lies in young people who love the natural world, and he has developed and presented a number of educational programs and events that have affected not only countless students and young people but also adults. He was the first coordinator of the Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center where school groups and other young people have come to learn about the ecosystem of the river. He also leads the CNPC’s Discovery Days at Sibley Pond in which underserved youth come to the park, get on the water and learn about the ecology of the pond firsthand. Many of CNPC’s members have also enjoyed his nature hikes and wildlife presentations including his popular Owl Prowls. Perhaps most importantly, he has traveled the Southeast for decades educating the educators in order to expand the message, helping to found the Environmental Education Alliance and working with Project WET (Water Education Today) and Project WILD (wildlife-based conservation). 


Ranger Hightowner has already received significant awards: Captain Planet Superhero for the Earth Award; Atlanta Magazine Heroes of the Hooch; Environmental Education Alliance (EEA) Eugene Odum Lifetime Service Award; and the Sandy Springs Conservancy Greenspace Champion Award. We at CNPC salute Ranger Hightower for his career of dedicated service to the park, to environmental education and to future generations of Georgians. We are overjoyed to name this award, honoring those who make the CRNRA the jewel of Atlanta parks, after Ranger Hightower. 


CNPC will be presenting Ranger Hightower with the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Hightower Award at CNPC’s benefit, Party for the Park, on March 21, 2023. The benefit is hosted by Sweetwater Brewing Company from 6-9 p.m. To register or learn more, go to www.ChattahoocheeParks.org/Events.


About Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy: Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) is the official friends group and primary philanthropic partner forthe Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a series of fifteen park units along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta. Our mission is to build a community of support for the CRNRA and promote stewardship of its natural and cultural resources. CNPC is celebrating its tenth year supporting the CRNRA. 


About Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: The CRNRA makes up 20% of the metro Atlanta area’s public greenspace and is an accessible source of recreation and education, boasting diverse natural resources and historical significance. The park’s 7,000+ acres is made up of 15 units along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River, designated the first National Water Trail in 2012, and runs through Cobb, Fulton, Forsyth, and Gwinnett counties. 


 

Support Your Local National Park

If you enjoy CRNRA, consider supporting the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). Your donation helps maintain and improve our beautiful trails and river, ensuring they remain a top destination and escape for metro Atlanta. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving this natural treasure for future generations.

Support CRNRA

Related Posts

Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Launches Campaign to Preserve Historic Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins

July 24, 2026
Conservancy will begin first phase of multi-year restoration project at one of metro Atlanta's most beloved historic landmarks 

East Palisades: A Guide to One of Atlanta's Favorite Hikes, from the Dog Beach to the Bamboo Forest

By Zheer Saeed • July 20, 2026
Whether you're an Atlanta native or just looking for a nice nearby hike during your weekend visit, chances are you've been told to find the "Atlanta bamboo forest" or visit the "dog beach" -- both of which are located at East Palisades and part of your local national park! Just inside I-285 in Sandy Springs, towering bluffs overlook the Chattahoochee River, miles of wooded trails wind through mature forest, and a hidden bamboo grove has become one of the park's most recognizable destinations. East Palisades is one of the most visited sections of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), and for good reason! As the official nonprofit partner of CRNRA, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) works alongside the National Park Service to preserve and support places like East Palisades. Memberships, donations, and volunteer support help fund trail improvements, habitat restoration, visitor programs, and projects that keep the park welcoming for millions of visitors each year. Here's what to know before your visit!

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Announces Reopening of Island Ford Trails

July 2, 2026
Via NPS.gov Date: July 1, 2026 SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area today announced the reopening of the Island Ford trail system following maintenance and restoration work completed as part of the park’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan. This effort reflects the National Park Service’s commitment to visitor safety, resource protection and high-quality outdoor experiences. Located along a scenic stretch of the Chattahoochee River, the Island Ford unit offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, photography and access to tranquil, forested landscapes. The project was implemented through a public-private partnership between the NPS and the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, with a professional trail construction crew completing the work. Park staff and volunteers will continue to monitor and maintain the trails moving forward. CNPC, the park’s official philanthropic partner, raised more than $400,000 to support the design and construction of these improvements through the generosity of individual donors and the broader community. The project added approximately 2 miles of new trails, expanding the system from 4.8 miles to nearly 7 miles. These routes provide access to previously hard-to-reach areas and introduce clearly defined loops and out-and-back options to improve navigation, discourage informal trails and support long-term sustainability. “The Island Ford trails are a cornerstone of the visitor experience at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area,” said Superintendent K. Lynn Berry. “With these improvements, we are not only restoring trails, we are strengthening the foundation of this park for years to come. This project is a testament to what can be accomplished through strong partnerships, and we are incredibly grateful to the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy and the community whose support made this work possible.” “This project is a powerful example of what’s possible when a community comes together to support its national park,” said Brittany Jones, Executive Director of the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy. “Through the generosity of our donors and partners, CNPC was able to fully fund these improvements, enhancing the visitor experience while protecting the natural resources that make Island Ford so special.” Visitors returning to Island Ford will experience improved trail surfaces, enhanced signage and refreshed wayfinding to support safe navigation throughout the network. The park encourages all guests to practice Leave No Trace principles, remain alert to changing conditions, and help protect sensitive natural and cultural resources. For the latest updates on conditions, programs and visitor information, please visit the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area website or follow the park on official social media channels. About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov .