National Park Week Guided Paddle w/ Trees ATL & GA Conservancy
Aug 29, 2026
09:00 AM
Saturday, August 29thGarrard Landing Park to Don White MemorialCelebrate National Park Week with a splash on the ’Hooch! Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy in partnership with Trees Atlanta and Georgia Conservancy, for an unforgettable morning on the Chattahoochee River. We’ll paddle from Garrard’s Landing to Don White Memorial Park. This is a beautiful 7.5‑mile stretch that blends calm, scenic floating with just the right amount of excitement. Expect gentle riffles, playful Class I and II waves, and plenty of time to enjoy the forested banks, wildlife, and sweeping river views that make this section so special. We will stop at Island Ford to eat lunch (please pack.)Important Note:All participants will meet at Don White Memorial Park and be shuttled to the launch point at Garrard’s Landing. Please arrive by 9:00 AM to sign the volunteer waiver and board the shuttle. Important Note:All participants will paddle in tandem (2-person) kayaks. If you do not register with a partner, you will be paired with another participant. Youth (ages 17 and below) must register with and paddle alongside a guardian or a guardian-approved adult.Meet Our Interpreters: Shaundon Moore is a conservationist specializing in wildlife conservation, freshwater science, and environmental education. He serves as the Stewardship Trips Manager with the Georgia Conservancy, leading hiking, paddling, and stewardship experiences that connect people to Georgia’s natural landscapes. He previously served as Park Ranger and Naturalist at Arabia Mountain and is known for creating culturally rich outdoor experiences, including the Westside Chattahoochee Paddle, Atlanta’s first cultural paddling tour highlighting Black and Indigenous history. Shaundon is a certified kayak instructor, master herpetologist, and holds a Master’s in Conservation Biology.Amy Nicholas, a native Floridian, has worked across the conservation field from lobbying and land management to environmental education, fundraising, and outreach with experience at Alachua Conservation Trust, the U.S. Forest Service in Sequoia National Forest, and as an AmeriCorps Resource Educator at CRNRA. In her role at CNPC, Amy focuses on corporate and community engagement, park programming, and fundraising. She is committed to expanding and diversifying access to national parks so they can be enjoyed by all. Outside of work, she loves exploring Metro Atlanta’s green spaces, playing music, and spending time with her cat, Betty White.Maxine and Kent Watkins are active Trees Atlanta Docents who lead regular Tree ID walks with CNPC. They live in Sandy Springs. They enjoy hiking and exploring new parks during their free time. They've been supporting Trees Atlanta's mission for years by planting, pruning and leading toursGeorgia Conservancy’s mission is rooted in homegrown conservation, working to ensure healthy lands, thriving communities, and a future where every Georgian can enjoy the outdoors for generations to come. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on stewardship, the organization has spent more than 50 years protecting Georgia’s land, water, and coast while promoting sustainable growth alongside conservation. Trees Atlanta protects and improves Atlanta's urban forest through tree planting, greenspace conservation, and community education. Their efforts aim to enhance air quality, lower urban temperatures, and foster healthier, more equitable neighborhoods.Good To Know meet at 9:00 am at Don White Memorial Park 925(B) Riverside Rd, Roswell, GA 30075 and be shuttled to the launch point at Garrard’s Landing. Please arrive by 9:00 AM to sign the volunteer waiver and board the shuttle.Getting Here: Meet at Don White Memorial Park 925 Riverside Rd, Roswell, GA 30075. Free parking is available. Age Requirement: Participants must be 9 years or older. Those under 18 must register and paddle with a Guardian-approved adultWhat to Bring and Wear:Bring your own lunch, snacks, and water bottle (1-2 liters).Wear Athletic or Quick Dry Clothing (if you have swim or watersport specific clothing that’s fine too) You can also keep a change of clothes in your car.Sun protection (e.g. hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)Closed-toe water shoes or sandals with heel strapWaterproof bag for personal itemsSafety and Inclement Weather Policy:This paddle will be rescheduled if:River flows exceed 5,000 CFSE. coli levels are highThere is heavy rain and/or lightning in the areaIf anything changes, participants will be notified by Education@treesatlanta.org . Proposed rain date is Sept 26.Questions: If you have any questions or comments regarding this event, please email education@treesatlanta.org.Follow Trees ATL on Social Media. Share your photos and tag with them!Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin | Youtube
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