but she and Jack-Pack look to be hugging “Atlanta’s largest tree” pretty well.

2013 Champion Art Hunt #FAFATL May 17th-19th

There is no finish line. The whole weekend is open for you, your friends and family to hit your local parks and forest. The Greenspace team begins hiding art in the wee hours of Friday morning so when you wake you can hit your ATL greenspaces. Have to work? Don’t worry… urban scavenger hunting is totally a good excuse to miss. The Greenspace team will continue to hide street art throughout the entire weekend. The event won’t end until all the art is found- all 100+ pieces. Last year it took a month for the last pieces to be scooped up.

What is street art? What is FAFATL? Here’s an amazing clip by Nicole Powell .

How will you find the art?
Create a Twitter account, follow GreenspacesATL and regularly search the hashtags (#) #FAFATL and #Championarthunt.
Create a Facebook, or use your friends and like the Atlanta Greenspace page. The Greenspace team will include a photo of the art, a link to a Google map supported by trees Atlanta, and hints of the drop. Once you have an idea of the location, hit your ATL greenspaces and be the first to find your free art! Don’t forget the #FAFATL movement is about everyone or better yet, Evereman, so don’t take more than one piece! Art is for everyone! It’s the heart of the Free Art ATL movement.

“@blockhead_atl: Dropping off these collab GAs for the #ChampionArtHunt @msatl_ @evereman twitpic.com/coqphm” @greenspacesatl

— Eli (@Dogsfirebeer) May 6, 2013

**Thank you to everyone who has put the work in to make this event possible. We are not an official organization and have no official affiliations. We do this work because we love Atlanta and we love our greenpsaces.

**Thank you to all the artists who make up the Free Art ATL movement. Thank you for bringing our community together through art.

** Thank you to ATLs Non-profit and For-profit community for working together to support our community. We love our local organizations that care for our community and our greenspaces: Trees Atlanta, The Atlanta BeltLine, and all the park organizations that are too numerous to name.

**A personal thanks to Whynatte, a favorite Atlanta-based latte company, for always being there when I can’t stay awake a moment later or when I need impress my friends with an amazing cocktail!

Get to your greenspacesATL! #championarthunt #FAFATL

H-Pack
It’s the Life of a Super Social Worker

Spring is here and the pollen has come too! We hope everyone is enjoying their greenspaces and planning to attend all Atlanta has to offer for spring festivals, concerts, and other park enjoyment.

Updates for the 2013 Champion Art Hunt.
If you are a street artist with interest in participating in the hunt, please contact Eli Dickerson at eli_dickerson@yahoo.com. We will be announcing a drop date and two drop locations for the art. Please plan to have your art complete the beginning of May.

An up-coming meet and great for artist will be held the beginning of May. This will be a great time to get to know some of your fellow Atlanta street artist. The Greenspace team will develop a twitter contact list at the party, so it’s a must attend, if you want the community to find your art during the hunt!!! We will send party invitations out through Evereman so please stay in contact.

The Greenspace team will be participating in a couple community development events leading up to the hunt. This year the main proposed volunteer event is in partnership with the Kroger at 725 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306. Our team plans include building a permanent access point from the Atlanta BeltLine to Kroger. This will increase access from the Eastside Trail to groceries and other resources and continue our mission to get Atlantans to their greenspaces.
The date for this event is not yet scheduled. If you have building or handy-man experience and can help with plan development, supplies, or volunteer work on the day of the event, please contact Hannah Adams at hannahelizadams@gmail.com.

Make sure your calendar is set. The weekend of May 17th-19th 2nd Annual Champion Art Hunt.

Make sure you are following us on Twitter @greenspacesATL and like our team page on Facebook. The event is managed through social media, so it’s important to stay connected and not miss any of the fun. We are so excited Atlanta and we hope you are too!

Get to your greenspaces Atlanta!!!

H-Pack
It’s the Life of a Super Social Worker

We will be hosting two trash clean-up days leading up to our upcoming urban scavenger hunt (May 17-19th). The events will be an opportunity for you to get to know your neighbors and other community members whom also treasure our Atlanta greenspaces. We will host these events the first Sunday of each month, the first scheduled for April 7th, 10am. We will meet at the Kroger on Ponce, AKA Murder Kroger, and begin a walk of the EastSide trail. During the walk feel free to tell others about the upcoming Champion Art Hunt. We will have some propaganda to hand out to make it easy. There will be plenty of spots to stop for coffee and snacks as we near Inman Park. We are excited that Piedmont Park will be allowing us to use gloves and trash-pickup supplies; we are sure to be super efficient and stylish. Please bring family and pets. Everyone is welcome.

Reminders: Bring cameras and phones for pictures; tweet as we go #championarthunt; and bring some trash bags for you and your family.

Maybe some of our famous street artists will make an appearance and drop some art for us to find!!! search #FAFATL (Free Art Fridays ATL) on Twitter!!!

The Atlanta Greenspaces Team is excited to host the 2nd annual urban scavenger hunt. 2012′s Hunt was a huge success with over 85 pieces of art hidden throughout the Atlanta parks and green-spaces.

This year the model will be the same. We will partner with our local street artist community to supply art for the hunt. We will also work closely with Trees Atlanta and Atlanta’s Champion Tree List.

Mark the calendars for the weekend of May 17th for the 2nd Annual Champion Art Hunt! We are expecting double the art as well as double the participants this year! Let’s get out there and enjoy our greenspaces.

We are looking forward to partnering with many Atlanteans again this year!

H-Pack
It’s the life of a super social worker…

Green space lovers are talking. I’ve heard rumors widespread from campsite development to BeltLine supporting growth, but one thing is definitely true: Piedmont Park is expanding. Actually the 200+ acre park, second only to to the quarry park that will be part of the last stages of the Atlanta BeltLine development with a whopping 300+ acres added of park space for the residence of north west Atlanta. Time to buy is now folks but that’s another discussion.

Piedmont Park is adding 53 acres to the north side of the park.

Here’s a excerpt pulled from the park conservancy website:

The Kendeda Fund is supporting the Conservancy’s effort to complete the 1st phase of our 53-acre expansion of Piedmont Park with a new challenge grant, which will match gifts to the Conservancy on a $1 for $1 basis up to $1M. Donor contributions and the Kendeda Fund’s generous match will result in the northern-most corner of Piedmont Park being completed. Our most recent contribution toward that challenge is a generous grant from The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation.

Final construction on Phase 1 will include path and trail lighting, footbridges along Orme and Clear Creeks, a paved Carriage Road bike path, a mulch trail through the 3-acre hardwood forest and additional pedestrian entrances to the Park. To make your donation go twice as far, become a member today.

We all love Piedmont Park. It’s something Atlanta can be proud to claim. Let’s continue to support our park growth. Give a little. Shoot. I’m skipping the over crowded, park destroying Music Midtown next year, and doubling my $65 on park donations to help develop our loved greenspace. I hope you and everyone you know does the same.

It’s the Life of a Super Social Worker!

H-Pack

…but nobody’s listening. What I’m referring to could be the presidential debate, or the gay rights debate, or gun control, but it’s not. I’m talking about our beloved green spaces (and associated politics) here in Atlanta. There’s a lot of hullabaloo surrounding the 40% budget cuts at Fernbank Science Center and the simultaneous ending of a 48 year lease on Fernbank Forest; there’s also talk and concern about dwindling budgets for Atlanta (and DeKalb) city parks, the TSPLOST penny transportation tax, and finally the ongoing project of the Atlanta Beltline. With each of these issues, everyone seems to have a very loud opinion. Well here’s mine- LET’S START LISTENING!
Let’s also start working together towards good solutions, strategies and plans.

Let me focus one of my own personal sanctuaries- the green space known as Fernbank Forest. Fernbank is a treasure. Thanks to the vision of Emily Harrison, Emory University professor W.E.Baker, and many other early 20th century visionaries, this tract of partial old growth forest was protected. For decades, Atlantans would use this as a country picnic retreat or a place for scouts to learn outdoor skills. Many groups practiced birding or honed their botanizing skills. In 1967 a fence was erected. For the next nearly half century, thousands and thousands of DeKalb County students walked through the gated entrance to the forest to take tours and learn more about nature. Many other visitors came as well, including neighbors, visiting tourists, museum-instructor led seasonal tour groups, and volunteers groups to name a few.

Now that gate is (temporarily) closed…. and that’s okay! Fernbank, Inc. is the private, non-profit organization that owns and will (now) manage the forest. They have publicly said they are in a planning phase to develop plans for management and stewardship of the forest. This is a very good thing. Do I wish the forest gates were still open so I could go commune with my favorite tuliptrees and towering white oaks?… YES, of course. But I know that in time the forest will again be accessible to visitors. In fact, that time has come even sooner than expected with forest walks planned for August and September of this year!

Back to my original thought about no one listening… Atlanta is unique in that much of our green space is not necessarily city park land. There are numerous land holders like Emory University, the Frazer Center, Parkwood Garden Club and Fernbank, Inc. to name a few. As Atlanta plans for the future of these green spaces we need to start listening to each other and talking with, rather than about each other. We have the talent, experience, and knowledge amongst us. Now it is up to us to focus on our common goals and start a true conversation on how to best steward our green spaces for all future generations!

~Eli

eli_dickerson(at)yahoo(dot)com

For our many community activist readers, you were privileged to share in learning about an amazing greenspace haven in southwest Atlanta’s, Adamsville Community. My previous post communicated to our community-supporting Mayor, showed that although Collier Heights Park and Recreation Center has a beautiful facility, indoor and outdoor exercise areas, and programs supporting teen development including a stipend, the park was missing one very important need: a trash dumpster.

The youth involved in this teen camp program work five days a week, receiving a stipend. During this time, they work on community projects and gain other life and work skills. A program like this and the others like this one throughout Atlanta is just what we need to show our community we care. Thank you again to all supporters of this program. But there was one BIG problem: the youth that dedicate their weekly summer time to their community and park were forced to through trash directly on the grass in a fenced-in area only feet away from the recreation center. This said something totally different to these youth and to our communities. This instead said that we don’t care about our community and our youth. I knew as a community and greenspace advocate, something had to be done, and I knew who wanted to help: Mr. Mayor Kasim Reed!

I am proud to say: After writing my previous blog, only days later, a trash dumpster was delivered to the site. The residents of this community and the participants in this teen program now have a place to take their trash that is separate from the facility. We are no longer saying that their work is for nothing. We are no longer saying that they are worth no more than trash. Thank you for caring for our community Mr. Kasim Reed, as I knew you would.

Pre Mayor Kasim Reed:

Post Mayor Kasim Reed:

Once again… thank you readers and supporters of Atlanta Greenspaces. Without this online community, growth like this wouldn’t be possible.

H-Pack

It’s the Life of a Super Social Worker
@greenspacesATL
@firestarterATL

Don’t we all know I love Atlanta…. especially our greenspaces!

This City of Trees is my home and I intend to be involved in making it the best it can be.

Through my ventures around our city, enjoying our parks and meeting new people, I’ve come across a new get-a-way! In southwest Atlanta, an area I rarely venture, due highly to Atlanta’s lack of adequate transportation, I found an amazing park.

Our city has been divided by our highways and many communities no longer have access to the necessities they need. Areas such as Adamsville and the surrounding neighbors are almost desolate because people are stuck. No transportation equals no food, no employment opportunities, poorly ranking schools, and a host of other struggles for this community and ones nearby. BUT unfortunately, this isn’t new news, we’ve known this for too long and we just can’t worry. Luckily, my love, the Atlanta BeltLine, will solve many of these issues! (Don’t forget to vote ATL on July 31st!)

So back to the good news…

South west Atlanta has a secret it’s been keeping from us all! Collier Park and Recreation Center is amazing!!

The hidden secret, Collier Park

Collier Park Rec Center Art: A Map of ATL

Map Key, close-up

I had a meeting with a teen camp director and the meeting held much more of an interest than I would have assumed.

What I found was beauty: an amazing park, full of resources, and a community that unites to support their youth. First the resources: the park has tennis and basketball courts and courts. There is an outdoor fitness area that includes tons of information about healthy eating and ways to support a healthy life style. You’ll also find a great playground for your kids and a large, tree covered area for relaxing and eating. I was so blessed to see this diamond in the ruff.

The Collier Recreation Center which host the teen camp I mentioned is amazing also. There is an indoor workout facility, ping-pong tables and a standard kitchen. As I mentioned, I was working with the Teen Camp, specifically the Atlanta Teen Leaders Summer of Service Learning Camp! These youth are provided a camp throughout the summer where they participate in amazing projects all summer long. Many projects are self-directed and others are part of the program for leadership and community development. the most exciting part to this camp is that the youth are provided a stipend for their participation. These youth work full-time and are provided an opportunity to earn money, learn amazing life and job skills, all within their community. A community which is largely unable to provide these opportunities without this park and camp program. THANK-YOU Atlanta Workforce Development Authority for the funds to provide a paid camp for these youth and THANK-YOU City of Atlanta Office of Recreation for developing and overseeing this and similar camps throughout the city.

So why is this blog written to you Mr. Mayor Kasim Reed?! Because I have a request for you. I know how much you love us and how much you love these teens, BUT tell me why has the dumpster been removed the Collier Recreation Center? With all the beauty you see in these pictures, guess what else you see there- TRASH.

Only steps away from this amazing facility, where these youth are working every day to take care of their community, sit bags of trash- surrounded by a fence. Unfortunately, the youth have no dumpster to place trash within. Instead they are forced to clean their beautiful park and put trash within this fence.

Mr. Mayor Kasim Reed I am requesting, with the support of all our readers, twitter followers, and greenspace lovers, that you IMMEDIATELY put a dumpster AND a recycling bin appropriately near the facility.

ATLgreenspace lovers and supporters I know you agree! Contact the Mayor here and let him know what we need!

Our loved Mayor Shirley Franklin supported this facility and we know you wish to do the same.

Here’s just one example of this community’s beauty and why they deserve all of our support and involvement.

“Be the Star you Wish to See”
“Music is Soul”

“Hard Work Pays Off”
“Count Your Blessings Not Your Problems”
“Team Work”
“Friendship is Priceless$”
“Only God Can Judge Me”

These pictures were taken at the site of the closed projects off MLK. The community churches and organizations came together to write messages of hope on the doors of this abandoned facility. The spirit of community overwhelmed me as I walked with a friendly resident I met that day.

Thank you residents of Adamsville and keep up the good work!

I will let you all know when the Mayor takes the appropriate steps to improve this facility!

As always- thanks for reading and enjoying your greenspaces ATL!

-H
It’s the Life of a Super Social Worker
@firestarteratl
@greenspacesATL

Come join the Atlanta Tree Climber Club and take a class with Atlanta Green Space’s very own Eli Dickerson on Saturday, June 30th in Blackburn Park in North Atlanta, GA.  Morning workshop, afternoon climb and potluck picnic!

Details below:

Atlanta Tree Climbing Club

Tree Measuring Workshop led by Eli Dickerson

June 30^th, 2012, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Blackburn Park, Atlanta, GA

Agenda (total 1.5 – 2 hours)

Introduction (15 minutes):

- What is a champion tree?

- Why measure trees?

- When to measure trees?

- Tools used: tape, clinometer, laser rangefinder (cost and where to purchase?)

Measuring Circumference (5-10 minutes):

- DBH/CBH, Midslope question

- Size vs. Age question

Measuring Crown Spread (15-20 minutes):

- Buddy system vs. solo

- Laser vs. tape

Measuring Height (20-30 minutes):

- SIN method and its benefits

- Leaning trees, trees on a slope, trees far below/above you, measuring in parts

Tallying total points for trees and wrap-up/further questions (10 minutes)

Participants try it for themselves! (20-30 minutes)

Eli Dickerson

Eli has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in public administration (non-profit administration).  He has 9 years experience leading environmental education classes and managing volunteers, including with the Piedmont Park Conservancy, where he is currently employed. He truly considers himself a “naturalist” and community advocate.  His hero is the legendary naturalist John Muir.

Eli has been enamored with trees since childhood, but had a renewed interest upon seeing the redwoods, sequoias and Joshua trees during his short time living in California.  His full blown obsession with trees began after hearing Richard Preston speak on his book, The Wild Trees, in Spring 2008.  Soon thereafter, Eli became a member of the Native Tree Society (www.nativetreesociety.org) and learned the techniques of accurate tree measurement.

Beginning in 2009, Trees Atlanta turned over to Eli its “Atlanta’s Biggest Trees” program, a list of all of the champion trees inside the I‑285 perimeter (http://www.treesatlanta.org/atlantasbiggesttrees.aspx). To date, Eli has located, identified and measured well over 1,000 native trees in metro-Atlanta, including roughly 100 city champions, a dozen state champions and 1 national champion tree.

Eli has also worked to compile data culled from fellow Native Tree Society members in order to update a comprehensive list of the tallest trees of Georgia by species. This has led to the discovery of numerous superlative trees, such as the tallest known Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) in North America, which stands at a whopping 56.4’ tall (!) in the Woodlands Garden in Decatur (http://woodlandsgarden.org/).

Starting on Arbor Day, April 27th and lasting until Sunday, April 29th, Atlanta Green Spaces hosted a ‘Champion Art Hunt’ for the people of Atlanta.  The event (sponsored by Trees Atlanta and Whynatte) was FREE, family friendly, and mega-FUN!  A dozen or so local street artists provided 70 pieces of art which were hid around champion trees across metro-Atlanta.  Clues were then given to the public via Twitter and through our Champion Tree Map (and app).  Finders were asked to post their art-i-facts via Twitter and Facebook.  Judging by all of the tweets, emails, messages and smoke signals we received- the inaugural Hunt was a resounding success!  And… we’ve got pictures to prove it: