Atlanta Audubon Society - TogetherGreen Grant

Atlanta Audubon Receives Major TogetherGreen Grant from National Audubon Society and Toyota

Atlanta Audubon and Trees Atlanta Plan Neighborhoods
for Birds, Wildlife and People in Beltline Transformation

One of 41 newly-announced TogetherGreen national innovation grants will enable Atlanta Audubon and Trees Atlanta to make healthy birds and other wildlife a key part of the transformation associated with the ongoing BeltLine Corridor project. Impending expansion and restoration of the city’s urban forest through creation of the project’s BeltLine arboretum brings a unique opportunity to halt the decline of species such as the Brown Thrasher, Common Grackle and Northern Flicker that make up the rich avian heritage of Atlanta’s residents.

A one-year grant will allow the two groups to begin working together and with the community to conserve a bird and wildlife-rich canopy over five square miles in seven of the Arboretum’s “natural neighborhoods.” Work will focus on the ecologically and culturally diverse West Connection, Warehouse Row, Southern Way, the Confluence, New South, Piedmont Park and Entrenchment Creek neighborhoods. Broad initial efforts will include:

Assembling a science-based field analysis of the bird and wildlife species in each neighborhood, with a plan for addressing their needs;

Recommending bird-friendly tree selections appropriate for target species in each neighborhood and participating in efforts to restore them; and

Developing seven educational booklets for each “natural neighborhood” focusing on the unique habitat and wildlife of the area.

Information and funds stemming from the grant will also directly aid two specific initiatives: the Warehouse Row/Triangle Brown Middle School effort to clear out privet and plant trees with the needs of wildlife in mind, and the West Connection project involving site preparation, grading and planting.

The Atlanta BeltLine support is part of the first major grants awarded by the TogetherGreen initiative, a National Audubon Society project with funding from Toyota. Grantees were selected from scores of applicants across America. Funds were awarded to Audubon organizations that demonstrated exceptional innovation in working with other groups on projects that will produce tangible benefits for environmental quality.

“There’s a real opportunity to enhance this BeltLine project for the good of birds, wildlife and people, and we’re happy to be giving these groups the help they need to meet it,” said TogetherGreen Project Manager Judy Braus.

TogetherGreen will invest in both promising environmental projects and outstanding leaders that can shape a brighter tomorrow. Along with Innovation Grants to be awarded each year, TogetherGreen funds and promotes conservation leadership training and volunteer programs designed to equip and engage diverse groups and individuals to take action today to shape a healthier tomorrow. Information on other grantees, along with opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts, showcase successful initiatives, and honor those who are making a difference, can be found at www.TogetherGreen.org.