Wine and Cheese Sneak Peek Party at the Chattahoochee Nature Center

The new Discovery Center and Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion at the Chattahoochee Nature Center is set to open to the public on June 20, 2009, but you have the chance to tour it beforehand on June 16th with out the crowd. Enjoy a relaxing evening of wine, cheese and music during this exclusive sneak peek opportunity to preview the new Interpretative Center at CNC.

This sneak peek preview event will take place on Tuesday, June 16th from 5:00-8:00 PM, and it will be the first public access to the new Discovery Center at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. The 10,000 sq. ft., LEED-certified center is dedicated to showcasing the ecology of the Chattahoochee River watershed, and will be a fantastic destination to spark your spirit of natural discovery.

This is a unique opportunity to experience our Grand Opening in a relaxed atmosphere with family and friends. Ticket price: $25 per adult. For more information or to order your tickets on-line, click here or call Lynn McIntyre at (770) 992-2055 x224.

Highlights of the New Discovery Center and Lakeside Pavilion at the Chattahoochee Nature Center:

The Explore Your Watershed Gallery will guide visitors on a journey from river-to-wetland-to-forest. Featuring live native animals, interactive games and more, this hands-on, minds-on interactive exhibit will take young people and adults alike on a natural exploration to learn how plants and animals work together to make a watershed thrive.

Also part of the hands-on experience is the Nature Exchange, a unique nature trading post and learning environment where young collectors can bring in found natural items. Trained CNC Naturalists will initiate a discussion with the collector about the item, and award points for it. These points can then be redeemed to trade for other natural items. The purpose of the Nature Exchange is to encourage an interest in the natural world and an understanding of it through personal interaction.

The Chattahoochee River Resource Gallery, located on the upper level, will serve as THE portal of information to the Chattahoochee River watershed. Housed in this unique, one-of-a-kind information gallery is everything a visitor needs to experience the watershed firsthand. From fun outdoor recreation to conservation and restoration efforts, this timely gallery will highlight ways to conserve, rethink, restore and enjoy our vital watershed.

Also featured in the new Discovery Center will be a unique Rooftop Garden Terrace, designed to capture rain runoff, and home to native pants found only on the rocky outcrops of Georgia. It will be a perfect place to enjoy a quiet moment of reflection during your busy visit, with a view of the Chattahoochee River in the background.

Beyond the new Discovery Center will be the new Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion overlooking Kingfisher Pond, and a perfect place to view wildlife up close in its natural setting. Native flora will abound in our six newly created garden terraces, each showcasing native trees, shrubs and flowers. On the Wildlife Walk, visitors will enjoy up close and personal views of native hawks, owls and vultures. CNC's eagle aviary and the beaver habitat will be highlights of the Walk. Our five wooded hiking trails cover beautiful Georgia Piedmont forests, and will make visitors feel like they are far removed from the city. Our rustic river boardwalk, unique to metro Atlanta, brings visitors up close to the river that provides drinking water to most of the area.

In addition to the numerous exhibits, gardens and trails, CNC will offer a wide variety of daily nature-focused activities. From garden tours to raptor feedings, visitors will discover a different adventure every time they visit.

Here's more great stuff happening at the Chattahoochee Nature Center:

• Canoe with your family for a relaxing eco-adventure in Atlanta
• More to Do and See at Georgia's Greenest Nature Center - Opening June of 2009
• The Nature Exchange opens at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in June of 2009
• A new wildlife facility in Atlanta for injured animals
• Summer camps in Atlanta - Camp Kingfisher is voted #1
• The best birthday party in Atlanta