Cascade Springs Nature Conservancy

How the Children of the Civil Rights Era Created America’s Largest Urban Forest

This was the theme of our first-ever MLK Day of Service at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, where volunteers and families gathered to learn, serve, and deepen their connection to one of the most important urban forests in the United States.

During the event, participants explored the legacy of the Utoy Creek Forest — a rare example of a historic community protecting a watershed, preserving greenspace, and building social capital over multiple generations. Through hands-on activities, volunteers learned about natural resource management, urban forest sustainability, watershed health, and forest restoration techniques used to maintain and protect this fragile ecosystem.

The level of interest in this inaugural event was remarkable, with our volunteer roster filling quickly and the Preserve alive with energy, curiosity, and service. The day also marked the graduation of our Community Advisory Green Team, a cohort of volunteers who will support the Cascade Springs Nature Conservancy’s mission throughout the year.

It was inspiring to see families, students, neighbors, and visitors working together to care for the forest and carry forward a legacy of stewardship that has quietly shaped the landscape of Southwest Atlanta for more than half a century.

We are grateful for everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, and contributed their time toward protecting the forest and strengthening the community around it. Together, we are helping to ensure that the Utoy Creek watershed — one of the nation’s most important urban forests — remains a natural refuge and learning environment for future generations.

📸 Photo highlights include stewardship work, watershed education, and the graduation of our inaugural Community Advisory Green Team.

Happy Holidays to you, your family, and your friends. The weather is perfect for a holiday hike. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a new year filled with adventure and abundance. 🎄

Sign up and have the joy of starting the year off in-service of your west Atlanta community👊🏼🤝👏

🌲 MLK Day 2026 | Cascade Springs Community Day of Service 🌲
🕘 9AM–12PM | Cascade Springs Nature Preserve

This MLK Day, join the Cascade Springs Nature Conservancy for a powerful Day of Service in the forest — honoring Dr. King through stewardship, restoration, and community care.

We’re proud to be partnering with Hands On Atlanta to bring neighbors together for a morning of hands-on service, connection, and giving back to one of Atlanta’s most treasured natural spaces.

🌿 Forest restoration
🤝 Community service
🥗 Food & fellowship
💚 All are welcome

👉 Free registration via Hands On Atlanta (see flyer / QR code)

Come serve, connect, and celebrate MLK Day the Cascade Springs way — by caring for the land and each other.

🌿 Restoration Day 2025: Environmental Leadership Class of 2025 🌿

We’re proud to announce the successful completion of our Restoration Day Environmental Leadership Class of 2025! 🎓

This year’s event brought together an inspiring and diverse group of participants — from community residents to student teams representing Georgia Tech’s VIP Program, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Georgia State University, and Atlanta Public Schools.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in hands-on learning, explored the history of Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, and learned about the legacy of environmental stewardship in the Utoy Creek Watershed.

It was a day of collaboration, learning, and leadership — all in service of protecting our city in a forest. 🌳💚

📸 Here’s the photo of the graduating Class of 2025!