Wright Environmental Education Center has been open for two years and is an official project of the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County (MGVOCC.) One of the most frequent tasks is the removal of invasive plants. Volunteers are greatly needed to assist them in their conservation effort.
The Jean and Elwood Wright Education Center is a 19+ acre urban forest surrounded by residential neighborhoods and businesses. From late 1940s to early 2000s it was owned by Jean and Elwood Wright. Jean Wright worked tirelessly to transform what originally was a farm into a woodland of native plants, rescued from commercial and residential development. Near the end of their lives, Jean and Elwood placed their property under a conservation easement to maintain this haven for unusual, rare and endangered plants. Cobb County Parks assumed ownership in 2003 and named the new park after Jean and Elwood Wright. The house was renovated to create classrooms and a meeting space for visitors. For the last 14 years almost 2,000 people per year visit the Center. Their focus is to teach elementary science students, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in its classrooms and on the trails.
MGVOCC entered discussions with Cobb County Parks about partnering to transform the overgrown forest into a biologically diverse garden by removing invasive, non-native species, pruning overgrown shrubs and introducing native species listed in the conservation easement. Work began July 13, 2015, and what started out as an experiment quickly became an official project of the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County. To date, approximately 5 of the 19 acres have been cleared of most of the invasive plants, but now they need your help!
Many volunteers are needed to assist with this invasive plant removal effort. Eleagnus, Privet, and Wisteria are most prevalent. Volunteers will meet every Thursday from 8:00am-11:00am. You would be welcome any time during that interval. Feel free to assist every week, or whenever your schedule permits. The work environment is well-shaded and the group is fun! All you need to bring are pruners, loppers, gloves, and bug spray. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Anyone interested in knowing more may contact Judy Beard: judybeard1@gmail.com or 404-234-5030
