Annual Wolf Moon Winter Gathering with our Chattahoochee River Nat’l Rec Area Friends

Event & Weather Update as of Sat AM Jan 27th:  This evening's Winter Gathering and its festivities discussed below are definitely still on!  We can expect comfortable temperatures in the 50s both for this event (hosted by CRNRA) and for our optional Jones Bridge "pre-party hike" (with separate AOC registration). Although it will be cloudy and misty all day, less than 1/10th inch of rain is expected until very late Sat night.  There's great shelter inside the Ed Center where the bulk of this party will take place, and on the adjoining huge covered deck.  Let's each bring a little lightweight rain gear or umbrella in case we need it, and we'll be fine!  -Charlie

The following extra note from Ranger Hightower (posted here on Jan 20th) answers questions about food for the Gathering, etc.
"Dear Folks, I am very optimistic that the government shutdown will be over quickly and that the Annual Wolf Moon Winter Gathering will take place as scheduled. Several folks have asked if they could bring side dishes and was this a potluck dinner event. I plan on having a ham and maybe a turkey as well as a number of other hearty dishes. Please bring any dish that you would like to contribute from a bag of chips to a casserole to a dip. However, bringing food to contribute is strictly optional. The most important thing is your presence. This is a very casual, informal open house style gathering of interesting persons. Please plan on joining us and please bring your appetite along with a friend. Also, please remember not to eat dinner before the Wolf Moon Winter Gathering. I very much hope to see you next Saturday night. If necessary you can reach me at jerryhightower.chat@gmail.com. I am also on Facebook. Hope your weekend is filled with smiles.
- Jerry Hightower, Environmental Education Coordinator,
   Planning & Resource Stewardship Div., Chattahoochee River Nat'l Recreation Area"

ORIGINAL EVENT WRITEUP:  We AOCers greatly enjoyed being part of this festive annual winter gathering last January and are excited about offering it again as a Club "participation event."
  Our friend, ranger Jerry Hightower of the Chattahoochee River Nat'l Recreation Area (CRNRA) is again hosting their annual "Wolf Moon Gathering" at the Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center. This will be a great opportunity to meet with Jerry, other key National Park Service personnel, and other outdoor enthusiasts who may not yet be members of our Club.  As usual we expect to enjoy a blazing campfire and lots of delicious food & refreshments - also learn of upcoming opportunities to "give back" to our endangered National Park system and the environmentd.
  Our AOC "subgroup" will gather and introduce ourselves to one another and to other attendees on the top floor rear deck of the Environmental Ed Center beginning a few minutes before 5:00 PM.  (See Directions, GPS Info and Parking advice below.)  No problem if you need to arrive a bit late - also OK if you need to depart at any time before the party is over.

Ranger Hightower's open invitation reads:
Dear Volunteer, Partner, or Friend of the Chattahoochee River,

  You, your family, and your friends are cordially invited to the annual
Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center, 8615 Barnwell Road Johns Creek, Georgia 30022.  It will begin at 5:00 PM and last until about 8:00 PM.
  Gather with friends, old and new, for good food, good conversation, and good companionship. Enjoy the warmth of the great room fireplace, the campfire by the lake and the spirit of the Wolf Moon.
  You are most welcome to bring a festive food item to share with others. Coffee, hot chocolate, water, hot apple cider and lemonade will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own personal beverage. 

Many of us AOCers know and greatly admire Jerry.  An extremely knowledgeable interpreter and advocate for our environmental systems, each year he and his Nat'l Park Service colleagues host numerous free outings and learning opportunities (paddles, nature hikes, etc.).  All of them that we have attended have been very well done.  This is a great opportunity to learn about the Chattahoochee River NRA's upcoming programs and events and to celebrate the New Year with other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

Directions to the Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center, located near 8615 Barnwell Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022
GPS Users can enter this concise Lat/Lon as your Destination Address, being sure to include the comma and minus sign:  33.9899, -84.2582

FROM GA HWY. 400 near ROSWELL, GA:
1.  Take Exit 7, GA Hwy 140, "Holcomb Bridge Road,"
2.  Turn eastward  (toward Norcross) and go about 4 miles to the traffic light at Barnwell Rd. (CVS on right here & Kroger on left).
3. Turn Left onto Barnwell Rd and go about 0 .7 mile and look for the brown & white "Environmental Ed. Ctr" sign on your right.
4.  Turn Right into the small entrance road and go about 0.2 mile to the gravel & grass parking area just beyond the Education Center.

FROM INTERSTATE  I-85 in NE METRO ATLANTA near NORCROSS:
1.  Take Exit 99, GA-140, "Jimmy Carter Blvd."
2.  Turn northwestward on GA-140 (toward Norcross and Roswell) and go about 6.6 miles to the traffic light at Barnwell Road.  (En route via GA-140 you'll cross Peachtree Industrial Blvd where Jiimmy Carter Blvd. becomes Holcomb Bridge Rd, and also you'll cross the Chattahoochee River bridge.)
3. Turn Right onto Barnwell Rd and go 0.7 mile.  As discussed above, look for the Ed Center entrance on your right beside the brown & white sign,
4.  Turn Right into the small entrance road and go about 0.2 mile to the gravel & grass parking area just beyond the Ed.Center. 

We event leaders will RSVP for all AOCers. Should you wish more information, Ranger Jerry Hightower can be contacted at 678-538-1245    jerry_hightower@nps.gov