Stewardship in Action: Touch the Earth at Chattahoochee Bamboo Forest

On Sunday, March 2nd, Georgia State’s Touch the Earth Outdoor program embarked on a meaningful stewardship hike at the Chattahoochee Bamboo Forest. This beautiful trail just outside of downtown Atlanta is known for its riverside hikes and unique bamboo forest, making it a great escape from the urban city.

Its location near Atlanta means it not only gets high use, but trash also often flows down the river and collects in the area, especially after all our recent rain and flooding. Michelle and Fio, along with 15 dedicated participants, hiked roughly four miles of trail while collecting litter along the river, ultimately removing an impressive 20 bags of trash. The outing was not just about enjoying nature—it was about giving back to it. Everyone was fully engaged, working together to ensure this hidden gem remained a pristine space for all to enjoy.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the experience was the sense of community that formed throughout the day. Our efforts did not go unnoticed—other hikers joined in, handing us their trash or helping collect litter along the way. Their encouragement made this an even more fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

This trip exemplified the power of collective action in preserving our outdoor spaces. We are incredibly grateful to all who joined us, and we definitely intend to do more trips like this. A huge thank you to National Park Trust for making this experience possible and enabling us to restore this beautiful trail and make a change in our local community.