On Monday January 19, 2009, WAWA facilitated its annual service day commemorating the values and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Opportunities were provided for service learning in the urban forests of southwest Atlanta, and invasive plant species were removed. Assistance was provided from several local organizations. Ecoaddendum, Trees Atlanta, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Keeping it Wild and Park Pride served as facilitators and crew chiefs leading native plant identification and preservation, work crews, a children’s activity corner, and guided hikes.

Just as important were the volunteers: students from Spelman College and many local families who found out about the day of service from word of mouth and then President Elect Obama’s call for service via the www.usaservice.org website. The volunteers cleared nearly 20,000 sq. feet of invasive plants consisting of English Ivy, Chinese privet, and Japanese Holly.

After working so hard and accomplishing so much, volunteers enjoyed an interpretive hike. They learned about the benefits of trees and natural areas to their overall well being. They also learned how being environmental stewards raises the quality of life of the community. The small children that attended, enjoyed playing on our nature themed playground, crafted birdhouses and participated in activities that taught them about the man we were honoring.

Refreshments were donated, professional services were provided at no cost and many invaluable man hours were put in to restore and preserve a greenspace in what some call, the city too busy to hate. It was a great way to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King.