Inside the vision of Woodlands Garden’s urban sanctuary
During Woodlands Garden’s 2022 “Fairies in the Garden” exhibit, a mother called to see if there was a way for her wheelchair-bound daughter to experience the magic the event has delivered to so many of Decatur’s young nature lovers and their families. It is the type of call that inspires Kate McAlpin. Realizing the need to make the event more inclusive, Kate, Woodlands’ Executive Director, quickly set a plan into motion.
To grant the young girl’s wishes, Woodlands Garden now features fairy homes that are easily viewed from ADA-accessible paths and hardscaped driveways. Each site is selected based on its proximity to sidewalks, with less located among the mulched paths. “By learning what the community wants and needs through feedback, we are able to adjust programs so everyone feels welcome. Being exposed to an event at the Garden is a great introduction for the Decatur community and beyond, with the hope they will feel inspired to return while deepening a commitment to visit, volunteer and donate to our mission.”
The story is a snapshot into what makes Woodlands Garden and its events a prominent part of the community’s environmental and cultural foundation. For more than 12 years, Woodlands has hosted “Fairies in the Garden” in partnership with Skyland Trail and Hillside Atlanta. The free event is one of a wealth of educational programs and events the urban sanctuary offers.
Founded in 2002, Woodlands Garden serves as a testament to the essence of community spirit. Its beginnings can be traced to 1946, when Dr. Chester Morse and Decatur native Eugenia Slack Morse first moved to the then dirt road Scott Boulevard site, an old farm with a honeysuckle jungle. The Morses added to the original small parcel to create the seven-acre tract that is Woodlands Garden. In 2002, they arranged to have their home and property permanently preserved from development, eventually becoming a 501c3 nonprofit with a Board of Directors dedicated to preserving the Morse family vision.
“The Garden is geographically located in the City of Decatur and surrounded by a network of engaged community members. The goal is to provide an entry into the Garden and encourage attendees to return. The Garden’s programs and events hosted within the greenspace follow the parameters of connecting people to the natural environment, specifically the native plants and ecosystem thriving in the Georgia Piedmont.”
By helping to foster a safe, positive environment that sparks excitement, education, whimsy or reflection through events and festivals, Woodlands Garden is creating a community. The events and festivals complement the community into feeling connected. “We think of this in the reverse—this mission shapes the events. From our perspective, the Garden’s mission ‘to preserve a woodland garden as an urban sanctuary to educate and engage the community in the natural world.’ This has helped to shape our events, while enriching a connection to nature as the common thread.”
