Fulton approved $200,000 for Bear Creek nature education—with hours and reporting requirements

Fulton County’s approved $200,000 contract with Bear Creek Nature Center pairs support for environmental education with concrete public-service obligations: at least 20 operating hours a week and monthly reports on program attendance and volunteer activity.⁠[1][2][3]

Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement on March 18, 2026, under agenda item 26-0162. The funding comes from the county’s general fund through Arts and Culture. The contract’s term begins upon execution and extends through Dec. 31, unless extended or terminated; its electronic signing record shows completion on March 29.⁠[1][2][3][4]

The county’s stated focus is environmental programming targeting South Fulton County, with lessons connecting science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The agreement supports the center’s existing facility at 6300 Cochran Mill Road in Chattahoochee Hills.⁠[3][4]

Bear Creek describes its offerings as field trips, environmental outreach, live-animal encounters and nature trails. The center says it opened in spring 2020 through a grassroots effort by local community members seeking to preserve conservation education in the area.⁠[5]

The center should not be confused with a city-operated park. Although its trails connect to neighboring Cochran Mill Park, Bear Creek says it is a private nonprofit, not managed by Chattahoochee Hills. Its posted admission charges are $3 per person, free for children ages 0–2, plus $2 per vehicle.⁠[5]

To document the county-funded work, Bear Creek must provide a 2026 work plan with goals and objectives, along with a schedule of programs and special events and projected participation. By the 10th of each month, it must report attendance for each environmental program or event, the number of active volunteers and volunteer hours donated during the previous month.⁠[3]

The contract calls for one lump-sum payment upon execution and requires financial records to be available for county audit. The approval and signed-contract records reviewed for this account establish the commitment and its terms, but do not document a payment date or actual participation totals.⁠[2][3]