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Brady Zhou
In 2025, FirstStep continued and expanded its partnership with the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC), with volunteers showing up across multiple seasons and taking on larger responsibilities at major events. We participated in three large CNC volunteer efforts that served thousands of visitors while advancing CNC’s education and conservation mission.
Spring Native Plant Sale (March-April 2025)
To support sustainable gardening and native habitat restoration, FirstStep volunteers helped make CNC’s Spring Native Plant Sale run smoothly. We assisted customers with plant selection, managed lines and traffic flow, and supported logistics and checkout. Through our service, we helped more families bring native plants to their homes and strengthen the local ecosystems.
Butterfly Festival (May-June 2025)
During one of CNC’s most popular seasonal programs, FirstStep volunteers supported nearly every part of the Butterfly Festival. Our team guided guests, assisted with educational stations including face painting and water activities, helped manage operations, and contributed wherever CNC staff needed more help. We helped visitors enjoy a welcoming, organized experience while learning all about butterflies.
Butterfly Encounter (June–August 2025)
Throughout the entire summer, FirstStep participated in CNC’s Butterfly Encounter. Unlike the Butterfly Festival, this program required ongoing commitment, consistency, and teamwork. Volunteers supported daily operations in the butterfly exhibit, guest experience, and educational engagement. They helped CNC deliver a high-quality program for the entire summer.
Across all three events, our volunteers not only provided support but also strengthened our connection to nature, community, and one another. We’re proud of the impact we made in 2025, especially with increased leadership, wider event coverage, and sustained service. We’re excited to return in 2026 with an even larger and stronger First Step team.
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