The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a park in Georgia that is a part of the National Park Service. It includes the Chattahoochee River. The name Chattahoochee is a Creek Indian word that means “painted rock”. This park was established on August 15, 1978. It consists of 48 miles of river and over 6,000 acres of land that goes from the Buford Dam at Lake Sidney Lanier to where the Peachtree River enters the river in northwest Atlanta. Since the establishment of the park, 300,000 visitors come to explore the area each year. Visitors can encounter diverse populations of flora and fauna. This includes over 240 species of birds and over 20 species of fish. Once situated at the park, numerous outdoor activities can take place like hiking, fishing, and tubing. Wherever one goes, one will be met with the beauty of nature.

My purpose here at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is to collaborate with the parks Planning, Resources, and Education Division. As their Summer ’22 Fish and Feathers intern, my main focus will be on restarting their fishing programs. These programs will be available for both the general public and summer camps. Outside of these programs, there will be opportunities for me to participate in water testing, birding programs, and learning the ins and outs of the National Park Service. So far, I have learned more about birding and fishing during my orientation at the YMCA of the Rockies and have settled in at my site. Even with me being in the early stages of my internship so far, I have enjoyed every step of the way. Seeing new sights plus seeing new people has made the overall experience even better than what I expected. I can’t wait to take more action within the park this summer.