Wylde Center – the organization known for its five greenspaces, environmental education, and connecting communities to nature – has a new executive director.
Dr. Jennifer Gerndt joined the nonprofit in January when Stephanie Van Parrys retired after 18 years as executive director. Gerndt inherited a $2.8 million capital fundraising campaign, which is about to be put to use at the main Oakhurst campus of Wylde Center.
Beginning April 1, the Oakhurst campus will be partially closed as major renovations begin on the headquarters building and to the property itself.
Gerndt said new rain gardens and drainage would be added, but the biggest part of the project is making the building ADA-compliant and adding a 30-student classroom. While the plant market, composting and other parts of the garden will remain open, there will be limits and field trips are on hold. The work is expected to take eight months.
In the meantime, Gerndt said to expect more activation at the other gardens that make up the Wylde Center. She said many visitors to the Oakhurst garden, a staple in the Decatur neighborhood for 27 years, don’t realize there are four other unique properties to explore: the nearby Hawk Hollow, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, Sugar Creek Garden in Decatur, and Mulberry Fields in Candler Park.
“We hope people will take the time to explore these other gardens,” Gerndt said. “Each one has its own identity, and we’re hoping to host more events at those gardens.”
Gerndt said one of the biggest – and happiest – surprises on joining the Wylde Center is how each of the communities is invested in their own garden.
“I’ve heard so many stories from parents who were brought to the Oakhurst garden when they were kids and are now bringing their own,” she said. “It’s incredibly exciting to see how communities have embraced the gardens.”
Gerndt brings with her 12 years of nonprofit leadership with almost three years as the…
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