Thursday, August 28th
7:00–8:30 pm
Outdoor Activity Center
825 Warner Street
Atlanta, GA 30310
Atlanta’s iconic tree canopy is not just beautiful, it is a vital shield against the rising threat of extreme heat. As climate change intensifies and development surges across the city, the need to protect both residents and the urban forest has never been more urgent.
Trees Atlanta invites the community to a powerful evening of learning and action featuring Dr. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks and Quanda Spencer of the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance. These environmental leaders will present UrbanHeatATL, a groundbreaking community science initiative that maps Atlanta’s urban heat islands and empowers residents to advocate for climate justice.
Attendees will gain insight into:
- The science behind urban heat islands and their impact on Atlanta neighborhoods
- How UrbanHeatATL is engaging students and residents in data collection
- Ways communities can use this data to push for equitable, local policies that protect health and green spaces
🎤 Meet the Speakers
Dr. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks Assistant Professor at Spelman College and Executive Director of the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Dr. Jelks is a nationally recognized expert in environmental justice. Her research explores urban health disparities, climate vulnerability, and the intersection of race, place, and pollution. She co-leads
UrbanHeatATL, bringing together students and neighbors to map heat risks and drive change.
Quanda Spencer Environmental Scientist and Volunteer Services Coordinator at WAWA, Spencer is a proud alumna of Albany State University. Her passion for community engagement and environmental stewardship makes her a driving force in Atlanta’s grassroots climate movement.
🌱 Community Resource Share & Youth Activities
Doors open at 6:30 PM for light refreshments, networking, and a vibrant community resource share featuring:
- Partners in Action for Healthy Living
- Sustainable Georgia Futures
- Mayor’s Office of Sustainability / WeatheRISE ATL
- Trees Atlanta Front Yard Tree Program
- Green Team of English Avenue
- Hummingbird Firm / Climate Resilient Atlanta
While adults attend the presentation, Trees Atlanta’s Youth Education team will host a fun, hands-on activity for children. Be sure to register the number of kids in your party so the team can prepare accordingly.
📍 Event Details
- Location: Outdoor Activity Center, 1442 Richland Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
- Transit: Accessible via West End MARTA and Bus 71 (4-minute walk)
- Parking: Limited lot and street parking available—carpooling encouraged
- Cost: Free with registration; donations welcome
- City Forest Certification: Attendees earn 1 Acorn toward Trees Atlanta’s City Forest Certification program
- Safety: Review current Safety Protocols for in-person events
🎟️ Register for this FREE event and be part of the movement to cool Atlanta, protect its people, and preserve its trees.
