Outdoor Enthusiast Melody Harclerode Invites You to Explore the Beauty & Wonder of One of The Most Captivating Greenspaces in Atlanta
Interviewed By Maryan Aiken
“Blue Heron Nature Preserve is Thirty acres of picturesque wetlands, woodlands, creek areas, and meadows That inspire our mission To Connect People With Nature.”
Melody Harclerode. FAIA. executive Director. blue heron nature preserve
Melody Harclerode, FAIA
Executive Director
University of Notre Dame
Architecture
Company Name: Blue Heron Nature Preserve
Company Established: 2000
Number of Employees: 3 Full-Time and 3 Part-Time Employees
4055 Roswell Road NE; Atlanta, Georgia 30342
404-946-6394
https://bhnp.org
Charity Involvement: American Institute of Architects
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ABOUT BLUE HERON NATURE PRESERVE
Founded as a nonprofit organization in 2000, Blue Heron Nature Preserve connects people with nature at our 30-acre City of Atlanta Park and in the greenspaces in their communities through conservation, environmental education, and nature-inspired arts.
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ABOUT MELODY
I love to uplift places and people. The 1996 Olympics drew me to Atlanta, and I spent years as an architect. In 2018, my professional association, the American Institute of Architects, elevated me as a Fellow for the national impact of my K-12 design education programs, Institute leadership, and writings. Volunteering with the AIA gave me the experience and skills to transition from the field of architecture to nonprofit greenspace management. Roles at Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and the Sandy Springs Conservancy gave a strong foundation to become Executive Director at Blue Heron Nature Preserve. In my spare time, I enjoy writing quarterly columns for Atlanta Intown, hosting my Uplifting Places podcast, travelling to awe-inspiring natural and architectural sites, and relaxing with my husband, children, family, and friends.
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Q: What is your ultimate role/responsibility for your company?
I engage a dedicated staff, the Board of Directors, volunteers, and supporters to preserve, protect, and promote one of the most environmentally wondrous greenspaces in Atlanta. Thirty acres of picturesque wetlands, woodlands, creek areas, and meadows at Blue Heron Nature Preserve inspire our mission: we connect people with nature through innovative conservation projects, environmental education programs, and nature-inspired art exhibitions.
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Q: Can you tell us what you think are the two most important aspects of this role?
Public relations with community and environmental partners and fundraising rank as the two most important aspects of my role as Executive Director. Both aspects are rooted in cultivating and sustaining strong relationships.
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BLUE HERON NATURE PRESERVE
Founded as a nonprofit organization in 2000, Blue Heron Nature Preserve connects people with nature at our 30-acre City of Atlanta Park and in the greenspaces in their communities through conservation, environmental education, and nature-inspired arts.
4055 Roswell Road NE; Atlanta, Georgia 30342
404-946-6394 https://bhnp.org
Q: What factors led to your biggest success?
Becoming an AIA Fellow with the American Institute of Architects in 2018 required sustained national leadership, resourcefulness, national impact and results, and the joy of building coalitions of volunteers with shared interests. I am committed to mentoring other architects, especially ones of color, with successfully making this journey as an AIA Fellow. In the greenspace field, I am delighted to work with Blue Heron Nature Preserve staff as we inspire the next generation of leadership.
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Q: What do you like most about what you do?
I love to help outdoor enthusiasts with experiencing the beauty and wonder of one of the most captivating greenspaces in Atlanta through conservation, environmental education, and arts initiatives.
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Q: What exciting projects are you working on?
Blue Heron Nature Preserve is developing some projects in the coming months, including the construction of a new rear deck and a new terrace at our iconic office headquarters. This rear deck will overlook a former pond that has been transformed over a decade into a wetland. The terrace will give us programming opportunities. Projects, like a new deck and terrace, will enhance visitor experiences with nature at the Preserve.
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