Meetings Info
Learn Something New
September 2026
"Native Azaleas for Georgia"
Caston Noorullah, DeKalb County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent
Caston grew up in Atlanta and received her bachelor's degree in horticulture from the University of Georgia. After graduating, she worked on a local farm and retail nursery until returning to Atlanta to garden at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, working with volunteers and focusing on native and pollinator plants. She has experience throughout the horticultural field, including local food systems and community outreach. She is passionate about connecting with nature and helping others do the same.
She will be discussing native azaleas species and how to successfully grow them in home landscapes. This presentation will cover site selection, planting, and care, as well as ideas for incorporating these stunning native shrubs into residential gardens and landscape designs.
October 2026
"The Enchanting Life of Bees"
Cynthia Hodges, 'Hodges Honey' Apiaries
Cynthia Hodges is a native of Atlanta and a graduate of Emory University. She and her husband own and operate 'Hodges Honey' apiaries with hives in Dunwoody and have hives in several other towns in Georgia. Her passion is raising healthy local colonies while exploring the art of suburban beekeeping. She first became interested in bees via neighbors' bee hives when she heard the buzzing from underneath the hives and became fascinated.
She is a Master Craftsman Beekeeper and is the beekeeper for the Dunwoody Nature Center. She has won many awards at the local, state and international levels. She is involved in the Junior Beekeeper project as well. She is also a prize-winning photographer, photographing bees at work. She has been interviewed on TV for the Georgia Outdoors Program and has published in several magazines.
Cynthia is going to bring her honey to sell after the meeting.
November 2026
"The Rosalyn Carter Butterfly Trail"
Jacobus (Jaap) de Roode, Professor at Emory University
Jaap studied biology at the Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and obtained his PhD in evolutionary biology from the University of Edinburgh. He is currently the Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where he studies parasites of monarch butterflies and honey bees. He teaches introductory biology to undergraduate students, and directs the Infectious Diseases Across Scales Training Program, which trains graduate students in the study and control of infectious diseases.
He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and is on the board of directors of the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail, a non-profit organization that focuses on recreating native habitat for pollinators. He has worked as a freelance science journalist, and recently published his popular-science book Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves.
December 2026
"Holiday Luncheon" (no program)
No formal program today. Our holiday luncheon is always an enjoyable event, with games, good food and lots of fellowship.
January 2027
"Soil Building"
Raleigh Wasser, Shades of Green Permaculture
Raleigh is the design director of Shades of Green Permaculture, a landscape design company in Avondale Estates.
February 2027
"Making Valentine Mug Flower Arrangements" (no program)
No formal program today. Members will join together to create simple but beautiful Valentine-themed floral arrangements. These will be delivered to several local assisted living communities, to provide some beauty and Valentine cheer.
March 2027
"Fragrances for All Garden Seasons"
Carole MacMullan is a North Fulton Master Gardener and Milton, GA, resident. She taught biology for 35 years in the Pittsburgh area. After moving to Georgia to be closer to family in 2012, she completed the Master Gardener course and joined the North Fulton Master Gardeners. She speaks on a variety of gardening topics for the North Fulton Master Gardener Lecture Series and Speakers Bureau. She also volunteers weekly at the Assistance League of Atlanta thrift store and chairs their Links to Education scholarship program.
She will bring actual greenery cuttings to her talk to demonstrate the different smells and fragrances that she discusses.
April 2027
"Swing Into Spring" Work Day (no program)
No formal program today. Members will prepare for the annual fundraiser coming up on April 9, 2027.
May 2027
"Officer Installation and Luncheon" (no program)
No formal program today. Members will gather to celebrate the year's activities and install the new group of officers for the upcoming term.