Dalton, Ga. — The Georgia Water Coalition has named Park Creek Elementary School one of Georgia’s 2025 “Clean 13” honorees, recognizing the school’s leadership in environmental education, habitat restoration, and community collaboration.
The distinction honors Park Creek’s work to restore and protect critical wildlife habitat while creating hands-on learning opportunities for students. When the federally threatened tri-spot darter—a small, brightly colored fish found only in a few waterways of the upper Coosa River basin—was discovered on the school’s campus, Park Creek educators turned the finding into an opportunity to engage students in conservation and science-based learning.
Since 2020, the school has worked alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Dalton State College, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and other partners to improve habitat on and around its campus. Efforts include eliminating invasive species, planting native meadows, restoring stream buffers, and creating pollinator habitats. Students contribute directly through the Georgia Native Seed Network, seed collection projects, and the annual Student Environmental Jamboree, which promotes environmental awareness and career exploration.
“Park Creek’s students are learning that they can make a real difference,” said Principal Brandon Headrick. “By improving what’s around the creek, we’re improving what’s in the creek—and helping protect a species that exists nowhere else in the world.”
Dalton Public Schools commends Principal Headrick, the Park Creek faculty, students, and community partners for their dedication to sustainability and environmental education.
For more information and to view the full Georgia Water Coalition Clean 13 Report, visit https://www.gawater.org/clean-13-reports.
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