M. A. CENTER
Atlanta

GreenFriends

Caring for the Earth

For nine years, M.A. Center Atlanta has tended an organic vegetable garden — raised beds enriched with natural compost, growing a variety of seasonal vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, okra and cucumbers. The garden provides fresh, chemical-free produce and serves as a community-building and educational space for children and adults alike.

Rainwater Harvesting & Pollinators

To conserve water, the center installed a rainwater harvesting system — two 275-gallon IBC totes that collect roof runoff to irrigate the garden and landscaping, reducing reliance on the county supply. A dedicated bird and butterfly garden of native flowering plants supports pollinators and biodiversity, and fruit trees — pear, plum, apple, fig, persimmon and, most recently, two satsuma oranges — are planted as a lasting legacy for the community.

River Clean-Ups

Each year the community joins the Rivers Alive organization for waterway clean-ups around Amma's birthday — one recent year, volunteers gathered over 200 pounds of trash — and partners with Alpharetta Parks to clean and replant local parks. To get involved, contact Bahuleyan Nair at 770-331-4633.