On May 8, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a critical relief package to support forest landowners and rural communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

With more than $1.28 billion in timber losses, Hurricane Helene delivered a generational impact to Georgia’s forest economy. This legislation provides essential resources to help landowners replant, rebuild, and recover — safeguarding livelihoods and restoring the health of our working forests.

In the storm’s immediate aftermath, the Georgia Forestry Association team mobilized swiftly, advocating on behalf of the families, businesses, and communities that make Georgia the #1 forestry state in the nation. Their efforts helped ensure that recovery would not be delayed — and that forestry remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s economic future.

Each year, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation supports more than 5,000 tenants and survivors facing eviction, abuse, and housing instability. That work is made possible by AVLF’s All-Stars — the attorneys, advocates, and partners who go above and beyond for Atlanta’s most pressing needs.

On May 1, nearly 200 of AVLF’s closest supporters gathered at the Fox Theatre to celebrate these changemakers. Chosen by the AVLF staff who work alongside them every day, the 2025 honorees embody the heart of the organization’s mission in action.

Westside Future Fund hosted a ribbon cutting at 220 Sunset Avenue to celebrate the restoration of a historic Vine City property and announce a transformational new partnership with Spelman College.

Once home to the Maynard Jackson family — one of Atlanta’s most influential families — and located next door to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s former family residence, the property will now offer deeply affordable rental housing and a structured pathway to homeownership for Spelman College faculty and staff.

The monumental moment garnered widespread news coverage, including stories from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Axios, WSB Radio, Atlanta News First, and more.

In one of its most compelling issues yet, Georgia Forestry Magazine explores the people, policies, and pressures shaping the future of Georgia’s forests.

Creekside Creative’s John Casey shares powerful stories from landowners rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, breaks down the high-stakes debate over truck weight legislation, analyzes 2025 market trends with Forisk Consulting, and showcases the hand-drawn cartographic art of Jonathan Parker.

On the weekend of his birthday, Westside Future Fund hosted over 1,200 volunteers from corporate, philanthropic, and community partners for their annual MLK Day of Service in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Public spaces were revitalized, beautiful gardens were planted, and transformative projects on school campuses within the Washington school cluster created warm and welcoming environments for students, parents and staff alike.

It was a powerful display of Westside Future Fund’s mission to transform the historic Westside into a community Dr. King would be proud to call home.

Sip, savor, and make a difference! That’s the essence of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation’s annual AVLF Winetasting event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium — the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The 2024 event was one to remember, drawing over 1,200 attendees in a record-breaking show of support for AVLF’s critical mission to provide access to justice for all of Atlanta.

In the Fall 2024 Issue of Georgia Forestry Magazine, Creekside Creative's John Casey explores how landowners can stack water and carbon incentives to maximize property benefits while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Plus, John shares insights from leading forestry industry experts on current market dynamics and the trends shaping Georgia’s forestry sector.

From sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to lignin-based batteries, Creekside Creative’s John Casey sits down with researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology to learn about their work exploring innovative applications for forest products in modern technology.

And, John engages with national experts who are at the forefront of developing a groundbreaking system to track carbon data from seedlings to consumer products. This innovative approach offers an unprecedented view into sustainable forest product solutions.

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation's annual Summer Social was a resounding success, bringing together supporters, advocates and friends in support of the organization’s mission.

This year's event shattered records, with the highest attendance yet, showcasing the incredible energy and dedication of AVLF’s community. The evening was a remarkable display of building momentum in support of access to justice in Atlanta.

One Child. One Family. One Community at a Time.

Congratulations to Bloom on the highly anticipated grand opening of Bloom Rome!

It was inspiring to witness the overwhelming support for their mission, with over 120 attendees celebrating the expansion of foster care services in Rome and northwest Georgia.

Hailing from the land down under, New Zealand native and South Georgia tree farmer Heather Brasell exemplifies a deep commitment to land stewardship.

Creekside Creative’s John Casey visited her Berrien County, Georgia property to witness firsthand how she has set the standard for environmental stewardship — a legacy that earned her the title of National Tree Farmer of the Year.

In this newest edition, Creekside Creative's John Casey had the honor of visiting the family farm of Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper in Ocilla, Georgia to delve into his enduring commitment to the industry and explore the milestones he has achieved during his inaugural year as commissioner.

And, John Casey also sat down with foresters across the state to unravel the challenges of rapidly escalating costs and the pressing need need for equity in state tax policy to address the burdensome harvest tax.

Georgia is growing fast — both in trees and in people.

Creekside Creative’s John Casey explores the role of urban forestry in metro Atlanta, highlights key insights from Georgia Conservancy’s Katherine Moore on the state’s changing landscape, and captures a compelling conversation between Georgia Forestry Association President Andrés Villegas and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff on the future of Georgia’s leading industry.

In October, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity celebrated 40 years of building brighter futures through affordable housing in metro Atlanta. The event honored the organization’s incredible legacy of service and its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for families across the region.

A special congratulations to the seven THRIVE Award-winning homeowners, recognized for their inspiring contributions to their communities. To the staff, volunteers, homeowners, and partners who make this mission possible — thank you for helping Atlanta thrive for everyone.

Step into a world where luxury meets affordability, where home design dreams become reality without breaking the bank. That world can be found just inside the doors to the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ReStore in its brand-new “Curated Corner” brimming with discounted treasures.

It’s a symphony of style orchestrated by Michel Smith Boyd, star of HGTV’s “Luxe for Less” and Atlanta Habitat Mission Ambassador. The designer haven reflects a passion for both exquisite aesthetics and meaningful community support.

After last year's event, Creekside Creative’s John Casey thought "there's no way they can top this one" - but, per usual, the Georgia Forestry Association amazed with their 2023 Annual Georgia Forestry Conference at Jekyll Island.

John joined forestry professionals, economists, political leaders, and other industry experts in July for a weekend of enlightening discussion about the future of forestry. Spoiler alert: it's a bright one.

What’s at stake for Georgia’s farmland and forests?

In this Summer 2023 feature, Creekside Creative’s John Casey sits down with former state legislator Richard Royal and Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall to discuss the policies shaping the future of Georgia’s agricultural land. He also examines the year’s most pressing weather threats to the state’s forests—and what it means for the industry moving forward.

Casey will serve on the Leadership Council’s Taxation Committee, working with local, state and federal lawmakers to advance legislation towards tax reprieve for small business owners.

View the full press release here.

Learn more about the NSBA Leadership Council.

Fresh food is the cornerstone of community health, fueling vitality and well-being. Unfortunately, access to fresh food is not guaranteed for all communities, including the historic Westside. Efforts to change the landscape are at work.

A partnership between the Westside Future Fund and Food Well Alliance is making strides by fostering education and connecting urban farmers and community growers to resource support.

Read up on how the organization is empowering urban farmers in Atlanta’s historic Westside community.

Forestry meets policy under the Gold Dome.

In this recap of the Georgia Forestry Association’s annual Forestry Day at the Capitol, Creekside Creative’s John Casey highlights how forestry professionals and state lawmakers came together in February to champion the future of Georgia’s top industry. Featuring on-the-ground moments captured by GFA staff, the piece showcases a day of collaboration, advocacy, and momentum for forestry in Georgia.