The Rowen Foundation, in partnership with the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia (UGA), Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) and Spelman College, announces the launch of a comprehensive research program focused on ecologically sustainable watershed development at the Rowen site.
The study will examine how Rowen’s development interacts with the area’s forest streams, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems over a two-and-a-half-year period. Supported by $175,000 in funding from the Rowen Foundation and Georgia Power, the project will collect high-resolution data across three key onsite watersheds, which feed into the Apalachee River.
Mason Ailstock, Rowen Foundation president and CEO, says: “This research represents Rowen’s commitment to ensuring that progress and healthy watersheds go hand in hand. It will help us better understand how to design and manage infrastructure in ways that sustain biodiversity and natural systems as we build Georgia’s largest knowledge community.”
Led by a diverse team of researchers, including Dr. Seth Wenger and Dr. Rhett Jackson from the University of Georgia, Dr. Elizabeth Sudduth from Georgia Gwinnett College, Dr. Na’Taki Jelks from Spelman College and others, the study will:
- Monitor water quality using multiprobe stations and monthly sampling
- Conduct macroinvertebrate and stream metabolism assessments
- Evaluate stormwater infrastructure performance
- Host a community BioBlitz event in spring 2026 to inventory birds, riparian plants, mammals, amphibians, fish, and other organisms
- Produce biannual reports to inform adaptive design strategies
The study will also create mentorship and field research opportunities for students from UGA, GGC and Spelman. The Odum School of Ecology at UGA will design an undergraduate practicum tied to the study that will train up to 20 students.
In alignment with the Living Lab model, the team will build a scientific advisory committee to help interpret results and advise on future construction and land management. Outreach efforts will include interactive web content, video storytelling and engagement opportunities for businesses and residents. This study is Rowen’s 6th “Living Lab” project.
Initial activities begin soon, with water quality and macroinvertebrate monitoring starting in the summer of 2025 and continuing through December 2027.
Lilburn to open updated community garden Saturday
The City of Lilburn invites the community to join a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 13 at 10 a.m. to officially unveil recent beautification improvements at the Lilburn Community Garden located at 16 Camp Creek Drive. The garden is located across the railroad tracks from Lilburn City Park.
Funded through SPLOST, the project has transformed the garden’s entrance and gathering spaces with thoughtful enhancements, including:
- A new split-rail fence and updates to the original garden sign;
- Fresh pavers around the American flagpole;
- A welcoming seating area with shade sails and Adirondack chairs;
- Decorative lighting (installation forthcoming); and
- An array of new native plantings to highlight seasonal beauty and support pollinators.
The nonprofit group that operates the garden continues to serve the community in meaningful ways. In 2024 alone, gardeners donated more than 400 pounds of fresh produce to the Lilburn Co-Op, providing healthy food options to local families in need.
Chamber Foundation board appoints directors
The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation (GCF), an affiliate of the Gwinnett Chamber, has announced the appointment of its 2025–2026 Board of Directors. Comprising respected business and community leaders, the board will provide strategic guidance to advance the Foundation’s mission of empowering small businesses with resources that promote growth, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Deirdra Cox, executive director of the GCF, says: “Gwinnett County is home to one of the most diverse and dynamic business communities in the nation, and the Foundation is proud to strengthen that ecosystem. This board represents leaders committed to ensuring small business owners have access to opportunities that help them thrive.”
The 2025–2026 Gwinnett Chamber Foundation Board of Directors:
- Jonathan Holmes, Mighty 8th Media
- Jue Wang, T Dallas Smith and Co.
- Rob Drake, Synchronize Solutions
- Deven Cason, Georgia Power
- Deirdra Cox, Gwinnett Chamber Foundation
- Lanier Levett, Gregory B. Levett and Sons
- Matthew Yarbrough (Board Chair), Council for Quality Growth
- Kristi Hunter (Treasurer), United Community Bank
- Colleen Japuntich, NEMA, Inc.
- Nick Masino, Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett
- Renae Keitt (Secretary), ARK Temporary Staffing
- Aysha Abdullatif, Spherion Greater Atlanta
- Erika Bridges, Simon Properties
- Alvin Keitt, ARK Temporary Staffing
- Tasha Allen (Vice Chair), Georgia Chamber
- Sara Irvani, Okabashi Brands, Inc.
- Ruthann Savage, Savage Dynamic Consulting
- Joy Mitchell, Office Creations, Inc.
- Salmaan Ajani, Amazing Energy Solutions
- Jay Patel, JMS Family Office
- Eunicia Peret, Excelstra
- Cole Porter, Porter Steel, Inc. and
- Veronica Reyes, TruFund
Since its inception, the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation has focused on supporting the success of small businesses through leadership development, educational initiatives, and targeted grant funding. In its first year, the Foundation invested nearly $100,000 in grants to advance local businesses and plans to expand certification and resource programs throughout 2025 and 2026.
