Multi-generational Docent Team Educates Beltline Visitors on the Southwest Trail

A partnership between mother and daughter has blossomed on the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail into a source of hope for the next generation of land stewards.   

When Sandy Springs resident Yuping Lu started volunteering at Trees Atlanta during the pandemic, her daughter, Olivia Wang, tagged along. What began as an opportunity for them to share time outdoors became a torch passed from one to another — and Wang ran with it. 

The pair discovered that the organization offers free tours of the Beltline Arboretum, 50 acres of linear greenspace along 11 miles of the trail corridor that serve as a public botanical garden. Trees Atlanta docents lead visitors along the Eastside, Westside, Southwest, and Northeast trails, sharing facts and stories of some of the 9,000 accessioned plants in its collection and expanding the Beltline’s educational reach. 

“It stood out to us as a meaningful way and engaging way to combine our love of nature with community education,” Lu said. 

Wang was nervous in the beginning of her role. Now an 8^th grader, she confidently guides visitors with her mother’s support, extending her vast knowledge of the Beltline’s trees, artwork and sustainable influence to visitors from across the Southeast. 

As the Atlanta Beltline marks two decades of connecting and enhancing our city, we’re also celebrating Trees Atlanta, a partner from the start, as they reach a milestone of their own — 40 years of dedicated service. This enduring collaboration prioritizes sustainability, ecosystem health, and public education. 

The impact of our 20-year partnership is reflected not only in the beauty of the Beltline Arboretum, but also in the people, like Olivia and Yuping, who make it possible. Their story demonstrates that when tree care and environmental awareness spans generations, everyone benefits as the mission is carried forward.  

Celebrate Earth Day all year long by volunteering with Trees Atlanta or attending a tour of the Beltline Arboretum with any of our passionate and talented docents! Learn more at treesatlanta.org/get-involved.