The Dave Adams Award

The legacy of the Dave Adams Award is a true story of friendship, commitment, and shared dedication to the Dunwoody Nature Center.


Introduced by their wives, who were members of Dunwoody Woman’s Club, Dave Adams and David Dalrymple shared outdoor adventures, rode Harleys, and tackled repairs on an
abandoned, vacant building that became the home of Dunwoody Nature Center. From its
humble beginnings as a Community Improvement Project by the Dunwoody Woman’s Club, teams of passionate, enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers from corporate and community groups have made meaningful contributions over the years.

In his memory, as a tribute to their friendship and their love of the outdoors, the Dave Adams Award was established in 1998 by Marilyn and David Dalrymple. Each year it is awarded to recognize an individual or group that exemplifies outstanding volunteer spirit and service. The first award was presented to recognize the vision of the members of Dunwoody Woman’s Club.

On this 30th Anniversary of the Dunwoody Nature Center, the Dave Adams Award will be retired upon its presentation to the Nature Center’s Founders, in recognition and appreciation of their vision, leadership and dedication over the years. Sincere thanks to Pat Adams, Marilyn Dalrymple, Kathy Hanna, Carolyn Jones, Rita Langley, and Eleanor Lehner.

The Dave Adams Award, engraved with the names of the individuals and groups who have been recognized over the years, is prominently displayed inside the main entrance of the Nature Center.

Past Recipients of the Dave Adams Award

1999 Dunwoody Woman’s Club | 2000 Spalding Garden Club | 2001 Dunwoody Village Starbucks | 2002 Chris Diede | 2003 Austin Elementary | 2004 Nancy Cabot and Charlie Cochrane | 2005 Connie Gray and Marvin Billips of Dekalb Park Department | 2006  Pat Adams |
2007 Donna and Bud Burt | 2008 Martha Moore and Hands on Atlanta | 2009 Dekalb Master Gardeners | 2010 Joy Vannerson and Alan Mothner | 
2011 City of Dunwoody Brent Walker | 2012 Georgia Development Partners and Doosan Infracore | 2013 The Rotary Club of Dunwoody 2014 Oldcastle, Inc. 2015 UPS | 2016 Hightower Trail Boy Scouts | 2017 National Charity League | 2018 Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area | 2019 Donna Burt | 2021 Cindy Hodges | 2022 The Dunwoody Nature Center Founders