Bring one for the chipper!

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will once again host their Christmas tree mulching event, Bring One for the Chipper. Rather than placing your live tree by the curb after the holidays, the eco-friendly organization encourages residents to take part in one of the largest "treecycling" events in Georgia!

Drop off live trees at designated Fire Stations around the county from now until January 21. Trees must be free of lights, tinsel, decorations, and tree stands before they are dropped off.

Visit Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful's website if you're also interested in volunteering at the event.

Animal adoption fees reinstated

As part of the County's ongoing commitment to providing the best care for the animals in our shelter, animal adoption fees have been reinstated as of January 1. These fees help encourage adoptions, ensuring every pet is placed in their new home responsibly. 

Adoption fees will range up to $100, depending on the animal type, age, and needs. The shelter will continue to offer vaccinations, spay/neuter services, microchipping, and, if needed, heartworm treatment, as well as weekday and promotional specials with reduced or waived fees and financial support for qualified adopters experiencing financial hardship. To view animal adoption fees, visit GwinnettAnimalWelfare.com. 

GeoGwinnett: Park and Seek Challenge

Get ready for an adventure like no other! To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation is inviting you to join the GeoGwinnett: Park and Seek Challenge — a year-long, accessible geocaching experience across our beautiful county parks.

Explore 16 unique Gwinnett parks throughout the year and discover hidden geocaches placed just for this challenge. Each cache brings you closer to uncovering the natural wonders, scenic trails, and hidden gems of our award-winning park system. Find all 16 by the end of 2026, and you'll earn a special commemorative prize!

Whether you're a seasoned geocacher or brand new to the hunt, this challenge is a fun, family-friendly way to stay active, explore the outdoors, and celebrate 40 years of parks, trails, and community. Visit GwinnettParks.com for more information and a list of participating parks.

Take a survey about Gwinnett's drinking water

Gwinnett Water Resources wants to hear from you! Residents can share their honest feedback on water quality and tap water use through a brief survey.

Survey answers can help improve water services in the county and guide future education and outreach efforts. To take the survey, visit GwinnettCounty.com/YourWaterYourSay. To learn more about Gwinnett’s water, visit Gwinnetth2o.com.

What's New in District 1

Volunteer for MLK Days of Service

Join us in honoring Martin Luther King Jr. by lending a hand during our MLK Days of Service. From habitat beautification with Gwinnett Parks & Recreation to distributing food to those in need, District 1 and the County have various opportunities in January for you to make a positive impact on your community.

Visit VolunteerGwinnett.net to learn more and sign up, or email VolunteerGwinnett@GwinnettCounty.com to host a project through the Gwinnett Serves program.

Shorty is forty!

You’re invited to a birthday party to celebrate Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation and Shorty Howell Park's 40th birthday! Join us Saturday, January 24 from 11:00am to 3:00pm for an open house where you can explore our programs, meet the instructors who make them possible, and discover new activities for every age and interest. 

Celebrate the past, present, and future of recreation with us — because it’s not just our birthday, it’s yours, too! Birthday cake while supplies last, and concessions will be available for purchase. This event is free for all ages.

Free groceries for families in need

Gwinnett County's Mobile Food Distributions are taking place once again in 2026. Residents can pick up fresh and shelf-stable foods on Tuesday, January 27, at Best Friend Park in Norcross. Distributions start at 3:00pm and continue while supplies last.

Each distribution site is a contactless drive-thru, and no identification is required. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/FoodResources for more available food security resources.

Soaring Shuttles

Wednesday, January 7 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Experience the excitement of our Soaring Shuttles event, packed with family-friendly activities, light refreshments, music, games, and a showcase of local badminton talent. Open to all ages. Register online. Best Friend Park Gym, 6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross. Event cost: Free!

Tiki Karaoke

Thursday, January 22 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Wear your best Hawaiian shirt and join us for a fun night of tiki themed karaoke with hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s! Light snacks provided. Open to ages 21 and up. Register online. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross. Event cost: $5.00 for Gwinnett residents, $10 for non-Gwinnett residents

Senior Game Show Day

Friday, January 30 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Bring your game face and get ready for an afternoon of laughter and friendly competition as we play a variety of classic TV-style game shows. Light refreshments will be provided. Open to ages 50 and up. Register online. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. Event cost: $5.00 for Gwinnett residents, $10 for non-Gwinnett residents

STEM - Engineering: DIY Astronaut Landers

Monday, January 12 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Where Astronauts Land, Legends Begin! Learn the basics of engineering by building and testing your own astronaut lander. Learn about potential and kinetic energy, acceleration due to gravity, and air resistance by building and testing your own lander. Participants will also learn about evaluation and redesign. Open to ages 12-15. Gwinnett County Public Library Norcross Branch, 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross. Event cost: Free!

Early Learning: Un Poquito de Español

Thursday, January 22 from 6:00pm to 6:45pm

Do you want your kids to learn a little bit of Spanish? Join Ms. Mirka for a biweekly storytime full of fun, bilingual stories, songs, and more! Un Poquito de Español, or “a little bit of Spanish,” is a program designed to make Spanish language learning a fun and interactive experience for kids! This program is an excellent way to promote a positive attitude towards language learning and different cultures for kids. Open to ages 0-5 years. Gwinnett County Public Library Peachtree Corners Branch, 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: Free!

Georgia Wildlife in Winter

Tuesday, January 27 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

How do tiny birds survive an ice storm? Do any of our local animals hibernate? What happens to our butterflies and other insects? How can you make your yard a winter haven? Join us to learn how our local wildlife makes it through Georgia winters, and what you can do to help them along! Ages 19 and up. Gwinnett County Public Library Duluth Branch, 3180 Main Street, Duluth. Event cost: Free!

Last month we had an amazing turnout for the Mobile Food Distribution event at Shorty Howell Park in Duluth! A big thank you to Volunteer Gwinnett and Gwinnett County Government for hosting this important initiative.

Together, we’re making a difference by providing much-needed food to our community. Let’s continue to support each other!