Dunwoody, GA – April 29, 2025 – The City of Dunwoody is pleased to recognize Donna Burt and Ark Coffeehaus as recipients of the 2024 Sustainability Hero Awards. Both were recognized during Monday’s Dunwoody City Council meeting.

Initiated in 2012, the Sustainability Hero Award program celebrates exemplary individuals and organizations for their dedication, service, and leadership in sustainable practices. Nominations for the awards were open to the community; the winners were selected by members of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee.

"Sustainability is not just a goal - it’s a legacy built by those who lead with action,” said Colin Mey, Chair of the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee. “We’re proud to honor our Sustainability Heroes: an individual whose passion lights the way and a business whose innovation proves that progress and planet can thrive together. Their commitment sets the standard, proving that every effort, large or small, shapes a greener, brighter future for us all."

Donna Burt was selected as the individual recipient of the Sustainability Hero Award for her commitment to driving community change and modeling sustainable actions in her everyday life. An avid gardener and ardent community volunteer, Donna is a member of the Dunwoody Garden Club where she co-chairs the club’s efforts to maintain the entrance of Brook Run Park. She is one of the longest-standing volunteers at the Dunwoody Nature Center, helping introduce kids to nature through summer camps. Donna cares deeply about Dunwoody’s tree canopy, having participated in the Replant the Dunwoody Forest initiative that raised money to replant thousands of trees after the 1998 tornado.

“I was born during the Depression and grew up through World War II, so sustainability was ingrained with me from the start,” explained Donna. “Conserving water is one of the simplest ways we can each work to protect our environment. Our resources are precious, and waste simply goes against my upbringing.”

Ark Coffeehaus was selected as the business recipient of the Sustainability Hero Award for its commitment to composting and regenerative farming. The local coffee shop serves as an example to other businesses by using locally sourced ingredients for its food and providing compostable plates, cups, and utensils. In addition, Ark Coffeehaus practices regenerative farming by collecting food waste from Malachi’s Storehouse to use as food for animals on the shop owners’ family farm.

“Ark Coffeehaus is honored to be this year’s recipient of the business Sustainability Hero Award by practicing the law of return: what we take from the earth we work to return and replenish,” said Priscilla Wells, co-owner of Ark Coffeehaus. “Ark will continue to implement sustainable and regenerative practices for our business and community in the future, and we look forward to helping others do the same.”

The City of Dunwoody Sustainability Committee meets monthly and serves to encourage the City and the community to reduce its environmental impact by improving resource efficiency. Public education and outreach on sustainability are central to this mission.

PHOTOS: 1) (L-R, Front row) Dunwoody City Council Member Catherine Lautenbacher, Sustainability Committee Member Kristen Monta, Sustainability Hero Donna Burt, Mayor Lynn Deutsch, Council Member Stacey Harris, Council Member Joe Seconder, Sustainability Committee Member Anne Hicks (Back row) Sustainability Committee Chair Colin Mey, Council Member Rob Price, Council Member Tom Lambert, Council Member John Heneghan, Sustainability Committee Member Michael Pray. 2) Same grouping with Ark Coffeehaus co-owners and Sustainability Heroes Priscilla Wells and John Yacoub in the center.

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For more information regarding the City of Dunwoody, please contact Jennifer Boettcher, Communications Director: 678.382.6881, email.