Birds, Beltlines, Bikes: An afternoon with Rachel Bergman

Rachel Bergman’s path to becoming a cycling advocate and landscape architect was anything but linear. Growing up near Atlanta, she cultivated a deep appreciation for nature, particularly birds and the outdoors. This passion led her to study biology in college, while an art minor provided a creative outlet she still cherishes. Over time, she found a way to merge these interests—channeling her scientific understanding of ecosystems and her artistic eye into landscape architecture. Today, her work blends ecology and design, shaping environments that are both functional and visually inspiring.

Rachel's professional journey began with environmentally focused organizations. Internships at Southface, Trees Atlanta, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden exposed her to the world of green building, urban forestry, and the early days of the Atlanta Beltline.

The Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile greenway loop, has become a national model for urban revitalization, drawing delegations from cities across the country, including Raleigh's leadership last year. Its success lies in the blending of natural and built environments. Rachel Bergman played a crucial role in the Beltline's early development, working with Trees Atlanta to clear brush and combat invasive species like kudzu, often using shears, herbicides and good old-fashioned elbow grease. This hands-on experience not only shaped the Beltline's landscape but also sparked Bergman's interest in the broader context of urban spaces, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in landscape architecture.