Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with a day of service at Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve!

This year, we are partnering with Georgia Conservancy, GA Native Plant Society, and Weed Wrangle to tackle critical conservation and maintenance projects that will have a lasting impact on the preserve’s unique ecosystems and visitor experience.

Choose from a variety of volunteer opportunities, from trail and habitat restoration to lighter gardening tasks. Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or a first-time volunteer, there’s a meaningful way for you to get involved. See volunteer sessions and task options below….

Participants can choose between two (2.5 hr) sessions or stay for the entire day! All volunteers will recieve a training on tools and objectives before beginning work.

Volunteer Options:

Session 1: Morning Trail Clearing (10AM–12:30PM)

1. Trail Revitalization

Physical Demand: High (recommended for teens and above)

Description: Help clear fast-growing vegetation (e.g., sweetgum, pines) to reopen a vital emergency access trails. Tasks involve hiking, bushwhacking, and general physical labor.

Expectations: Volunteers will use tools such as loppers and hand saws to cut and remove brush along the trail.

2. Rock and Trash Removal on Arabia Mountain Peak

Physical Demand: Moderate (good for all ages)

Description: Assist with removing rocks placed in solution pits and cleaning up litter on Arabia Mountain Peak.

Expectations: This activity involves a short, 0.5-mile hike to the peak and light physical effort.

Session 2: Afternoon Weed Wrangle (1–3:30PM)

1. Meadow Restoration

Physical Demand: High (recommended for teens and above)

Description: Help restore one of our local meadows by selectively removing fast-growing shrubs and trees that are outcompeting native grass species. Tasks involve hiking, bushwhacking, and general physical labor.

Expectations: Volunteers will need to hike about 1 mile on uneven terrain (guided by Rangers) to reach our meadow site. Volunteers will use hand tools to remove invasive plants and open space for native vegetation.

2. Pollinator Garden Maintenance at the Nature Center

Physical Demand: Low (good for all ages)

Description: Assist with weeding, mulching, and preparing the pollinator garden for new plantings. This is an excellent option for those looking for less physically demanding tasks, but still want to make an impact for the preserve and its visitors.

Expectations: Volunteers will work with Arabia Rangers to beautify the garden space.

How to Prepare!

• Clothing: Wear long sleeves, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and layers appropriate for the weather.
• Tools: Bring work gloves if you have them; tools will be provided on-site. We can provide work gloves if you do not have your own.
• Water and Snacks: Bring a refillable water bottle and any personal snacks to keep your energy up.
• Waivers: All participants must sign a waiver upon arrival.

Event Logistics

• Meeting Point: Meeting location will be sent via email to registered participants. Please note that there will be different meeting locations depending on the task you choose.
• Safety: A safety briefing will be conducted at the start of each session.

General Schedule

• 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Morning Session Check-in and Orientation
• 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Morning Activities
• 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break (Bring your own lunch)
• 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Afternoon Session Check-in and Orientation
• 1:15 PM – 3:30 PM: Afternoon Activities

Register here or at the link below! For questions contact: Ranger Shaundon Moore – Arabia Naturalist, (e) sjmoore@dekalbcountyga.gov, (p) 470-464-0136.