Field Notes

Historic preservation efforts continue at the Lyon Farm, one of the oldest homesteads in DeKalb County and a part of the history of the African-American Flat Rock community. In early January, DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management, the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, Flat Rock Archives and Lewallen Construction […]

Photo: Riley Golden IV Remember: Even outdoors, it is important to keep COVID-19 safety in mind. Please wear a mask, wash/sanitize your hands when possible, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel unwell. It’s a new year, but COVID-19 is still with us – and that means that the hours and openings in […]

Allene Smith Harper has lived in Lithonia her entire life, even attending the historic Bruce Street School. We talked to her about her childhood in Lithonia in the 1940’s and how she celebrated the holidays growing up. This conversation has been edited for clarity. On holidays in Lithonia when she was growing up: Well, when […]

In the cold days of winter, it’s nice to think about the warmth and greenery to come. Here’s a quick reel of nature shots from throughout the National Heritage Area:

Photo: Riley Golden IV Remember: Even outdoors, it is important to keep COVID-19 safety in mind. Please wear a mask, wash/sanitize your hands when possible, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel unwell. COVID-19 has impacted parks and sites throughout the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. As we head into the holiday season, […]

As you look to get outside this winter, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area offers dozens of trails to stay physically distant, get a breath of fresh air, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Georgia Piedmont. Here’s a few suggestions for scenic winter hikes:  1. Vaughters’ Farm Meadow Loop: Located at 3366 Klondike Road, Vaughters’ […]

The COVID-19 pandemic continues, and as cases rise around the country, the outdoors are still a relatively safe place to be. We welcome everyone who wants to get out of their home, breathe some fresh air and stretch their legs during these unprecedented times. While the Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE), Flat Rock Archives, […]

Will you help us shape the future of the Bruce Street School? Built through a grassroots community effort, the Bruce Street School was the first African-American public school in DeKalb County. While the stone school (also known as “the old school building”) was built in the late 1930s, the Bruce Street School’s history of community-led education efforts […]

Please note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues throughout the United States. The outdoors are safer than indoors, but safety precautions are still necessary. Wherever you go, please make sure to wear a mask, wash (or sanitize) your hands, and maintain physical distance from others. The Black Friday is coming up – and with it, the annual […]

The Mountain Top and Rock Outcrop trails at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve have been packed lately (so much so, in fact, that we’ve been asking people to use alternate parking lots). But did you know that there are many other trails in the Nature Preserve for you to explore as well? Here’s a breakdown of […]

Panola Mountain State Park is one of the key green spaces within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and is an essential part of Georgia’s natural history. In fact, Panola Mountain itself is a National Natural Landmark, recognizing its status as one of the few remaining pristine rock outcrop ecosystems in the American Southeast. Join […]

Remember: It is safer to be outside than in enclosed & crowded spaces, but COVID-19 infections are rising rapidly throughout the country. Please wear a mask, wash/sanitize your hands when possible, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel unwell. COVID-19 has impacted parks and sites throughout the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. As […]