Field Notes

We partnered with Karm (aka @shutterchic_) for our Preserve the Park campaign – here’s what she had to say about the NHA: Outside is officially open! That means more and more people are now enjoying the warm weather outdoors. With gorgeous mountain views as well as a beautiful lake, Arabia Mountain is definitely a great […]

Martin Rickles Studio, an Atlanta-based interdisciplinary design studio, has been selected for the conceptual design for the preservation and activation of the Bruce Street School ruins, the remnants of DeKalb County’s first Black public school. Also known as the Lithonia Negro School, the ruins are located next to the site of the soon-to-be-completed East DeKalb […]

The Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance is pleased to welcome several interns to the National Heritage Area this summer. Meet Alyssa Jones! Alyssa, tell us about yourself: My name is Alyssa Jones. I am an Atlanta native born in Mississippi. In my role as an Arabia Mountain NHA intern, I assist Johnny Waits and record […]

We partnered with Tenille Johnson (@puremomblog) for our #PreservethePark campaign. Here’s what she had to say. We completed our very first hike together @arabiamountain_nha! Aven was super excited to see the mountain and lead the way. Arabia Mountain is a true treasure; it’s beautiful and full of natural wonders to discover. There are a few rules […]

AWARE Wildlife Center’s free weekend public tours will be returning July 3rd and 4th, just in time for the holiday! Visitors are invited to stop by the wildlife center that day to meet some of the ambassador animals (individuals that, due to their injuries, cannot be released back into the wild) and see the facilities. […]

Flat Rock is one of the oldest Black communities in Georgia and you can take a personal tour with Flat Rock Archives Co-Founder, Johnny Waits, to experience the area’s history first-hand! You can sign up for a tour here. Starting at the historic T.A. Bryant, Sr. Homestead (home of the Archives), Johnny will walk you […]

We partnered with Adabelle Buntrock for our #PreservethePark campaign – here’s what she had to say: We love visiting @arabiamountain_nha with the kids and teaching them to enjoy the outdoors while following the rules to #preservethepark. It’s so important for us to take a break from screen time and enjoy what nature has to offer! With only 25 […]

On Saturday, June 26th, volunteers from Citizens of Georgia Power’s Metro East Chapter, a company volunteer and community engagement group, joined the South River Watershed Alliance and the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance for a river cleanup starting at Panola Shoals Trailhead in Stonecrest. Volunteers packed out trash throughout the morning, leaving the river along […]

On granite monadnocks in the shimmering Atlanta sun, temperatures can be far higher than the readings on a thermometer.  Humidity and the sun can take you by surprise. Here are a few ways you can be prepared for the heat! Hydrate!  Drink plenty of water before you head outside and bring water with you on […]

At a dirt-floored dance hall far from the bustling streets of Atlanta, people raced, reveled and made merry. This place was the Lithonia Speedway and the accompanying Country Club, tucked into the rural expanse outside of downtown Lithonia. During the mid-1900’s, the Club and Speedway were a center of Black entertainment in the Atlanta area, […]

We spent Juneteenth with the volunteer board of the Flat Rock Archives at the Lithonia Farmer’s Market in historic downtown Lithonia! In spite of the rain, we had plenty of people stop by to learn the story of one of Georgia’s oldest Black communities.  This was also a major year in the celebration of Juneteenth […]

Summer is here – and that means that it’s time to get outside! The National Heritage Area has over 34 miles of bike trails stretching from historic downtown Lithonia all the way to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit for you to get a cool breeze and a fun workout, even on hot days. The […]