Field Notes

On June 5th, 2021, Arabia Alliance staff and board set up at the Lithonia Farmer’s Market, located right in the middle of historic downtown Lithonia. Surrounded by buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, we got to talk to visitors about the National Heritage Area, hand out Junior Ranger booklets, and enjoy the day […]

Summer’s here, and that means that ticks are, too. Don’t let these small arachnids deter you from enjoying the outdoors, though. It’s easy to take precautions and enjoy your hike at Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area just the same. Here are a few tips to stay tick-free when you’re out on the trails: Use bug […]

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are still experiencing languishing, a psychological term meaning “the condition of absence of mental health, characterized by ennui, apathy, [and] listlessness,” according to the American Psychological Association. After an extended period of stress and uncertainty, many of us are having trouble getting fully back on track. […]

We had the privilege of joining the New Black Wall Street Market’s Memorial Day Festival & Commemoration this past weekend! Over the course of Memorial Day weekend, Arabia Alliance staff and board talked to festival goers about the National Heritage Area, including the recreation and history right in Stonecrest – from Arabia Mountain to the […]

You know Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and Panola Mountain State Park – but these aren’t the only rock outcrops (“monadnocks”) in the National Heritage Area. The landscape is dotted with smaller rock outcrops that still host a variety of plant and animal life. In fact, the name “Arabia Mountain” may have come from the thin, […]

@Livinglifetheherringway is helping us get the word out about hiking at Arabia Mountain! Here’s what she had to say: I love doing “firsts” with my family. Hiking up Arabia Mountain was a first for us and such an adventure. I learned a lot and here are some tips for any other family visiting for their […]

We partnered with ATL Adventurer for our #PreservethePark campaign – here’s what they had to say: Arabia Mountain is one of my favorite local hikes, and it’s only 30 minutes from the city 🙌 I’ve written a blog post with lots of details + pics on how to plan your visit. It’s a super cool […]

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 […]

On May 29th and 30th, the board, staff, and partners of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance will host a booth at the New Black Wall Street Market’s Outdoor Market Festival, located at 8109 Mall Parkway, Stonecrest, GA 30038. The festival will be open from 10 am until 7 pm on both days. Alongside business […]

Throughout the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, there’s hidden life all around your feet. Listen to Ranger Robby Astrove break down how to hike and protect the rare plants of the AMNHA! We have a variety of beautiful plants found almost nowhere else on earth living on Panola Mountain, which is a designated National Natural […]

Summer’s here, and that means that the South River Watershed Alliance is hosting paddles down the gorgeous South River just south of Atlanta, Georgia! Click here to sign up for the next one. You don’t have to have your own canoe or kayak – the South River Watershed Alliance can provide one (just sign up […]

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a flowering shrub found throughout eastern North America, including in Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area here in Lithonia, GA. In spring, the laurel produces a gorgeous botanical bounty, which you can enjoy as you hike along the Arabia Mountain PATH or on the Mountain View Trail.  The mountain laurel’s range […]