Field Notes

Did you know that you can see the remnants of DeKalb County’s first public school for Black students in Lithonia, Georgia? Located on Bruce Street, the ruins of the Bruce Street School (also called the Lithonia Colored School, Lithonia Negro School, and the Old School Building) sit next to the under-construction East DeKalb Community and […]

Black history is the history of the National Heritage Area. Stories of African-American communities – tales of resilience, ingenuity, and perseverance – play a central role in the ongoing history of this dynamic landscape. During Black History Month, we’re going to amplify the stories that we tell year-round. These are stories of teachers and Civil […]

Did you know that Arabia Mountain is home to fragile ecosystems and species found almost nowhere else on earth? That includes a variety of rare and endangered plants, species like Diamorpha, snorkelwort, and quillwort. These plants live in the solution pits (small patches of sand, dirt, and muddy water) that dot the seemingly barren rock […]

Have you visited South Rockdale Community Park? This gem of a greenspace in Georgia offers some of the National Heritage Area’s most unique trails, perfect for mountain biking and horseback riding, and is located off of East Fairview Road.  Connected to the rest of the Arabia Mountain PATH system, South Rockdale Community Park offers a […]

Photo by Kelly Jordan. At the Lyon Farm, construction is moving quickly as workers continue with efforts to conserve DeKalb County’s oldest homestead. Phase II of the Lyon historic preservation project, funded by the DeKalb County government and coordinated by the County government, the Arabia Alliance, Flat Rock Archives, and Lewallen Construction, is focusing on […]

As we head into the new year, the outdoors are as important as ever for mental health, physical fitness, and enjoying Georgia’s natural beauty. We love that people are coming out and enjoying the National Heritage Area – here’s how to do it while protecting nature and avoiding crowds! As the two main lots (the […]

Photo by Kelly Jordan. 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 […]

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’ […]