Field Notes

By Sally Sears, Co-Founder of the DeKalb Beloved Naturalist Program “If these rocks could talk…” we might better understand our natural world. That was a lesson for the founding class of DeKalb Beloved Naturalists on May 21, 2022 at Arabia Mountain. In front of a photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at the foot […]

Birdwatching is a great way to get outside and enjoy the National Heritage Area while also practicing social distancing. Here are some tips for getting outside and enjoying the NHA’s beautiful bird life:  Start a list. Many birders like to keep a list of the birds they have seen – it’s a fun way to […]

There are over 34 miles of trails for biking at Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, stretching from historic downtown Lithonia all the way to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. The trails are an important part of the community and are well-designed to create a family-friendly environment for thousands of joggers, walkers, bikers, and skaters […]

With summer upon us, it’s time to get outside and enjoy some calm and quiet in the National Heritage Area. One of the best ways to do that is to bring your gear and enjoy an afternoon fishing! Here’s a breakdown of our fishing sites.  Note that all sites requrie a valid State of Georgia […]

May 18th, 2022 marks 60 years of the National Natural Landmarks program, which recognizes sites that conserve America’s rich natural heritage. There are over 600 National Natural Landmark sites across the country, including, here in the National Heritage Area, Panola Mountain.  What are National Natural Landmarks? The National Natural Landmarks program was created in 1962 […]

The process for shaping the conceptual design of the future of the Bruce Street School is almost over – and there’s one more chance to participate! Mimicking the format of our final in-person engagement session, this form offers the draft Consolidated Conceptual Design Scheme. Fill out the form here.   After months of in-person and […]

The year is heating up quickly, and it’s good to remember a few guidelines on hiking in the heat. 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 […]

The Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE) held their annual Night Owl 5K on May 7th at Panola Mountain State Park, raising funds for year-round wildlife rehabilitation, conservation and education. Volunteers and staff were stationed along the run route with some of AWARE’s resident animals for participants to view.  AWARE works to rescue and rehabilitate […]

Guided paddles of the South River are back for 2022! Join the South River Watershed Alliance for a series of paddles to take place on May 14, July 30 and September 10. You can see a full list of river paddles and sign up here. Note that you do not have to bring your own […]

DeKalb County’s first Black public school, the Bruce Street School, sits just north of historic downtown Lithonia – and you can help us shape its future. We’re engaged in a process to solicit community feedback about the reactivation of the old school building as a historic site and community focal point. Your feedback informs a […]

The Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort’s (AWARE’s) 5K Run/Walk fundraiser returns on May 7th, taking place at Panola Mountain State Park. A virtual option is also available. Funds from the Night Owl 5K go to support AWARE’s work with native wildlife rehabilitation, conservation and education throughout the year. This event is sponsored by the Rebecca […]

Happy Earth Day! On this day and throughout the year, we celebrate the wonder of the natural world. Today is a day to sPark action as part of National Park Week and beyond for a healthier, greener world. Here in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, there are a few ways to do that: Leave […]