Field Notes

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 goes back to the 1880s. The ruins of the old school building that […]

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance have launched a “Leave No Trace” campaign to urge visitors to the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve to help conserve the nature preserve, located at 3787 Klondike Rd., Stonecrest, GA 30038. All patrons are welcome to take only pictures and to “Leave […]

The daisies have faded from Arabia Mountain, but the outdoors are just 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 […]

The Arabia Mountain PATH is a 33+ mile paved trail system that crisscrosses the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, and if you live in Henry County, it’s about to come to your doorstep. Work is currently underway to extend the current trail into the south-metro county, with a planned opening of the new segment by […]

Parking has been crowded at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve on the weekends. The outdoors has become a welcome respite for people during the pandemic, and we love that people are coming out and enjoying the National Heritage Area. The two main lots (the AWARE lot at 4158 Klondike Road and the Nature Center lot at 3787 […]

We are in the thick of Junior Ranger Ramble – and there’s still plenty more to explore! Lasting six weeks, this free, self-guided program walks participants through the natural and historic legacy of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Once you sign on, you will gain access to a series of videos and activities that […]

Remember: It is safer to be outside than in enclosed & crowded spaces, but the virus remains present. Please 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. Check out our answers to all of your […]

Parking has been crowded at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve on the weekends. The outdoors has become a welcome respite for people during the pandemic, and we love that people are coming out and enjoying the National Heritage Area. As the two main lots (the AWARE lot at 4158 Klondike Road and the Nature Center lot at […]

With September coming to an end, we wanted to share with you some of the entries we’ve received from people completing the Daisy Days Triple Hike Challenge. By hiking Arabia, Panola and Stone Mountains during the month of September, you have the chance to win a special prize – and see some beautiful daisies.  Check […]

COVID-19 has impacted parks and sites throughout the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Check out our answers to all of your questions below! What’s open, and what’s closed? Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE) is CLOSED.  Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve is OPEN. Please note that public programs are cancelled and Nature Center is closed, however. […]

The historic Bruce Street School ruins, the remnants of DeKalb County’s first public school for Black students, are undergoing a major renovation that will protect this important site for future generations. The rehabilitation will remove debris from the ruins and open up the space for community activities. What do you want the ruins to look […]

Daisy Days is here and we are in the thick of daisy season on the monadnocks. Each fall, these beautiful yellow flowers light up the seemingly barren rock face with their blooms, growing out of the thin solution pits found on Arabia, Panola, and Stone Mountains. If you hike all three mountains and fill out […]