Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Arabia Mountain is a tax-exempt nonprofit that runs History Harvest and reported $832,892 in revenue for tax year 2023.

Hike With A Ranger At E.M.B.A.R.C.

Homeschool: Archaeology 101

Free Movie Screening

Salamander Meander

Guided Nature Hike With Arabia Mountain Naturalists

Creature Feature

AWARE Animal Tours

Nha Founders Coffee

Discussing Immigrant Justice With Sarah Towle & Anton Flores-Maisonet

Lunch & Learn: Cemeteries of Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

20th Anniversary Celebration

Junior Ranger Angler Fishing Celebration

Walk & Talk With David George Haskell's How Flowers Made Our World

Nature Journaling

Rivers Alive Stream & Trash Cleanup at Arabia Mountain

Fall Native Plant Sale

Sunset Walk to the Peak

Fall Flyway Festival

Volunteer for outdoor activities and events

Join Friends of Panola Mountain group

Give

Learn About Winter Wildlife at Arabia and Participate in our New Year’s Giveaway!

Participate In Our Halloween Giveaway And Get Ready For Arabia Mountain The Book!

Roy Goddard Turns 102 and the Arabia Alliance Makes A New Video for Everett Park

Learn About Our Upcoming Sunset Hikes, Mountain Concerts, Fishing and More!

Enter our spring giveaway and watch the new Meadloop Trail video

Monastery Tours are BACK and so is the Diamorpha at Arabia!

Check out our new History of Quarry Workers video and learn how Ed Alexander preserved his family land

Win Prizes in our New Year Giveaway AND Learn About Hidden Figure Moses Green!

Diamorpha Days hikes are coming up, plus our Arabia Mountain NHA Book Launch on 3/28!

Learn About Halloween Joro Spiders and Take a Virtual Historic Cemetery Tour

Donate For Giving Tuesday And Learn About New Guided Lyon Farm Tours

Enter Our 4th Of July Give Away & Check Out Our July Events And Volunteer Opportunities

Take Part in the Daisy Days Challenge and Win A Prize!

We’re Celebrating Juneteenth And The Official Opening Of Our Online Store!

Visit Arabia Mountain Vineyard and check out our Fall Color Walks all October!

Don’t miss our Super Bowl (Champion) Hike and first-ever Field Note Writing Contest!

Enter Our Thanksgiving Giveaway And Read About The Firefightings Monks Of Conyers!

Join Our Holiday History Harvest For A New Book About the NHA!

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Turns 20!

Wilburn Farm Grassland Restoration Hosts Wildlife and Learning

Staff Saturday Profiles - National Park Service Week

FOX 5 Atlanta: New book highlights history of Georgia’s Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Capital B: How One Woman Turned a Polluted River Into a Protected Community Treasure

Atlanta Magazine: Six things you didn’t know about Arabia Mountain

FOX 5 Atlanta: Georgia State Parks offering dozens of guided hikes

WABE: New property added to Panola Mountain State Park for conservation

FOX 5 Atlanta: Explore Panola Mountain State Park: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts near Atlanta

FOX 5 Atlanta: Finding peace and solitude at metro Atlanta’s Monastery of the Holy Spirit

Learn about the lives of quarry workers, and don’t miss Junior Ranger Day 2026!

A Podcast About Lyon Farm, Passage of the NHA Act, and Flat Rock Over the MLK Day Weekend

Arabia Mountain goes to DC, Black History Month in the NHA, and Bruce Street School and Panola Mountain In the News!

Walking With Women Making History, AWARE’s Bald Eagle Patient, and Junior Ranger Day on Earth Day!

Bruce Street School Fundraiser, Diamorpha in Bloom, Muscle Shoals NHA, and One Big Earth Day

Sue Sanders

Revonda Cosby

Brigette Jones

Jennifer Dickie

Jeff Dingler

Joel Slaton

Sasha Johnson

Ben Muckles

FREE MOVIE SCREENING! Don’t miss our first-ever Movie in the Meadow on Saturday, November 14 at 5pm in front of Vaughters’ Barn. We’ll be partnering with Paddle 4 Tomorrow to screen Hidden Rivers of Southern Appalachia. Bring a chair or blanket and we’ll bring the popcorn. Watch a trailer of the movie here: https://youtu.be/vh0r7y0YMMM 📍 Vaughters’ Barn & Meadow 3366 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movie-in-the-meadow-tickets-2003363670668 #ArabiaMountain

A new way finding sign is coming to Lithonia’s historic Bruce Street! The Arabia Alliance along with the City of Lithonia are proud to have designed and helped install this new sign that points the way to such significant sites such as the historic Bruce Street School and Lithonia African American Cemetery. Join us at the corner of Bruce St and Conyers St (7448 Conyers St) on Thursday, November 19 at 2pm for a sign unveiling and a few words from Arabia staff and local representatives. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/historic-bruce-street-way-finding-sign-unveiling-tickets-2004321103375 #Lithonia #ArabiaMountain

Take a look at this new video highlighting the Heritage Area and its foundation, featuring co-founders Becky Kelley and Kelly Jordan, which premiered at last weekend’s AMNHA 20th Anniversary Founders Coffee event at Panola Mountain State Park. Thank you to Eddy Anderson for the production! Watch: https://youtu.be/gN5MrgN3_yU #ArabiaMountain

The Arabia Mountain PATH, one of Metro Atlanta’s many greenway trails created by the PATH Foundation, acts as a spine of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. At over 30 miles long, this paved multi-use trail links all of the Heritage Area’s most popular attractions and invites visitors to explore and see for themselves. See 6 stops along the AMP that you can visit by reading the new Field Note by Brittany Sessions: https://arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/more-than-a-trail-six-stops-along-the-arabia-mountain-path-system/ Arabia Mountain PATH and more info: https://arabiaalliance.org/trail-maps/arabia-mountain-path-system/ #ArabiaMountain

A huge thank you to Sarah Towle and Anton Flores-Maisonet and Casa Alterna AND Eagle Eye Books for a great discussion about Immigrant Justice in the US at the recent Arabia Reads at the Atlanta Friends Meeting House in Decatur. Please read Sarah and Anton’s books or think about volunteering at Casa Alterna. Our next Arabia Reads is THIS WEDNESDAY, November 4 at 6pm featuring Nic Stone and her new book Dasia (Forever) at the Stonecrest Library: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-dasia-forever-by-nic-stone-tickets-2002469189250 #ArabiaReads #ArabiaMountain

What an odd place to shed! Looks like a snake left its skin dangling from the chimney at these ruins off of Vaughters’ Meadow. The remnants of humans and nature collide. #ArabiaMountain

We’re excited to welcome back Atlanta-based #1 NYT Bestselling Author Nic Stone for another Arabia Reads, this time to talk about her new middle grade book Dasia (Forever). This book is about a thirteen-year-old girl navigating cancer, family challenges, and newfound friendship—and discovering hope in the most unexpected places. 🗓️ Wednesday, November 4, 6-7:30pm 📍 Stonecrest Library 3123 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 Impossible Moon Bookshop will be with us selling copies of Dasia (Forever). More info / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-dasia-forever-by-nic-stone-tickets-2002469189250 #ArabiaReads #ArabiaMountain

THIS FRIDAY! As we continue to celebrate our 20th Anniversary, come to our NHA Founders Coffee for a free light breakfast, coffee and tea and meet the co-founders of the Arabia Mountain NHA: Becky Kelley and Kelly Jordan. Hear how they first learn about Heritage Areas and the fascinating creation story that includes Arabia and Panola Mountains. 🗓️ Friday, October 30, 10:30am-12pm 📍 Panola Mountain State Park (Nature Center Event Room) 2620 Hwy 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281 Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-mountain-nha-founders-coffee-tickets-2001250633517 #ArabiaMountain

The South River, which stretches through the Heritage Area and beyond, has seen many trials like pollution, waste, erosion and neglect. But local nonprofit South River Watershed Alliance has been fighting nonstop to force cleanliness compliance and push the river as a premier recreation destination. And with a brand new kayak launch at Butlers Bridge Park, the vision for the river is alive as ever! Read this new Field Note by Arabia’s former Comms Manage Zack Loehle to learn about what’s in store for the river: https://arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/south-river-a-waterway-at-a-crossroads/ #ArabiaMountain

We lead a little tour for the folks at Leadership DeKalb last week! The group got a taste of both nature and history from a hike at Arabia Mountain and a step back through time at Lyon Farm. Big thanks to Leadership DeKalb for stopping by! #ArabiaMountain

Our full talk from this year’s Decatur Book Festival is up on our YouTube page! Hear “Images of America: Arabia Mountain NHA” co-authors Jeff Dingler and Brigette Jones discuss the Heritage Area as part of the Landscapes That Shaped the South panel with “Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry” author Lynn Seldon. The panel was held at the Decatur Marriott on October 3, 2026. Watch: https://youtu.be/wj47P5NJ2nY #DecaturBookFestival #ArabiaMountain

The AWARE Wildlife Center, a local wild animal rehab facility, is well known for their volunteer-based effort of treating native wildlife in need. From opossums to hawks and vultures, the center treats over 1,400 patients annually, providing critical care to animals living in the urban and suburban environments of Metro Atlanta and beyond. Recently, local writer Joseph Goodall visited the facility and learned about the relationship between humans and wildlife and connected his own backyard experiences with animals. Read the new Field Note by Joey Goodall about his visit and get to know some of AWARE’s team: https://arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/toward-peaceful-coexistence-shadowing-awares-wildlife-rehabilitation-team/ #ArabiaMountain

We just had our big 20th Celebration a week ago, but we’re not done celebrating! Come to our NHA Founders Coffee for a free light breakfast, coffee and tea and meet the co-founders of the Arabia Mountain NHA: Becky Kelley and Kelly Jordan. Hear how they first learn about Heritage Areas and the fascinating creation story that includes Arabia and Panola Mountains. 🗓️ Friday, October 30, 10:30am-12pm 📍 Panola Mountain State Park (Nature Center Event Room) 2620 Hwy 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281 Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-mountain-nha-founders-coffee-tickets-2001250633517 #ArabiaMountain

TOMORROW! Join us for another Arabia Reads for a thoughtful discussion about immigration and detention in the US with authors Sarah Towle and Anton Flores-Maisonet, in partnership with Casa Alterna. Towle will discuss the second edition of her book Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands, and Casa Alterna founder Flores-Maisonet will talk about his book Welcome, Friends: Stories of hope and hospitality with immigrants. Eagle Eye Books will be onsite selling copies of the authors’ books. 🗓️ Tuesday, October 20, 6-7:30pm 📍 Atlanta Friends Meeting House 701 W Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-immigrant-justice-with-sarah-towle-and-anton-flores-maisonet-tickets-2002602783835 #arabiamountain

TOMORROW! Stop by the DeKalb History Center on Wednesday, October 14, 12-1pm to hear cultural landscape specialist and story coach Andrew Kohr and author and journalist Jeff Dingler talk about historic cemeteries in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, which contains at least two-dozen graveyards, ranging from early slave cemeteries that became burial grounds for freed communities to mysterious private family plots surrounded surrounded by thick walls of local granite. Join us for an insightful lecture about how Kohr surveyed and studied these disparate cemeteries and how locals can volunteer with the Arabia Alliance to help maintain many of these historic burial places that are imperiled or neglected. Bring a lunch and enjoy! 📍 DeKalb History Center 101 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030 More info / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dekalb-history-center-lunch-learn-cemeteries-of-arabia-mountain-nha-tickets-1981376147394 #ArabiaMountain

Tomorrow’s the big day, and it looks like the rain has cleared out for us! The Arabia Mountain NHA 20th Anniversary Celebration is Sunday, October 11, 2-6pm at Vaughters’ Meadow! Music, bounce house, hayrides, food trucks, historic exhibits and more! Join us for BBQ, live blues and bluegrass music, plus FREE ICE CREAM and MOKIPOPs, AWARE animal ambassadors, guided nature hikes, a pop-up museum in historic Vaughters’ Barn. 🗓️ Sunday, October 11, 2-6pm 📍 Vaughters’ Farm & Meadow 3366 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-anniversary-celebration-arabia-mountain-national-heritage-area-tickets-1997999420050 #ArabiaMountain

The Arabia Mountain NHA 20th Anniversary Celebration is THIS SUNDAY, 2-6pm at Vaughters’ Meadow! Meet us for a good time with the community! We will also be opening up the barn for an exclusive look inside and a special exhibit. Join us for BBQ, live blues and bluegrass music, plus FREE ICE CREAM and MOKIPOPs, AWARE animal ambassadors, guided nature hikes, a pop-up museum in historic Vaughters’ Barn. 🗓️ Sunday, October 11, 2-6pm 📍 Vaughters’ Farm & Meadow 3366 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-anniversary-celebration-arabia-mountain-national-heritage-area-tickets-1997999420050 #ArabiaMountain

Stop by the DeKalb History Center on Wednesday, October 14, 12-1pm to hear cultural landscape specialist and story coach Andrew Kohr and author and journalist Jeff Dingler talk about historic cemeteries in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, which contains at least two-dozen graveyards, ranging from early slave cemeteries that became burial grounds for freed communities to mysterious private family plots surrounded surrounded by thick walls of local granite. Join us for an insightful lecture about how Kohr surveyed and studied these disparate cemeteries and how locals can volunteer with the Arabia Alliance to help maintain many of these historic burial places that are imperiled or neglected. Bring a lunch and enjoy! 📍 DeKalb History Center 101 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030 More info / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dekalb-history-center-lunch-learn-cemeteries-of-arabia-mountain-nha-tickets-1981376147394 #ArabiaMountain

It’s Banned Book Week, so we’re putting some authors who have been banned in our Little Free Library as well as some authors whose books stirred the pot (in a good way). Stop by our Little Free Library at Vaughters’ Farm this week for more banned book titles! #ArabiaMountain

Join us at the next Arabia Reads for a thoughtful discussion about immigration and detention in the US with authors Sarah Towle and Anton Flores-Maisonet, in partnership with Casa Alterna. Towle will discuss the second edition of her book Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands, and Casa Alterna founder Flores-Maisonet will talk about his book Welcome, Friends: Stories of hope and hospitality with immigrants. Eagle Eye Books will be onsite selling copies of the authors’ books. 🗓️ Tuesday, October 20, 6-7:30pm 📍 Atlanta Friends Meeting House 701 W Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-immigrant-justice-with-sarah-towle-and-anton-flores-maisonet-tickets-2002602783835 #ArabiaMountain

THIS SUNDAY! Our big 20th Anniversary Celebration is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! Join us for BBQ, live blues and bluegrass music, plus FREE ICE CREAM and MOKIPOPs, AWARE animal ambassadors, guided nature hikes, a pop-up museum in historic Vaughters’ Barn and MORE! We’d also like to highlight the wonderful musicians and acts that will be performing at the event: • DJ Stagga’ Lee @staggalee12 • Owen Eaton @oweneatonsteels • The Jesse Williams Band @jessewilliamsband • RAURY @raury • Nate Nelson @natedadriver 🗓️ Sunday, October 11, 2-6pm 📍 Vaughters’ Farm & Meadow 3366 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-anniversary-celebration-arabia-mountain-national-heritage-area-tickets-1997999420050 #ArabiaMountain

The Decatur Book Festival is TOMORROW! Alliance members and authors Jeff Dingler and Brigette Jones will be presenting our new book, Images of America: Arabia Mountain NHA, alongside Lynn Seldon and his book, Pat Conroy’s Lowcountry, as part of “Landscapes That Shaped the South,” a panel discussing landscapes, cultures, and communities that formed the South. See the panel at 10am at Decatur Marriott, Henry Oliver Room. More info: https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/event-details/landscapes-that-shaped-the-south The Arabia Alliance will also be selling and signing our book, as well as our backlog of books from past Arabia Reads events, at Booth 18. We can’t wait to see you! #DecaturBookFestival #ArabiaMountain

It’s October so it’s the Arabia Mountain NHA’s anniversary month and it’s about to be its 20th year! As we gear up for our 20th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 11, 2-6pm at Vaughters’ Farm & Meadow, take some time to learn about the Heritage Area’s conception, main aims and accomplishments and the people that made it happen by reading the new 20th Field Note! Read: https://arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/arabia-mountain-national-heritage-area-turns-20/ 20th Anniversary Celebration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-anniversary-celebration-arabia-mountain-national-heritage-area-tickets-1997999420050 NHA Founders Coffee (Friday, Oct 30, 10:30am-12pm @ Panola Mountain State Park): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-mountain-nha-founders-coffee-tickets-2001250633517 #ArabiaMountain

Here are some scenes from the Arabia Mountain, BIPOC Outdoor Collective and NPS booths at Public Lands on Broad, a part of Atlanta Streets Alive! Visitors learned to cast, saw some ambassador animals from AWARE and learned about the NHA. We had a good time! #ArabiaMountain

Local writer and outdoor enthusiast Joseph Goodall is no newbie to volunteer work, but when he attended Birds Georgia’s ongoing grassland restoration project at Wilburn Farm, he discovered a new world of community-based nature stewardship intertwined with habitat restoration, historic preservation and a network of wildlife advocates. Read Joey Goodall’s Field Note recounting his experiences participating in the work at Wilburn Farm, which aims to restore the site as a grassland to amplify bird life cycles, here: https://arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/wilburn-farm-grassland-restoration-hosts-birds-butterflies-and-nature-learning/ #ArabiaMountain

Another successful summer of Junior Angler fishing! Come celebrate the end of the season with the Arabia Alliance at Panola Mountain State Park. This Sunday, October 4, 10am-1pm, join us at Alexander Lake at Panola Mountain State Park for a Fishing Celebration! Lunch is provided. We’ll supply fishing poles for you to use and bait. PLUS, you will have the opportunity to WIN A BRAND NEW FISHING POLE! Bring your family for a fun filled fishing event! This program is made possible with a grant from the National Parks Foundation. More info / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/junior-ranger-angler-fishing-celebration-tickets-2001251286470 #ArabiaMountain

The Decatur Book Festival is this Saturday and we’re extra excited this year as Arabia Alliance staff Jeff Dingler and Brigette Jones are featured authors! Come see their talk about their first book, Images of America: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Catch their presentation on Saturday, October 3 @ 10am, Decatur Mariott, Henry Oliver Room. Arabia Mountain will also be selling the book, as well as our Arabia Reads backlog, at a table as part of the festival. Decatur Book Festival: https://www.decaturbookfestival.com #DecaturBookFestival #ArabiaMountain

🌼 TOMORROW! Stop by at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, Saturday, 10-11:30am, for the next Arabia Reads (and Daisy Days)! Two-time Pulitzer nominee, Atlanta-based writer and biologist David George Haskell will discuss his new book, How Flowers Made Our World, followed by a short walk onto the outcrop, where he’ll make connections between his book and the local flowering life (at locations like Arabia and Panola)! We will also be able to see some early Yellow Daisies appearing in bloom. 🗓️ Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30am 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 Learn more / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-daisy-days-walk-talk-with-david-george-haskell-tickets-1997771987794 #ArabiaReads #ArabiaMountain 🗓️ Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30am 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 Learn more / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-daisy-days-walk-talk-with-david-george-haskell-tickets-1997771987794 #ArabiaReads #ArabiaMountain

🎂 Join us as we celebrate 20 amazing years of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area - Fun for the whole family! The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is turning 20, and to celebrate, we’re throwing a big 20th Birthday & Community Thank You Party at Vaughters’ Barn and Meadow. Join us for BBQ, live blues and bluegrass music, plus FREE ICE CREAM and MOKIPOPs, AWARE animal ambassadors, guided nature hikes, a pop-up museum in historic Vaughters’ Barn and MORE! So come out, grab a bite to eat, dance a little, and meet some of our fantastic partners who will also be there celebrating with us: AWARE Wildlife Center, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Panola Mountain State Park, South River Watershed Alliance. 🗓️ Sunday, October 11, 2-6pm 📍 Vaughters’ Barn and Meadow 3366 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-anniversary-celebration-arabia-mountain-national-heritage-area-tickets-1997999420050 #ArabiaMountain

They’re here!! The first yellow daisies, or Porter’s sunflowers (Helianthus porteri), have begun popping up around the boardwalk at the base of Arabia Mountain. Keep an eye out for more of them populating roadsides and solution pits in the area. Learn about flowers and how they impact us by joining Arabia Reads + Daisy Days: Walk & Talk with David George Haskell, sharing which he will present his book, “How Flowers Made Our World,” and lead a walk to see the daisies! THIS SATURDAY, September 26, 10-11:30am at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center. Learn more / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-daisy-days-walk-talk-with-david-george-haskell-tickets-1997771987794 #DaisyDays #ArabiaMountain

THIS SATURDAY! Two-time Pulitzer nominee, Atlanta-based writer and biologist David George Haskell will discuss his new book, How Flowers Made Our World, followed by a short walk onto the outcrop, where he’ll make connections between his book and the local flowering life (for the Panola Mountain fans, it is featured prominently in the book)! We may also be able to see some early Yellow Daisies appearing in bloom! 🗓️ Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30am 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 Learn more / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-daisy-days-walk-talk-with-david-george-haskell-tickets-1997771987794 #ArabiaReads #ArabiaMountain 🗓️ Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30am 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 Learn more / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-daisy-days-walk-talk-with-david-george-haskell-tickets-1997771987794 #ArabiaReads #ArabiaMountain

A Joro spider? Nope, it’s the native yellow garden spider (Argiope auranita)! Often mistaken for a Joro due to their similar appearance, this non-invasive counterpart is widespread across the US and is viewed as a highly beneficial pest manager that captures common garden pests. Like the Joro, the yellow garden spider is in the orb-weaver family Araneidae, named for the circular shape of their webs. You can tell it apart from the Joro via their thicker, more rounded abdomen, brown-black legs as opposed to the Joro’s yellow-black legs, a not-gold web and a “zipper” pattern on the web that yellow garden spiders are known to make as stabilization. #YellowGardenSpider #ArabiaMountain

We’ve got a special something coming pertaining to the co-founders of the Arabia Mountain NHA! Come to the NHA Founders Coffee event at Panola Mountain State Park on Friday, October 30 at 10:30am to find out and meet co-founders Kelly Jordan and Becky Kelley. More info / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-mountain-nha-founders-coffee-tickets-2001250633517 #ArabiaMountain

We’re half way through September so it’s almost daisy season! Although they aren’t out yet, get into the spirit by attending some upcoming daisy-themed events. • Daisy Days: Guided Panola Mountain Hike (Saturdays, 9/19 & 9/26, 9am-12pm) @ Panola Mountain State Park - Join a ranger-led walk up Panola Mountain to see the daisies and learn about Panola’s unique environment (they will likely be out by the 26th). • Daisy Days: Guided Arabia Mountain Hike (Friday, 9/25, 8-10am) @ Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve - Join for a morning hike as Ranger Robby shows off the signature daisies on Arabia Mountain. • Arabia Reads + Daisy Days: Walk & Talk with David George Haskell (Saturday, 9/26, 10-11:30am) @ Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve - Author and biologist David George Haskell will explore the creative powers of flowering plants with a presentation of his book “How Flowers Made Our World,” followed by a walk & talk to see the daisies. More info / register: arabiaalliance.org/calendar #DaisyDays #ArabiaMountain

The Arabia Alliance visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta today. The team experienced exhibits that tell the story of the South’s Civil Rights past and similar fights for rights and equality worldwide! How does the Civil Rights history here in the NHA make you see the nationwide and worldwide efforts for liberty? #ArabiaMountain

Come explore the science and art of nature journaling on Tuesday, September 22, 8-10am with Ranger Karsten! We’ll meet inside the Nature Center to learn a variety of techniques before we head out on the trail to put our new skills into practice. All levels of journaling experience are welcome. Please bring your own journal if you can. (We will have a few extras for those who aren’t able to bring one.) We’ll provide art supplies and instruction, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own tools. More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intro-to-nature-journaling-tickets-1998905848201 #ArabiaMountain

Looking for some native plants to add to your yard or garden? Stop by the Nature Center tomorrow, Saturday, September 12, 9am-12pm, for the Multi-Vendor Native Plant Sale by Monarchs Across Georgia. Featuring local vendors like Cottage Garden Natives, Bees Knees, This Enchanted Garden and more, you will find a variety of plants suitable for Georgia environments. 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 More info: https://www.eealliance.org/mag-events.html

Check out this video created by DeKalb County TV covering last month’s Gen Z Day at Lyon Farm, organized by Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson, for which young people were invited to learn about the historic plantation and join in conversation with descendants of the White Lyon family that initially owned the farm and Black Lyons family that was enslaved there. Watch: https://youtu.be/6AAoAKRH-MU #ArabiaMountain

TONIGHT! Unwind with us on a peaceful, ranger-led sunset walk at Arabia Mountain. We’ll begin at the Nature Center before heading out for a gentle 1.5-mile walk to watch the sunset over the granite landscape. Along the way, we’ll explore Arabia’s unique ecosystems, wildlife, and seasonal wonders. Your guide will be Ranger Rachel Roberts, the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at Arabia Mountain. 🗓️ Thursday, September 10, 6:30-8:30pm Where to meet: Arabia Mountain Nature Center (3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038) Walking distance: Easy-moderate – Approx. 1.5 miles total on a mix of gravel, rock, and paved surfaces. Suitable for most fitness levels. More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-walk-to-the-peak-tickets-1998424572693 #ArabiaMountain

Share the road! As we visit green spaces like those present around the Heritage Area, we should remember that we are guests in the home of wildlife which uses many of the same trails and paths that we do. Slow down and keep your eyes on the road, especially along roads like Klondike, as animals cross these clearings all the time. Pictured: Eastern Box Turtle #ArabiaMountain

This Saturday, join Arabia Rangers in removing trash from Polebridge Creek at the Evans Mill Trailhead of the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. This is an opportunity to give back to one of Metro Atlanta’s most treasured natural landscapes. All ages welcome! We will provide all the cleanup supplies: gloves, trash bags, tools, and snacks. Bring a water bottle. 🗓️ Saturday, September 12, 2-4pm 📍 Meet at the Nature Center: 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 More info / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rivers-alive-stream-trash-cleanup-at-arabia-mountain-tickets-1998986574656 #ArabiaMountain

Arabia Reads is thrilled to welcome two-time Pulitzer nominee David George Haskell, an Atlanta-based writer and biologist acclaimed for his lyrical explorations of the living world, for a special Daisy Days-themed Walk & Talk at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve! Haskell will discuss his new book, How Flowers Made Our World, followed by a short walk onto the outcrop, where he’ll make connections between his book and the local flowering life at Arabia, including the famous Porter’s sunflower (aka the daisies), which will be in full bloom! 🗓️ Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30am 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 Learn more / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arabia-reads-daisy-days-walk-talk-with-david-george-haskell-tickets-1997771987794 #ArabiaReads #ArabiaMountain

On Thursday, September 10, 6:30-8:30pm, unwind with us on a peaceful, ranger-led sunset walk at Arabia Mountain. We’ll begin at the Nature Center before heading out for a gentle 1.5-mile walk to watch the sunset over the granite landscape. Along the way, we’ll explore Arabia’s unique ecosystems, wildlife, and seasonal wonders. Your guide will be Ranger Rachel Roberts, the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at Arabia Mountain. Where to meet: Arabia Mountain Nature Center (3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038) Walking distance: Easy-moderate – Approx. 1.5 miles total on a mix of gravel, rock, and paved surfaces. Suitable for most fitness levels. More info / registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-walk-to-the-peak-tickets-1998424572693 #ArabiaMountain

This Friday, join Birds Georgia’s Habitat Team at Wilburn Farm for a workshop on how to support monarchs through habitat management. Birds Georgia is working with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to improve native habitat across Georgia for monarchs and this workshop will explain how. We will also talk about how you can implement these management techniques in your pollinator garden. 🗓️ Friday, September 4, 9am-12pm 📍 Wilburn Farm 3899 North Goddard Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 Register: https://birdsgeorgia.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F52735 The Fall Flyway Festival is a month-long series of events highlighting the vital role native plants play in supporting birds and other wildlife. Learn more and find more events here: https://www.birdsgeorgia.org/fall-flyway-festival.html #BirdsGeorgia #ArabiaMountain

Happy September! Here are some upcoming events in the Heritage Area from us and our partners. See the Calendar of Events: https://arabiaalliance.org/calendar/ #ArabiaMountain

Another great Chalk Art Walk at the Nature Preserve! Despite the unfortunate rain that washed away many of the art pieces before the event began, we were still able to see these great works via photograph and appreciate the ones that were completed after the rain. Attendees also enjoyed a cheese and cracker spread by Kimberly Cain, natural juices by Lavish Lemonades and a banjo performance by Lee Johnson. The Chalk Art Walk was a pre-event for the upcoming Stonecrest Fest on October 3. Learn more and see more pre-events here: https://www.stonecrestfest.com #ChalkArtWalk #StonecrestFest

There are still tickets available for AWARE’s Wine & Wildlife at Café Lily in Downtown Decatur! On Wednesday, September 2, 6-8:30pm AWARE invites you to meet a variety of ambassador animals, and to enjoy wine, beer, and a variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres from Chef Anthony’s kitchen. Tickets are $75 and proceeds benefit AWARE, a volunteer-based nonprofit working to rehabilitate and educate about Georgia’s wildlife! More info / tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/wineandwildlife/event/winewildlife/

🍁 Sunday, August 30: Jr Ranger Day - There are many ways to get your kids involved outside! Since we already had Jr Ranger Day this year, learn about our evergreen Jr Ranger Program, in which children (recommended ages 8-12) can fill out a Jr Ranger Booklet that is available for pickup at a number of sites in the Heritage Area and receive a Jr Ranger Badge and other goodies upon completion. Your kids will learn about this living landscape where life is built on stone and become lifelong stewards of the outdoors! Learn more: https://arabiaalliance.org/activities/triple-hike-challenge-online-passport/junior-ranger/ #NationalParksWeek #NPSWeek #ArabiaMountain

🌼 Saturday, August 29: Staff Saturday - Get to know the Arabia Alliance! Since we haven’t done this yet, we put together a quick Field Note with some bios so you can become familiar with the team! Read: https://arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/staff-saturday-profiles-national-park-service-week/ #NationalParksWeek #NPSWeek #ArabiaMountain

✊ Friday, August 28: Freedom Friday - The concept of freedom goes deep in Lithonia and surrounding Arabia Mountain-area communities. From stories of the Bruce Street School and integration, thriving Black communities like Flat Rock, the pass through of Sherman’s March and the lives of local Civil Rights figures like Howard Lee, Lithonia has endured and proven that community is vital to the betterment of our lives! Learn about Lithonia’s fascinating history by visiting a wealth of Field Notes and other informative content on our website: arabiaalliance.org We also just released our book, Images of America: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, written by staff Jeff Dingler and Brigette Jones, which features never before seen images sourced right from the community. You can order the book here: https://arabiaalliance.org/product/preorder-images-of-america-arabia-mountain-nha/ Also, the authors will be will be speaking at the Decatur Book Festival on October 3 and presenting the book. Learn more: https://www.decaturbookfestival.com #NationalParksWeek #NPSWeek #ArabiaMountain

🙏 Thursday, August 27: Thankful Thursday - Today we celebrated with a volunteer session at the boiler room ruins in the woods behind the Nature Center, the largest ruins in the Nature Preserve. Overgrown with vines, privet and saplings, the crew worked to clear the site and even dug up some of the stone brick foundation. Together we can strive to preserve and revitalize these special remnants of the past! #NationalParksWeek #NPSWeek #ArabiaMountain

🐾 Wednesday, August 26: Watch Wildlife Wednesday - A vital aspect of nature stewardship is the promotion and support for the non-human inhabitants of the land. Wildlife watching in the parks is a favorite pastime of outdoorspeople, and becoming familiar with animals is a sure way to get closer to natural spaces. Get to know some of Arabia’s wildlife by checking out our Native Species and Nonnative Species pages: • Native species: https://arabiaalliance.org/learn/native-species/ • Nonnative species: https://arabiaalliance.org/learn/nonnative-species/ Also, we can’t discuss wildlife without mentioning a partner organization, the AWARE Wildlife Center, which sits right at the base of Arabia Mountain. This volunteer-led nonprofit takes care of local wildlife in need, from opossums and snakes to vultures and hawks. They also lead some fantastic ambassador animal programs which are hosted FOR FREE each Saturday and Sunday at 1pm. No registration, just stop by! See some animals up close and learn their stories. Learn more about AWARE: https://www.awarewildlife.org #NationalParksWeek #NPSWeek #ArabiaMountain

🎂 Tuesday, August 25: NPS 110th Birthday & Fee-Free Day - Today marks 110 years since President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act, establishing the National Park Service. And since all sites around Arabia Mountain (with the exception of Panola Mountain State Park) are fee-free already, we decided to give a sneak peak of some of our own upcoming birthday festivities: Arabia Mountain NHA is turning 20 in October! To celebrate we are throwing a big 20th Birthday & Community Thank You Party at Vaughters’ Farm on Sunday, October 11, 2-5pm. Expect BBQ, live blues and bluegrass performances, FREE ice cream, AWARE animal ambassadors, guided hikes, a pop-up museum and more! Also, meet the founders of the NHA at Panola Mountain State Park for NHA Founders Coffee on Friday, October 30, 12:30am-12pm. Have coffee, tea and a light breakfast and hear the fascinating story of the Heritage Area’s conception! Stay tuned for more info coming soon. #NationalParksWeek #NPSWeek #ArabiaMountain

🛞 Monday, August 24: America In Motion Monday - Today is a celebration of the ways that Americans are able to traverse the land, especially through nature, so what better day to highlight our own Arabia Mountain PATH? Founded in 1991, the PATH Foundation is responsible for many of Metro Atlanta’s urban and suburban trails such as the Stone Mountain PATH, the Silver Comet Trail and even sections of the Atlanta Beltline! At Arabia Mountain, the PATH Foundation has crafted a pleasant, 30+ mile trail that stretches from destinations like historic Lithonia and Vaughters’ Farm to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit and Panola Mountain State Park and passes through acres of greenspace. The trail welcomes walkers, cyclers (including e-bikes, other motors are prohibited) and skaters and ranges from flatter to hillier areas. Learn more about the AMP and see a map: https://arabiaalliance.org/trail-maps/arabia-mountain-path-trails/ #NationalParksWeek #NPSWeek #ArabiaMountain

Remember the boiler room ruins that we highlighted earlier in the summer? You can help us clean them up this week for Thankful Thursday, a part of National Parks Week! We will provide gloves, loppers, clippers and other tools. Please bring water and protective eyeglasses and dress appropriately for a little bushwhacking! We will mostly be removing undergrowth and small limbs and trees to create a new permanent trail to these ruins. 📍 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve 3786 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 🗓️ Thursday, August 27, 9-11am More info / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-clean-up-at-the-boiler-room-tickets-1997848767444 #ArabiaMountain

☀️ Sunday, August 23: Safety Sunday - It’s important to have a good time at Arabia Mountain, and to make sure you have a good time you must ensure that you’re prepared for your visit and that you follow safety guidelines! With the relentless summer heat, make sure you have adequate water and are staying cool (consider a head cover as well). Take breaks!! If you’re not used to being out on your own, bring a buddy or walk with a group so you don’t get lost. Make sure your phone is charged so you have a way to call for help (call 911 for emergencies). Do not light fires or smoke in the park, as this can put our environment and other visitors in danger. And remember that Nature Preserve trails are open dusk to dawn (with the exception of certain special events). #NationalParksWeek #NPSWeek #ArabiaMountain

It’s National Parks Week, a 9-day-long series of themed days celebrating the USA’s 250th (and NPS’s 110th this year). Since National Heritage Areas are partnered with NPS, we decided to join the celebration! 🏎️ Saturday, August 23: Kickoff Saturday and Freedom 250 Grand Prix - With the IndyCar race taking place in Washington, DC today, car racing is a staple of American entertainment and competition. But did you know that Lithonia was home to Metro Atlanta’s most popular Black racetrack, the Lithonia Speedway, even preceding NASCAR? Developed by Atlanta dentist Dr. Benjamin F. Anderson, the racetrack and country club attracted Black entertainment seekers en masse in the 1950s and 60s. Stars like Ben Muckles (pictured), Arthur Avery and Cora Miller were frequent participants in races at the site, which also attracted attendees with an attached country club featuring musical acts like B.B. King and Little Richard. Buses ran routes to and from Lithonia from in-town Atlanta neighborhoods like Sweet Auburn, connecting the Black community to this thriving center of community and culture. See an overlay map of an aerial photo of the speedway site with the modern-day landfill that now occupies the land: experience.arcgis.com/experience/854c05fa966845f4b802f7dd9b2352b3 Learn more about the Lithonia Speedway: 1: https://arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/racing-proud-lithonias-forgotten-racecar-history/ 2: https://arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/speedway-and-stockcars-2/ #NationalParksWeek #NPSWeek

The Decatur Book Festival just announced their full lineup of authors... and guess what? We’re on it! Yes, on October 3rd in Decatur, come see Arabia Alliance staff and co-authors Jeff Dingler and Brigette Jones talk about their first book, Images of America: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. And see the full lineup here: https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/meet-the-authors?mc_cid=732f0132de #DecaturBookFestival #ArabiaMountain

Stonecrest Fest is coming up soon, so the Chalk Art Walk is back! Visit the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center on Friday, August 28 to see some amazing chalk art masterpieces created by talented local artists. Stop by 5-8pm for a Meet & Greet with the artists and light refreshments. More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-chalk-art-walk-a-stonecrest-fest-pre-event-tickets-1995467372628 #StonecrestFest #ArabiaMountain

Photos from Saturday’s Sunset Fishing with the Arabia Alliance! Thanks to Keon for the great instruction. Two fish were also caught (both by the same fisher-person), good job! #ArabiaMountain

Saturday was very special as it was the day of Gen Z Day at Historic Lyon Farm. Spearheaded by DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, the event was held to connect younger generations with the intergenerational stories of local history, centered around the story of Lyon Farm and the white ‘Lyon’ family which enslaved the black ‘Lyons’ family at the site. Attendees enjoyed a performance by Marin Luther King High School’s Marching Band, Italian ice provided by DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s office, hot dogs from Skip’s, speeches by figureheads like GA Congressman Hank Johnson and a panel featuring descendants of the black Lyons, Carol and Cathy Mabry, and white Lyon descendent Eli Foster. A huge thanks to everyone involved and to Commissioner Johnson for organizing this fantastic day! This was a major public-private partner cooperation with many individual parts and players. Together we can keep history alive and ensure it is passed down through generations! #ArabiaMountain

16 eastern wild turkeys were seen near Lyon Farm. Turkeys are in fact very social! They frequently live and travel in flocks for increased odds of survival by working together in food searches and even parental responsibilities. They even have social hierarchy, or pecking order, with dominant alphas and distinctive lower ranks. #EasternWildTurkey #ArabiaMountain

BEYOND THE NHA: The next Reel Moments - Family Fishing Experience is this Saturday, August 15, 9am-12pm at Atlanta’s Glen Emerald Park! Join South DeKalb Parks Naturalist Tasha Messer and community partner Jennifer Dickie of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance for REEL MOMENTS: Family Fishing Experiences, a welcoming outdoor program designed to introduce participants of all ages and experience levels to the joys of fishing while exploring one of DeKalb County’s hidden natural treasures. Throughout the morning, participants will receive beginner-friendly fishing instruction, learn about local fish species and aquatic ecosystems, practice ethical catch-and-release techniques, and discover how healthy waterways support both wildlife and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re casting a line for the first time or continuing a favorite family tradition, this experience offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories along the water’s edge. 📍 Glen Emerald Park 1479 Bouldercrest Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 More info / register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reel-moments-family-fishing-experiences-warabia-alliance-tickets-1995179932888

Thanks to a search by Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve Rangers, we now have access to some photos of graffiti cleanup on the mountain from the early 2000s when it was a popular party spot! Take a look back at this restoration effort and learn about its main player, retired US Forest Service engineer and volunteer Thomas Smith, who came up with his own method of graffiti removal from the rock in the new Field Note. Read: https://arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/uncovered-images-a-photographic-recap-of-graffiti-cleanup-at-arabia/ #ArabiaMountain

BEYOND THR NHA: Our friends at the Amphibian Foundation are getting ready to dive into their Master Herpetologist and Junior Master Herpetologist programs at the end of August, which are 16-week certification programs all about amphibians and reptiles taking place at Legacy Park in Decatur. Learn more and register: Master Herpetologist ($400): https://amphibianfoundation.org/index.php/master-herpetologist-program-live/master-herpetologist-program-live-fall-2026 Junior Master Herpetologist ($275): https://amphibianfoundation.org/index.php/in-person-junior-master-herpetologist-program

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