All sites at Arabia Mountain got a big boost when President Biden signed the NHA Act into law on January 6th. In addition to creating seven new NHAs, the bill also ensured federal funding for all heritage areas for fifteen years! Passage of the bill was partly the result of a national grassroots campaign of letter-writing and phone-calling orchestrated by heritage area leaders, including those of us at Arabia Mountain. Representative Hank Johnson of the 4th District and Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff have been champions of this legislation. Check out our blog about the years-long effort behind the NHA Act.
The Stonecrest Podcast – “Lyon and Lyons”
At the beginning of January, Lyon Farm was featured in an incredible podcast documentary that’s already received 1,500 views on YouTube. Produced by locally based Mermaid-Lion Entertainment, The Stonecrest Podcast’s episode “Lyon and Lyons” featured in-depth interviews with the living descendants of both the Lyon family (who enslaved people) and the Lyons family (with an “s”) who were enslaved on the plantation until emancipation. For the descendants of both families to sit down and talk about their histories in this old plantation home is truly remarkable.
MLK Day at Flat Rock
More than 200 people turned out for a special MLK Day of Service in support of the Flat Rock community. Youth volunteers from the East Suburban Atlanta Chapter of the Jack and Jill Foundation, Inc. as well as Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance staff and local community members came out for a day on not off. Volunteers cleared branches, performed a tree survey, and removed tires from Flat Rock's historic slave cemetery. At the Flat Rock Archives, participants painted fences, gardened, and made quality food snack bags to distribute. Craziest of all, actor-comedian Chris Tucker made a surprise visit to talk about his connection to Flat Rock. Click here to read about the incredible experience!
Upcoming Events
February 11
Valentines Day Couples' Sunset Hike
Take your relationship to new heights! Join a Park Ranger to watch the sunset over Metro Atlanta from the top of Panola Mountain! This hike is limited to couples only and is an 18+ event. Pre-registration is required. $30.00 per couple plus $5 parking. Call the Nature Center to book: 770-389-7801.
February 18
Intro to Tree Climbing
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy. This is an introductory program to recreational tree climbing. Participants will use rope and harness to climb, swing, and scramble. Climbs start at 1 and 3pm. $15 plus $5 parking. Call the Nature Center for reservations: 770-389-7801.
February 25
DIY Hiking Stick Workshop
From 1-3pm, join Ranger Rick at the Arabia Mountain Nature Center for a hands-on DIY workshop to make your own hiking stick. This event is free and no reservation is necessary. Ages 13 and up recommended.
