Sixty years ago, Father Methodius at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit received quite the surprise. He found out that he’d been volunteered by prior Father Joachim Tierney to create 30 stained glass windows for 3 Black churches burned by the KKK around Augusta in 1962. Methodius had no time to waste. But what started out as another job for the Monastery's stained glass artist would open his eyes to the broader Civil Rights struggle and even lead to meeting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Click here to read more about Father Methodius and see newly added images from the Monstery's construction. This story and some of its photos came from the NEW Images of America: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area book coming out April 7. Preorder a copy on our website, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
A New Year means new opportunities. As part of our ongoing public-private partnership with DeKalb County, DCTV produced this new video Lyon Farm: A Legacy Preserved. The video shines a light on the history of Lyon Farm (Plantation) and recent restoration efforts led by DeKalb County and the Arabia Alliance, including new interpretive opportunities and infrastructure development. Want to see it in person? Register for a special Lyon Farm History And Nature Hike on February 15 or one of our regular Lyon Farm Tours on February 28.
The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is thrilled to announce its inaugural Arabia Reads: Field Note Writing Contest. The contest kicks off February 15 and includes two divisions: the student contest (6-12th grade) and an adult contest. Submissions must be about a history within the boundaries of the National Heritage Area (click here to see our map). Winners will receive $250, publication on the Arabia Alliance website, and a free copy of Images of America: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Runners-up will receive $100 each, publication on our website, and branded Arabia Alliance gear. Click here to read the contest rules and learn how to particpate. Winners will be announced in April!
Main Events
Other Upcoming Events
- Every SATURDAY & SUNDAY - AWARE gives free Animal Tours every weekend from 1-2pm (weather permitting). Meet "animal ambassadors" and Georgia wildlife up close!
- Every WEDNESDAY - Join Ranger Doffice from 4-6pm at the Arabia Mountain Nature Center for a relaxing Walk It Out Wednesday hike.
- AND Every FRIDAY & SUNDAY - Head out to Arabia Mountain Nature Center for a free Guided Nature Hike With Arabia Mountain Naturalists from 8-10:30am.
- February 3, 10, 17, & 24 - Have fun during a Guided Hike With A Ranger at E.M.B.A.R.C. every Tuesday from 10am-12pm.
- February 8 - Surround yourself with the soothing sounds, smells, and sights of nature on this Winter Wonder Hike with Ranger Rachel, starting at the Arabia Mountain Nature Center, from 1-3pm.
- February 11 - Join E.M.B.A.R.C. at Redan-Trotti Library for a special love-themed story time with Reading Ranger: Love of Nature from 11am-12:30pm.
- February 12 - For Black History Month, don't miss our first Arabia Reads of 2026 with Gene Kansas and his book Civil Sights at Lithonia's Camellia Hall from 1-3pm.
- February 14 - Watch out for Cupid's arrows! Panola Mountain is hosting two Valentine’s Day Archery Shoots from 1-2pm and from 2:30-3:30pm.
- February 14 - Great minds think alike! For Valentine's Day, E.M.B.A.R.C. is also hosting a Jr. Archery 101 at 9am, Archery for Adults at 10am, and an Archery Academy at 11am.
- February 15 - Don't miss this Lyon Farm History And Nature Hike for Black History Month with an Arabia Mountain Ranger and Arabia Alliance staff from 1-3pm.
- February 21 - Get your hiking boots ready for an all-day hiking experience. The Arabia Mountain Super Bowl (Championship) Hike is a 20-mile trek through the entire Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve the day before Super Bowl Sunday. Participate in the whole trek or as much as you'd like!
- February 21 - Lace up your hiking boots and take part in a monthly Friends of Panola Mountain Extended Hike from 9am-2pm.
- February 25 - It's not too late to celebrate Valentine's Day if you want to participate in our Lovin' on Bruce Street Volunteer Clean Up from 1-3pm.
- February 28 - For Black History Month, join us for a guided Lyon Farm (Plantation) Tour from 1-3pm.
