As everyone has surely noticed by now, a certain spider has taken over parts of the metro area! But nothing to fear. With their complex 3-dimensional webs, these Joro spiders will seldom attempt to bite humans and they are not dangerous. But where did this invasive species come from, and are they a harm to Georgia wildlife? Click here to learn more about this fascinating spider. Also, check out our NEW Nonnative Species page for even more information.
It’s almost Halloween, and what better way to get into that spooky spirit than by learning about some of the Heritage Area’s historic cemeteries and graveyards. Although not *likely* haunted, they still offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past. Some go back to the Antebellum period, some are still maintained, and others we know surprisingly little about. Click here to learn more.
Don't miss this local piece of history! On November 15, the Arabia Alliance will begin regular monthly tours of Lyon Farm. This is the only extant plantation home in DeKalb County and one of the few places in the Metro Area to get an authentic interpretation of the Antebellum and Reconstruction periods. Get your tickets here! And check out our latest YouTube video about our recent Celebration of Preservation, Conservation and Interpretation at Lyon Farm.
Birds Georgia's Habitat Team is restoring approximately 20 acres of grassland at Wilburn Farm in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. This workday will focus on installing native plants for birds and other wildlife. All of the necessary tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!
- Restoration Workday at Wilburn Farm in Stonecrest, GA; November 1st, 9 am - 12 pm.
- Restoration Workday at Wilburn Farm in Stonecrest, GA; November 13th, 9 am - 3 pm, This workday is split in two sessions. You can register for one or both of the sessions.
- Restoration Workday at Wilburn Farm in Stonecrest, GA; November 14th, 9 am - 3 pm. Register for one or both of the sessions.
- Restoration Workday at Wilburn Farm in Stonecrest, GA; November 25th, 9 am - 3 pm. Register for one or both of the sessions.
- Restoration Workday at Wilburn Farm in Stonecrest, GA; December 6th, 9 am - 3 pm. Register for one or both of the sessions.
Wednesdays, November 5, 12 & 19, 3-6pm, Garden Volunteer day at E.M.B.A.R.C Community Youth Farm. We will work in the greenhouse, raised bed garden. Wear close-toed shoes and comfortable/appropriate clothing! You will be playing in the dirt. Remember to bring a water bottle and work gloves. Arrive at the main gate and park by the office. (Registration Required) Saturday, November 8, 8:30am, Friends of Panola Mountain State Park will have their monthly workday. Meet at 8:30am at the Panola Mountain State Park Nature Center for donuts and coffee and then plan to work around the lakes doing some cleaning and trimming of vegetation. Bring work gloves and any trimming tools you like. There are also two ways to become a regular volunteer at Panola Mountain State Park. Register as a Georgia State Park Volunteer directly or volunteer with Friends of Georgia State Parks, a nonprofit organization to support the parks. To volunteer with a Friends Group near you, complete this Volunteer interest form. The AWARE Wildlife Center rehabilitates Georgia’s injured and orphaned native wild animals and educates the community about peaceful coexistence with wildlife. They also engage up to 100 weekly volunteers to carry out the cleaning, feeding, and medicating of up to 200 patients at a time! Visit their website for more volunteering information.
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.
- October 31 - Get a little spooky at the City of Stonecrest's Trunk or Treat from 6-8pm at Fairington Park.
- November 1 - Get outside on a Guided Mountain Hike at Panola Mountain State Park from 9am-12pm.
- November 8 - Check out E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm's 3rd Annual Fall Festival from 12-4pm.
- November 8 - Don't miss our monthly Monastery Of The Holy Spirit Highlights And Insights Tour from 9:30am-12pm.
- November 12 - Enjoy an Owl Prowl with Birds Georgia at E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm from 6-8pm.
- November 15 - Friends of Panola Mountain is offering an Extended Hike from 9am-2pm.
- November 15 - Don't miss our first regular public Lyon Farm Tour from 10-11:30am!
- November 15 - The Art of Storytelling with Ranger Jonah will happen at Rock Chapel II Park from 10am-12pm.
- November 20 - Join us for a Nature Immersion: Stewardship Edition at E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm from 10am-12pm.
- November 29 - Get outside on a Guided Mountain Hike at Panola Mountain State Park from 9am-12pm.
