Most visitors to the Heritage Area know about the quarries at Arabia Mountain, but what about the men who worked there? From the late 19th century through the mid‑20th, Black and White men blasted and hauled rock from ledges around Arabia Mountain and Stone Mountain, turning raw outcrop into blocks, curbing, and building stone. Despite pay disparities and harsh working conditions, Black quarry workers were instrumental in the growth of a granite industry that made Lithonia prosperous. Click here to read more about local historian Brittany Sessions' investigation into the lives of quarry workers.
The Arabia Alliance loves to support its partners...and, of course, dress up a little fancy and hit the town in some place charming like Charleston, SC. From February 15-18, Arabia Alliance staff visited Charleston to represent at the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) and to partner with one of its primary supporters and collaborators, BIPOC Outdoor Collective (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), or simply, the BOC. Enjoy this photo Field Note to get a glimpse of what the crews did over that busy but fun weekend!
“It’s like a family reunion," said Nura Goodson. "We meet at the bottom, hike up together, have the fourth prayer of the day at the top of the mountain, and break our fast up there." Goodson is the executive director and founder of Muslimahs Endure, a recreation group for women of Muslim faith, and she's talking about the group's recent trip to Arabia for the end of Ramadan. Learn more about Muslimahs Endure and how it combines recreation, community, and faith.
Main Events
Apr. 18, 9:30am to 12:30pm - GET TICKETS HERE
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.
- April 3 - Don't miss this Diamorpha Days at Arabia hike from 8-10am, no registration required.
- April 4 - Help improve the health and beauty of Arabia Mountain during this Stewardship Saturday from 9am to noon.
- April 4 - Enjoy Arabia Reads: Poetry On The Mountain with Amy Pence and Stephen Wing from 3:30-5:30pm.
- April 4 - From 9am-4pm, take part in an Egg-citing Scavenger Hunt at the Panola Mountain State Park Office.
- April 5 - There's also an Easter Sunday Egg-citing Scavenger Hunt at the Panola Mountain from 9am-4pm.
- April 10 - Get some fresh air with Park Pride during this Second Friday Walk at Wilburn Farm from 9-10am.
- April 10 - Join Birds Georgia for a Wilburn Farm Field Day: Restoration Takes Flight from 10:30am to 1:00pm.
- April 11 - Catch the Arabia Alliance crew tabling on Saturday during the 4th Annual Conyers Book Festival where we will be selling our new Images of America book and more!
- April 18 - Get your hands dirty and discover history, culture, and nature at Panola Mountain during this action-packed Junior Ranger Day from 9:30am-12:30pm.
- April 18 - Take a guided Extended Hike with a trained “Friends of Panola” volunteer, through the restricted Conservation Area and up to the summit of Panola Mountain from 9am to 2pm.
- April 21 - Arabia Alliance staff and co-authors Jeff Dingler and Brigette Jones will discuss Images of America: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area as part of A Novel Idea's Author Showcase from 7-9pm in Roswell.
- April 26 - From 10am to 12pm, join the pack with Ranger Whitney and your trail buddy for a National BARK Ranger Day that's a guaranteed tail-wagging good time!
- April 28 - At this Lunch & Learn at the DeKalb History Center from 12-1pm, Arabia Alliance staff and co-authors Jeff Dingler and Brigette Jones will discuss their new book Images of America: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area.
- Registration is now OPEN for AWARE's Wildlife Night Owl 5K at Panola Mountain on May 30.
