Secrets of the Forest with Ranger Jonah

Description: How do you identify a tree without its leaves? Where do animals go in winter? What plants are edible? As we hike the Forest Trail and Mile Rock Trail, we'll keep our eyes open for nature that may be hidden in plain sight.

What to expect: Ranger Jonah is the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at Mason Mill Park. He's leading a special walk at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve so you can exercise and learn from about the secrets of the forest. We'll be hiking for two hours at an easy pace, with lots of stops for learning.

Program leader: Your guide will be Ranger Jonah McDonald, the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at Mason Mill Park.

Where to meet: Find Ranger Jonah at the Arabia Mountain Nature Center at 3787 Klondike Road.

What to bring: Wear clothes and shoes that are appropriate for the activity and weather. Bring a water bottle, snack, and hiking sticks if you need them.

Restrooms: Pit toilets are available near the Nature Center parking lot.

Recommended ages: This program is designed for all ages, but especially adults and older kids.

Dogs: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.

Weather contingency: This program will be held, rain or shine, unless conditions are dangerous.

Walking distance: 2.2 miles

Exposure: The first half of this walk is mostly under tree canopy, but the second section is on rock outcrop with full exposure to sun and wind.

Trail surface & accessibility: This program follows a combination of single-track dirt trails and uneven rock outcrop and is not accessible for chair users or strollers. The dirt trails are less than 3 feet wide and have roots and rocks. Consider bringing hiking poles if your balance requires them. Questions if this program will work for your mobility? Contact Ranger Jonah: jpmcdonald@dekalbcountyga.gov

Waiver & Release: By registering for this activity, each participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that he/she is participating in this program at his/her own risk and holds DeKalb County and all its officers, agents, servants, and/or employees harmless from and against any and all claims, loss, damage, charge, or expense to which they or any of them may be put or subjected by reason of participant’s participation in this program. You further acknowledge that DeKalb County is not responsible for the acts of others participating in this program and the other participants may include, but not be limited to, interested individuals, members of civic groups, religious groups, or community group, and/or persons convicted of crimes and/or violations of County ordinances and ordered to provide community service. I give permission that all photographs, films, video recordings, and sound recordings of me and/or my child(ren) made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs during this Naturalist program may be used non- commercially by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs to promotion and educational purposes. I understand and acknowledge that neither my child(ren) nor I will receive any compensation whatsoever for appearing in any photograph, film, video recording, or sound recording made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs.