Creek Walk & Work: Volunteer Stewardship Day at Melton Park

Description: Join Ranger Jonah, Iris Chen, and the Friends of Melton Park for a special nature walk and creek cleanup designed to connect learning about nature and history with stewardship of our waterways. Wear sandals, old sneakers, or water shoes because we'll be walking in Glen Creek and South Fork Peachtree Creek to clean trash from these streams.

What to expect: We will walk the trails of Melton Park, learning about the intersection of human and natural history in the park. Then we'll get in the waters of Glen Creek and walk in the water before finishing our walk on trails. Trash bags, gloves, and trash pickers will be provided.

Program leader: This program will be led by Ranger Jonah McDonald, the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at Mason Mill Park and Brown University researcher, Iris Chen.

Where to meet: Find street parking on Park Lane near the intersection with Desmond Drive, and walk to the Melton Park entrance at 2080 Desmond Drive.

What to bring: Dress for walking in the creek! Sandals, old sneakers, or water shoes are best. Wear shorts and comfortable clothes that can get wet. Bring a refillable water bottle and a snack if you want one.

Recommended ages: This program is designed for all ages, but parents will need to help younger children through the water.

Dogs: This program is NOT appropriate for dogs, so please leave your pup at home.

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

Walking distance: 1 mile

Exposure: This work day is under tree canopy with minimal sun exposure.

Trail surface & accessibility: This program is competely on dirt and gravel trails and literally in the creek. It is not accessible for chair users or strollers. The dirt trails are less than 3 feet wide and have roots and rocks. Participants will also have to navigate uneven and muddy off-trail terrain. Consider bringing hiking poles if your balance requires them. Questions if this program will work for your mobility? Contact Ranger Jonah: [email protected]

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.