February Volunteer Day at Melton Park

Description: Join us for an afternoon of service at Ira B. Melton Park. We’ll being removing overabundant privet from the native plant habitat and planting some new plants, if possible.

What to expect: There will be multiple options for stewardship work, including hand-removal of vines and privet seedlings, using loppers and handsaws, and removing large privet using W**d wrenches. Depending on plant availability, we may also be able to do some planting. Dress for muddy conditions and physical work.

Program leader: This work day will be led by members of the Friends of Melton Park, with support from Ranger Jonah McDonald, the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at Mason Mill Park.

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 muddy conditions, wearing long pants and closed-toed footwear that can get dirty. Bring a refillable water bottle and work gloves. If you are able, consider bringing shovels, loppers, hand pruners, and kneeling pads.

Recommended ages: This workday is designed for all ages, but the tasks will be most appropriate for adults and elementary and older kids.

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 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 and 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.

Host or Publisher Ranger Jonah McDonald