The Good, The Green, The PUSHY and MORE! JULY 2026 Edition
About this Event
The Good, The Green, The Pushy and MORE! – A Learn & Do Series
A Year of Restoration, Reflection & Rising Recognition at Constitution Lakes Park
There are places in our communities that quietly give—day after day, season after season—without ever asking for anything in return. Constitution Lakes Park is one of those places.
Tucked away in the heart of South DeKalb, CLP is one of metro Atlanta’s hidden-in-plain-sight gems of biodiversity. It has long served as a refuge for birds, native flora, and humans alike—offering countless moments of reflection, renewal, and nature-connected joy to those who walk its trails, watch its wetlands, and wander its boardwalks.
But now, it's our turn to give back.
The Good, The Green & The Pushy is a 12-month collaborative Learn & Do series designed to bring hands, hearts, and deeper awareness to this special park through monthly sessions focused on:
- Native Plant Identification – Learn to recognize what naturally belongs and what may be tipping the balance.
- Overabundant Plant Removal – Contribute to ecological care through mindful stewardship.
- Just Language Reflection – Consider how the words we use shape how we care for people, places, and the planet. Just Language
Each session supports the active reestablishment of existing trails and overgrown spurs, transforming them into clear, welcoming pathways for future generations. And while the physical work is vital, so is the celebration: CLP has recently been selected as a future site on the Georgia Birding Trail and will proudly host the upcoming Forest Fashion Show & Festival—both landmark events launching in the new year.
So yes—there’s work to be done that deepens our roots, reconnects us to place, and offers a friendly reminder of what collective care can look like.
Program Leaders
Your guides for this experience are Naturalist Tasha (DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs), Dave Long (Georgia Forestry Commission), and Diane Cosby (Georgia Beloved Naturalist).
Supporting interns, volunteers, and other DeKalb County Government and/or DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs staff and leadership may also be present as program needs require.
Where to Meet
Meet at the semicircular stone seating wall located in the Constitution Lakes Park parking area between the park's two main trailheads.
What We'll Do
Participants will explore plant stewardship through:
- Native plant identification
- Overabundant plant management
- Trail and spur trail restoration
- Just Language reflection and discussion
Come prepared to learn something new, question something familiar, and leave the park a little better than you found it.
What to Bring
Please bring a prefilled reusable water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, gardening or work gloves, and wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes. Additional outdoor gear for your comfort and safety is welcome.
Recommended Ages
This program is designed with adults and older youth in mind, but all ages are welcome. Please contact Naturalist Tasha in advance if young children will be participating.
Dogs
Because portions of this program involve stewardship activities and tool use, please leave pets at home.
Weather Contingency
Programs are held rain or shine unless weather conditions are deemed unsafe. Participants will be notified of any cancellations or schedule changes.
Walking Distance, Exposure & Trail Conditions
Participants should expect light to moderate walking on natural-surface trails with uneven terrain, roots, mud, and varying levels of shade and sun exposure. Portions of the program may occur off established trails within designated demonstration areas.
Restroom Notice
Please note that Constitution Lakes Park does not have on-site restroom facilities. However, we have been kindly granted permission to use the restroom at Rush Trucking Center, located at the rear of the building that shares the park’s entrance drive.
Participants are welcome to stop in before or after the program to use the facilities.
Accessibility & Participation Details
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs is committed to providing inclusive and accessible programs. Reasonable accommodations may be available upon request. To request an accommodation, please contact the program organizer at least 48 hours in advance of the event.
Additonal questions about accessibility, accommodations, or trail conditions? Contact Naturalist Tasha at [email protected].
Participation Notice, Waiver & Media Release
By registering for or attending this program, participants acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to uneven terrain, weather conditions, physical exertion, and use of tools. Participation is voluntary, and attendees assume full responsibility for their own safety and well-being.
Participants agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless DeKalb County Government, the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA), its officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and affiliated partners from any claims, injuries, losses, or liabilities arising from participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Participants further acknowledge that DeKalb County is not responsible for the actions of other participants. Program participants may include community members, volunteers, civic organizations, educational groups, faith-based organizations, and individuals completing court-ordered or community service requirements.
Food or refreshments may occasionally be served or shared. Participants acknowledge that food may contain common allergens and choose to consume any food or beverages at their own risk.
By attending, participants grant permission for DeKalb County RPCA and Park Naturalist-led programs to photograph, video record, or otherwise document them for educational, promotional, reporting, and documentation purposes across print and digital platforms. Participants understand that no compensation will be provided for the use of such photographs, videos, audio recordings, or other media. Individuals who prefer not to be photographed should notify the Naturalist upon arrival. Individual image requests cannot be accommodated.
Registration and attendance indicate agreement with the Park Naturalist Program – Volunteer Waiver, Food & Beverage Disclaimer, and Media Release on file with DeKalb County RPCA.
Come be part of the restoration.
The trail is waiting—and the future is taking shape, one native plant, one community moment, one good push at a time.
— Naturalist Tasha (DC-RPCA), Dave Long (GFC), & Diane Cosby (GBN )
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
