Wellness Walks in Wildlife - GEP

Wellness Walks in Wildlife invites participants to slow down and experience the seasonal rhythms of South DeKalb’s interconnected green spaces. These guided walks combine gentle movement with mindful observation, offering space to notice how forests, waterways, and wildlife shift throughout the year.

In January, our focus is Winter Tree Identification—learning to recognize trees by bark texture, branching patterns, buds, and overall form when leaves are absent. Glen Emerald Park and the Rock Garden offer a rich setting to explore mature hardwoods, evergreen species, and trees adapted to lakeside edges and rocky slopes, all while supporting physical well-being and mindful connection to place.

Walks rotate weekly among Constitution Lakes Park, Glen Emerald Park, the Michelle Obama–South River Trail, and the Gresham Park Recreation Center side, highlighting the ecological diversity of this stewardship cluster.

Tasha L. J. Messer
Park Naturalist, DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA)

2nd Wednesdays at Glen Emerald Park
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ongoing through December

Glen Emerald Park & Rock Garden (GEP& RG)
1479 Bouldercrest Rd, Atlanta, GA 30316

This program will be held rain, snow, or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA).

Please note that there are no restrooms available on site. Participants are encouraged to plan accordingly prior to arrival.

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Supportive walking shoes with good tread
• Refillable water bottle
• Trekking poles or walking sticks (optional; helpful on muddy or root-exposed areas)
• Binoculars (optional; tree and wildlife observation support)

All ages are welcome. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Approximately 2–2.5 hours at a relaxed, observant pace with frequent stops. The route includes the lake loop and Rock Garden, featuring natural dirt trails, mostly level sections near the lake, and rocky, uneven terrain with gentle elevation changes in the Rock Garden. Mindful footing and balance are recommended.

All South DeKalb Parks Naturalist programs are designed to be welcoming and supportive of participants with varying abilities and mobility levels.

At Glen Emerald Park, the walk includes the lake loop, which features a mix of natural dirt paths and manufactured trail surfaces, including sections with a sponge-like, cushioned material designed to provide more forgiving footing. These areas are generally level, though transitions between surface types may be uneven. The route also includes the Rock Garden, where terrain becomes rocky, narrow, and uneven, with exposed roots, stone features, and gentle elevation changes. Trail conditions may vary with weather, and slick or muddy surfaces are possible after rain.

Participants with mobility or balance concerns may choose to remain on the lake loop and avoid the Rock Garden’s more rugged sections. Those using mobility aids or strollers should be aware that Rock Garden paths are not suitable for wheeled access.

Reasonable accommodations may be available upon request. To discuss access needs or alternate route options, please contact the program leader at least 48 hours in advance.

Programs proceed in light weather and are adjusted only when conditions are unsafe. Participants should dress appropriately for the day’s conditions and bring any personal assistive devices or supports needed.

By registering for or attending this program, participants acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to uneven terrain, weather conditions, and physical exertion. 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.

By attending, participants grant permission for DeKalb County RPCA and Park Naturalist–led programs to photograph or record them for educational, promotional, reporting, and documentation purposes across print and digital platforms. 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.

~ Naturalist Tasha L. J. Messer
Park Naturalist | DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs
[email protected]
404-927-4227 (Work Cell)

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