Woodland Wanderings

Description: Join Ranger Rachel as we explore the forest and surrounding natural spaces with a renewed sense of wonder and awe. Learn about the ecology and human history as well as participate in fun activities. We’ll share our favorite spots and how to hike safely and responsibly to reduce impact. Prepare for kids to get dirty and maybe muddy.

What to expect: We will gather in the green pavilion and walk around the EMBARC Youth Farm property. Our route will take us through forest, around (and sometimes in) waterways, and many other places. Ranger Rachel will have specimen jars for any cool and interesting collections we may find along the way.

Program leader: Your guide will be Ranger Rachel Roberts, the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at EMBARC Youth Farm.

Where to meet: Find Ranger Rachel in the green pavilion at the end of the parking lot at EMBARC Youth Farm (1185 Rock Chapel Rd).

What to bring: Wear comfortable footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a refillable water bottle. You may also want to bring a change of clothes or extra set of shoes in case we get wet/muddy.

Restrooms: The available bathroom is the portapotty located in the parking lot (professionally cleaned twice a week).

Recommended ages: This program's content is designed for children and their parents, but all ages are welcome.

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 deemed unsafe by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA).

Walking distance: No more than a mile and a half

Exposure: This walk is mostly under shaded tree canopy and some in full sun.

Trail surface & accessibility: 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. Questions if this program will work for your mobility? Contact Ranger Rachel: [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.