NOTE: Preregistration is required. Please email Marti Breen at:
Field Trip Leader: Marti Breen
Description: Midtown Atlanta is home to a remarkable urban forest that is a well hidden secret, Herbert Taylor Park & Daniel Johnson Park. The land was given to the city by early developers for a park that is at the confluence of South Fork Peachtree Creek and Rock Creek. Since it’s in the midst of Morningside, you will see the incredible resilience of native ephemeral plants including Little Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum) and Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) as they emerge from the English ivy. Along the trail are several champion trees that are part of this amazing old growth forest marked by an abandoned granite quarry that likely supplied most of the foundations for the homes in the area. Birders, botanists, and wildlife enthusiasts will all be surprised by the park.
Location and Directions: Herbert Taylor Park has several entrances so put the address of the kiosk in your GPS to find our gathering spot, at the park kiosk located at 1343 Pasadena Ave, NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. The park is easily accessible with the connector (I-75/I-85) nearby. There is onstreet parking along Beech Valley Road or Pasadena Avenue.
Meet At: Herbert Taylor kiosk, 1343 Pasadena Av., NE, Atlanta, 30306. The kiosk is located at the intersection of Beech Valley Rd. and Pasadena Av.
Facilities: None, but there is a Kroger at Sage Hill Shopping Center and several gas stations within a mile of the park.
Walking Difficulty: This is an easy hike along trails. We will be walking around 3 miles on uneven terrain so you may want hiking poles. Participants should be in decent physical condition and able to handle some uphill and downhill walking along trails strewn with roots and other hazards.
Bring: Water, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changes in the temperature and your activity level. You may wish to bring binoculars, hand lens, notebook, and camera.