Guided Hike with a Ranger at EMBARC Community & Youth Farm at Rock Chapel 2: 1185 Rock Chapel Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058 – Lithonia, GA

Description: Join an EMBARC Ranger on a guided hike as we explore the forest and surrounding natural spaces. Learn about the ecology and human history as you are led along secret trails and beautiful landscapes. We’ll share our favorite spots and how to hike safely and responsibly to reduce impact.

What to expect: We will gather in front of the brown office building for check in. The ranger will then take the group to some hidden spots and identify unique finds throughout the forest.

Program leader: Your guide will be Ranger Chris Neff, the DeKalb County Park Ranger at EMBARC Youth Farm.

Where to meet: Find Ranger Chris in the brown office at ranger headquarters (1185 Rock Chapel Rd)

What to bring: Wear comfortable footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a refillable water bottle.

Restrooms: There is a portapotty in the parking lot available (this is cleaned twice a week).

Recommended ages: This program content is designed for adults and older children, 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 2 miles

Exposure: This walk is mostly under shade with some areas of full sun. This is very dependent on the trail taken each week.

Trail surface & accessibility: This program goes on established dirt trails that range from 5 feet across, to two feet across. Questions if this program will work for your mobility? 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. Contact Ranger Whitney: wmball@dekalbcountyga.gov

Program Photos: We love documenting our programs and may share photographs on DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs' websites, publications, and social media platforms. While participants are welcome to take their own photos, photographs taken by staff are generally intended for County documentation and promotional purposes and are not routinely distributed to participants.

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.