Join James Tyler and Kathryn Kolb on Saturday, June 20th, 9:00 AM for an enlightening walk at Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills that explores the rich and intertwined natural and cultural history of West Atlanta.

As we remember the historic importance of June 19th “Juneteenth,” we can learn more about the critical events that brought about Emancipation and an end to the Civil War that took place right here in our neighborhoods, on the landscapes that became Atlanta’s westside parks and greenspaces. 

 James Tyler, an expert on West Atlanta Cultural History, and Founder and Executive Director of Urban Creek Conservation Corps, will share many important and less well-known facts about the battle for Atlanta that took place here as well as the often-overlooked history of post-emancipation communities. Kathryn shows how the cultural history and natural histories of West Atlanta shaped each other, and how “accidents of history” helped give Atlantans some of our highest value green-spaces today. 

We’ll walk approximately 2 miles, on mostly natural trails with some hills, from the upper ridge to the banks of the North Fork of Utoy Creek, and we’ll have the opportunity to see a rare old growth tree.

To register (RSVP) click HERE  – Details and directions sent to registered participants (limit 15)

A donation of $20 or more helps sustain our programs.

More about Lionel Hampton – Beecher Hills Park

Nestled in quiet, forested neighborhoods in the City’s southwestern quadrant, Hampton-Beecher, one of Atlanta’s largest parks, holds remarkably large areas of healthy native forest, old growth trees and natural as well as paved trails. The North Fork of Utoy Creek runs through the park, where we often find  fewer invasive species compared with other City parks.

This 200+ acre park had been slated for development but was purchased by the City to remain as a natural area, largely through the work of Bruce Morton and the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance. 

(Bruce Morton, at right, center, with his family in Lionel-Hampton Beecher Hills Park photo from 2016)

Photos by Kathryn Kolb