The Great Outdoors
There’s no better place to immerse yourself in science than the outdoors! With topics ranging from trees to geocaching, these 2023 Atlanta Science Festival events will get you inspired by the nature in your own backyard. Start planning your Atlanta Science Festival experience with these events, taking place March 10-25.
Destination Science | March 10th 7:00 PM
Presented by Science ATL, WABE
Kick off the 10th Annual Atlanta Science Festival with us, as we feature three amazing scientists who will showcase all the incredible places science can take you. Join us as we journey from the reefs of Australia to the wilds of Africa to the glaciers of the north! Moderated by WABE’s Molly Samuel.
Geocaching Adventure | March 11th 7:00 AM
Presented by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs
Hidden treasure boxes in the woods? Sign me up! Geocaching is a treasure-hunting game in which participants use GPS technology to find containers called “”caches”” at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. You’ll never know what you’ll find in these secret treasure boxes! DeKalb County’s Ranger Jonah and several dedicated geocaching enthusiasts have designed two scavenger hunts for you to seek within the forests of Mason Mill, Medlock, and Ira B. Melton Parks. First, a series of geocaches are hidden throughout the park. Second, two Adventure Labs that, once completed, will unlock the location of a bonus geocache for you to find. These scavenger hunts will help you explore the park, learn to use latitude & longitude, and introduce you to locations of scientific and historic importance in the forest.
Please note this opportunity is available daily during daylight hours daily until March 24th.
No registration necessary.
Geocaching 101 | March 11th 10:00 AM
Presented by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs
Hidden treasure boxes in the woods? Sign me up! Geocaching is a treasure-hunting game in which participants use GPS technology to find containers called “”caches”” at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. Join us for this session to learn all about how geocaching works, and then set out to find more than 10 geocaches at Mason Mill Park. Along the way, you are invited to explore the park, learn to use latitude & longitude, and find hidden caches containing science facts about the park. Meet Ranger Jonah at the PATH Trailhead.
Taking Out the Trash | March 11th 10:00 AM
Presented by Groundwork Atlanta, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Explore the efforts underway in the Proctor Creek watershed to reduce the volume of trash entering the creek and help partners develop solutions to this problem. This interactive workshop will include a brief tour of a trash trap on the creek, an overview of the trash tracking data process, and hands-on activities for you to explore and share your solutions to reduce trash across the community and keep it out of the creek.
Rock n’ Walk | March 12th 12:00 PM
Presented by GSU Geosciences
Millions of years ago, a massive magma chamber cooled below the ground just outside of what is now Atlanta, never erupting through to the surface. Today, we call it Stone Mountain. Join folks from Georgia State University Geosciences on a hike to explore this unique granite dome, learning about the rock and what makes this spot in Atlanta so special including indigenous stories and cultural connections. You’ll also be able to ‘walk’ a Giant Traveling Map of Georgia, explore rock and mineral specimens, ‘track’ dinosaurs, and identify fossils like a paleontologist!
No registration necessary.
Discovery Walk: Emory | March 12th 1:00 PM
Presented by Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. Come explore one of these spaces with our latest Discovery Walk map of the Emory campus. Pick up a map from our volunteer and head out with your friends and family on this 2.5 mile route through campus with ten intriguing science stops. Bonus – the walk ends at the Carlos Museum and your map will get you free admission!
No registration necessary.
Exploring Atlanta’s Urban Parks: Chosewood Park | March 15th 10:00 AM
Presented by Trees Atlanta
You can find nature everywhere! Come with us to discover your city parks! During this hike, you’ll learn the basics on how to be prepared for beginner hiking, tree identification, how wildlife interacts from the urban forest, plus how we can benefit from what the urban forest can provide for us.
Roadside Geology | March 16th 1:00 PM
Presented by Georgia Mineral Society, georgiarocks.us
Tag along with two geologist-educators to see the beautiful building stones and folded natural rock layers of Midtown Atlanta, on a tour from Symphony Hall to Rhodes Hall. Dr. Bill Witherspoon, co-author of Roadside Geology of Georgia, teams up with highly sought guest speaker from Georgia Mineral Society (GMS), Bill Waggener, to interpret the stories that rocks tell. GMS grab bag is included with admission price.
This event is repeated on March 19th.
Southside River Rendezvous | March 18th 9:00 AM
Presented by Finding the Flint, Flint Riverkeepers, South River Watershed Alliance, Chattahoochee Riverkeepers, American Rivers
Meet us for the Southside River Rendezvous to explore Atlanta’s three rivers – the Chattahoochee, the Flint, and the South River! You’ll discover some of the Southside’s hidden freshwater features, learn how to collect water samples and watch scientists perform water quality testing! Southside River Rendezvous is part of an on-going effort to collect water quality data, increase awareness and protection of Atlanta’s three rivers.
ID the Trees | March 18th 10:00 AM
Presented by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs
If Atlanta is really “”The City in the Forest”” shouldn’t we know what kind of trees surround us? Join DeKalb County’s Ranger Jonah for a walk all about trees! We’ll take a stroll through Mason Mill Park and learn techniques for identifying trees by their bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Find out to tell a Loblolly pine from other native pines! From the common water oak to the rare winged elm, come fall in love with trees at this awesome city park!
Meet Ranger Jonah at the trailhead entrance in Mason Mill park.
Oakland Cemetery Rocks! | March 18th 10:00 AM
Presented by Historic Oakland Foundation
Oakland Cemetery Rocks! Join cemetery preservationists for a hands-on geology workshop and cemetery scavenger hunt. Learn how to identify several stone types, see how the preservation of monuments and grave markers takes place, and find out how the elements affect different types of stone. Following the workshop, use your best sleuthing skills on the geology scavenger hunt to find the different types of stones and materials around the site.
Amphibian Foundation’s Annual Salamander Stroll | March 18th 10:00 AM
Presented by Amphibian Foundation, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Come on out to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur and witness wildlife with regional experts from the Amphibian Foundation. Become ‘citizen scientists’ and perform an amphibian ‘bioblitz’ inventory of the preserve documenting salamanders and frogs in one of the last strongholds for amphibians inside of the perimeter! Everyone and their families are encouraged to attend and bring your cell phones to upload images of what we find to iNaturalist.
Discovery Walk Guided Tour: Mason Mill Park | March 18th 10:00 AM
Presented by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, Science ATL
Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On this docent-guided Discovery Walk through Mason Mill Park, you will uncover some of this secret science on a family-friendly route with ten intriguing science stops!
Spring Tree Walk | March 18th 11:00 AM
Presented by Historic Oakland Foundation
Did you know that Oakland Cemetery is home to more than 1,600 trees, from majestic oaks and mighty magnolias to demure crape myrtles and dogwoods? Oakland’s trees feed and shelter wildlife, help reduce air pollution and provide welcome shade for visitors. Many stand as living memorials to generations past. Stroll with us through Oakland’s amazing arboretum and learn from knowledgeable guides about some of our favorite trees!
Splash into Stream Science | March 18th 12:00 PM
Presented by GSU Geosciences, Fulton County Public Works, Project WET, Adopt-a-Stream
Examine the world of water by catching and studying bugs and other critters that reveal the health of a local stream in southwestern Atlanta. Test water quality and learn how changing environmental conditions can affect the livelihood of habitats and how that relates to human activities. Join in games and engage in laboratory and field science at different stations next to the creek, or jump in and “get your feet wet” to participate in data collection in the water!
Wildflower Walk | March 18th 2:30 PM
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Join us for a group walk to celebrate the beginning of spring in Fernbank Forest! You’ll learn about the different kinds of native wildflowers found both in the forest and around Atlanta!
Please note that although this event is free with admission, we still require registration specifically for the event, as space is limited.
This event is repeated on March 24th at 10:00 AM.
Garden Wonders | March 19th 10:00 AM
Presented by Wylde Center
Explore Wylde Center’s Oakhurst Garden with a naturalist! From a behind the scenes tour of our green house to a creek exploration to look for salamanders to getting a taste of the sweet honey from our beehives, you’ll learn all about this intown garden wonderland!
This event is repeated on March 19th at 11:30 AM and March 19th at 1:00 PM.
Come Closer: Carnivorous Plants | March 19th 10:30 AM
Presented by Lush Plant Co., Atlanta Carnivorous Gardens
Carnivorous plants don’t just lure in the bugs…they capture our attention as well! Join us for this deep dive into some of the coolest plants out there! We’ll show you all sorts of these bug eating plants, talk about how they work, and even set up a “”Feed the Fly Traps”” station for you to see the plants gobble up their meals!
Bring a picnic blanket and join us on the lawn at Lush Plant Co. to learn all about these fascinating plants!
Exploring Atlanta’s Urban Parks: Perkerson Park | March 20th 10:00 AM
Presented by Trees Atlanta
You can find nature everywhere! Come with us to discover your city parks! During this hike, you’ll learn the basics on how to be prepared for beginner hiking, tree identification, how wildlife interacts from the urban forest, plus how we can benefit from what the urban forest can provide for us.
The Plant Hunter: A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines | March 22nd 7:00 PM
Presented by Emory University, A Capella Books, Carter Presidential Library & Museum
Join leading medical ethnobotanist and explorer, Dr. Cassandra Quave, as she shares the story of her quest to develop new ways to fight illness and disease through the healing powers of plants. Book signing of her uplifting and adventure-filled memoir, THE PLANT HUNTER, and herbal tea blending activity to follow the talk!
Exploring Atlanta’s Urban Parks: Adams Park | March 24th 10:00 AM
Presented by Trees Atlanta
You can find nature everywhere! Come with us to discover your city parks! During this hike, you’ll learn the basics on how to be prepared for beginner hiking, tree identification, how wildlife interacts from the urban forest, plus how we can benefit from what the urban forest can provide for us.
(Un)Natural History Walk of Constitution Lakes and Doll’s Head Trail| March 24th 11:00 AM
Presented by Agnes Scott College Biology Department
Come discover one of Atlanta’s secret parks. Join us for a walk around Constitution Lakes and visit the birds and other creatures that call this unique urban park home. The tour will include information on native and invasive plant identification, birds, and the geology and history of the area. Extra Bonus: Come tour the Doll’s Head Trail during the walk and contribute to the folk art that makes Atlanta so unique.
This hike is appropriate for ages 7 and up.
