Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Forest is a 65-acre tract of relatively undisturbed mature mixed hardwood forest. It is a small remnant of the type of forest vegetation that originally covered the Piedmont region of Georgia, including the Atlanta metropolitan area. Practically all of Atlanta's original vegetation has been destroyed, first by farming and later by urban and suburban development. Visitors to Fernbank Forest can observe firsthand the beauty of forest land as early explorers and southern Native Americans would have done hundreds of years ago. Trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns are labeled so these plants can readily be identified. Animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, birds, turtles and snakes live undisturbed in their natural environment. A small pond teems with aquatic life.

During school hours Fernbank Science Center biologists teach visiting students ranging from kindergarten to graduate school and public groups from Cub Scouts to senior citizens a variety of scheduled programs in this "living laboratory." In the afternoons and on weekends public visitors can walk the 1½ miles of paved trails and enjoy the beauty of this unspoiled woodland. Fernbank Forest offers something to everybody every season of the year. Click here for public visiting hours.

Volunteer in Fernbank Forest!

Help with the removal of exotic, invasive plant species (English Ivy, etc.) and other labor. DeKalb students will receive community service hours required for graduation! Last Saturday of every month. Everyone is welcome! For more information, or if you plan to bring a group or have a club participate, then please contact Dr. Larry Wilson at larry_wilson@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us

Dates for 2010/11:

August 28
September 25
October 30
December 4th*
January 29
February 26
March 26
April 30

*November and December are combined so as not to interfere with holidays at Thanksgiving, winter break). In case of weather cancellation the following Saturday will be the scheduled make up day: (Sept 4, Oct 2, Nov 6, Dec 11, 2010. Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, 2011)

Facilities: