Project Summary
Join us on National Trails Day for a hands-on stewardship project at Constitution Lakes Park (CLP) in Atlanta! This collaborative restoration effort is led in partnership by Georgia Conservancy and DeKalb County Parks.
Registration for this event is being managed by DeKalb County - South Dekalb Branch here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/105173177581.
We are listing it on our page for extra visibility.
About the Site:
Located within a historically industrial corridor of south Atlanta, Constitution Lakes has become an important example of ecological recovery in an urban landscape. Much of the area surrounding the park was historically impacted by industrial activity, including land clearing, clay excavation, dumping, train infrastructure, and broader urban development associated with Atlanta’s expansion over the last century. Over time, wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitat have gradually reclaimed portions of the site, transforming the former industrial land into valuable greenspace for both people and wildlife. Today, the park serves as an important refuge for a wide diversity of birds, pollinators, amphibians, and other native species. Nearby communities also now benefit from multiple opportunities for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and outdoor exploration at the site. The site is particularly notorious for the famed "Dolls Head Trail", featuring discarded doll parts, toys, and litter repurposed into whimsical and sometimes unsettling sculptures.
Volunteer Tasks and Activities
As part of ongoing restoration efforts at the site, volunteers will help establish new nature trails designed to better connect visitors to the park while reducing impacts on sensitive habitats. A primary focus of this project is the creative reuse of invasive plant species already present onsite. We will remove invasive privet and repurpose the material into rustic “primitive fencing” used to define trail corridors and discourage off-trail impacts.
Volunteers during this Service Day will support with...
- Trail Corridor Clearing: Volunteers will use hand tools to reopen and define new trail sections on site.
- Primitive Trail Fencing Installation: Using reclaimed invasive privet and other onsite natural materials, volunteers will help build low-profile rustic fencing along the edges of the new trail system.
This workday marks the beginning of an ongoing series of Constitution Lakes stewardship projects taking place throughout the summer and fall. Together, these projects will continue improving trail access, restoring habitat, and supporting environmentally responsible recreation throughout the site.
Participants in this program, and future Georgia Conservancy and DeKalb County programs at Constitution Lakes, will also have opportunities to shape the future identity of the park by submitting and voting on trail names as the new trail system develops.
Project Plan
- Meeting Location: 1305 S River Industrial Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
- We will begin with a brief welcome, safety orientation, and overview of the Constitution Lakes restoration effort before dividing into project teams.
- The primary focus of the day will be restoring and establishing sustainable trail corridors using invasive species removal, trail clearing, and primitive fencing techniques.
- Teams will rotate between stewardship tasks throughout the morning based on project needs, volunteer comfort level, and available leadership.
- All tools, safety equipment, and instruction will be provided. No prior experience is necessary.
Arrival And Preparation:
- Please arrive no later than 9:15am, to allow time for check-in and orientation.
- Wear work-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes or boots that can get dirty.
- Bring Water (at least 1–2 liters); Snacks (or light lunch); Work gloves (only if you don't want to use ours); Bug Spray; and Sun protection (hat/scarf, sunscreen, etc.)
Work Expectations and What to Expect
- Pulling, cutting, and moving invasive vegetation
- Carrying branches and natural materials
- Assisting with rustic fencing construction
- Frequent Bending and Walking moderate distances on uneven trails
- Working in wetland-edge environments
- Tasks will be team-based and adaptable to trail conditions and ability levels.
Accessibility & Terrain:
This project takes place on natural surface trails with uneven terrain, roots, loose soil, mud, and wetland-adjacent areas. Some sections may include moderate slopes, standing water, or dense vegetation. Conditions may be hot, humid, and buggy depending on weather.