WWiW—CLP: Preparing for Winter

Join Naturalist Tasha for Preparing for Winter, a seasonal edition of Wellness Walks in Wildlife (WWiW) exploring the fascinating ways plants, wildlife, and entire ecosystems respond to autumn's changing conditions at Constitution Lakes Park.

As we wander through forests, wetlands, boardwalks, and natural trails, we'll observe the subtle and sometimes surprising signs of seasonal transition. Why do trees release their leaves? Where do insects and other wildlife go when temperatures drop? And what might the forest be doing beneath our feet while everything aboveground appears to be slowing down?

Along the way, we'll explore how falling leaves, changing daylight, and shifting wildlife behaviors contribute to the forest's remarkable preparations for winter. Some of nature's most fascinating seasonal transformations happen in plain sight, while others require a little curiosity and closer observation to uncover.

The full program lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with a flexible, participant-centered pace that accommodates the needs and interests of those joining us. Our exploration includes opportunities to pause, observe, and engage in discussion, with the distance covered guided by the group's pace and our scheduled return time. No previous naturalist knowledge is needed—just curiosity, comfortable walking shoes, and a willingness to discover that even as nature appears to be winding down, there's still plenty going on!

Your guide will be Tasha L. J. Messer, Park Naturalist with DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA)

Constitution Lakes Park
1305 S River Industrial Blvd SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Meet at the semicircle rock seating wall near the main trailhead.

Wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes with good tread and dress in layers to accommodate changing autumn temperatures. Bring a refillable water bottle.

Binoculars are encouraged for observing birds and other wildlife, while a hand lens or magnifying glass may reveal fascinating details in fallen leaves, bark, seeds, and other seasonal discoveries. Trekking poles or walking sticks are optional and may be helpful on uneven, muddy, or root-exposed portions of the trail.

There are no public restrooms within Constitution Lakes Park.

Through a supportive community partnership, Rush Trucking has graciously allowed limited restroom access when programs align with their business hours. This accommodation is available before the walk begins or after it concludes, as the restroom is located inside the building’s rear service-area break room.

We are grateful for Rush Trucking’s generosity in supporting this program. Participants are encouraged to plan accordingly, as access is time-limited and cannot be guaranteed during the walk.

All ages are welcome. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Because this program involves frequent stops, close observation, and movement through sensitive natural areas, participants are encouraged to leave pets at home.

This program will be held rain or shine unless weather, trail, or other environmental conditions are deemed unsafe by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA).

Autumn weather can bring fluctuating temperatures, damp trails, and changing wildlife activity. These seasonal conditions are part of what makes each walk unique! Wildlife sightings and specific natural phenomena cannot be guaranteed, as our discoveries depend on what nature reveals during our time together.

Expect approximately 2.5 hours of gentle walking and exploration at a relaxed pace with frequent stops for observation and discussion.

The route includes a mixture of shaded forest, wetland edges, and areas exposed to direct sunlight. Participants should be prepared for cooler autumn temperatures, occasional breezes, fallen leaves that may conceal uneven terrain, and potentially damp or slippery surfaces following rainfall. Mosquitoes and other insects may still be active, particularly during warmer periods.

The walk begins on the compacted gravel and firm surface of the parking area before transitioning to a smoother, paved path that leads onto an elevated boardwalk system through the wetland habitat. The boardwalk provides a generally stable walking surface but may become slippery when wet.

Depending on trail conditions and what we discover along the way, portions of the walk may continue onto natural trails with uneven surfaces, exposed roots, soft ground, leaf litter, and seasonal mud.

Participants with mobility concerns may choose to remain on the boardwalk and firmer entrance paths. Those using mobility aids or strollers should be aware that conditions beyond the boardwalk can vary considerably, particularly following wet weather.

Questions about whether this program will work for your mobility or access needs? Contact Naturalist Tasha at [email protected] or 404-927-4227.

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.

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.

~ Naturalist Tasha

404-927-4227

Event venue & nearby stays

1305 S River Industrial Blvd SE, 1305 South River Industrial Boulevard Southeast, Atlanta, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →

Discover more events by tag