2026 MO-SRT Clean-Up & Habitat Stewardship Campaign

2026 Michelle Obama–South River Trail

Clean-Up & Habitat Stewardship Campaign

The 2026 Michelle Obama–South River Trail Clean-Up & Habitat Stewardship Campaign is a standing monthly stewardship initiative focused on litter removal and responsible habitat care.

On the third Saturday of each month, community members gather to remove litter from the trail, surrounding streets and green spaces while supporting approved plant-management efforts that help protect native habitat.

This is not a one-time clean-up. It is recurring community stewardship—where each month builds on the last.

In collaboration with DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, Park Pride, Gresham Guardians, South DeKalb Parks Naturalist, Neighbors of Gresham Park, and Gresham Park Rattlers, this campaign establishes a steady rhythm of environmental responsibility and visible neighborhood impact.

Through consistent action, we are helping keep the Michelle Obama–South River Trail and Gresham Park community clean, cared for, and ecologically supported.

Event Leaders

Davis Sandling
Neighbors of Gresham Park

Tasha Messer
DeKalb County RPCA Parks Naturalist

Weather Contingency

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

Where to Meet

Gresham Park Recreation Center
3113 Gresham Rd SE
Atlanta, GA 30316

Restroom Notice

Please plan for restroom needs prior to beginning the stewardship portion of the program.

When

3rd Saturday | Gresham Park Recreation Center

September 19, 2026 | 8:00–10:00 a.m.

October 17, 2026 | 8:00–10:00 a.m.

November 21, 2026 | 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Grounded in Gratitude

December 19, 2026 | NO WORK DAY
Holiday Break + MLK Day of Service 2027 Preparation

Ongoing — hours subject to seasonal change.

What to Bring

• Weather-appropriate clothing that can get dirty
• Closed-toe, sturdy footwear suitable for walking and light outdoor work
• A refillable water bottle
• Work gloves, if you have them
• Hand tools such as pruners, loppers, or small hand trowels, if available

Additional supplies will be provided. Bringing your own gloves and tools helps increase efficiency and reduces shared equipment needs.

Recommended Ages

This program is designed for adults and teens, though participants of all ages are welcome.

What We May Do

Each stewardship day will look a little different depending on current site needs, seasonal conditions, and approved activities. Participants may:

• Remove litter from the trail, surrounding streets and green spaces
• Support approved introduced/overabundant plant management to encourage native habitat
• Observe seasonal changes, plant patterns and habitat shifts
• Participate in other approved beautification, conservation or habitat-care activities
• Engage in hands-on outdoor work that provides light-to-moderate physical activity
• Contribute to visible, measurable improvements that build community pride and connection

Each month builds on the last. Areas we care for begin to show progress. Native growth rebounds. Footpaths feel more welcoming. The landscape responds to consistency.

Stewardship is not only environmental—it supports physical movement, time outdoors and a stronger sense of place.

Together, we care for the land—and benefit from the wellness that comes with it.

Walking Distance / Physical Activity Level

Light-to-moderate physical activity that includes steady walking, bending, reaching, light lifting and brief periods of focused plant removal. Work takes place primarily on paved surfaces and park grounds, with occasional transitions to grass or mixed terrain.

Participants move at a comfortable, community-paced rhythm with flexibility to rest as needed.

Accessibility (ADA Notice)

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs is committed to providing inclusive and accessible programs. Reasonable accommodations may be available upon request. To request an accommodation, please contact the program organizer at least 48 hours in advance of the event.

Participation Notice, Waiver & Media Release

By registering for or attending this program, participants acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to uneven terrain, weather conditions, physical exertion and use of tools. Participation is voluntary, and attendees assume responsibility for their own safety and well-being.

Participants agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless DeKalb County Government, the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA), its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and affiliated partners from claims, injuries, losses or liabilities arising from participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Food or refreshments may occasionally be served or shared. Participants acknowledge that food may contain common allergens and choose to consume food or beverages at their own risk.

By attending, participants grant permission for DeKalb County RPCA and Parks Naturalist-led programs to photograph or record them for educational, promotional, reporting and documentation purposes across print and digital platforms.

Registration and attendance indicate agreement with the Parks Naturalist Program – Volunteer Waiver, Food & Beverage Disclaimer, and Media Release on file with DeKalb County RPCA.

Contact

Naturalist Tasha
South DeKalb Parks Naturalist | tlmesser@dekalbcountyga.gov

Davis Sandling
Neighbors of Gresham Park | davis.sandling@gmail.com