Moonlight Meanders-IC@MOP

🌕 Moonlight Meanders – HUNTER'S MOON

An Autumn Moon, a Reawakened Park, and a Night of Discovery!

Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location:

Intrenchment Creek at Michelle Obama Park
1600 Constitution Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Overview

A guided moonlit exploration where shadows, sounds, seasonal wonders, and shared curiosity invite us to experience our parks in an entirely different light.

Program Description

Under October's Hunter's Moon, the newly reopened Intrenchment Creek at Michelle Obama Park invites us into a landscape of autumn transitions, woodland mysteries, and nighttime discovery. Traditionally associated with the season of gathering and preparation, this full moon illuminates a time when wildlife is responding to shorter days, changing temperatures, and shifting food sources.

This year's Hunter's Moon reaches fullness in Taurus, the zodiac sign symbolically associated with the senses, nature, and our connection to the physical world. With the Sun opposite in Scorpio, a sign associated with transformation and hidden processes, the pairing offers a fitting invitation to explore what we can observe and what remains just beyond our senses.

After years of closure, this treasured green space is welcoming visitors once again. What might its woodlands, creek corridor, and newly accessible trails reveal after sunset?

Join Naturalist Tasha for an evening of shared exploration where curiosity leads, observation becomes conversation, and every sound, silhouette, and unexpected discovery offers another opportunity to appreciate the natural world.

Bring your light, engage your senses, and discover a familiar world from an entirely different perspective!

What to Expect

We'll begin with a brief orientation and introductions before setting out along the park's newly constructed trail and boardwalk. Through intentional listening, sensory exploration, and collaborative exchanges, we'll investigate the nighttime environment and seasonal changes occurring throughout the surrounding ecosystems.

Possible discoveries include nocturnal insect calls, owl vocalizations, wildlife movement, and the fascinating interplay of moonlight and shadows. Nature makes no guarantees, and that's part of the adventure!

Program Leader

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

Where to Meet

Intrenchment Creek at Michelle Obama Park
1600 Constitution Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30316

Meet Naturalist Tasha near the park entrance and newly reopened trailhead.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The program will begin promptly following introductions. Once the walk begins, my phone will be silenced so I can remain fully present and attentive to guiding the group experience.

What to Bring or Wear

• Closed-toe, supportive footwear with good traction
• Comfortable layers appropriate for autumn evening temperatures
• Refillable water bottle
• Headlamp or flashlight (required)
• Insect repellent (recommended)
• Optional walking stick or trekking poles for stability

We'll intentionally experience brief periods with reduced artificial lighting when conditions allow, so our eyes can adjust and our other senses can take center stage.

Restrooms

There are no public restroom facilities available at Intrenchment Creek at Michelle Obama Park. Participants are encouraged to use restroom facilities before arriving and plan accordingly.

Recommended Ages

Designed with adults in mind; however, participants of all ages are welcome. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors after dark.

Dogs

For the comfort and safety of participants and to minimize disturbance to wildlife during nighttime observations, please leave pets at home.

Weather Contingency

Held rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. Cloud cover may limit moon visibility, but our sensory exploration continues when conditions permit. Severe weather, lightning, or unsafe trail conditions may require cancellation.

Walking Distance

Approximately two hours of relaxed exploration, including frequent observation and discussion stops. The distance covered will depend on group pace, trail conditions, and opportunities for discovery.

Exposure, Trail Surface & Accessibility

The newly constructed trail includes paved sections and boardwalk access through wooded and creekside environments. Participants should anticipate changing light conditions, possible damp or slippery surfaces, and seasonal leaf litter.

Those with mobility considerations are encouraged to contact Naturalist Tasha in advance to discuss the planned route.

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 at tlmesser@dekalbcountyga.gov

Program Photos

We enjoy 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.

Waiver & Release

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.

Stay Connected

Moonlight Meanders is a shared exploration experience where community, curiosity, and respectful exchanges of knowledge are at the heart of our time together.

Explore upcoming programs:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/south-dekalb-parks-naturalist-105173177581

~ Naturalist Tasha
404-927-4227 (Cell)