Mon, Feb 25 2019 - Blue Sky Beat-the-traffic midday Hike at Frazier-Rowe Park & Briarlake Forest (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Martha Mock, Karen, Stefanie, Mark, Jenny C, Cindy P., Gundeep, Lisa

We nine AOC hikers (+ Stefanie's nice canine companion Lenny) had a good time together exploring a wide variety of scenic shady trail networks at these DeKalb County nature preserves.  It was fun having Cindy with us on her first event as a new AOC member!
  After an initial hour of hiking at Frazier-Rowe Park (including the adjoining Coralwood Nature Trail) we took an easy 5-minute car-caravan drive eastward to Briarlake Forest for a second adventurous hour there.  While bushwhacking through the Forest's seldom visited northern corner we enjoyed a chat with "Machete Man," an Englishman who is heading up an expert crew to remove the park's invasive infestations of English ivy, Chinese privet and elaeagnus.  Six of us then also enjoyed a "bonus hike" (12:30-1:00 PM) after a 2nd brief car caravan to Mary Scott Nature Park on Briarcliff Rd.
  The springlike weather was delightful with a bright blue sky and warming quickly into the mid-50s.  We stopped often along the trails and creeks to enjoy the fascinating flora & fauna and the quaint old farmhouses, chimney ruins, etc.  Submitted by Charlie, Mon 2/25