Dearest DeKalb,

We did it! After almost three years of planning, hard work, and uniting partners, it is with great pride I announce the October 28th ribbon cutting at the E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm Fall Festival at 12:00 Noon. In 2019 the notion of a Youth Farm was a labor of love and a commitment to empowering youth and community through the promotion of healthy living, agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, and community. After months of hard work, we have transformed an abandoned park into a thriving community resource. The home of South DeKalb's first Park Naturalist, the farm provides valuable educational opportunities and fosters a deeper connection with nature for youth and the community. 

To celebrate the remarkable achievements of E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm. This event promises to be a memorable occasion filled with festivities, delicious food, and a chance to witness the positive impact of the farm firsthand. Phase I development includes the installation of an administrative office, raised garden beds, and a state-of-the-art greenhouse. This summer we were in full bloom with a garden filled with squash, peppers, herbs, tomatoes, onions, eggplant, greens, and more! It's my goal to make E.M.B.A.R.C. a one-stop destination for all things youth, with a diverse offering of programming ranging from leadership to entrepreneurship training.

Please join me, Park Naturalist Jennifer McClarin, Parks, and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the community in celebrating this milestone at the E.M.B.A.R.C. Fall Festival - together we win!

What's the Buzz: Beehive Update

The bee hives were installed in late March and have been spilled for a total of 4 hives that are doing very well. We have happy bees. We expect them to continue growing honeycomb over the winter and have the building blocks for honey in 2024. E.M.B.A.R.C. will ultimately spin and sell honey in Phase II in the country store that will carry a wide variety of pickled products, jellies, and jams produced in our FDA approved test kitchen for retail sell by our youth entrepreneurs.

Our Greenhouse Has Arrived!

Our first greenhouse arrived in May, it is 24FT x 48FT and installation was complete in June.

The greenhouse will be utilized to grow both vegetables and native plants, it will serve as an educational tool for local schools and the greater community. Greenhouse growing will begin

this winter and the active sell of plants will begin in the Spring to local gardeners. Phase II development will expand plant growth to hydroponic towers for mass crop production.

Eleven Nuc Boxes

There are now eleven Nuc Boxes for the bees to overwinter. By Spring 2024, we will have 14 beehives! 

What is Overwintering:

As the chilly weather sets in, bees cease their foraging activities and prepare for the winter by hunkering down. They seek refuge within the hive, where they remain throughout the winter season, keeping themselves warm and protected. Once the weather begins to warm up, the bees emerge from their hives and gradually resume their foraging duties. The bees primary objective during this time is to ensure their survival throughout the winter period.

U.S.D.A. Certified Egg Candling Class

After Park Naturalist Jennifer McLaurin and Super District 7 Staff became U.S.D.A. Certified Egg Candlers and we brought you along to help us tend the hen house! During three sessions 60 DeKalb residents became certified egg candlers. During Phase II expansion we will install the Waldorf Astoria of hen houses to hold our happy hens who will produce organic happy eggs.

Nature Play For Kids - May 26

During the Nature Play for Kids Program held on May 26th participants walked through the Youth Farm Forest, climbed on rocks, looked for critters under logs, and explored the forest surroundings.

Volunteer Workday - June 10th

During our Volunteer Work Day held on June 10th, volunteers worked on filling up the raised beds and planted several raised beds with various vegetables and herbs.

During volunteer garden days get ready to roll-up your sleeves and volunteer in the garden! We will work in the newly planted orchard, adding soil to the garden beds and more. We welcome individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.  Wear close-toed shoes and old clothes that you do not mind getting dirty and prepare for a wonderful experience.

Yoga in the Park - July 23th

On July 22, 2023 EMBARC hosted its first yoga in the park. The program was aimed at introducing and expanding yoga practice in children ages 5-12. Its focus was on mindfulness, movement, and breathwork with a certified yoga instructor.

There is ongoing conversation on scheduling move yoga classes in the future and we look forward to expanding the program to include goat yoga.

Great Pollinator Census Count - August 19^th

On August 19th, we held the first-ever Great Southeast Pollinator Census. The Census is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia (UGA). Residents across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina counted all the pollinators they could find in their environment. It was a beautiful opportunity to learn about the different types of pollinators in our environment. The data will be turned in to UGA this week.

Mushroom Club of Georgia - August 13^th

On August 13th EMBARC hosted a private hike with the Mushroom Club of Georgia. Club members really enjoyed looking through the forested areas and finding a variety of mushroom species.

Farm Visit - July 19th

On July 19th Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson & staff, visited E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm. The greenhouse was completed and ready for use. Crops had come in throughout the garden

Pollinator Plants of the Year

E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm has three of the four Pollinator Plants of the Year in its 1st Pollinator Garden. The garden currently has Baptisia australis - Wild Blue Indigo, Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot, and Symphyotrichum oblongifolium – Aromatic Aster.  

Symphyotrichum Oblongifolium – Aromatic Aster

Monarda Fistulosa –

Wild Bergamot

Baptisia Australis -

Wild Blue Indigo

Our Garden is Growing

We are happy to report veggies and flowers are thriving, but we have had a few stink bugs trying to take over the squash. We have begun drying sunflowers in the greenhouse to be used as natural bird feeders.

In August, Park Naturalist Jennifer McLaurin began working with Monarchs Across Georgia growing some native plants, collaborating on future pollinator gardens/projects, and working on a fall woodland planting at the main trailhead entrance (near the back of the field).  We will grow native plants and have them on display in the greenhouse for the fall festival.

Baby Bluebirds at E.M.B.A.R.C. Youth Farm

The Youth Farm received two bluebird houses from a local Eagle Scout this spring. We are excited that both houses have 3-4 baby bluebirds! With the mama bluebirds taking great care of their babies, we expect them to fly the nest this summer.

For More Information on What’s Going on at the Youth Farm, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/embarc-community-youth-farm-52946347093 or contact Park Naturalist Jennifer McLaurin at jpmclaurin@dekalbcountyga.gov