Herbert Taylor Park & Daniel Johnson Park
Overview
These two parks form 39 acres of urban forest stretching from East Rock Springs Road to Johnson Road in Midtown at the confluence of Rock Creek and South Fork Peachtree Creek upstream from Zonolite Park. Steep mesic slopes with granite outcroppings and a former granite quarry, slope down to rich bottomlands that were farmed over the centuries by indigenous peoples and European settlers. These parks’ systems of naturalized trails make it a favorite retreat for walkers, runners and mud-larkers, as well as serving as a feeding spot for insects, birds, and wildlife.
Herbert Taylor Park & Daniel Johnson Park Restoration Project
Herbert Taylor Park’s 31 acres were given to Atlanta more than 50 years ago. The smaller (6 acre) Daniel Johnson Park was deeded in 1935. The area is an exceptionally high value green space in Midtown Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood, including an unusually high number of uncommon plants, like Rivercane, American Hazelnut and Sweet Cicely. Part of the original forest of our region, it has champion trees (more than a dozen) that may predate European settlement. Amateur archaeologists have found pottery shards and tools dating to the Woodlands Period (1000 BC-900 AD).
The park is home to old growth, uncommon tree species, and several wildflower species such as Trillium, Heartleaf, Crane-fly orchid, and Solomon’s Seal. But as an urban park, significant parts are dominated by invasive species, including Chinese and Japanese privet/holly, kudzu,Japanese chaff flower, wisteria, porcelain berry, and English ivy–some of the invasives might also qualify as Champions! In the areas where volunteers have removed them, native plants have recovered or been replanted.
The most recent restoration efforts began with the establishment of the Park Pride affiliated Friends of Herbert Taylor Park & Daniel Johnson Park in 2018. The group applied to become a GNPS restoration site in 2022 and has hosted GNPS Intown Chapter Restoration education sessions. The Friends group educates the community with native plant walks, birding tours, and archeological presentations.
Regular Workdays
MLK Day of Service and the second Saturday of every month are the regular workdays–check the GNPS calendar for updates. During the fall, winter, and spring we work from 9-NOON, with summer hours a bit earlier, 8:30-11:30. You can sign up at friendsofhtdj@gmail.com for our newsletter covering restoration work, education activities, and plants of interest. We also host Intown GNPS Restoration Committee workdays starting the last Friday of the month–over the late fall, winter, and spring we meet 1:30-4 but once it warms up we meet in the mornings starting at 9:00 AM.
Where Is It and Where Do I Park?
Volunteers gather at the kiosk at 1343 Pasadena Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306. We begin with a short round of introductions, a safety briefing, some instructions and then set off in work groups headed by experienced volunteer leaders. There are jobs available for all ages and levels of experience–our youngest volunteers are 2 and our eldest is 92! Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and dress for changing weather. You can also bring your favorite garden gloves and tools, but we have extras you may borrow. Contact us at friendsofhtdj@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
On street parking is available close to the kiosk on both Beech Valley and Pasadena. Please be mindful of our neighbors and do not block driveways.
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