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about projects: past improvements Invasive Plant Removal - click link to right
Triangle Beautification Project Spring 2008 The “Triangle” area, in the center of the Park, is bound by Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Old Hugh Howell Road and Old 78 West. The parking area was unsightly, suffereed from erosion and had no landscaping. The “Triangle Beautification Project” provides parking on landscaped terraces. The parking surface is made of pavers which are more attractive than asphalt and have the added value of absorbing rainwater. All storm water will be absorbed onsite. A seventy-five foot tree filled buffer will be maintained along Robert E. Lee Boulevard and picnic tables will be scattered throughout the area.
North Gate Access Road The 2005 Park Master Plan called for transportation improvements to make the Park safer and more efficient. A new road was created in Fall 2007 above the Antique Automobile Museum connecting Robert E. Lee Boulevard to the North Gate at Highway 78.
Pipe replacement and pedestrian tunnel construction 2007 A major excavation occurred on Robert E. Lee Boulevard because of the need to replace a deteriorated metal storm water pipe with a more durable concrete structure. Once the construction was complete, numerous trees were replanted in the area. In addition, a pedestrian tunnel under the street was also installed to make the Park safer for Pedestrians. |
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Quarry Exhibit
SMMA completed an outdoor historical exhibit in 2001 which illustrates the story of the granite industry here at Stone Mountain. Quarrying took place at the mountain for 130 years and had extensive social and economic impact on the development of surrounding communities. Through photographs, artifacts and replicas the exhibit describes the process of granite quarrying and depicts changes in quarrying technology over time. This exhibit is open to the public from dawn to dusk at no charge (other than $8.00 parking fee or annual pass fee to Stone Mountain Park). It is located across from the Grist Mill on Robert E. Lee Boulevard. |
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The Songbird Habitat and Trail
Olympic Site, 1999
We began the restoration of this site in 2002, correcting the drainage and erosion problems and planting the area for wildlife. We have focused our planting efforts on providing food for songbirds. In much of the site we have tried to maintain an early successional or old field habitat. Early successional areas are critical habitats for a variety of bird species. They often provide abundant seed producing grasses and fruit producing shrubs and vines. In recent years there has been a significant decline in the numbers of birds which depend on the old field habitats for food. Increasing urban sprawl and decreasing agricultural lands have made the habitats scarce. Edge habitats are also important to many species and and we have maximized edge within this site, gradually fading from woodlands to field. We have planted trees, shrubs and grass mixes which will provide food throughout the year for resident and migratory songbirds. Some of the species planted include Maples, Cedars, Hollies, Redbud, Cherry, Crabapple, Jessamine, Trumpet Creeper, Clover, Wheat, Lovegrass, Sunflower and additional wildflowers. Birds who are dependant on these areas for food include the American Bluebird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow Breasted Chat, Indigo Bunting, Goldfinch, Blue Grosbeak and Field Sparrow.
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back
to top Carving Cleaning Geologists rappelled down the face of the mountain in Spring 2008 to install new pins on attached blocks. They last rappelled down in 2003 to inspect and clean the memorial carving. The carving had not been checked in 8 years. The team spent 10 hours on the mountain dangling more than 400 feet above the ground!
Our huge mountain-top tree can be seen from miles away! Natural District Restoration
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The
Stone Mountain Park Songbird Habitat and Trail opened May 1,
2003 and is located on Stonewall Jackson drive at the old
Olympic site.
This
area was once the home of the 1996 Archery and Cycling Olympic
events. The cycling velodrome and archery meadow can be
seen in the photos below. After the Olympics,
event structures were removed, a few trees were planted and
the site then abandoned. 
Olympic Site, 1996
The Songbird trail traverses 1 mile of
the site, with an additional mile long trail through the woods. Along
the hike you will see hundreds of native trees, shrubs and grasses. You
may encounter foraging songbirds and may notice our resident Red-Tail
Hawk soaring the area. There are several Bluebird boxes around the
perimeter and additional boxes are placed throughout the woodlands for
other cavity nesters.
SMMA displays Christmas lights for our guests
each year. Our staff contributes creativity and lots of time
to the design and installation of the displays. A wildlife display in front of Confederate Hall was created and
fabricated by our talented staff right here in the park!
Other
park improvements include restoring areas to the Natural
District of the park. In 2003, we demolished an old
prison which was built in the early 1960’s. The building was
abandoned in 1996 and has since been useless to SMMA. The
site, approximately 2 acres, is currently being restored. It
was planted with native trees in 2006.
The
Old Fishing Hut structure, permanently closed in 2000, was
also demolished with the intent of returning the area to the
natural district.