Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Tours

Take A Unique Natural Journey Through Atlanta’s Living Past, Present, and Future

The Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum is an ever-changing, dynamic natural space that offers a unique glimpse into the horticultural history of the city. This 22-mile long linear expanse can be enjoyed in many ways, but the most fulfilling experience is provided by the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Walking Tour, guided by Trees Atlanta Docents.

What is the Atlanta BeltLine?

The Atlanta BeltLine is the most comprehensive revitalization effort ever undertaken in the City of Atlanta and among the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment and mobility projects currently underway in the United States. This sustainable project is providing a network of public parks, multi-use trails and transit by re-using 22-miles of historic railroad corridors circling downtown and connecting 45 neighborhoods directly to each other.

What is the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum?

The Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum will evolve into a twenty-two mile long horticultural collection. This one-of-a-kind linear expanse provides neighborhood connectivity along the Atlanta BeltLine, while showcasing unique natural characteristics within each community. Neighborhoods near the Arboretum will be identifiable by the surrounding trees, and visitors will be able to develop a better appreciate for the value of trees in an urban environment. The exact number of trees planted will depend on space available, but the conceptual plan proposes several thousand trees. The Arboretum will be built over the next two decades.

Experience the Atlanta BeltLine and the Wonder of its Arboretum

Enjoy fresh air, new city views, fascinating Atlanta history, and every season of horticulture interest! Come walk the Atlanta BeltLine with an expertly trained Trees Atlanta Docent and learn firsthand from a well-trained expert by registering for an Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Walking Tour. These walking tours explore the Eastside Trail with a strong focus on the horticultural collections and interesting facts about the Atlanta BeltLine. A walking tour of the Atlanta BeltLine is the best way to see the progress and be active at the same time!  Come walk with us!

What is the Walking Tour?

The walking tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and begins from an easily accessible trailhead in the Inman Park neighborhood at 9:00 A.M. on Fridays and Saturdays. Each docent prepares their own unique talking points to spotlight the native trees, architectural interests, key historical stories, and much more. Be sure to take advantage of this free walking tour, which is offered all year so you can experience every season of the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum with an expert docent.

See the video below, courtesy of Atlanta Channel 26:

The Walking Tour Sounds Amazing! How Do I Sign-up?

Registration for the following month opens at 9:00 A.M. on the 20th of each current month.Register Online! You can contact Kate Baltzell, Education Coordinator, with inquires and to learn more about special group accommodations: kateb@treesatlanta.org.

Don’t Just Take the Tour – Become a Trees Atlanta Docent!

Trees Atlanta would love to train you to become a Docent for the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Walking Tours! Docents are volunteer educators who undergo intensive training to further the public’s understanding of cultural and historical collections unique to the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum.

With the help of Kaiser Permanente, Trees Atlanta launched the Docent Program in 2012 with its first group of energetic Docents! To participate in the  training necessary to lead interactive tours and hands-on projects specifically associated with the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum, please contact Kate Baltzell (kateb@treesatlanta.org) to learn where Trees Atlanta is in the process of recruitment. Training includes personal instruction from area experts on horticulture collections of the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum, history & design of the Atlanta Beltline, and much more!

Docents for the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Walking Tour are volunteers who are passionate and specially trained to guide tours or lead projects within the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum. They introduce visitors to all facets of the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum, including the origins, beauty and importance of native plants. Docents interact directly with the general public as they engage others to get involved in the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum. Docents regularly collaborate with Trees Atlanta’s Education Coordinator to complete training, lead tours or projects, and communicate ideas. Potential projects docents could lead include native grass planting and maintenance, plant propagation for historic trees and native grasses, or upkeep of perennial beds.

Requirements to becoming a Docent:  Trees Atlanta member, Attending all training sessions, committing to leading 2 tours or projects per month, and prior horticulture knowledge preferred.

Please contact Kate Baltzell, Education Coordinator, (kateb@treesatlanta.org) today if you would like to sign up, or if you have any questions regarding the Docent program.

Docent training takes place at:

Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center
225 Chester AveAtlanta, GA 30316

For information and registration, contact:

Kate Baltzell
Education Coordinator
kateb@treesatlanta.org
(404) 681-4897

Special thanks to Kaiser Permanente for helping to make the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Docent Program possible.