MLK National Day of Service celebrates 30th anniversary with environmental work
On January 20, a day typically centered on unity took on a more complicated tone this year amidst societal division of the 2024 election. Yet, individuals of all ages came together in solidarity to mark the 30th anniversary of the MLK National Day of Service under the theme “A Day On, Not Off”.
Beginning at Constitution Lakes Park and conceived as a partnership between the Dekalb County Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs (DC-RPCA) Park Naturalists Tasha Messer and Birds Georgia volunteers worked in four groups to revitalize three community spaces.
Among the leaders of the day’s activities were Tasha Messer, a Naturalist at the park, Sebastian Hagen, the Habitat Program Coordinator for Birds Georgia, and Joy Carter, a dedicated volunteer and member of Birds Georgia, and Gavin Messer, Tasha’s son, who is a naturalist-in-training.
Messer, a former elementary school teacher, shared her passion for fostering a love of nature in young people, highlighting the importance of programs like Birds Georgia. Her enthusiasm for mentoring the next generation of birders and conservationists reflects her dedication to ensuring a sustainable future, “Volunteerism has changed my life,” Messer remarked, emphasizing how community service can open new pathways, including her own transition to her role as Roving Ranger for the park.
Hagen, who led the invasive species removal initiative, shared his journey to environmental stewardship. Inspired by a childhood dream of becoming a park ranger, Hagen pursued an Environmental Science degree from Kennesaw State University and found his calling in fieldwork, “I wanted to use the research we have to do the good work,” he explained, highlighting his focus on habitat restoration. Hagen’s team tackled removing Chinese privets, an aggressive invasive plant, transforming it into brush piles to support wildlife habitats. “These brush piles provide temporary homes and shelter for various species, creating a safe space for wildlife,” he noted.
Carter, a birder and former board chair of Birds Georgia, focused on cleaning up the South River and surrounding areas, which are often overwhelmed by trash washed in from the river and littering. “There’s a lot of garbage here,” Carter explained, “but this is exactly the kind of thing we should be doing. It’s about community and giving back.” A passionate advocate for bird conservation, Carter also runs the Intown Atlanta Christmas Bird Count and volunteers with Wild Nest Bird Rehab, a center dedicated to rehabilitating Georgia’s bird population.
The day’s efforts also included a guided exploration of Doll’s Head Trail, an iconic feature of the park known for its community-crafted art installations made from found materials. Messer and Hagen reminded volunteers to respect the trail’s natural environment while contributing to its ongoing evolution as a unique cultural and ecological space.
As the day came to a close, Tasha Messer reflected on the significance of the event. “The DC-RPCA follows three pillars: Conservation, Equity, and Health & Wellness,” she explained. “Equity, being at the center of it all, was a resonating theme leading our MLK Day of Service events.” She continued, “Dr. King had to be smiling down on us to make everything come together so well”.
