JONAH McDONALD arrived in Atlanta on foot over two decades ago. After completing his 2,172-mile southbound thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, he put down roots in Atlanta. Today he serves as the DeKalb County Park Naturalist at Mason Mill Park. He published the first edition of Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests: Intown and Out in 2014. His second book is titled Secret Atlanta: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. McDonald is also a storyteller, television host, and tour guide. He loves exploring his city via bicycle, canoe, or foot, and believes that there is a new story to learn and tell around every bend. When he’s not already on an adventure, he loves finding a new one.
ZANA POUNCEY is a native southerner and has lived in Atlanta for over ten years. She loves city life with all her heart but is a passionate environmentalist at her core. Connecting people to nature is her calling. After graduating from Emory University with a degree in Environmental Science, Pouncey spent several years working in environmental advocacy and education for nonprofit organizations including Trees Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. She’s been awarded a Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship by the National Geographic Society, is on the board of the Atlanta Green Theater Alliance, has presented at environmental conferences and teacher workshops, and has written for National Geographic’s Education blog.
