About Us
“Bridging Data Science and Nature Conservation”
How We Got Started
Hikes of Georgia began with Ranger Darling’s love for Georgia’s wild landscapes and fungi. As a park ranger, mycology enthusiast, and data scientist, he saw how intimidating hiking and foraging could be for beginners. HOG was created to make nature accessible, safe, and inspiring, blending education with adventure. Since then, HOG has grown into a community where curiosity, conservation, and connection thrive. We’re here to guide you on safe, fun, and inspiring adventures across Georgia’s ecosystems.
Publications:
1. Voyage ATL Interview
Title: Inspiring Conversations with Darling Ngoh of Hikes of Georgia
Publication: Voyage ATL
Date: August 2024
Link: https://voyageatl.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-darling-ngoh-of-hikes-of-georgia/
A feature interview discussing the founding of Hikes of Georgia, balancing work as a park ranger and data science student, community engagement, conservation, and outdoor education.
2. Dope Labs Podcast
Hosts: Nakia and Zakiya Whatley
Platform: Dope Labs Podcast
Featured guest discussing fungi, foraging, nature education, science communication, and the intersection of data science and the natural world.
Link: Fungus Among Us: The Science and Hype Behind Mushrooms – Lab 102
3. Deep in the Woods Podcast
Host: Andrew (“Deep in the Woods”)
Podcast conversation covering mushrooms, foraging culture, outdoor exploration, ecology, and community science.
Link: Fungi: Ranger Darling and The Intelligence Beneath Our Feet
4. Foragers at the End of the World
Author: Hannah S. Palmer
Publication: Southern Foodways Alliance – Gravy Magazine
Date: Summer 2025
Primary Publication:
https://www.southernfoodways.org/foragers-at-the-end-of-the-world/
Republished Article:
https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2025/08/26/urban-foraging-climate-change-atlanta/
Feature article centered around a Hikes of Georgia mushroom foraging experience at Arabia Mountain, exploring foraging culture, climate change, fungi ecology, and community connection through nature.
5. Arabia Mountain Field Note
Organization: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area
Field note contribution focused on fungal distribution patterns, ecological observations, and environmental monitoring in Georgia.
Link: A Beginner’s Guide To Identifying Mushrooms In The Heritage Area
6. Eagle Eye Digest Earth Day Feature
Author: Shasa
Publication: Eagle Eye Digest
Date: 2026
Earth Day feature highlighting environmental education, community engagement, fungi research, and conservation efforts through Hikes of Georgia.
Link: Tales from the Perch, Earth Day Edition
7. An Environmentalist Undaunted by Data
Author: Pamela Zendt
Publication: The Everyday Scientist (Substack)
Date: January 2026
Link: https://everydayscientist.substack.com/p/an-environmentalist-undaunted-by
Long-form profile highlighting Darling Ngoh’s work as a data scientist, park ranger, educator, founder of Hikes of Georgia, and advocate for community science and environmental stewardship.
Additional Mentions & References
Rough Draft Atlanta
Author Archive Featuring Hannah Palmer’s Work
https://roughdraftatlanta.com/author/hannah-s-palmer/
Contains publication archives related to Foragers at the End of the World and related environmental storytelling.
The Everyday Scientist
https://everydayscientist.substack.com/
Environmental storytelling and community science publication that featured Darling Ngoh as the inaugural profile in Pamela Zendt’s environmentalist series.
Our Mission
Our mission builds on this foundation, blending outdoor exploration with education and ecological data to protect Georgia’s natural heritage. We aim to empower people of all backgrounds to explore Georgia’s trails, learn about fungi and native ecosystems, and contribute to conservation. Through HOG’s outdoor programs and the Ecological Data Alliance (EDA), we merge hands-on learning with data-driven insights to build a more sustainable future.
Our Pillars
Our work is built on three pillars that guide everything we do. From leading accessible, beginner-friendly hikes, to teaching safe mushroom foraging and fungi education, to advancing environmental awareness through data-driven insights, each pillar reflects our mission to connect people with nature. Together, these pillars create a balanced approach — blending outdoor adventure, ecological education, and innovative conservation solutions.
🥾 Experiences & Events
Curated hikes, presentations, and nature events across Georgia
We host affordable, beginner-friendly experiences to deepen your connection with nature while building community. Every hike, presentation, and workshop blends exploration with fun, education, and safety.
🍄 Fungi & Foraging Education
Learn about mushrooms, ecosystems, and wild edibles
Our curated experiences double as interactive learning experiences, where you can discover how to safely identify local mushrooms and plants — while appreciating their ecological and cultural value.
🧬 Environmental Awareness & Data
Science-driven and community-powered
Through our Ecological Data Alliance (EDA), we combine community science and ecological data to drive conservation. From biodiversity dashboards to climate-trend reports, we connect people and data to protect Georgia’s ecosystems. Georgia Fungi Find is now live and free for the public.