Vote Sweetwater Creek For America's Favorite State Park
We need your vote! One of Georgia’s State Parks, Sweetwater Creek, is vying to be named “America’s Favorite Park” and win a $100,000 grant for outdoor recreation. The national contest is part of Coca-Cola’s America Is Your Park campaign which encourages families to get active outdoors. Anyone can vote online at LivePositively.com through July 15 as often as they wish, and checking in with Foursquare earns 100 votes.
|
Last year, three of Georgia’s State Parks ranked high in the voting, but ultimately did not win the top grants. This year, state park officials hope that rallying all of Georgia behind a single park will create a better chance for winning. Just after Memorial Day, Sweetwater Creek State Park was already in the top 5 nationally, so it was chosen for statewide support. Tell your friends and family about LivePositively.com. Every vote counts!
Give Dad The Gift Of The Outdoors:
A Gift That Keeps Giving
Whether dad enjoys fishing, camping, hiking or just a quiet weekend away, a gift from Georgia State Parks is sure to please. A Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites membership is the perfect choice. In addition to enjoying the benefits of a free Annual ParkPass, Historic Site passes, a free night of camping or round of golf, and many additional perks, a Friends' membership helps to protect Georgia's natural and historic resources. Membership levels begin at $50 for an individual and $75 per family. For more information, visit FriendsofGeorgiaStateParks.org.
Junior Ranger Kids Camp
Kids 6 to 12 are invited to explore Georgia's
wildlife, nature and history as they earn their way through three badge
levels. Nature hikes, arts and crafts, water games and fishing are just a
few of the daily camp workshops offered at Georgia’s State Parks. With more
than a dozen Junior Ranger Day Camps offered this summer, kids can meet new
friends as they build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. For a
full listing of events, visit GaStateParks.org/JuniorRanger.
|
Affordable Summer Recreation
Keep your family entertained all summer long without
spending a ton. A Georgia public
library card is all you need to check out a ParkPass or Historic
Site Pass. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any
of the state parks and historic sites statewide. For a listing of
libraries, go to georgialibraries.org. Then grab your sunscreen and enjoy
the simple pleasures of a sandy beach with the parks' 18 lakeside beaches.
Or, if your family is more interested in getting in a few laps at the pool,
Victoria Bryant, Magnolia Springs, High Falls, George T. Bagby and F.D.
Roosevelt state park pools are sure to please. Little Ocmulgee State Park
offers a splash pad just perfect for the youngest water lovers.
|
Summer Military Discount
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites salutes the
efforts of our armed forces this summer with a special discount. Through July 4, active and retired
military save 10% on cabins, lodge rooms, campsites, golf and most retail
purchases. Military ID required; one reservation per ID; no other discounts
apply. Thank you, armed forces,
for all you do! For more
information call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStateParks.org/reservations.
|
June 2012 Calendar of Events – Divided by Region
Below are just some of the many programs happening in
June. Check GaStateParks.org/events for a full
calendar.
NORTHERN GEORGIA
Outdoor Adventure Weekend (National Trails Day)
Saturday, June 2, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 3, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
Celebrate the fun of the great outdoors. Bring the family
for an early morning kids’ fishing rodeo. Participate in trail maintenance and
guided hikes to honor National Trails Day. $5 parking. (706) 265-1969.
Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 9, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
Wolf Creek will be stocked with plenty of trout to be
tempted by anglers 12 and younger. Prizes will be given to lucky ticket
holders; families will enjoy watching children as they have a blast. Each adult
must be accompanied with a child to register prior to fishing. Coke
refreshments will be provided. A limited amount of fishing poles will be
provided. $5 parking. (706) 745-2628.
Family Camp
Monday, June 11 through Friday, June 15, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen
Make your family vacation memorable by attending Unicoi
Family Camp. Spend each day attending classes or workshops while enjoying time
with your family. No age limits. Register in advance. $30 adult/$20 child. $5
parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.
Summer Sky Observation
Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia
Observe the summer skies with members of the Atlanta
Astronomy Club. This event is open to anyone -- experienced astronomers and
newcomers. A slide show will be followed by observation outdoors with several
telescopes. Meet at Shelter 5 behind the park office. $5 parking. (706)
356-4362.
COASTAL GEORGIA
Okefenokee Swamp Programs
Friday, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo
Come to our Interpretive Center Friday evenings in June
to learn about the natural and cultural history of Okefenokee. We'll have
programs on alligators, snakes, nocturnal creatures, and the logging operation
that lasted over 20 years. $5 Refuge Parking. (912) 637-5274.
Marsh Kayak Tour
Monday, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
BYOK (Bring Your Own Kayak) and join interpretive guide
Rod Villemaire on trips through Crooked Rivers marshes. Discover some of the
native marsh wildlife while discussing bird behavior, courtship and
reproduction. Learn bird identification tricks. Intermediate to experienced
kayakers only. Reservations required. $10 per person $5 parking. (912)
882-5256.
Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 9, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross
Prizes will be awarded for different categories. A food
concession area will be available. For kids 13 years old and under. Please
bring your own fishing gear and bait. Meet at the screened in Group Shelter
behind the playground to sign up for the event. $5 parking. (912) 287-4900.
Outdoor Photography for Beginning Digital SLR
Photographers
Saturday, June 16, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah
Join photographer Jackie DeBusk for either the morning or
afternoon session and allow her to demystify digital SLR camera settings in
easy to understand terms. You will learn exposure, focus area, and metering
settings. Please call for registration and fee information. $5 parking. (912)
580-5308.
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA
Alligator Day
Saturday, June 2
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha
See live alligators at the Kirbo Interpretive Center and
take guided boat tours to view these reptiles in their natural habitat.
Alligator experts and trappers will be on hand, sharing their knowledge. Lake
Walter F. George is a beautiful location to view wildlife and birds. $5 plus $5
parking. (229) 838-4706.
Kids Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 9, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
Children ages 3-15 (accompanied by a parent or guardian)
are invited to participate in the parks annual kids fishing derby. Prizes will
be offered in various categories and age groups. Registration will be held the
morning of the event. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.
Senior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 16, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville
This tournament will be held at Lake Liberty, recently
stocked with more than 2,500 catfish. Anglers 55 and older can compete for
great prizes in several categories. A hot lunch will be available. Registration
will be held from 7:30am to 8:00am at the park office. $5 parking. (706)
456-2602.
Creative Camp Cooking
Saturday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Don’t eat dinner until you’ve stopped by for appetizers
cooked up with lots of fun! We’ll fry hamburgers on a flat rock, bake biscuits
in a cardboard oven, cook omelets in zip lock bags, roast potatoes in mud, and
make desserts to die for! Kids
ages 8-80 will love this program. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.
Robert Augustus Toombs’ 202nd Birthday Celebration
Saturday, June 30, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Robert Toombs House Historic Site – Washington
Demonstrations of military life will be the highlight of
the day. The history of the Robert Toombs House will be presented including its
role in state and national history. Free. (706) 678-2226.
METRO ATLANTA
Days of Discovery at Etowah
Saturday, June 2, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Archaeologist Adam King and associates will speak at 11
a.m. and 2 p.m. Dr. King is an authority on early cultures and authored
"ETOWAH: The Political History of a Chiefdom Capital." His
presentations always bring new information about Etowah and the surrounding
area. $3.50 - $5.00 (770) 387-3747.
Frog Slog
Saturday, June 2, 5:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Learn how to identify frogs by their calls. Investigate
wetlands and streams in search of frogs and salamanders. Be prepared to get
wet, muddy, and bring a flashlight and headlamp, nets, seines and buckets. Meet
at the Nature Center. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Twilight Paddle
Friday, June 8, 15, 22, 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake at
sunset. This trip is for adults (18 and older) who can swim and have some
experience canoeing or kayaking. $15 includes canoe or kayak, paddle and PFD.
$5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, June 16
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring
the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately
strenuous activity. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
|