March 2013 News & Events from Georgia's State Parks

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March  2013

Family Reunion

Planning a Family Reunion?

We Have Facilities for all Budgets

We know it can be tricky to find a reunion location that fits everyone's budget and style.  That’s why so many families make gathering at Georgia’s State Parks an annual tradition. We offer a wide variety of facilities all in one location, from small picnic shelters to large group shelters, and from rustic camp kitchens to full service catering.  A range of accommodations fit all budgets, assuring a comfortable night’s sleep for everyone.  Add in our endless outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, golfing, hiking, biking, playgrounds and paddling, and your reunion will be a huge success!

Family Reunion Facilities:

 


Dogwood

Spring Wildflower Hikes

Spring is almost here, and beautiful blooms like Dogwoods and Azaleas will soon grace the landscape through Georgia’s State Parks. It’s the perfect time to get the family outdoors and take advantage of the warmer temperatures and spectacular blooms.  Several guided wildflower hikes are offered by parks with a large number of native plants, including Sweetwater Creek, Panola Mountain, High Falls and Hard Labor Creek.  Spring bloom hikers may encounter Canada Violet, Trout Lily, Wild Azalea, Spring Beauty, Foamflower, Trillium, Indian Pink, Buckeye and many more native blooms. The guided hikes are listed in the calendar below.  For a complete listing, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events



Egg Hunts

Celebrate Easter in the Parks

Who says you have to wait for the Easter Bunny’s arrival to have an egg hunt? Gather up the little ones and their Easter bonnets, and head to our state parks for “eggstra” fun this season.  From Easter-basket making, egg games, traditional hunts and even a visit from the Easter Bunny himself, there is something sure to delight children of all ages. As a special twist, some parks offer flashlight or glow-in-the-dark nighttime egg hunts!  Many Easter events are listed in the calendar below.  For a complete listing, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events

 


Muddy Spokes Club

Spring Break on a Budget

Looking for ways to get the kids outdoors this Spring Break without spending a fortune?  A Georgia library card is all you need to check out passes for free admission to Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites. Head out for the day and pick your favorite activity to get the family moving and enjoying the outdoors.  Whether it be paddling, biking, hiking, golfing, fishing or even geocaching, Georgia’s State Parks offer easy ways to get fit and save money this Spring Break.  For a listing of Georgia’s public libraries, visit www.georgialibraries.org.  

For families interested in a mini staycation, we have a variety of lodging for every budget.  Pitch a tent under the stars for around $25 per night or rent a cozy cabin with fully equipped kitchens starting at just $85 per night.  Want something in-between the two?  Try out a yurt for about $70 per night.  Finally, those who prefer hotel-style accommodations can find lodges with restaurants at Amicalola Falls, George T. Bagby, Little Ocmulgee and Unicoi state parks starting at $69 per night.  Keep in mind that accommodations book quickly during Spring Break and summer, so reservations should be made in advance. Call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GeorgiaStatePark.org/reservations

 


The Creek Golf Course at Hard Labor

Family-Friendly Golf

Georgia State Park Golf Courses offer the best variety and value around. With eight courses to choose from, they feature natural settings and picturesque surroundings to test every skill level -- and the relaxed atmosphere welcomes golfers of all ages.  Experience great customer service and award winning golf at affordable prices, starting at $25 for weekdays.  Golf packages include a variety of amenities and accommodations, depending on the course and location. Amenities may include lodging, breakfast, range balls, and green fees and cart for 18 holes and more. For tee times, visit www.GeorgiaGolf.com or call (800) 434-0982.

Georgia State Park Golf Courses:


March 2013

Divided By Region

Below are just some of the many programs happening in March.  Check GeorgiaStateParks.org/events for a full calendar.

NORTH GEORGIA

Appalachian Trail Kick Off (ATKO)
Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
Join authors, vendors, hiking clubs and AT hikers during this presentation-packed weekend designed for anyone who has ever dreamed about hiking the AT. The latest hiking gear, books, and t-shirts are available for purchase. For a complete schedule, visit friendsofamicalolafalls.org. Lower lodge lobby. $5 parking. (706) 265-1969. 

Dirty Spokes Duathlon
Saturday, March 9
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Participants will run-bike-run the scenic trails of this park between Athens and Atlanta. Register at www.dirtyspokes.com. Please visit www.dirtyspokes.com for fees. $5 parking. (770) 867-3489. 

Survival Preparation and Skills Course Series
Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
In this final section of Survival Skills at Buck Shoals, students will receive classroom material and participate in field exercises to learn about field expedient weapons and tools; water procurement; edible wild plants; wildlife food; shelter and fire building; and signaling. As a bonus the instructor will give a short briefing and handout on air-travel survival. $30 - $95 by January 7. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087. 

Pot of Gold Hike
Saturday, March 16, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth 
Join our naturalist to hike a 2-mile section of the Gold Mine Creek Trail and search for a "Pot of Gold". See if you have the luck of the Irish! Register in advance. $5 parking. (706) 422-1932. 

Flies and Fly Water
Saturday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
In preparation for the upcoming spring fishing season, we will have a show and tell, helpful hints, and “how to” on fly tying, stream reading, casting and more. Hear a presentation on Stream Entomology (aka stream critters) by Wildlife Interpretive Specialist Sheila Humphrey from 9:30 - 10:00, followed by rotations through local instructors. Register in advance. $5. Kids under 12 free. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.  

Bear Creek Guided Hike
Wednesday, March 20, 10 a.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn
This is a strenuous hike, but we will go slow and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this 9-mile trail. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, and a hiking stick if you have one. Meet at the G3 Building near the tennis courts. Reservations required. $15 plus $5 parking. (706) 913-7170. 

Make a Gourd-eous Birdhouse
Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Learn to clean and prepare gourds for use as birdhouses. Gourd Artist Sherrie Sage will guide participants in proper cleaning, drilling holes for entrance and drainage, attaching wire hangers and optional painting. Gourds and all equipment provided. Go home with new skills and a new birdhouse. $15, or $20 if paid after March 8. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.  

Evening Kayak and Wildlife Watching Adventures
Saturday, March 23
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Yargo Lake for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. Please arrive for registration by no later than 3:30pm. Meet at the Beach Boat Dock area. $15 includes equipment, plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489. 

Night Sounds – An Ear for Wildlife
Saturday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
There is a whole world of discovery on the Bird Berry Trail when the sun goes down. Frogs, Bugs, Spiders, and maybe an owl or bat! Join a park ranger on this 1/2-mile loop trail. Flashlights are welcome; bring a digital camera to record your adventure. 5 plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489. 

Sunset West Rim Hike
Friday, March 29, 7 p.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn
Join Georgia Girl Guides as we take a sunset hike on the West Rim. Learn the history and geology of the park as we tour overlooks. We will finish as the sunsets and night takes over the canyon. Bring water and a headlamp or flashlight. Reservations required. $10 plus $5 parking. (706) 913-7170. 

Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 30, 8:30 p.m.
Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth
Meet us next to the lake to search for Easter eggs, which glow in the dark. Advance cabin and campsite reservations are encouraged. Register in advance for the egg hunt. $5 parking. (706) 422-1932. 

 

COASTAL GEORGIA

Family Nature Quest
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Want to learn about nature as a family? Come to our “fundana” activities each month and learn about a different topic. There will be 12 quests and at each program the family will receive one bandana about the topic. The family that completes the most quests will receive a bonus bandana for the entire family. Register in advance. $10 per family $5 parking. 912-882-5256.

Workshop for Beginning Digital Photographers
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien
Join professional photographer Jackie DeBusk and allow her to provide technical terms in easy to understand language with lots of hands-on exercises. Participants will practice making sound exposures, metering, and focus area settings, as well as practice applying creative composition principles throughout the historic park. www.debuskphoto.com or call. $20. (912) 580-5308.  

Busy as a Bee
Saturday, March 9, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Learn about honeybees and how they make their honey. View a live hive and try to find the queen bee. $1.00 per person $5 parking. (912) 882-8531.  

Scottish Heritage Day
Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien
A variety of living history demonstrations devoted to Scottish and colonial culture will be featured. Numerous Scottish conveners, and genealogists will be in attendance. A battle re-enactment will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday. $4-$7. (912) 437-4770.  

Nighttime Lunar Sky Watch Program
Saturday, March 23, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
APOE (Astronomy Public Outreach Education) Astronomers are back for an evening up-close tour of the waxing (growing) moon. Constellations visible might include Orion, Taurus, Lepus, Canis Major and Minor, Gemini and Leo will be rising in the east. $3 plus $5 parking. (912) 882-5256. 

Easter Basket Craft
Friday, March 29, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Make an Easter basket to collect your eggs. We will decorate recycled milk jugs for the hunt. Please bring your own one-gallon milk cartons. $5 parking. (912) 882-5256. 

Flashlight Egg Hunt – Ages 0-5
Friday, March 29, 8 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Bring your kids ages 0 to 5, flashlights and baskets to Crooked River's Egg Hunt in the dark. Limited participation, early wristband purchase available. $3 per person $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.  

Flashlight Egg Hunt – Family Hunt
Friday, March 29, 8:30 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Bring your family, friends, flashlights and baskets to Crooked River's Egg Hunt in the Dark. $3.00 per person $5 parking. (912) 882-5256. 

 

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

Morning Bird Walk
Friday, March 1, 8 a.m.
High Falls State Park – Jackson
Wear your walking shoes and bring your binoculars for a guided walk in search for some of the common birds in the area. Meet at the Park Office. $5 plus $5 parking. (478) 993-3053. 

Night Time Pontoon Boat Ride
Friday, March 1 through Saturday, March 2, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Take a trip down our river to see alligators in their natural habitat. These large reptiles are most active at night, and this gives visitors a safe experience of viewing them from our pontoon boat. Reservations suggested. Limit 14 people. $5 plus $5 parking. (229) 896-3551. 

Conductor’s Favorite Train Ride
Saturday, March 2, 9 and 16, 9:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – Cordele
Enjoy this ride from Ga. Veterans State Park to Plains.  Plains is the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter. You will return to Ga. Veterans Park in time for visiting the indoor and outdoor museums.  Groups and parties welcome. 1-877-427-2457.

Night Sounds Hike – An Ear for Wildlife
Saturday, March 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Frogs and crickets provide the music and entertainment on this 1.5 mile-walk on the Beaver Pond Trail. Flashlights are welcome, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring bug repellent and digital camera to record the findings. Meet at the Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.

High Falls Historic Walk
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
High Falls State Park – Jackson
Join our naturalist on a 1.5-mile walk and learn about the history of the once-prosperous town of High Falls. Hike also includes a rare chance to tour inside the old powerhouse building, which provides great photo opportunities of the Towaliga River. Please wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the Visitor Center. $5 plus $5 parking. (478) 993-3053.

Spanish Moss Festival
Saturday, March 2 through Sunday, March 3, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge – Helena
Bring your family for arts & crafts, great food, petting zoo, horse carousel, mechanical bull and train rides throughout the park. Enjoy a free outdoor concert in the amphitheater on Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. There will be lots of fun for all ages. $5 parking. (229) 868-7474. 

Nature Journaling
Saturday, March 2 and 16, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Focus, observe, record and reflect during this guided tour. Anyone can do nature journaling, and you don't have to be an expert in art or science to enjoy this relaxing activity. In today's hi-tech world, journaling is a more personal and thought-provoking way of recording observations in the tradition of famous naturalists and explorers like Bartram and Audubon. Meet at the Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001. 

Americus Adventure Train Ride
Friday, March 8 and 22, 9:30 a.m. – 4:50 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – Cordele
Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you can travel across Lake Blackshear, tour Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village and sample peanut butter treats in Plains. Enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today’s south as the SAM Shortline Excursion Train runs from Georgia Veterans State Park to Americus and Plains, then back. Groups and parties welcome. 1-877-427-2457.

If These Trees Could Talk:  A 75th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park – Blakely 
In 1938, Kolomoki Mounds was founded as Georgia State Park. Imagine the stories the trees could tell! In celebration, join us for a tree planting where you can be a part of park history. $5 parking. (229) 724-2150. 

Wildlife Walk on the Beaver Pond Loop Trail
Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Join a Park Ranger and search for woodpeckers dashing through the trees, ducks foraging in a natural beaver pond, and the always-possible deer, chipmunk or frog. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.

Equestrian Workday
Saturday, March 9, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville
Join other horse enthusiasts as they help maintain and improve the equestrian trails, camping area and the new horse stalls at the park. Lunch and goodies included. Volunteers should bring tools such as shovels, gloves and pruners. RSVP to Kathy White at kjwhite1@bellsouth.net or call 706-614-8348 so we can plan tasks and have an accurate count for lunch. (706) 614-8348. 

The Dam Walk
Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.
High Falls State Park – Jackson
Get up close and personal with the most predominant feature at High Falls State Park...the dam. Walk availability is dependent on river flow. No dogs. Must be 6 or older. Please wear durable shoes. $5 plus $5 parking. (478) 993-3053. 

Spring Fest
Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
Welcome spring back to South Georgia with a day full of family fun activities. Included will be a "painted" 5-k fun run, games, face painting, and much more. Please call the park for information and to register for the 5-K. Pre-registration required for the race. $20 race registration. $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.

Focus on Fitness Hike
Saturday, March 16, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Join the Interpretative Ranger to hike along our upland loop nature trail, which is also our fitness trail. Stop along markers to do jumping jacks and other fitness related activities. Please wear appropriate work out clothes, jogging shoes and bring water. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551. 

Night Hike
Saturday, March 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
This ranger-led walk near the beach/boat ramp area will feature great views of the night sky and different habitat types for nocturnal creatures. Meet at Park Office Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.

Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk
Sunday, March 17, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
This field trip is designed for anyone interested in learning more about birds, habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society, which are dedicated to bird conservation. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 parking. (706) 557-3001. 

Wildlife Walk on the Beaver Pond Loop Trail
Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Join a Park Ranger and search for woodpeckers dashing through the trees, ducks foraging in a natural beaver pond, and the always-possible deer, chipmunk or frog. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001. 

Butterfly Hike
Sunday, March 17, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
This ranger-led walk near the mountain bike trails will feature spring butterflies that live in forests and fields. Zebra Swallowtails, Cloudless Suphurs, and Sleepy Orange butterflies, as well as many others can be found. Bring a camera to record your journey. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001. 

First Day of Spring Hike
Wednesday, March 20, 10 a.m. 
High Falls State Park – Jackson
Spring is official here! Emerge from winter hibernation and join a park naturalist on a walk through the park to find the first signs of spring. $4 plus $5 parking. (478) 993-3053. 

Wildlife Weekend
Friday, March 22 through March 24, 9 a.m.– 11 a.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Join our park staff for a fun weekend of wildlife activities showcasing alligators, turtles, snakes and more. Interpretative boat rides, guided hikes, and live animal shows will highlight wildlife found at the park. Donations for animal programs appreciated. $4 boat rides. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.

Equestrian Poker Ride
Saturday, March 23, 8 a.m.
A.H. Stephen Historic Park – Crawfordville
The Friends of A.H. Stephens invites you to be a part of benefit for the park's equestrian facilities. Registration is from 8-9am. ride starts at 9:30am., $30 per rider includes one hand, lunch, parking and riding fee. $15 per non-rider. Negative coggings required. Come camp and enjoy all of the festivities. $5 parking. (706) 614-8348. 

Signs of Spring Hike
Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.
High Falls State Park – Jackson
Join the park naturalist during this refreshing 1.5-mile hike looking for signs of spring. We will be searching for wildflowers, blooming trees, and singing birds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. $4 plus $5 parking. 478.993.3053. 

Archery Explorer Train Ride
Saturday, March 23 and 30, 9:30 a.m. – 5:20 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – Cordele
Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you will travel across Lake Blackshear to Plains and back. Explore President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood farm (Jimmy Carter National Historic Site), go shopping and sample peanut butter treats. Groups and parties welcome. 1-877-427-2457.

Volunteer Trails Day
Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Get out, get fit, and make a difference! Volunteers are needed to join the park staff in cleaning the trails at Mistletoe. We’ll pick up trash; trim the paths as needed, and removed fallen trees where we are able. This is a great service project for organizations, and a bonding time for parents and their teenagers. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.  

Wildflower Walk on Brantley Trail
Saturday, March 23, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
This easy ranger-Led walk will take visitors on the Lake Brantley Nature Trail, exploring the path for different spring wildflowers. Bring a digital camera to document the journey. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001. 

Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge – Helena
Go on an Easter treasure hunt to seek the prize, play some Easter bingo for prizes and meet the cutest and smallest live baby animals. $1-$3 plus $5 parking. (229) 868-7474 x6052. 

Baskets, Eggs and Rabbits
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Ages 3 - 10 will create their own Easter baskets then go on an egg scavenger hunt looking for clues through the woods. We will finish with a short program on rabbits, their habitats and adaptations. $3 plus $5 parking. (706) 541-0321. 

24th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Georgia Veterans State Park – Cordele
Children 8 and younger will hunt for 3,000 candy-filled plastic eggs, while little tykes 2 and younger can search in a baby patch. $1 plus $5 parking. (229) 276-2371. 

Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 30, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Adel
The Easter Bunny has hidden eggs, and they are waiting for you. Children bring your own basket; join the fun and search for a few. Little hunters will have their own small patch. There will be a surprise visit by the Easter Bunny. Sponsored by Friends of A.H. Stephens State Park and Family Connection. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. (706) 456-2602.

Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
The Friends of Reed Bingham group will hide 2,000 eggs for children 12 years old and younger to find. There is a special prize egg in each age group. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.

Full Moon Hike
Saturday, March 30, 6:30 p.m.
High Falls State Park – Jackson
Enjoy the first full moon of spring. See the falls under the full moon light and enjoy an evening stroll through the woods. Meet at the park's main office. $5 plus $5 parking. (478) 993-3053. 

Easter Egg Roll and Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 31, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
Bring your Easter basket and camera for a fun day set in the Little White House grounds. Reservations suggested. The 3-5 year old group will begin at 1:00 p.m. The 6-8 year old group will begin at 1:30 p.m. The 9-11 year old group will begin at 2:00 p.m. Following the Easter egg hunt, children can participate in an authentic Easter Egg Roll similar to that held on the White House lawn in Washington, D.C. 2:30 p.m. $8 - $12. (706) 655-5870. 

 

METRO ATLANTA

Basic Archery
Saturday, March 2, 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Take aim and hit the bull’s eye! Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. Meet at the Archery Range. All equipment provided. If you have your own equipment, cost includes an all-day archery range pass. Ages 9 and up. Arrive 15 minutes prior to program. Register in Advance. $10. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Backcountry Geology Hike
Sunday, March 3, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Geologist and Friends member John Johnston will lead a moderate three-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Explore the beautiful Jack's Branch area and the seldom-visited rock quarry of New Manchester. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Sunday, March 3, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. 
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Bring your binoculars for this gentle hike through the park's Power of Flight area. Basic identification techniques and common birds will be discussed. Good for all ages. We recommend long pants and sleeves. Meet at the Alexander Lake Area. Register in advance. Donations of birdseed are appreciated. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Geo-caching Campout
Friday, March 8 through Saturday, March 9
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville
Join the Georgia Geocampers for a weekend of caching and camping. Activities include night caching, a Georgia Geocachers Association meeting, hayride, bonfire and cookout (while supplies last), star-gazing with the Atlanta Astronomy Club, and more. $5 parking. (770) 975-0055. 

Behind the Scenes Tour:  Leverett’s Mill
Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas
This tour will follow an old Civil War road that leads to where Leverett’s Mill once stood. The mill was burned as war contraband by Federal forces retreating to Acworth. Terrain is rugged; wear good hiking shoes. $2.75 - $4. (770) 443-7850. 

Healthy Hike
Saturday, March 9, 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Grab your walking shoes and join us for a free fitness walk. This will last about 45 minutes and be adjusted to the level of the participants. Beginners are encouraged to participate. Please arrive 5 minutes early. Meet at the Nature Center. Don’t forget to bring water. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801. 

Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Saturday, March 16, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This mile-long guided night hike is easy to moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War era textile mill ruins of New Manchester. Candle lanterns will be provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Space is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis. Meet and register at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Full Moon Night Hike
Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Listen to whippoorwills and owls as the sun slowly sets and the moon begins to rise. Panola Mountain is one of the best places to see the wildlife of the night. Bring flashlights and hiking boots. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801. 

Butterflies and Blooms
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Panola Mountain is an excellent place to visit in the spring. An amazing array of wildflowers bloom on the granite outcrops, which in turn attract a wide assortment of butterflies. Join a park ranger for this 2-mile walk up Panola Mountain and bring a camera to record your adventure. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.  

Plein Air Painting on Panola
Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This ranger-led program up Panola Mountain is for anyone who loves the natural environments of Georgia and wants to try a hand at "Plein Air," or painting from life, outside, in real time. In the traditions of the impressionist painters who strove to capture the changes of light on the landscape, Panola Mountain is full of places to inspire artists. Supplies included. Meet at the Park Office/Nature Center. $12 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801. 

 

Check GeorgiaStateParks.org/events for a full calendar.

 

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