Throughout 2023, join our rangers to celebrate birds, bats and other pollinators all across Georgia. This month’s “Take Flight” adventures include birding for beginners at Jarrell Plantation (Juliette), making pine cone feeders at Tugaloo (Lavonia), bat appreciation day at Etowah Mounds (Cartersville), and pollinator gardens at Fort Yargo (Winder). You’ll learn the importance of pollination for our food, migration patterns, butterfly identification and more. Find more "Take Flight" programs on GaStateParks.org.

Several Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees were honored recently during a Rangers Conference held at Unicoi State Park. Around 140 assistant managers, interpretive rangers, administrative staff and maintenance rangers participated in training activities and sharing ideas. The conference included a ceremony celebrating the efforts of those who make parks outstanding destinations. Read about these accomplishments, including a boat rescue, at GaStateParks.org/awards.

Pictured left to right are John Shelnutt, Ronnie McClure, Shannon Crabb, Emmanuel Stewart, Derek Jackson, Taylor Kimbrough, Michael Teel and Tina Blackstock. Not pictured is Dionne Youmans who was not able to join us at the event.

Sitting on 26,650-acre Lake Russell, Richard B. Russell State Park is the perfect getaway for anglers, boaters and golfers. You can stay right on the water’s edge, choosing from cozy cottages or modern campsites. Activities include challenging play at Arrowhead Pointe, disc golf, hiking and biking, and even geocaching. During summer, you’ll find the perfect spot on a sandy swimming beach. Ranger programs this month include Easter movie night, fire building, birding, tree identification and nocturnal wildlife. Book a cottage or campsite today.

If you’re looking for a spirited outing, give disc golf a try. Players throw Frisbee-style discs into baskets, somewhat like hitting golf balls into holes. You can make it as easy-going or as challenging as you wish, and nearly any age can play. Four state parks offer the game: Cloudland Canyon (northwest Georgia), Fort Yargo (Winder), Richard B. Russell (Elberton) and Georgia Veterans (Cordele). Find a course near you.

Each spring and summer, Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites hire seasonal staff to lead fun and educational programs for visitors. These could be guided hikes and tours, campfire programs, nature crafts and even Junior Ranger day camps. Parks also hire part-time help with maintenance, boat rental, front desk and more. Find your perfect summer job on GaStateParks.org.