August 2012 Events – Divided By Region
NORTHERN GEORGIA
Full Moon Hike
Wednesday, August 1, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Thursday, August 2, 9:15 p.m. – 11:15 p.m.
Friday, August 31, 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, consisting of approximately 1.5 miles and 1,099 steps. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.
Wilderness Survival Weekend – 75th Anniversary of the Appalachian Trail
Saturday, August 11 through Sunday, August 12, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
This weekend will be sprinkled with basic skills classes introducing skills such as fire building, orienteering, and natural-cordage making. Programs are a blend of lecture and hands-on activities suitable for families (7+ years old). $5 parking. (706) 265-1969.
Botanical Preparations ll
Saturday, August 11, 9 a.m. 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Encapsulate, poultice, and juice plants for common ailments. This class will include demonstration and hands-on preparation by students. Take home herbal pills and a syrup. Register by July 28. $30 or $35 if paid after July 28. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Amphibian Monitoring Workshop
Friday, August 17, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Georgia Adopt-a-Stream staff will review the natural history of amphibians, the reasons they are important, which species are found in Georgia, and lead a hike to view amphibians and learn frog calls. The intent of this program is to develop "citizen scientists" to help monitor numbers and diversity of frogs and salamander species. Register by August 14. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals
Saturday, August 18, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Children and their special "big person" can fish in a lake stocked with catfish, bass and bream. Fish caught can be kept. Bring your own bait (no corn) and rods. This event is not at Smithgall Woods, but at Buck Shoals, a nearby unopened state park. Call for directions. Occurs every third Saturday through September. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Freshwater Wetland Workshop
Saturday, August 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Adopt-A-Wetland (AAW) teaches citizens about freshwater wetland systems, their threats and importance, as well as how to identify hydric soils and plants. Come out to learn all about wetlands and how you can help collect data to promote their conservation and protection. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Gold Fever
Saturday, August 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Hear the history of local gold mining and geology. The morning begins with a presentation depicting cultural influences that lead up to the 1828 Georgia “gold rush.” A hike on the Martin Mine trail provides an opportunity to interpret the scars that gold mining efforts left on the landscape. Register by August 10. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Holiday Gorge Floor Hike
Friday, August 31, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
This is a strenuous trek; include hiking down 531 stairs, a river crossing jumping from rock to rock, and climbing boulders along the side of the river to Bridal Veil Falls where you can swim. Total miles are 3.5. No pets; wear appropriate footwear; children must be 10 or older; bring food and water. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.
COASTAL GEORGIA
Perseid Meteor Shower
Friday, August 10 through Sunday, August 12, 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo
Come out to the darkest skies in the state for a spectacular view of the Perseid Meteor Shower. We'll meet the cul-de-sac at the end of Ga Hwy 177. Ask about our new astronomy permit that allows you to stay between 2 and 4 a.m. to see up to 100 meteors per hour. Bring blankets for your comfort. $5 Refuge Parking Fee. (912) 637-5274.
Georgia’s First Fourth
Saturday, August 11 through Sunday, August 12, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah
Hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence as it was read in the town of Savannah in August of 1776. Participate in the debate to declare independence or to remain loyal to the king. See musket firings and more. $4.50 - $8. (912) 353-3023.
Full Moon Bike Ride Down Suwannee River Sill
Friday, August 31, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo
Bring your bike for this ranger-led ride under the full moon. Look for alligators eyes shining bright red. Listen to gators bellowing and to a chorus of frogs and toads. Look for snakes resting on the pavement still warm from the day. Listen for owls and watch bats overhead. Cross your fingers for a shooting star! $5 Refuge Parking. (912) 637-5274.
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA
Moonlight Hike
Thursday, August 2, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Join a park ranger on this guided hike under the full moon. Wear comfortable shoes, insect repellant, and bring a camera to record the journey, as we listen for insects, frogs and other nocturnal creatures. Meet at the Hard Labor Creek Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.
Dig into the Past
Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs
Visitors will have the opportunity to bring items for an Archaeologist to identify. Children will be able to learn the techniques and tools of artifact discovery as well as how to map an artifact on a grid. Tools provided. $8-$12. (706) 655-5870.
Evening Kayak and Wildlife Watching Adventures
August 10, 17, 18 and 31, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Lake Rutledge for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Trips will start at the Lake Rutledge Boat Ramp. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.
Pine Mountain Trail Hike
Saturday, August 11, 10 a.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
Join a member of the Pine Mountain Trail Association at the Dowdell Knob Trailhead. Hike the Pine Mountain Trail to Rocky Point parking lot. Wear hiking boots, bring water and a snack. 3.5-miles. $5 parking. (706) 663-4858.
Georgia Veterans Memorial Triathlon and Duathlon
Saturday, August 11, 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Georgia Veterans State Park – Cordele
Racers can participate in a triathlon, a half-mile swim in Lake Blackshear, a 13.6-mile bike race and a 3.1-mile run, or a duathlon, which drops the half-mile swim. Registration fee. $5 parking. (229) 273-1668.
Astronomy Night
Saturday, August 11, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Georgia Veterans State Park – Cordele
Spend a night exploring the heavens, featuring the Perseid meteor shower, stars and planets. $1 plus $5 parking. (229) 276-2371.
Drawing from Nature
Saturday, August 11, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
This ranger-led program will introduce participants to the joys of keeping a nature journal. Simple black and white drawings can record memories for a lifetime, and drawing from nature is a great way to relax and unwind. Materials will be provided. Register in advance. $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.
Basically Bats
Saturday, August 11, 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Few creatures have scared so many, or have been misunderstood so much. Bats are strange animals indeed, they are the only mammals that can sustain flight, most are nocturnal, and they help us in ways that many people don't realize. Join a State Biologist, and get a peek at the world of a very secretive and beneficial animal. Meet at the Park Office/Trading post. 5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.
Geology Hike
Saturday, August 11, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Geologist and "Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park" member John Johnston will lead a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. There will also be a visit inside the ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester Mill alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Second Sundays on the Farm
Sunday, August 12, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
General Coffee State Park - Nicholls
The Heritage Farm will feature demonstrations of late 1800s farm life on the second Sunday of every month. A different demonstration will take place every month. $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.
Presidential Flyer – Veterans Salute
Friday, August 17, 9:30 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – All Aboard! – 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.
Georgia State Astronomy – Observatory Open House
Saturday, August 18, 8:20 p.m. – 10:40 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge
Georgia State University's Observatory will have an open monthly. In case of inclement weather, facilities will be open for a tour and slideshow. Large groups need reservations: 404-413-6024. Programs start one half hour after sunset. (706) 557-3001.
Searching for Dragons and Damsels
Saturday, August 18, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Dragonflies and damselflies are some of the most beautiful and beneficial insects in the bug world. They come in many sizes shapes and colors. Join a park ranger on the hunt for these tiny predators, and explore streams, lake and pond. Bring a digital camera and binoculars for the adventure. Meet at Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3006.
Archery Explorer Train Ride
Saturday, August 18, 9:30 a.m. – 4:25 p.m.
Saturday, August 25, 9:30 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – All Aboard! – 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.
Americus Adventure Train Ride
Friday, August 24, 9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train – All Aboard! – 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.
Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk
Saturday, August 25, 8 a.m. – 11 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.
Streamside Adventure
Saturday, August 25, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Join a park ranger and discover cool creatures that call a stream home, plus what these animals tell us about the health of a stream. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. We will caravan down to the creek. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.
Labor Day On The Lake
Friday, August 31 through Sunday, September 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha
Let's get outside and have a little fun on the park. Our family celebration including games, nature programs, and crafts. $1 - $5, $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.
METRO ATLANTA
“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Wednesday, August 1, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, August 31, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This 1.5-mile hike is moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. A flashlight and sturdy shoes are required. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Register in advance. $6 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Twilight Hike
Friday, August 3, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville
Start the night off in the Discovery Room by meeting one of Georgia's native snakes and then follow a Park Ranger on a moderate, 1-mile hike. We'll be on the lookout for some of the lesser-seen animals that call Red Top home. $1 plus $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.
Ranger-led Panola Mountain Hike
Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Find out why Panola Mountain is such an important ecosystem during a Ranger led hike to the top of the mountain. Explore the conservation area, as we twist and turn on the trail, we will see different plants and wildlife. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and water. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Frog Slog
Saturday, August 4, 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.
Mountain Music Series
Saturday, August 4, 11, 18 and 25
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville
Enjoy our free bluegrass concert series where bands play every Saturday night for an hour or more. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and meet at the Vaughan Cabin located behind the park office. $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.
Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, August 11, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
The clinic covers casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the Fish of Fish. Instructors suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sunscreen. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Lost Person Prevention
Saturday, August 11, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class unless a SAR activity is occurring. Meet at the nature center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb
Saturday, August 18, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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. One group will start at 1PM; another group will start at 3PM. Please arrive 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Introduction to Flyfishing
Saturday, August 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join an expert angler and learn about the art of fly casting on the banks of Sweetwater Creek. Poles will be provided, or anglers can bring their own tackle. Class is geared toward 7 years and older. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
“Wagging Trails” Nighttime Dog Hike
Saturday, August 18, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Join us for a most enjoyable evening/nighttime dog hike. We will cover approximately two and a half miles including walking alongside the whitewater rapids and visiting the five story ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester textile mill. Dogs are welcomed but must be leashed. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Sunday, August 19, 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.
Butterfly Safari
Sunday, August 19, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Panola Mountain's grassland habitats provide great butterfly viewing areas. Bring a digital camera to record these incredible creatures. A ranger will point out plants along the way that are important food, and we'll look for a variety of species including Buckeye, Tiger Swallowtail, and many types of grass skippers. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Flintknapping
Saturday, August 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Did you ever wonder how an arrowhead is made? An expert flintknapper (maker of arrowheads) will demonstrate this ancient art form. See arrowheads, spear points and knives made before your eyes. Learn why this craft was necessary and how to get started making them yourself. $3.50 - $5.00. 770-387-3747.
Basic Archery
Saturday, August 25, 3 p.m. – 5 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. $10. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
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