January & February 2016 Calendar of events at Georgia State Parks
Below is a selection of upcoming events at Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites. For more programs, visit www.GaStateParks.org/events and the parks’ individual web pages. More information on accommodations and recreation can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275. Thank you for supporting Georgia’s State Parks!
Coastal Georgia
Herp, Herp, Hurray Nature Camp. Monday, January 4, 2016, until Tuesday, January 5, 2016, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA. School’s out and parents are invited to send their K – 8th graders to two full days of nature camp. Participants will meet all the reptiles that live in the Nature Center and get a chance to learn what characteristics make them reptiles. Bring snacks and drinks. Limited space, pre-register required. $40 per student $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
Colonial Faire and Muster. February 5, 2016, until February 7, 2016, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA. Experience life in Colonial Georgia during the 18th century with a military encampment, Sutler’s Row, craft demonstrations, military demonstrations, and period music and dance. Food concessions will be available. Friday – $4.50 – $10. Saturday and Sunday – Free. 912-353-3023.
Metro Atlanta
Indoor Basic Archery. Saturday and Sundays in January at Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA. Have you ever wanted to release your inner archer? Maybe you’re just looking for a place to hone your skills, no matter the weather. Our indoor archery classes are a great place to brush-up on the basics or start from scratch with the guidance of a certified instructor. All equipment is provided. Ages 9 and older. Must call to register. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Intermediate Archery. Saturdays, January 16, 2016, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; January 23, 2016, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; January 30, 2016, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA. Improve your archery skills in this class that focuses on accuracy and shooting farther distances. Students must attend three basic archery classes before attending this program. Equipment is provided. Meet at the pavilion by Alexander Lake. Ages 9 and older. Must call to register. $12 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
Middle & South Georgia
Paws on the Falls. Saturdays, January 9, 2016, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; February 13, 2016, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA. Grab your leash and bring your dog out to walk with some new friends on the High Falls Trail. We’ll have a special surprise for each dog that attends. $5 per a dog, plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.
Dulcimer Jam. January 16 – 17, 2016 at Mistletoe State Park – Appling, GA. Join musicians from around the state as they play dulcimers, fiddles, banjoes, basses, and harmonicas. You can sit back and enjoy the music or join in with an instrument of your own. $5 parking. 706-541-2146.
Northern Georgia
Annual Black Bear Plunge. Friday, January 1, 2016, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth, GA. Join us at the park to start the New Year off with a bang! We will line up along the beach at 10 a.m. and then stampede into the lake for an icy and refreshing experience. There will be t-shirts for all who participate. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-422-1932.
Fun with Falconry. Saturday, February 6, 2016, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA. Learn about the art of falconry with Buster Brown, founder of Georgia Mountain Falconry. Located at Buck Shoals, a short presentation will be followed by a live hunt. $40/adult, if pre-registered by 1/23/2016, $45 after. Limit 15. Please call the Visitor’s Center for registration and information. 706-878-3087.
Second Saturday Guided Hikes. 2nd Saturday of Month, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA. Take a guided hike through the captivating scenery of Smithgall Woods. All ages are welcome. No pets please. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Survival Preparation and Skills Course at Buck Shoals. Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – February 20 and February 27, 2016 at Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA. This course will consist of a day of classroom instruction (2/20) and one of outside exercises (2/27). The course will include the psychology, planning, and equipment necessary for survival. Instructor: Bob Finke, Master Sergeant, USA Special Forces (Retired). $40 pre-registered by February 13th, $45 after. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
