If you're in the mood for a little road trip this weekend check out this list of Earth Day programs throughout Georgia's state parks. For a complete list of events, visit
.
Visitors who want to plan a mini getaway can reserve cabins, campsites and yurts by calling 1-800-864-7275.
Twilight Paddle at Hard Labor Creek
Friday, April 19 and 26, 6 – 8 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Explore Lake Rutledge on this ranger-led twilight paddle. As we scan the sky for ospreys and maybe an eagle, and watch the changing colors on the water as the sunsets, we will interpret the role the CCC made in creating this great park in the 1930s. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
Earth Day Weekend in Adel
Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Celebrate our planet with wildflower planting, recycling crafts, water clean up, and more. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
Evening Kayak and Wildlife Watching in Winder
Saturday, April 20, 6 – 8 p.m.
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. $15 includes equipment, plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
Wildflower Walk at Vogel
Saturday, April 20, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
Take a guided tour with a wildflower enthusiast on a beautiful nature trail. The Appalachian forest floor will be showing its true colors with Jack-in-the-Pulpits, violets, wild azaleas and many other beautiful flowering plants. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-745-2628.
Spring Fling, Crafts and Sheep
Saturday, April 20
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
Celebrate Earth Day with a day filled with fun family activities. The event will include sheep shearing demonstrations, spinning and weaving demonstrations, programs on native wildlife, nature hikes, hayrides and more. Kids will be able to make their own craft projects while adults browse through the arts and crafts show. $3 plus $5 parking. 912-384-7082.
Guided Dam Walk at High Falls
Saturday, April 20, 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.
Nature Hike at Hard Labor Creek
Saturday, April 20, 12 - 2 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
This ranger-led hike will lead visitors on the Lake Brantley Nature Trail. We'll see creeks, many different trees, man-made earthworks, and maybe even some of the park's wild animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone should wear shoes fit for walking outdoors. Meet at the Trading Post. $5. 706-557-3001.
Full-Moon Night Hike at Panola Mountain
Saturday, April 20, 7:30 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.
Geology Day at Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon
Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin
Providence Canyon is one of the great geographic wonders of the eastern United States. Join Professor Rich McWilliams of Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga. for a close-up view of this most unusual park. Pre-registration is required. $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
Earth Day at Forsyth Park in Savannah
Saturday, April 20
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah
Skidaway Island State Park will have an informational table at Forsyth Park for Earth Day. At 8 a.m. there will be a birding field trip led by local members of the Audubon Society. At 2 p.m. in the Interpretive Center, learn about the different insects in this area. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Earth Day Celebration at Tugaloo
Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m.
Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia
Have you ever wanted to learn how to cook using the sun's heat? Join us at 2 p.m. to learn how to make your very own solar cooker. At 3:30 p.m. we will be discussing earth friendly activities such as composting, recycling, and more. At 4 p.m. we'll be doing an 'Owl Craft' using items found on the forest floor. Meet at the Beach Pavillion. $2 craft fee. $5 parking. 706-356-4362.
Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk
Sunday, April 21, 8 – 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.
Earth Day, Every Day Walk
Sunday, April 21, 1 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain
Search for sights and sounds of the piedmont region as we trek through the spring woodlands to the old fish ponds. We will take along field guides and learn how to identify wildflowers and animal signs. Meet at Parking Lot across from Cottage #5. Less than 1 mile; ages 6 and older; rated easy. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
Earth Day at Cloudland Canyon
Monday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn
Stop by the Interpretive Center on Earth Day to participate in green activities, make crafts from recycled materials and enjoy the beauty of nature on various guided hikes. $5 parking. 706-801-7275.
Earth Day Extravaganza at Magnolia Springs
Saturday, April 27
Magnolia Springs State Park - Millen
Come enjoy a day of fun that is all about the Earth. A variety of presenters will be set up around the park at picnic shelters and the open field near the park office. Programs include Archaeological Digs, Trees are the Answer, Wildlife ID and Fun Facts, Water Quaility, and Laser Shot Simulator. $5 parking. 478-982-1660.
Kayak River Clean-Up in Savannah
Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.
Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah
Celebrate Earth Day by helping to clean up the Skidaway Narrows from 9 a.m. until noon. We will have a limited number of canoes and kayaks provided. You can bring your own boat, borrow one of ours, or come as a walking volunteer. Lunch will be provided for registered volunteers. Register by April 26. At 2 p.m. we will have an Interpretive Center tour. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Earth Day, Every Day Walk
Sunday, April 28, 1 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain
Search for sights and sounds of the piedmont region as we trek through the spring woodlands to the old fish ponds. We will take along field guides and learn how to identify wildflowers and animal signs. Meet at Parking Lot across from Cottage #5. Less than 1 mile; ages 6 and older; rated easy. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.