February 2012 Calendar for
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
February 2012 Events – Divided By Region
NORTHERN GEORGIA
Hemlock Update and Winter Botany
Saturday, February 11, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
A report on the progress of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid treatment of our Eastern Hemlock trees will be followed by Botanist Jim Sullivan demonstrating how to identify plants in the winter. Winter Botany will include a short hike to identify nearby flora. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
37th Annual Fireside Craft/Art Show
Saturday, February 18 through Sunday, February 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Celebrate 37 years of the Fireside Craft/Art Show. More than 60 of the Southeast’s finest artists and crafts people will be here for this Unicoi tradition. This indoor, juried show has a reputation for excellence and is a nice balance between fine arts and quality crafts. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.
Orienteering Meet
Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Find the "controls" hidden in the woods using a detailed map and compass. Beginners can learn how the sport works at the 10:00 a.m. orientation. All participants must begin by 11:00 a.m. and be off the course by 1:00 p.m. Register by February 11. $2 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
Falconry Experience at Buck Shoals
Sunday, February 26, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Learn about the art of falconry with Falconer Buster Brown, Secretary/Treasurer and DNR Coordinator with the Georgia Falconry Association. A short presentation will be followed by a live hunt. Register in advance. $20/adult if paid by February 10, $25 afterward. Kids free. $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.
COASTAL GEORGIA
Stalking The Wild Mushrooms: What They Are and Where to Find Them
Saturday, February 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Mycologists will offer a series of informative and often surprising presentations about Wild Mushrooms. This first program will cover uses of fungi, anatomy, major mushroom groups and natural habitats. Their beauty and biodiversity will be shared through discussion, complemented by color photography. $1 plus $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Colonial Faire & Muster
Saturday, February 4 through Sunday, February 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah
Experience life in Colonial Georgia during the 18th century with a military encampment, sutlers' row, craft demonstrations, military demonstrations, and period music and dance. Food concessions will be available. (912) 353-3023.
Dinner with General James E. Oglethorpe
Saturday, February 18
Fort King George Historic Site – Darien
General James E. Oglethorpe and the Garrison of Fort King George invite the public to a colonial dinner in the enlisted soldiers' barracks. Entertainment will feature the arrival of General Oglethorpe, musket and cannon firings, and interaction between the fort officers, soldiers and dinner guests. $35. (912) 437-4770.
Dark Sky Star Party
Saturday, February 25, 6 p.m.
Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo
Without any light pollution, the Okefenokee Swamp is one of the best places in the Southeast to view stars and planets. Members of the Northeast Florida Observatory Foundation will bring high-powered telescopes so you'll get an exceptional view of our night sky. Register in advance. $3 plus $5 parking. (912) 637- 5274.
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA
A.H. Stephen 200th Birthday Celebration
Saturday, February 4, 11 a.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville
The Military Order of The Stars and Bars will be hosting the annual birthday celebration. We will be meeting in the Group Shelter, next to the office. The Old Guard of The Gate City Guard will host a Memorial Service following the event at the A.H. Stephens Monument. A BBQ lunch will be available. This year's guest speaker will be Marcia Campbell. $5-$7, plus $5 parking. (706) 456-2602.
Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, February 18, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
In celebration of Georgia Arbor Day we will be planting native trees around the park, hosting an educational tree lesson, and making some crafts using parts of different trees. $1 per craft. $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Wild Gourmet in Winter
Sunday, February 19, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
What’s cooking this winter? We’re promised a hearty raccoon barbeque with an acorn side dish (acorn grits?) At this potluck, the only rule is that every dish must contain at least one wild ingredient. A little nervous? Come on anyway; we’ll teach you how to find delicious edibles all around you. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.
Pioneers and Indians
Monday, February 20
Mistletoe State Park – Appling
Ever wonder about the lives of folks in Georgia 300 years ago? Come learn how they lived. We’ll make our own butter, candles, and pioneer toys. And we’ll even learn some Indian sign language and create your own Indian peace pipe. Register by February 17. $20 plus $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.
Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk
Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.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 Trading Post. $5 parking. (706) 557-3001.
METRO ATLANTA
First Friday Mountain Hike
Friday, February 3, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water for a 3-mile ranger-led hike to the top of Panola Mountain. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before hike departs. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Full Moon Night Hike
Saturday, February 4, 5:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join us for an enchanted evening as we hike to the mountaintop under the full moon. We'll head out just before sunset and enjoy the stroll as the moon begins to rise. Bring flashlights, hiking boots and water. Meet at the nature center 15 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
New Manchester History Hike
Saturday, February 4, 11, 18 and 25,1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead to the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. This historian or ranger-led hike will include going inside the ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids, which provide great photo opportunities. No dogs or children under 6 years please. $4 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Friday, February 10, 7 p.m. – 9 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.
Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. – 11 p.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, February 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.
Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk
Saturday, February 11, 10 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.
“Wagging Trails” Dog Hike
Sunday, February 12, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Bring your four-legged companion and join a ranger on this beautiful three-mile hike. Dogs must be leashed at all times. We'll explore areas along whitewater rapids (up to class IV) and the lovely ruins of the 19th century New Manchester Mill. This hike is rated moderate/difficult. Please register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Forest Management – From Fire, to Beetles, to You
Sunday, February 12, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
What does it take to manage a healthy forest? Join Forester Seth Weatherford as he leads this 2-mile hike on the White Trail and discusses timber management, tree diseases, insects, and the use of fire and timber thinning to benefit forest health. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Friends of Panola Mountain Hike
Saturday, February 18, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Going on a day hike? What if your hike turned into a three-day survival trek? We will list what items to put in your survival kit and how to use them. Weather permitting we will practice building fires and learn other important survival skills. Register in Advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Wilderness Survival Skills
Saturday, February 18, 10 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Wear your hiking boots, pack a lunch and bring plenty of water for a rigorous half-day, ranger-led hike through Panola's rugged conservation area. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before hike departs. Ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Sunset Mountain Hike
Saturday, February 18, 4:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Join a ranger on a hike to the top of Panola Mountain, just as the sunsets. This twilight hike promises to provide spectacular views and good photo ops. Bring sturdy shoes, water and a flashlight. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Atlanta Audubon Society Intro to Bird watching Hike
Saturday, February 18, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This field trip is designed for anyone interested in learning more about birds, the important habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society, which are dedicated to bird conservation. Meet at the park's Interpretive Center. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Candle Light Hike to the Mill
Saturday, February 18, 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. 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.
Chattahoochee Riverside Hike
Sunday, February 19, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This moderate three-mile hike will take us mostly alongside the Chattahoochee River inside the park. Explore beautiful and seldom-visited areas. Meet at the Interpretive Center where we will carpool 10 minutes to the trailhead. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Vanishing Habitat
Sunday, February 19, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This ranger-led hike will take visitors to a seldom-seen area where a trace of the globally imperiled Mountain Longleaf Pine habitat has survived. We will discuss trees that share this habitat, plans to restore habitat, and take in some beautiful vistas from the ridge tops of this incredible area. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Panola Unlimited
Saturday, February 25, 9 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Wear your hiking boots, pack a lunch and bring plenty of water for a rigorous half-day, ranger-led hike through Panola's rugged conservation area. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before hike departs. Ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Wilderness Survival School
Saturday, February 25 through Sunday, February 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville
Learn to survive in the wilderness. The Southeast School of Survival has joined up with Red Top Mountain State Park to bring Wilderness Survival Training each month. Shelter, fire, food, water, survival first aid, signaling, and rescue are only a sample of what the Southeast School of Survival will bring to you during each course. To register, visit www.SoutheastSchoolofSurvival.
Night Sounds Hike
Saturday, February 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This ranger-led hike will focus on being out at night and listening to owls, insects, frogs, and other "creatures of the night". $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.
Backcountry Geology Hike
Sunday, February 26, 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.
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