June 2012 Calendar of Events of Georgia State Parks

Below are just some of the many programs happening in June. Check GaStateParks.org/events for a full calendar.

NORTHERN GEORGIA

Celebrate the fun of the great outdoors. Bring the family for an early morning kids’ fishing rodeo. Participate in trail maintenance and guided hikes to honor National Trails Day. $5 parking. (706) 265-1969.

Wolf Creek will be stocked with plenty of trout to be tempted by anglers 12 and younger. Prizes will be given to lucky ticket holders; families will enjoy watching children as they have a blast. Each adult must be accompanied with a child to register prior to fishing. Coke refreshments will be provided. A limited amount of fishing poles will be provided. $5 parking. (706) 745-2628.

Make your family vacation memorable by attending Unicoi Family Camp. Spend each day attending classes or workshops while enjoying time with your family. No age limits. Register in advance. $30 adult/$20 child. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.

Observe the summer skies with members of the Atlanta Astronomy Club. This event is open to anyone — experienced astronomers and newcomers. A slide show will be followed by observation outdoors with several telescopes. Meet at Shelter 5 behind the park office. $5 parking. (706) 356-4362.

COASTAL GEORGIA

Come to our Interpretive Center Friday evenings in June to learn about the natural and cultural history of Okefenokee. We’ll have programs on alligators, snakes, nocturnal creatures, and the logging operation that lasted over 20 years. $5 Refuge Parking. (912) 637-5274.

BYOK (Bring Your Own Kayak) and join interpretive guide Rod Villemaire on trips through Crooked Rivers marshes. Discover some of the native marsh wildlife while discussing bird behavior, courtship and reproduction. Learn bird identification tricks. Intermediate to experienced kayakers only. Reservations required. $10 per person $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.

Prizes will be awarded for different categories. A food concession area will be available. For kids 13 years old and under. Please bring your own fishing gear and bait. Meet at the screened in Group Shelter behind the playground to sign up for the event. $5 parking. (912) 287-4900.

Join photographer Jackie DeBusk for either the morning or afternoon session and allow her to demystify digital SLR camera settings in easy to understand terms. You will learn exposure, focus area, and metering settings. Please call for registration and fee information. $5 parking. (912) 580-5308.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

See live alligators at the Kirbo Interpretive Center and take guided boat tours to view these reptiles in their natural habitat. Alligator experts and trappers will be on hand, sharing their knowledge. Lake Walter F. George is a beautiful location to view wildlife and birds. $5 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Children ages 3-15 (accompanied by a parent or guardian) are invited to participate in the parks annual kids fishing derby. Prizes will be offered in various categories and age groups. Registration will be held the morning of the event. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.

This tournament will be held at Lake Liberty, recently stocked with more than 2,500 catfish. Anglers 55 and older can compete for great prizes in several categories. A hot lunch will be available. Registration will be held from 7:30am to 8:00am at the park office. $5 parking. (706) 456-2602.

Don’t eat dinner until you’ve stopped by for appetizers cooked up with lots of fun! We’ll fry hamburgers on a flat rock, bake biscuits in a cardboard oven, cook omelets in zip lock bags, roast potatoes in mud, and make desserts to die for! Kids ages 8-80 will love this program. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.

Demonstrations of military life will be the highlight of the day. The history of the Robert Toombs House will be presented including its role in state and national history. Free. (706) 678-2226.

METRO ATLANTA

Archaeologist Adam King and associates will speak at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dr. King is an authority on early cultures and authored “ETOWAH: The Political History of a Chiefdom Capital.” His presentations always bring new information about Etowah and the surrounding area. $3.50 – $5.00 (770) 387-3747.

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.

Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake at sunset. This trip is for adults (18 and older) who can swim and have some experience canoeing or kayaking. $15 includes canoe or kayak, paddle and PFD. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.