Georgia State Parks January Events

By Gwinnett Park Life on December 19, 2009@gwinnettparks

NORTHERN GEORGIA
Beginning Bee Keeping

Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen

Learn about basic bee keeping and how to start a hive. Berry Wright has been a professional honey producer for 45 years. Berry will discuss assembling equipment and installation of bees. A trip to the apiary will be included, weather permitting. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Dulcimer-Making Workshop

Saturday, January 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen

Assemble, sand and finish an all-wood Appalachian dulcimer with dulcimer maker and musician Bob Thomason. All tools and supplies are provided. No woodworking experience is required. Bob Thomason has been making and playing fine Appalachian dulcimers since 1981. Register by January 8. $85 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Native American Flute-Making Workshop

Saturday, January 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen

Make a traditional southeastern style Native American flute with award winning Cherokee artist and musician, Danny Bigay. Danny’s flutes and art are displayed in museums throughout the country including the Eiteljorg and Five Civilized Tribes Museums. $150 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

Dulcimer Jam

Saturday, January 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, January 17, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Monday, January 18, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling

This beautiful folk instrument is one of the easiest to play. Join in hands-on demonstrations and you will soon be sounding like a pro! If you already have a dulcimer, bring it along for tuning and playing tips. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.

METRO ATLANTA

New Years Day Mountain Top Hike

Friday, January 1, 2 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Start the new year at the peak seeing Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Register in advance $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Owl Prowl

Saturday, January 2, 6 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 and offers one of the best perches for viewing Atlanta’s skyline. Bring flashlights and comfortable clothing. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Introduction to Wildlife Painting

Saturday, January 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

This classroom program will give participants a chance to render paintings of stuffed animals and birds. This is a hands-on workshop, and will give participants the chance to paint from a real 3-D form, with real feathers, fur, and correct proportions needed for accurate wildlife painting. Acrylic paint, paper, and brushes will be supplied. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

New Manchester History Hike

Saturdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us 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 impressive mill ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). $1-$2 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Lost Person Prevention

Saturday, January 9, 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. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, January 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Adventure Hike

Saturday, January 10, 2 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

These guided hikes depart from Panola’s nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Saturday Mountain Hike

Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

These guided hikes depart from Panola’s nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows park visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the Ranger explains the reasons Panola Mountain is protected, and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray, and your camera! The Panola Mountain hike starts at 10am and generally lasts 3-4 hours. Rain or shine. Call to register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb

Saturday, January 16, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

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More information on your state parks and historic sites, including accommodations like cottages, hotel-style lodges, campsites and yurts, can be found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-PARK (7275).Ge