Below is the March 2007 calendar from Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites. More information is available at www.gastateparks.org or 1-800-864-7275.

March 2007 * divided by region

NORTHERN GEORGIA

Master Naturalist
Monday, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2 - 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge — Helen

This is a chance for grownups to play in the woods. Learn the ins and outs of the natural world, including conservation issues, wildlife, native and protected plants, and more. $3 parking. (706) 878-4736.

Backpacking Clinic & Appalachian Trail Celebration
Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge — Dawsonville
Enjoy demonstrations and workshops by professionals and retailers on an assortment of backpacking gear, and take part in discussions on trip preparation. Hear about Appalachian Trail adventures from the past and present, and learn how you can work to better conserve the trail and its legacy. $3 parking. (706) 265-4703.

Flies and Fly Water
Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen
In preparation for the upcoming spring fishing season, we will have a show and tell, helpful hints, and "how to" on fly tying, stream reading, casting, and more. Register in advance. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

METRO ATLANTA

Up, Up and Away!
Saturday, March 10, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Enjoy kite flying made fun. Prizes will be awarded for the highest flying kite, most creative kite and lowest kite flight. The first 20 participants receive a free kite. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Lost Person Prevention
Wednesday, March 14, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when visiting state parks. $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Participants should register and pay in advance, and there must be at least five sign-ups to warrant a hike, weather permitting. The hike will be departing from our nature center. All participants must be in physical condition for a semi-strenuous hike. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Half-Day Spring Color Hike
Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Take this 4.5-hour tour of Panola Mountain's flowering Dogwoods, Redbuds, Painted Buckeyes and a host of other wildflowers. The highlight will be the unusual wildflowers atop the granite mountain. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

MIDDLE AND SOUTH GEORGIA

Kite Rally
Saturday, March 3, 1 - 4 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park - Omaha
Make a kite or fly your own. Prizes will be awarded for the best-made kite and highest flier. $1 plus $3 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Tree Climbing Rendezvous: Open Climb
Saturday, March 10, 1 - 4 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain
Tree climbing offers a natural setting which is quieter and warmer than any man-made things, and can be adapted to any number of mindsets and physical abilities. Join us in front of the Park Office for an exciting adventure exploring the high canopy above. For ages 8 and up. $8 plus $3 parking. (706) 663-4858.

"A Taste of the Old South" Cooking Program
Saturday, March 10, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site - Fitzgerald
Taste old time eats for all to enjoy. The menu will cover breakfast to late-night snacks. All items will be in the timeframe of the 1860s. Enjoy hard tack, pecan pie, smoked ham or candied yams. Bring your empty stomach and leave with a full one. $1.75-$3. (229) 831-2335.

Wheels O'Fire Century Cycle Tour
Saturday, March 10, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain
Whether you're scaling the crest of Pine Mountain to Dowdell's Knob, smokin' on a downhill run, or winding through vistas of farmland and forest, you'll find this 100-mile tour to be the right mix of challenge and variety. Register at www.harriscountychamber.org/CycleTour/index.htm. Fee plus $3 parking. (888) 478-0010 ext. 1.

An Evening of Astronomy
Saturday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain
Constellations and planets have been an important part of human society and folklore since humans lived in caves. Join the Coca-Cola Space Science Center at the Park Office Amphitheater for an evening that will include star talks, star maps and viewing of the night sky. $3 parking. (706) 663-4858.

8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 31, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site - Fitzgerald
Kids can collect goodie-eggs and look for golden eggs with the prizes inside. After the egg hunt, kids and parents can enjoy free refreshments and games for a chance to win more prizes. Visitors can get their pictures taken with Easter Bunny for $1.50. The winners of the coloring contest will also be announced during this event. $4 parking. (229) 831-2335.

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