Below is the May 2008 calendar from Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites.

May 2008 Events – Divided By Region

METRO ATLANTA

Party with the Possums
Fridays, May 2, May 9, May 16. May 23, May 30
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge – Cartersville
Be a part of the Red Top Mountain “night life” and join a ranger for a guided hike to learn about nocturnal animals. Hike starts at “dark:30” so call to check start time. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. $3 parking. (770) 975-4226.

Spring Birding Hike
Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Join one of Panola Mountain’s birders on a tour of the park’s best birding habitats. Search for orchard orioles, red-headed woodpeckers, bluebirds and a variety of sparrows, warblers and swallows. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Tree Top Excursions: Open Climb
Saturday, May 3, 1-4 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. We will be climbing near Lake Alexander. $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, May 10, 9:45 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.” Our local 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. $7 - $10 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Saturday Mountain HIke
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
These ranger-led hikes depart from the nature center and are for participants in good physical condition. Register and pay in advance. This program must have at least five hikers or it will be cancelled. $5 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Archaeological Day
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site – Dallas
Join Dr. Powis of Kennesaw State University on a tour of archaeological dig sites to see what his students have been finding on the battlefield. Artifact identifier Dennis Deal will show his amazing collection of Civil War items and help visitors identify their own. $1.75 - $3. (770) 443-7850.

Advanced Fly Fishing Clinic
Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This clinic is for graduates of our Basic Fly Fishing Clinic and Experienced Fly Fisherman call (prerequisite) and will focus on “On the Water Techniques.” We begin at the Rockdale River Trail parking and then head to the lake for instruction in advanced casting technique (Steeple Caste, Roll Cast, and Double-haul Casting), line mending, reading the water and entomology. $12-$15 plus $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Kids Fishing Event
Saturday, May 31, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Kids 16 and younger are invited to our lake to hook a catfish or bluegill while learning about aquatic habitats, fish identification and fishing skills. Also, an archery range, lazier gun range, fly-fishing, tree climbing, and Georgia Wildlife Encounters will be available. $3 parking. (770) 389-7801.

NORTHERN GEORGIA

First Friday for Families
Friday, May 2, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen
This monthly ranger-led series will cover topics of interest to children and adults. Each Friday will explore a new topic, from how animals survive in winter to wonders of the night. Times and dates will vary through the year. Register in advance. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Learn the Birds
Friday, May, 2 – Saturday, May 3
Unicoi State Park – Helen
We will identify birds by sight and sound. In honor of International Migratory Bird Day, we will hope to see many of the Neotropical birds as they pass through Unicoi’s enchanted forest. Register in advance. Fee for building workshops only. $3 parking. (800) 573-9659 ext. 305.

Dirty Spokes Mountain Bike Race
Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
These 6-hour and 12-hour races take competitors along our mountain bike trail and allow visitors to see the action first-hand. Fee begins at $40, plus $3 parking. (770) 867-3489. www.dirtyspokes.com

Wildflower Fever 1
Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen
Join nature photographer and master naturalist Debra H. Davis and her husband, Larry, to learn about the incredible beauty, diversity and folklore of Georgia’s mountain spring wildflowers. Following a lecture and slide program, everyone is invited to join a short walk on the Laurel Ridge Trail. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Wings of Flight
Saturday, May 10 through Sunday, May 11
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge – Dawsonville
Share your love of all winged creatures during these programs on birds, bats, and butterflies. Learn tips on how to attract these creatures to your own backyard, and how you can make them feel at home. $3 parking. (706)265-1969.

Concert by the Beach
Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Bring your picnic baskets and join the Yargo Community Band for a free concert to learn about the park and the Friends of Fort Yargo. $3 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Mother/Daughter Canoe Excursion
Mother’s Day Weekend: Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge Park – Tallulah Falls
Meet at the swimming beach on Tallulah Lake for a springtime, ranger-led paddle with your mother or daughter. Bring a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen and hat, plus wear lightweight clothes and shoes. Must be able to swim and at least 12 years old. Register in advance. $3 parking. (706)754-7981.

CCC Reunion
Saturday, May 10, 10 am - 3 p.m.
Vogel State Park – Blairsville
Join the boys of the “Tree Army” as they tell their many stories of the New Deal era. There will be tours of the CCC Museum and special emphasis on the New Deal era. This year is the CCC’s 75th anniversary. Covered dish meal with meat and drinks provided. RSVP required. $3 parking. (706) 745-2628.

Youth Fishing Days
Saturday, May 17, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen
Children and their special “big person” can fish in one of two ponds stocked with catfish, bass and bream. Fish caught in the ponds can be kept, and staff are available to assist. Bring your own bait and rods. Use the Hwy. 75 entrance to the park. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

JAKES DAY
Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen
JAKES stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship. Enjoy a day filled with reptiles, raptors, Forest Service and Forestry Commission exhibits, participatory archery, BB-gun and virtual reality shooting, primitive skills, raffle ticket drawings and more. Co-sponsored with the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Memorial Day Blast
Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 26
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Join in on relay races, field day activities, a campfire, a music concert and hoedown. $3 parking. (800) 573-9659 ext. 305.

Visiting Artist Series
Saturday, May 24 – Sunday, May 25, 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, June 1, 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site – Dahlonega
Artists and craftspeople from Georgia and surrounding states will demonstrate their arts or crafts. They will have their works for sale in the museum. $2.50 - $4. (706) 864-2257.

Memorial Day Campfire
Saturday, May 24, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Celebrate summer’s arrival with a campfire where the park will provide marshmallows and hot dogs for roasting. Meet at the Campground #1 amphitheater. $3 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Saturday Evening Music Concert Series
Saturdays, May 24, May 31, 8 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Regional musicians perform a variety of music from Appalachian Mountain, Bluegrass, and Southern Gospel music. The program lasts from June-mid-November. These programs will be “pass-the-hat” donations for the musicians. $3 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.

Junior-Senior Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston
This event is for anglers 16 and younger or 62 and older. Prizes will be rewarded. $3 parking. (706) 245-6270.

Adopt-A-Stream Training
Friday, May 30, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen
Adopt-a-Stream offers citizens, teachers and interested individuals a way to test and take an active role in preserving their local water quality. This workshop will prepare individuals to do a Watershed Assessment, Visual, Biological and Chemical monitoring. $10 plus $3 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Junior Handicapped Catfish Rodeo
Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston
Handicapped anglers younger than 16 can compete for several prizes. Register by 10 a.m. $3 parking. (706) 245-6270.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

History of Jefferson Davis Memorial Site
Thursday, May 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site – Fitzgerald
This year-long exhibit tells the history of the site where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was captured and the history of the site’s WPA museum in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the “New Deal.” $1.50-$3. (229) 831-2335.

Horse Fair
Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
Become horse wise as experts give demonstrations on saddling, hooking up horses to wagons, filing teeth, training and more. Meet at the Roosevelt Horse Stables. Please do not bring horses. $10 horse rides; $5 pony rides for ages 9 and younger. $3 parking. (706) 663-4858.

Mother’s Day Activities
Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Indian Springs State Park –Flovilla
Learn about important animal mothers while making a gift for mom. $3 parking. (770) 504-2277.

Bird Blast
Saturday, May 10, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge – McRae
It’s time to celebrate our feathered friends. Meet live birds of prey presented
by SOAR, take a migratory bird hike and make some birdie crafts. $3 parking. (229) 868-7474.

Georgia Reptiles
Saturday, May 10, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Park – Lumpkin
Snakes are among some of the most feared creatures on earth. See them up close and learn why they are important to our planet and ecosystem. $1 plus $3 parking. (229) 838-6202.

Wolfden Loop Backpacking Trip
Saturday, May 17 - Sunday, May 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
This overnight trip will take you through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pine Mountain Trail, Wolfden Loop. This 6.7-mile loop allows backpackers to see Mother Nature’s work of art through waterfalls and beautiful scenic overlooks. $3 parking. (706) 663-4858.

Hands-on Blacksmithing Workshop
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site – Fitzgerald
Students will learn about blacksmithing and work on projects such as fireplace accessories. Register in advance. $15. (229) 831-2335.

Memorial Day Mayhem
Friday, May 23, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 24, 1 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 25, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Monday, May 26, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge – McRae
Join in the H2O Olympics because you WILL get wet. Listen to a music concert, meet live animals, take a swampy canoe trip and make holiday crafts. $3 parking. (229) 868-7474.

Civil War Medicine
Saturday, May 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville
This Memorial Day program includes displays and talks about Civil War-era medicine and the hardships faced by the fighting men of the Civil War. $1.50 - $3. (706) 456-2221.

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, May 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha
A variety of family events will include crafts, games and boat rides throughout the weekend. $1 - $3 plus $3 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Photography Contest
Deadline: Saturday, May 24
Providence Canyon State Park – Lumpkin
Amateur photographers are encouraged to send their favorite 8 x 10 print of Providence Canyon State Park for a chance to win prizes. Deadline is May 24. $3 parking. (229) 838-6202.

Family Farm Day
Monday, May 26, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site –Juliette
Gather the family and learn about chores that took place on a plantation, such as woodstove cooking, blacksmithing, animal care, garden care, clothes washing, carpentry, spinning and weaving. $2.50-$4 (478) 986-5172.

Memorial Day Activities
Monday, May 26, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Providence Canyon State Park – Lumpkin
For many families Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff of the good ol’ summertime. Join a ranger-led hike through the park followed by fun activities that all ages can enjoy. $1 plus $3 parking. (229) 838-6202.

COASTAL GEORGIA

Memorial Day Weekend at Fort McAllister
Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fort McAllister Historic Park – Richmond Hill
This program will focus on the life and duties of the average Civil War soldier, including musket and cannon firings. $2.50 - $4. (912) 727-2339.

# # #

More information is available at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-7275.

login to post comments