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Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you can travel across Lake Blackshear, tour Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village and sample peanut-butter treats in Plains. Enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today’s South as the SAM Shortline Excursion Train runs from Cordele through Georgia Veterans State Park to Americus and Plains, then back. Groups and parties welcome. 1-877-427-2457.
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At 11 AM have a HOOT! Learn about owls and create one to take home. At 3 PM learn about Skidaway Island's crawly and slithering critters. At 8:30 PM hit the trail and awaken your senses with experiments. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake and up Beaver Creek. This trip is for those 16 years or older who can swim or children 6 years or older who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bait Shop. Registration in advance is necessary. $15 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Saturday,
August
25, 2012
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Calling all novice and experienced cachers. Join us at the visitor center for an introduction to geo-caching. Caches will be set up for the event and instruction given on how to start caching as well some of the different equipment used. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Too hot to stay in the campsite? Join us at the play ground, by the boat ramp for some water fun and games. Come dressed to get wet. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Join us on the porch of the visitor center as we discuss how to identify the venomous snakes of Georgia and look at two of our non-venomous snakes. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Join us on the porch of the visitor center as we make bottle cap birds and binoculars. There is a $1 fee. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Learn fun facts about Georgia's bats, make origami bats, find instructions on how to build a bat house and much, much more. Visit the Interpretive Center anytime during the day! $5 parking. 7066574050.
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Meet our Eastern Box turtle, read some of the Native American myths about turtles and be amazed by the versatility of the turtle's shell. Come by the Interpretive Center anytime during the day. $5 parking. 706.657.4050.
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Let's take a moonlit canoe paddle on Clarks Hill Lake. The moon will be big and bright. You will get to see the water in a whole different light. Equipment and certified instructors will be provided. Register by August 22. $25 plus $5 parking. 706-359-3458.
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Did you ever wonder how an arrowhead is made? An expert flintknapper (maker of arrowheads) will demonstrate this ancient art form. See arrowheads, spear points and knives made before your eyes. Learn why this craft was necessary and how to get started making them yourself. $3.50 - $5.00. 770-387-3747.
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Gospel Music Concert featuring Crystal River, Bowling Family, The Gobers, Michael Combs and Three Bridges. Call 615-787-7028 for ticket sales. Fee plus $5 parking. 615-787-7028.
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Ride the SAM Shortline train from Georgia Veterans State Park to Americus, Archery, Plains and back. Ticket prices vary. 1-877-427-2457.
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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 Park Office/Trading Post. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Join a park ranger and discover cool creatures that call a stream home, plus what these animals tell us about the health of a stream. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. We will caravan down to the creek. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Triathlon/Duathlon Challenge at starts at 7:30 a.m. and sign up starts at 6:00 a.m. www.drcsports.com/RaceCalendar 352-637-2475. $5 parking. 877-541-7325.
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Pick up your scavenger hunt at the campground shelter. Have fun exploring the park while you look for things on the scavenger hunt. $5 parking. 706-541-0321.
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Find out why Panola Mountain is such an important ecosystem during a Ranger led hike to the top of the mountain. Explore the conservation area, as we twist and turn on the trail, we will see different plants and wildlife. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and water. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
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Meet in the Discovery Room to get paper and crayons and then everyone will head out to make their rubbings. Once we've rubbed impression of the bark and leaves we'll cut them out and put it together to make a mini "tree". $1 plus $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
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Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful evening paddle on the lake. This two-hour trip is for visitors 16 years or older who can swim or children 6-15 years old who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. $15 per person (includes tandem canoe or kayak and basic instruction.) $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
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Enjoy our free "Mountain Music" concerts every Saturday night. A different band each week will play for an hour or more. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and meet at the Vaughan log cabin located behind the park office. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
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Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you will travel across Lake Blackshear to Plains and back. Explore President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood farm (Jimmy Carter National Historic Site), go shopping and sample peanut butter treats. Groups and parties welcome. 1-877-427-2457.
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At 8:30 AM join us on a 1.5 mile walk. No stops are planned. At 11 AM build a survival kit to take on the trail. At 3 PM learn about history, reptiles, birds and fossils on a tour of the Interpretive Center. At 5 PM get wet in several water balloon games. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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Hear the history of local gold mining with a local historian and Smithgall's Interpretive Ranger. The morning begins with a presentation depicting cultural influences that lead up to the 1828 Georgia “gold rush.” A hike on the Martin Mine trail provides an opportunity to interpret the scars that gold mining efforts left on the landscape. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
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Join us for a beautiful two-hour paddle through a peaceful stretch of Sweetwater Creek in a tandem kayak. There is an optional short hike to view the mill ruins and whitewater rapids. This outing is for adults (18 yrs. and older) who can swim and those 12 yrs. to 17 yrs. with a parent. Kayak, PFD, and paddle included. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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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. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Join herpetologist Aly Lecznar for this fascinating hour with live snakes where we will learn about the natural history of snakes, understand their senses and behavior, identify venomous snakes of Georgia, and become familiar with native snakes. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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If Eastern Forests could speak, what would they tell us? Join us for a short hike while we discuss the dangers they have faced and are currently facing. Meet in the Lodge Lobby. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.
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What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Join a park ranger to discuss tricky turtles and enjoy the suspense and pageantry of a turtle race. Meet at the Visitor Center. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.
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Come out and join the naturalist for a morning walk while we look for plants and animals found along the trail. Meet at the visitor center in shoes good for 2 mile hike. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Watch out for the naturalist as he makes rounds and introduces himself to everyone. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Learn fun facts about Georgia's bats, make origami bats, find instructions on how to build a bat house and much, much more. Visit the Interpretive Center anytime during the day! $5 parking. 7066574050.
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Meet our Eastern Box turtle, read some of the Native American myths about turtles and be amazed by the versatility of the turtle's shell. Come by the Interpretive Center anytime during the day. $5 parking. 706.657.4050.
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At 8:30 AM head out to spot early-riser wildlife in the salt marsh. At 1:30 PM learn the lure and keep an eye out for the colorful, painted bunting. At 3:30 PM learn who roamed the Georgia barrier islands long before we did. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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This peaceful, ranger-led paddle will allow you to explore the Sparks Reservoir and Beaver Creek in the magnificence of fall color. All who are over 16 and can swim are welcome, as are those 6 years and older who can swim and are accompanied by a parent. Meet at the Bait Shop. Reservations required. $15 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Join us in beautifying Sweetwater Creek as we pick up trash from the water by canoe and along the banks. Pre-registration is required. Meet at the Visitor's Center. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Wednesday,
August
29, 2012
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At 8 AM join as we hike in search of the island's local, flapping, and finicky fauna. At 11 AM learn about non-native plants who have pushed their way onto the island. At 3:30 PM come learn about geocaching - the outdoor, GPS enabled treasure hunting game. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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Join us for an introduction to kayaking on beautiful Sparks Reservoir. This program is for girls and women 12 years and older who are able to swim and are new to kayaking. Reservations are necessary. Meet at the Bait Shop. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Thursday,
August
30, 2012
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Meet in the evening to paddle in the light of a Full Moon. Jump in a canoe or kayak and enjoy a pleasant paddle under the peaceful night sky. Register at the office any day between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM prior to the event. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. 478-763-2759.
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At 10:30 AM meet our ribbeting and shelled friends as we discuss their characteristics. At 12 PM come learn about the butterfly lifecycle and see preserved specimens. At 2 PM join us for story time with puppets for the little ones. At 3 PM learn some handy knots to use around the camp. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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Watch out for the naturalist as he makes rounds and introduces himself to everyone. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Join us for a guided hike to the observation tower, and look for firefly nymphs by the river. Meet at the picnic table by the boat ramp in shoes good for a 1.5 mile hike. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Enjoy this rare "blue moon" during the month of August on a West Rim Hike with Georgia Girl Guides. A naturalist will teach you about the canyon and the history of the area on this 2.5 mile hike. Reservations Required. Ages 8 and up due to hiking after sunset. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
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Friday 10-noon and 1-3 PM Nature Center Open and 7:30-9 PM Blue moon walk, its fun to be crepuscular! Saturday 9-10:30 AM Nature and birding walk. 1-2 PM Live Animal program followed by outdoor water fun and popsicles. Sunday 1-3 PM Nature Center Open, Monday 9-10:30 AM Go Crabbing & learn about the marsh they call home. $1-$2 per program, ages 3 and older. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
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Hike and explore the wonders of the night as the rare blue moon rises to light up your path. Listen for frogs, hoot for owls, enjoy the peacefullness of a moonlit stroll in the park. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
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Enjoy music in the park as a local jazz musician performs. To enhance the experience bring chairs, blankets, and even a picnic dinner. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.
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Let's get outside and have a little fun on the park. Our family celebration including games, nature programs, and crafts. $1 - $5, $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
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Nighttime kayak and canoe program to observe the moon, stars and wildlife. $8 plus $5 parking. 229-276-2371.
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The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Lake Rutledge for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Join us for this peaceful, ranger-led outing on the lake at sunset for the first blue moon in almost three years. This trip is for those 16 years and older who can swim. Registration/Payment in advance is necessary due to limited space. $8 includes equipment. $2 with own gear. $5 parking. 706-857-0826.
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Weekend activities for the whole family, including guided nature hikes, pottery and dream catcher crafts, campfire program, games and more. $3 for pottery and dream catchers. $5 parking. 229-724-2150.
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Enjoy a night of storytelling around the campfire as a local storyteller brings tales to life. $5 parking. 706-541-0321.
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Start the night off in the Discovery Room by meeting one of Georgia's native snakes and then follow a Park Ranger on a moderate, 1-mile hike. We'll be on the lookout for some of the lesser-seen animals that call Red Top home. $1 plus $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
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Meet our interpretative ranger at the nature nook from 8:30-9:00 to view our park museum, then enjoy the night time sky and full moon. $1 plus $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
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At 10:30 AM learn the history, formation, and inhabitants of the Georgia barrier islands. At 12 PM learn about the fierce birds of prey whose talons loom over the area. At 3:30 PM make tissue paper butterflies you can take home. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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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, closed-toe shoes are required. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor's Center. Register in advance. $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, consisting of approximately 1.5 miles and 1,099 steps. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
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Join us for a leisurely ranger-led walk under the full moon. Meet at the amphitheater wearing sturdy closed-toed shoes. $5 parking. 706-356-4362.
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Saturday,
September
1, 2012
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Join a ranger to learn basic survival skills. Come back for three weekends to experience the whole set. 9/1 - Fire Building; 9/8 - Orienteering; 9/15 - Cordage & Knots; 9/22 - Fire Building; and 9/29 - Orienteering. Meet at the Visitor Center. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.
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Join us for a guided hike to the observation tower, and listen to the cricket frogs by the river. Meet at the picnic table by the boat ramp in shoes good for a 2 mile hike. No dogs please. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Too hot to stay in the campsite? Join us at the play ground, by the boat ramp for some water fun and games. Come dressed to get wet. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Join us on the porch of the visitor center as we discuss how to identify the venomous snakes of Georgia and look at two of our non-venomous snakes. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Join us on the porch of the visitor center as we make bottle cap birds and binoculars. There is a $1 fee. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Kids 16 and under can catch and keep up to 5 fish each from the park's stocked catfish pond. Awards will be given in many categories! Limited equipment is available to borrow. $3 plus $5 parking. 706.657.4050.
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You will get muddy and wet on this family friendly underground adventure. Tours are offered by Georgia Girl Guides on weekends and some weekdays. Reservations required: www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com. $30-$60 $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
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This is the perfect cave tour for beginners who are unsure of the underground environment. Guides will take you into the first room of a cave and direct your attention to cave formations and cave critters. You will get muddy and wet by crawling into and out of the cave. Ages 6 and up. Reservations required. These tours are offered November-March. $30 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
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Friday 10-noon and 1-3 PM Nature Center Open and 7:30-9 PM Blue moon walk, its fun to be crepuscular! Saturday 9-10:30 AM Nature and birding walk. 1-2 PM Live Animal program followed by outdoor water fun and popsicles. Sunday 1-3 PM Nature Center Open, Monday 9-10:30 AM Go Crabbing & learn about the marsh they call home. $1-$2 per program, ages 3 and older. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
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Take a 3-hour tour exploring one of Georgia's beautiful coastal salt marshes. Learn about birds, dolphin and marine creatures that inhabit this unique and important ecosystem. Reservations required. $35-$95. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
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Let's get outside and have a little fun on the park. Our family celebration including games, nature programs, and crafts. $1 - $5, $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
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Civil War-era labor was much like ours is today. From blacksmith to wood worker, all trades were needed to keep this fort in operation. Come see how it was done. $3.75 - $6.50. 912-727-2339.
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Weekend programs on history, nature, kayaks and canoes, with astronomy at 9 PM Saturday. $1 per program, kayaks and canoes $8 for 2 hour rental. $5 parking. 229-276-2371.
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The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Lake Rutledge for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Join a park ranger on this guided hike under the full moon. Wear comfortable shoes, insect repellant, and bring a camera to record the journey, as we listen for insects, frogs and other nocturnal creatures. Meet at the Hard Labor Creek Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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An animal weekend including birds, mammals and skins. Have fun making stamps, seeds and bead crafts. Make your own animal track while tracking wildlife in your area and finally take a night hike through the woods to observe the moon. $1-$3 plus $5 parking. 229-868-7474 x6052.
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Find out why Panola Mountain is such an important ecosystem during a Ranger led hike to the top of the mountain. Explore the conservation area, as we twist and turn on the trail, we will see different plants and wildlife. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and water. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
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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.
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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. Participants must register and pay in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.
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Meet in the Discovery Room to get paper and crayons and then everyone will head out to make their rubbings. Once we've rubbed impression of the bark and leaves we'll cut them out and put it together to make a mini "tree". $1 plus $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
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Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful evening paddle on the lake. This two-hour trip is for visitors 16 years or older who can swim or children 6-15 years old who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. $15 per person (includes tandem canoe or kayak and basic instruction.) $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
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Enjoy our free "Mountain Music" concerts every Saturday night. A different band each week will play for an hour or more. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and meet at the Vaughan log cabin located behind the park office. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
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Beat the heat with putt putt golf, drinks, and popcorn. Putt Putt will be lit up for players from 7-9:30 PM. Popcorn and drinks will be available free with any golf rental. Golf rentals will be discounted to $3 per person. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
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At 11am, check out fossils found in the area which include beaver, horse and stingray teeth! It’s Snakes Alive at 2pm – come learn about our slithering friends, touch their scales, and learn why their tongues are forked. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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Join us for a beautiful two-hour paddle through a peaceful stretch of Sweetwater Creek in a tandem kayak. There is an optional short hike to view the mill ruins and whitewater rapids. This outing is for adults (18 yrs. and older) who can swim and those 12 yrs. to 17 yrs. with a parent. Kayak, PFD, and paddle included. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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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. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake and up Beaver Creek. This trip is for those 16 years or older who can swim or children 6 years or older who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bait Shop. Registration in advance is necessary. $15 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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This is a strenuous trek, include hiking down 531 stairs, a river crossing jumping from rock to rock, and climbing boulders along the side of the river to Bridal Veil Falls where you can swim. Total miles is 3.5. No pets; wear appropriate footwear; children must be 10 or older; bring food and water. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
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Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, consisting of approximately 1.5 miles and 1,099 steps. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
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See craft demonstrations such as woodworking, blacksmithing, cooking, spinning, flintknapping, leatherworking, woodsman skills, pewter casting, and more. $4.50-$8. (912) 353-3023.
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Sunday,
September
2, 2012
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Meet at the Lodge Lobby for this short bird-brained program with a "meet and greet" finale. See live feathered ambassadors. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.
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Try your hand at making your very own bug-creation out of an assortment of natural items. Meet at the Visitor Center. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.
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Come out and join the naturalist for a morning walk while we look for plants and animals found along the trail. Meet at the visitor center in shoes good for 2 mile hike. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Our guides will take a back seat to allow you the freedom of exploring all the side passages of a cave. Tours are four hours and can travel over 1 mile underground. Guides will be there to educate you on the geology and animals, ensure your safety, and direct you out of the cave. Ages 12 and up. Reservations required. Offered November-March. $60 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
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Kids 16 and under can catch and keep up to 5 fish each from the park's stocked catfish pond. Awards will be given in many categories! Limited equipment is available to borrow. $3 plus $5 parking. 706.657.4050.
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Friday 10-noon and 1-3 PM Nature Center Open and 7:30-9 PM Blue moon walk, its fun to be crepuscular! Saturday 9-10:30 AM Nature and birding walk. 1-2 PM Live Animal program followed by outdoor water fun and popsicles. Sunday 1-3 PM Nature Center Open, Monday 9-10:30 AM Go Crabbing & learn about the marsh they call home. $1-$2 per program, ages 3 and older. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
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Let's get outside and have a little fun on the park. Our family celebration including games, nature programs, and crafts. $1 - $5, $5 parking. 229-838-4706.
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Weekend programs on history, nature, kayaks and canoes, with astronomy at 9 PM Saturday. $1 per program, kayaks and canoes $8 for 2 hour rental. $5 parking. 229-276-2371.
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The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Lake Rutledge for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Lake Rutledge for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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The nature nook will be open from 8:30-9 AM for viewing live animals. At 9 AM we will lead a guided hike to learn about Georgia’s cool season wildflowers and vegetation. Please wear appropriate walking shoes, water, and bug-spray. Cameras are encouraged to photograph wildflowers, but please do not pick. $1 for nature nook visit. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
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This peaceful, ranger-led paddle will allow you to explore the Sparks Reservoir and Beaver Creek in the magnificence of fall color. All who are over 16 and can swim are welcome, as are those 6 years and older who can swim and are accompanied by a parent. Meet at the Bait Shop. Reservations required. $15 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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This is a strenuous trek, include hiking down 531 stairs, a river crossing jumping from rock to rock, and climbing boulders along the side of the river to Bridal Veil Falls where you can swim. Total miles is 3.5. No pets; wear appropriate footwear; children must be 10 or older; bring food and water. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
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Monday,
September
3, 2012
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What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Join a park ranger to discuss tricky turtles and enjoy the suspense and pageantry of a turtle race. Meet at the Visitor Center. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.
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Come out and join us as we discuss how the labors of our forest management practices have shaped the southeast. Meet at the visitor center in shoes good for 1.5 mile hike. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Join us on the porch of the visitor center as we make bottle cap birds and binoculars. There is a $1 fee. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Join us on the porch of the visitor center as we discuss how to identify the venomous snakes of Georgia and look at two of our non-venomous snakes. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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This is a strenuous hike, but we will go slow and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this 9-mile trail. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, and a hiking stick if you have one. Meet at the G3 Building near the tennis courts. Reservations required. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
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Friday 10-noon and 1-3 PM Nature Center Open and 7:30-9 PM Blue moon walk, its fun to be crepuscular! Saturday 9-10:30 AM Nature and birding walk. 1-2 PM Live Animal program followed by outdoor water fun and popsicles. Sunday 1-3 PM Nature Center Open, Monday 9-10:30 AM Go Crabbing & learn about the marsh they call home. $1-$2 per program, ages 3 and older. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
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Take a cool dip in the waters along the sandbars and marshes, paddle through beautiful tidal creeks while looking for wildlife and learning about the importance of this unique ecosystem. Reservations required. $35-$95 $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
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Commemorate Labor Day holiday with hourly soldier talks and musket and cannon firings at this scenic coastal fort. $3-$4.50 912-884-5999.
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The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Lake Rutledge for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Lake Rutledge for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Beat the heat and join us for an early morning 9am Big Ferry Trail Hike. You’ll meander through towering live oaks and get to view the Skidaway Narrows from atop our observation tower. At 2pm, learn the basics of bird watching and identification in our bird watching room. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake and up Beaver Creek. This trip is for those 16 years or older who can swim or children 6 years or older who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bait Shop. Registration in advance is necessary. $15 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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This is a strenuous trek, include hiking down 531 stairs, a river crossing jumping from rock to rock, and climbing boulders along the side of the river to Bridal Veil Falls where you can swim. Total miles is 3.5. No pets; wear appropriate footwear; children must be 10 or older; bring food and water. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.
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Wednesday,
September
5, 2012
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You will get muddy and wet on this family friendly underground adventure. Tours are offered by Georgia Girl Guides on weekends and some weekdays. Reservations required: www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com. $30-$60 $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
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Join us and enjoy s'mores and stories around a cheerful campfire! $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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Thursday,
September
6, 2012
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Join campers, cottage guests, and local residents and take part in Black Rock’s traditional weekly supper. Bring a covered dish and us at the Mellinger Center for some great food and fellowship. $5 parking. 706 746 2141.
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Friday,
September
7, 2012
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Watch out for the naturalist as he makes rounds and introduces himself to everyone. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Join us for a guided hike to the observation tower, and look for firefly nymphs by the river. Meet at the picnic table by the boat ramp in shoes good for a 1.5 mile hike. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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The stealthy kayak is a great vessel to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife. This ranger-led paddle will take participants around Lake Rutledge for viewing birds, mammals, dragonflies and other wildlife. Ages 4 and older. Register in advance. $15 includes equipment. $5 parking. 706-557-3001.
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Start the night off in the Discovery Room by meeting one of Georgia's native snakes and then follow a Park Ranger on a moderate, 1-mile hike. We'll be on the lookout for some of the lesser-seen animals that call Red Top home. $1 plus $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
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At 11 AM, learn the basics of bird watching and identification as we gaze upon our seedy feeders. Lace up your hiking shoes for a 3 PM Sandpiper Trail Hike. The naturalist will guide you through maritime forest and salt marsh as you explore the plant and animal wonders of our coastal ecosystem. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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At 2:00pm join us for a tour of our Interpretive Center, and learn about history, reptiles, birds and fossils. At 7:30pm enjoy an outdoor, family friendly movie. Popcorn will be available. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
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Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake and up Beaver Creek. This trip is for those 16 years or older who can swim or children 6 years or older who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bait Shop. Registration in advance is necessary. $15 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Saturday,
September
8, 2012
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Join a ranger to learn basic survival skills. Come back for three weekends to experience the whole set. 9/1 - Fire Building; 9/8 - Orienteering; 9/15 - Cordage & Knots; 9/22 - Fire Building; and 9/29 - Orienteering. Meet at the Visitor Center. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.
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Join us for a guided hike to the observation tower, and listen to the cricket frogs by the river. Meet at the picnic table by the boat ramp in shoes good for a 2 mile hike. No dogs please. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Too hot to stay in the campsite? Join us at the play ground, by the boat ramp for some water fun and games. Come dressed to get wet. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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Join us on the porch of the visitor center as we discuss how to build different fires and look at some of the ways our ancestors made fire. 770-254-7271.
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Join us on the porch of the visitor center as we make bottle cap birds and binoculars. There is a $1 fee. $5 parking. 770-254-7271.
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You will get muddy and wet on this family friendly underground adventure. Tours are offered by Georgia Girl Guides on weekends and some weekdays. Reservations required: www.GeorgiaGirlGuides.com. $30-$60 $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
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This is the perfect cave tour for beginners who are unsure of the underground environment. Guides will take you into the first room of a cave and direct your attention to cave formations and cave critters. You will get muddy and wet by crawling into and out of the cave. Ages 6 and up. Reservations required. These tours are offered November-March. $30 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170.
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Activities will include competitions, games, 3D archery shooting, fishing simulator, County Sheriff K9 demonstrations, and more. Live musical entertainment throughout the day. This event is sponsored by C. MO’S KIDS. They will have a drink and BBQ sale. $5 parking. 912-882-5256.
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Learn about the prehistoric people of Georgia and hear how the Creek and Cherokee lived before European contact. Discover what changes were necessary for the survival of
these people. $3.50-$5.00 770-387-3747.
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The run/walk will raise money for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. The XC 5K start/finish will take place in beautiful Fort Yargo State Park. The course will be on the roadway as well as through the trails of Fort Yargo. classicraceservices@gmail.com classicraceservices@gmail.com $5 parking. 706-680-7223.
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