If you are not spending your vacation with the wildlife at Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites this spring and summer, you might be hanging with the wrong crowd. Georgia's forests are full of deer, foxes, owls and other land-dwelling animals, and the rivers, streams and lakes overflow with fascinating aquatic life. Many of Georgia's 48 parks have nature centers where families, and friends can get up close and personal with some of the state's most interesting creatures.
Wildlife events at the state parks include everything from guided, moonlit hikes and kayak trips to classroom-style animal adventures, where kids and adults alike can learn and interact with critters in a safe environment. To see and learn about everything from raptors, owls, snakes and alligators to creeping insects and small invertebrates, guests are encouraged to attend Georgia State Parks’ upcoming wildlife events, including:
· March 14— Reptile Day at Panola Mountain State Park: Learn about and meet fascinating reptiles from our own backyards and even around the world. Meet specialists and members of the Georgia Reptile Society and Georgia Herpetological Society. http://gastateparks.org/info/201662?c=5393434
· March 15— Landscape, Macro and Wildlife Photography 101 at Panola Mountain State Park: Visit Stone, Arabia and Panola mountains and learn to use different photography techniques from Larry Winslett, an expert nature photographer. http://gastateparks.org/info/224491?c=5846978
· March 15— Snakes Alive at Sweetwater Creek State Park: Join Park Manager David Jordan at the visitor's center for this up-close, hour-long program featuring live, non-venomous snakes. http://gastateparks.org/info/219032?c=5846981
· April 11 & July 18— Gators and the Galaxy at Reed Bingham State Park: Come on a one-night pontoon ride to see gators and galaxies. http://gastateparks.org/info/223161?c=5393323&dateid=2808
· April 18— Project Pine Snake at Don Carter State Park: Join guest Bryan Hudson to learn all about one of Georgia's largest and most secretive snakes. http://gastateparks.org/info/224193?c=5846900
· May 1-2— Sapelo Birding Adventure at Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island: Join other birders for this two-day retreat to look for gulls, terns, chachalacas and owls. http://gastateparks.org/info/224022?c=5393599
· May 9— Frogging by Ear (and other night sounds) by Kayak at Fort Yargo State Park: Join Linda May on a nighttime kayaking tour around Lake Marbury to learn what species of frogs live in Georgia and how to identify frogs by ear. http://gastateparks.org/info/222930?c=5393185
· June 6— Alligator Day at Florence Marina State Park: See live alligators at the Kirbo Interpretive Center. Alligator experts and trappers will be on hand, sharing their knowledge. http://gastateparks.org/info/72782?c=5392511
· Aug. 15— Summer's For the Birds at Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site: Learn about birds and birding while focusing on several of the area's most common birds. http://gastateparks.org/info/215288?c=5392871
· Sept. 19— Lovebug Festival at General Coffee State Park: Explore the wonderful world of insects with our edible bug programs, kids insect-related crafts, arts and craft section, dragon fly and butterfly hikes, insect demonstrations and much more. http://gastateparks.org/info/213865?c=5393336
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