The trails @ Fort Pulaski National Monument near Savannah are open, but Historic Fort Pulaski and the visitor center remain closed due to COVID-19.

Following national, state and local guidance, Fort Pulaski National Monument is increasing recreational access to Cockspur Island.

Fort Pulaski National Monument has reopened access to:
• Fort Pulaski parking lots, trails, and restrooms, 9AM-5PM
In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:
• Lazaretto Creek Area
• McQueen’s Island areas of the park

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed to the public at this time:
• Visitor Center
• Historic Fort Pulaski
• Savannah River North Shoreline

Park entrance fees at Fort Pulaski National Monument will be charged. Credit and debit cards are the preferred method of payment. You can also pay your entrance online and in advance here.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at www.nps.gov/FortPulaski and social media

Historic Fort Pulaski and Cockspur Island near Savannah remain closed due to the COVID-19 shutdown. A reopening date has not released.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is working closely with the National park Service Office of Public Health officials on implementing an adaptive recovery plan to increase access to park areas. The goal is to ensure public areas and work spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

While Cockspur Island is currently closed, The Lazaretto Creek and the McQueen’s Islands areas of the park are currently accessible to the public.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at www.nps.gov/FortPulaski and social media.

FREE Preschool Young Explorers Club

Tues. Nov.  5, 2019, 10-11AM. Theme: Butterflies

The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge hosts free monthly preschool program, Young Explorers Club, featuring story time, crafts, snacks, and take-home activities. Different theme each month. Call 843-784-2468 to sign up.

The monthly programs are one hour long and on the first Tuesday of every month, except if a date falls on a federal holiday, at 10AM at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (694 Beech Hill Lane Hardeeville, SC 29927).

FREE Preschool Young Explorers Club
10-11AM on the first Tuesday of the month
@ Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
694 Beech Hill Lane
Hardeeville SC 29927
Call 843-784-2468 to sign up.
November theme: Turkeys
December theme: Ducks

For more information call 843-784-2468.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
694 Beech Hill Ln.
Savannah, GA 29927

In honor May being Melanoma Awareness month, Dr. Corinne Howington of Low Country Dermatology in Savannah will lead a skin cancer awareness excursion – “Melanoma, Take a Hike!” – on Sun. May 21 2017 at 3PM at Skidaway Island State Park.

Dr. Howington and her staff will lead a three-mile hike along the park’s scenic trails, sharing facts and prevention techniques for melanoma and taking questions. Water, sunscreen and some light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, click here.

Proceeds benefit the Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute.

ABOUT LOW COUNTRY DERMATOLOGY

Low Country Dermatology specializes in the treatment of adult and pediatric diseases of the skin, hair and nails. Dr. Corinne Howington is a board certified dermatologist with expertise in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

Low Country Dermatology, 310 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 12A Savannah, GA 31406, lcderm.com Low Country Dermatology is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Mother’s Day Gift-making: The art of Gyotaku @ UGA Marine Education Center And Aquarium on Skidaway Is., Savannah
Sat. May 13 @ 11AM-Noon
$14
Discover Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing. Learn about what makes a fish a fish, then try your hand at Gyotaku. Paper for Gyotaku prints will be provided, but if you would like to print on fabric please bring your own article of clothing, tote bag or cloth object to print on.
Children 5 & older, must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn more here.

To register call or email Kayla Clark, (912) 598-3345 or kayla270@uga.edu

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More May 2017 kid-friendly events @ UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium, Skidaway Is., Savannah

Maritime Forest Night Hike
May 24 2017 @ 8:30-9:30PM
Cost: $10
Explore the maritime forest at night at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium. Staff will lead participants down the nature trails while listening for owls, insects, and other night noises. Participants may even spot deer or bats during the hike. This program is open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration and payment due Friday, May 19, 2017
To register call or email Kayla Clark, (912) 598-3345 or kayla270@uga.edu

Skidaway Is. State Park in Savannah now has an outdoor gym – for all – complete with elliptical, rowing machine & weight lifting equipment.

The new innovative outdoor gym & the six miles of trails make this Georgia state park the ideal spot to workout this fall.

Park Hours: 7AM–10PM

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Skidaway Is. State Park, 52 Diamond Cswy, Savannah, GA 31411, 912-598-2300, gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland

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FOR MORE FALL EVENTS, VISIT OUR SAVANNAH FALL FUN GUIDE 2016 HERE. 

Pokémon Go! Hikes are coming to Wormsloe Historic Site, Savannah in Savannah.

Starting Aug. 20 2016, Wormsloe State Historic Site will hold their first Pokémon Go! Hike.

At 2PM and 5PM, come out and ask for the Pokemon Safari tour.

Wormsloe is home to a large variety of Pokémon and with four gyms and nine Pokéstops. It’s the perfect place for a night adventure. They will also be holding a gym competition after the hike with badges up for grabs.

These Pokémon Go! Hikes will continue to be held twice a month @ Wormsloe at the following dates & times:

Pokémon Go! Hike
Sat. Aug 20, 2016 2 PM & 5 PM
Sat. Aug 27, 2016 2 PM & 5 PM
Sat. Sep 10, 2016 2 PM & 5 PM
Sat. Sep 24, 2016 2 PM & 5 PM
Sat. Oct 15, 2016 2 PM & 5 PM
Sat. Oct 29, 2016 2 PM & 65PM

Cost: $4.50-$10. Call 912-353-3023.

Pokemon Go discount

During the month of August, receive 10% off of retail in the Wormsloe gift shop by showing staff there a picture of a Pokemon you caught at Wormsloe (Offer not valid for books or snacks)

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More events @ Wormsloe

Tools and Skills that Built a Colony
Sat. Sept. 3-Mon. Sep 5, 2016 10AM-4PM
Craft demonstrations from the 18th century include woodworking, blacksmithing, cooking, colonial games and more.

Cost: $4.50-$10. 912-353-3023.

Wormsloe Historic Site, 7601 Skidaway Rd Savannah, 31406,http://gastateparks.org/Wormsloe  

Looking for a late summer or fall getaway? Check out the Len Foote Hike Inn in North Georgia where the hike is the only way Inn.  We did. Read about our mountain adventure to the eco-lodge here. 

As one poster about this sustainably-designed Georgia State Park inn reads: “If you enjoy wilderness but prefer a soft bed, hot showers and great food instead of camping, the Hike Inn is for you.”

The mission of the Len Foote Hike Inn – named after a Georgia conservationist: to make experiencing nature easy and help protect it through education and recreation.

To get to the Hike Inn, you do an easy-to-moderate five-mile hike from the top of North Georgia’s Amicalola Falls through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the backcountry Inn.

You spend the night in a rustic, TV-less bunkroom in the secluded Inn after a solar-heated shower (shampoo, soap, towels provided) and family-style, home-cooked dinner. After watching the sunrise (they beat a drum at dawn if the sunrise conditions are worth waking up to see), you have a huge breakfast, spend time exploring the lodge grounds and hike out the same trail when you leave.

Or, for those who want a longer stay and more hiking, Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the AT, is a 4.4-mile hike (8.8 miles round trip) from the Hike Inn. Most guests who hike to Springer Mountain spend two nights at the Hike Inn, allowing a full day for the hike.

The 20-bunkroom Hike Inn welcomes families. A family of three can stay in the same room if the child is 12 years of age or younger. The Inn has mats, so the child can sleep on the floor. For a family of four, two rooms are necessary. They have discounted rates for children 12 years of age or younger. Games and age-appropriate books are available for children.

Len Foote Inn is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lenfootehikeinn and on Twitter at @HikeInn

Come out to Skidaway Island State Park to enjoy FREE kids’ nature activities most Wednesdays-Sundays during August 2015 including free  Toddler Time for kids ages 2-4 and their caregivers at 10 AM Thursdays. Bring your child to enjoy stories, games and learning designed just for them. Each week there will be a different nature based theme.

Other free kids’ nature programs include: a feral hogs program, night sensory awareness hikes & more.

To see the complete list of FREE kids’ nature activities @ Skidaway Is. State Park each month, click here.

Skidaway Island State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah , GA 31411. On Facebook here.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Fort McAllister State Park, a 1,725-acre Georgia state park home to the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy, will host these fun summer upcoming events:

Fishing In Our Coastal Waters @ Fort McAllister State Park
Saturday, June 20, 2015
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about how to fish in our local rivers and around the barrier islands from our experts. You will learn about the regulations and required licenses as well as what equipment you need. Live or artificial bait, how to throw a cast net, and where and when to fish, will all be covered in this informative class. This is perfect for new Georgians. $4 per person.

Junior Ranger Camp @ Fort McAllister State Park
Weekdays, June 22 – 26, 2015
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The theme for this camp is Archaeology and Native Americans of our area. We will have archeological digs and discover hidden treasures. Work beside a professional archaeologist and use their tools to learn just what they do as an archaeologist. We will also explore the Guale Tribe who once made their home right here. $90 per child.

Independence Day Celebration @ Fort McAllister State Park
Saturday, July 4, 2015
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day like it’s 1864. Join us for old-fashioned fun. Games, food and fun for all. Living history demonstrations, cannon firings and musket demonstrations. $8 per adult and $5 per children ages 6-17.

Story Time With A Ranger @ Fort McAllister State Park
Thursday, July 16, 2015
10 – 11 a.m.
Join a ranger as she reads stories with a nature theme. Enjoy the books and then stay for some fun at our playgrounds and picnic areas. $5 parking.

Labor Day Celebration @ Fort McAllister State Park
Saturday, September 5, 2015
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us for some old-fashioned family fun. Civil War era games and prizes. $8 per adult and $5 per children ages 6-17.

Fort McAllister State Historic Park
3894 Fort McAllister Road
Richmond Hill, GA 31324

For more information, call 912.727.2339 or email your questions to FortMcAllister.Park@gadnr.org.

ABOUT FORT MCALLISTER:

Located south of Savannah on the banks of the Ogeechee River, Fort McAllister showcases the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads but did not fall until 1864 — ending Gen. William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea.”  Visitors can explore the grounds with cannons, a furnace, bombproof, barracks, palisades and more, while a Civil War museum contains artifacts, a video and gift shop.

Nestled among giant live oaks, Spanish moss and salt marsh, this park is a beautiful location for camping, fishing, boating and picnicking. Seven cabins sit on stilts near the marsh, surrounded by palm trees and palmettos. The shaded campground is bordered by tidal Redbird Creek, a boat ramp, fishing dock and nature trail. A large picnic area offers river views and playgrounds, while another boat ramp provides access to the Ogeechee River.

For more information, visit www.gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister.

Fort McAllister State Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

COPE (Childhood Obesity Prevention & Education, www.copeforchange.org , On Facebook here. 

If you are new to the Savannah area or are a new parent, then you need to check out Toddler Tuesdays, a fun weekly program that celebrates nature @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd. Savannah, GA, 31410.

At Toddler Tuesday, children & their parents/caretakers experience nature through themed activities including live animal encounters, wildlife nature walks, storytelling, songs, interactive finger-play & crafts.

Oatland’s naturalist Michelle Kelly leads these exciting & educational sessions.

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Toddler Tuesdays at Oatland Island Wildlife Center.
Programs are at 10 AM & 11 AM on Tuesdays each week . Pre-registration required before 4 PM Monday prior. Call 395-1517 or register online by clicking here. 

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees for 2015:
General: $5 per child $5 per adult
Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

TODDLER TUESDAY THEMES

October 6 Bats eat bugs—They don’t eat people. October is International Bat Month! We will study bats at this Toddler Tuesday and dispel some myths and learn to appreciate these nocturnal aerial acrobatists.

October 13 Who’s Awake?—If Wahoohoo is not awake, then we will wake her up to come to her annual autumnal Toddler Tuesday debut. Owl breeding season has arrived and we want to make sure you can tell Who is hooting in your back yard.

October 20 No Toddler Tuesday because organizers will by busy preparing the center for our annual kid festival fundraiser: the Halloween Hike. Do not miss this good time on both Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th from 5-8pm.

October 27 Trick or Treat—It is Halloween so we are going to hand out sweets to our animals and find out who at Oatland has a sweet tooth. Bring your strollers because we will be sharing some treats with our barn animals.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center Wildlife, 711 Sandtown Rd. Savannah, GA, 31410 (912) 395-1212 Driving directions here.

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 FOR MORE PARENT & ME SAVANNAH EVENTS, CLICK HERE. 

Congratulations Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge nearby in South Carolina which was spotlighted in the July 2014 issue of Parents Magazine, available now.

The article ’50 Free Attractions Across America’ found a fabulous free attraction in every state that won’t cost you a dime any day of the year. In South Carolina, the destination featured is nearby Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, and in Georgia, the destination is BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland, Ga.

Pinckney is a great daytrip from Savannah, located 1/2 miles west of Hilton Head Island off of U.S. Highway 278. Details here. Bikes are welcome. Pinckney is perfect spot to see white ibis, herons, and egrets, maybe some alligators and deer. Bathrooms and picnic spots available. Free parking.

Parents Magazine, we couldn’t agree more. Pinckney Is. is an amazing free family-friendly attraction. Check out the Land of the Free feature on page 44 in the July issue.

There are 10 miles (16.1 km) of hiking trails on the refuge and nine recommended hikes:
Ibis Pond – 1.2 miles (1.9 km), round trip; one and a half hours walking at a leisurely pace
Shell Point – 4.6 miles (7.4 km), round trip; four hours and 15 minutes
Wood Stork Pond – 2.7 miles (4.3 km), round trip; two and a half hours
Osprey Pond – 3.0 miles (4.8 km), round trip; three hours
Nini Chapin Pond – 3.6 miles (5.8 km), round trip; three and a half hours
Bull Point – 5.0 miles (8.0 km), round trip; five hours
Dick Point – 7.4 miles (11.9 km), round trip; six and a half hours
Clubhouse Pond – 6.2 miles (10.0 km), round trip; five and a half hours
White Point – 7.8 miles (12.6 km), round trip; seven hours

Historic Savannah Hikes via Massie Heritage Center, 507 E. Gordon St. Savannah, 31401

Who can participate? Scouts of all ages as well as individuals or other groups are invited to participate in these fun, educational programs. Massie offers a version for younger and older scouts to help accommodate your particular pack or troop.) For effective supervision and safety, one adult for every ten students is recommended and admitted with no fee. Massie expects leaders and other chaperones to assist accordingly in managing their group at all times. Additional guests will be charged the regular program rate and their numbers may be limited depending on the overall size of the group.

What to expect? There are two versions of Massie’s Historic Savannah Hike: one is for younger scouts (Toonahowi) and the other is more advanced for older scouts (Tomochichi). Both hikes include a one-hour tour inside Massie, where scouts will be oriented to the downtown historic district by learning about Savannah’s city plan, architecture, historic preservation, the Native Americans who first inhabited the area, as well as what school was like in the 1800s.

Two options:

Toonahowi Hike: Explore historic Savannah on a 1.5 mile walking tour visiting eight different locations with a total walking time of about one hour. Total program time including Massie tour and hike is about two hours.

Tomochichi Hike: Explore historic Savannah on a 2.5 mile walking tour visiting thirteen different locations with a total walking time of about ninety minutes. Total program time including Massie tour and hike is about two and a half hours.

What is the cost of the program? The cost is $10.00 per participant for a guided hike with one of Massie’s Heritage Specialists, with a minimum of group size of ten. Successful participants will receive either a Toonahowi or Tomochichi patch. Scouts choosing a self-guided hike will pay the regular Massie admission fee (or special rate for groups of 15 or more) and can purchase a scout patch for $3 upon successful completion of the hike and questionnaire.
What is the minimum or maximum number of participants for a guided hike? The minimum number of participants for a guided hike is 10. Smaller groups will need to pay the full price for ten participants ($100). Massie can easily accommodate groups of up to 60 total participants (including scout leaders, parents, chaperones, etc.) and can lead up to 100 with sufficient notice and scheduling flexibility.
How do I reserve a guided hike? Please call Massie at (912) 395-5070 to make your reservation. Massie will need to know (1) the number of scouts and adults, (2) the date and time you would like, and (3) whether your group would like to take on the Toonahowi or Tomochichi challenge. Please let Massie know if you have any special needs or requirements.

What to bring? Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to walk the required distance in varying weather conditions. Sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle and rain gear is recommended. Strollers are not recommended. Participants will need to be careful crossing all streets and be respectful of Savannah’s Historic District, its residents, and their property. As scouts, they should remember: The city should be left better than they found it.

Where to park? The Historic Savannah Hikes will begin and end at the Massie Heritage Center on Calhoun Square at the corner of Abercorn and East Gordon streets. Limited free parking is available on the streets around Massie.
What about lunch? If you plan to bring box lunches for your hikes, Massie recommends utilizing nearby Forsyth Park, only two blocks from Massie, which has benches, a playground, and restrooms. You should bring extra trash bags and blankets. Calhoun Square across from Massie may accommodate small groups. Due to limited space, you will not be able to store lunches inside Massie. Massie hs cold drinks available for sale in the gift shop.
What about a gift shop and restrooms? Please plan your itinerary so that your scouts will have time to browse our gift shop and use Massie’s restroom facilities.
Is this program limited to scouts only? No. It is intended to be both age and content appropriate for scouts, but anyone or any group may participate in this program.

Massie Heritage Center, 207 East Gordon St. Savannah,31401 tel: (912) 395-5070, http://MassieHeritageCenter.com

The reopening of Cougar Crossing at Oatland Island Wildlife Center , Savannah, will be this Saturday, May 31, 2014.

The exhibit area will offer a new, enhanced viewing area allowing for ground level, close-up views of the cougars.

In addition to the enhanced viewing area, Oatland Island Wildlife Center staff are pleased to introduce Shanti, a recent addition to Oatland’s family.

Cougar Crossing will be open to the public starting Saturday May 31 during regular operating hours.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah, 31410 tel: (912) 395-1212
http://www.oatlandisland.org

Celebrate Memorial Day with a reflection on American battles, touring historic sites.

Below are Georgia forts, museums and battlefields near Savannah. For directions and admission fees, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.

·Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
From 1721 until 1736, this fort was the southern outpost of the British empire in North America. Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the palisaded earthen fort and tabby ruins, tour the museum. Be sure to hike the pretty nature trail following the river and marsh. For those wishing to take a mini staycation while in the area, campsites and cabins are nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.

·Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
This earthen fort on the Medway River protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury, and a nature trail and picnic sites are available. For a holiday getaway, cabins and campsites are found nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.

·Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
This beautiful park south of Savannah marked the end of General Sherman’s March to the Sea and is the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. On Saturday, May 24, watch a program about Civil War soldiers, as well as musket and cannon firings. Nestled among giant live oaks and Spanish moss, this park is also a great place for camping, hiking, fishing and boating. Cabins overlook the forest and marsh.

Kids can earn a limited edition Civil War badge. Details here.

Georgia State Park now offers gift cards. Think perfect gift for golfers, hikers, anglers, campers, history buffs or anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Details here.

It’s time to get your bird on!

Whether your a veteran birder or a newbie, kick of National Park Week with a free bird walk at Fort Pulaski National Monument. On Saturday, June 21 meet with a member of the Savannah chapter of the National Audubon Society to learn more about the wings of spring on Cockspur Island. There’s no charge for the program. Meet at the park entrance at 8 a.m. for a fascinating walk on the natural history side. More info here.

Fort Pulaski National Monument will be partnering with the Ogeechee Audubon Society, the Savannah chapter of the National Audubon Society, for a series of bird walks inside te park. Every 3rd Saturday, at 8:00 AM, members of this organization will lead bird walks in the park. As the seasons change and birds migrate, there will be the opportunity to see new and different birds. Interested birders can meet a member of the Ogeechee Audubon Society near the park’s Entrance Station at 8:00 AM. We will be on the lookout for marsh sparrows, shorebirds, and sedge wrens. At 9:00 AM, the bird walk will move through the park. These special programs will be offered each month at no charge. No reservations are necessary.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, CLICK HERE.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Wildlife and education programs
711 Sandtown Rd.
Savannah, GA, 31410
(912) 395-1212

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Toddler Tuesdays at Oatland Island Wildlife Center.
Programs are at 10 AM & 11 AM on Tuesdays each week . Pre-registration required. Call 395-1500

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees for 2013:
General: $5 per child $5 per adult
Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

Toddler Tuesday Topics

If you are new to the Savannah area or are a new parent, then you need to check out Toddler Tuesdays, a fun weekly program that celebrates nature @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd. Savannah, GA, 31410.

At Toddler Tuesday, children & their parents/caretakers experience nature through themed activities including live animal encounters, wildlife nature walks, storytelling, songs, interactive finger-play & crafts.

Oatland’s naturalist Michelle Kelly leads these exciting & educational sessions.

NEW TIMES: 10 AM & 11 AM

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Toddler Tuesdays Programs sare at 10 AM & 11 AM on Tuesdays each week . Pre-registration required. Call 395-1500

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees: General: $5 per child $5 per adult Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

FOR UPCOMING TODDLER TUESDAY THEMES, CLICK HERE.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center Wildlife, 711 Sandtown Rd. Savannah, GA, 31410 (912) 395-1212 Driving directions here.

Skidaway Island State Park playground

Come out to Skidaway Island State Park in April 2014 to enjoy FREE kids’ nature activities most Wednesdays-Sundays including free Toddler Time for kids ages 2-4 and their caregivers at 10 AM Thursdays. Bring your child to enjoy stories, games and learning designed just for them. Each week there will be a different nature based theme.

Other free nature kids’ programs happening in April 2014 include fire building 101, bird hikes, night sensory hike, toads & turtles, reptile show & an Easter Blast festival with an egg hunt.

To see the complete list of FREE kids’ nature activities @ Skidaway Is. State Park during April 2014, click here.

Skidaway Island State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah , GA 31411. On Facebook here.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Bird watch with professional birders every 3rd Saturday at Fort Pulaski National Monument

Starting in February, Fort Pulaski National Monument will be partnering with the Ogeechee Audubon Society, the Savannah chapter of the National Audubon Society. Every 3rd Saturday at 8 AM, members of this organization will lead bird walks in the park. As the seasons change and birds migrate, there will be the opportunity to see new and different birds.

The next program of this collaboration will be on Sat. March 15. Interested birders can meet Nick Martens and Maureen Leong-kee near the park’s Entrance Station at 8 AM.  Be on the lookout for marsh sparrows, shorebirds, and sedge wrens. At 9 AM, Nick and Maureen will lead a bird walk through the park. These special programs will be offered each month at no charge.  

Click here for a list of children’s books for young birdwatchers at Science Books for Kids

Fort Pulaski National Monument, off U.S. Highway 80, 12 miles east of Savannah, (912) 786-5787,  www.nps.gov/fopu. Learn more about Fort Pulaski National Monument on Facebook www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS and Twitter www.twitter.com/FortPulaskiNPS.

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Join the national “First Day Hikes” movement and start off 2014 with a healthy hike in Georgia’s State Parks.

More than 40 walks cover history, geology, fitness and even a Black Bear Plunge. Find a ranger-led trek near you at http://www.georgiastateparks.org/firstdayhikes

Some nearby ones on the list include:

First Day Hike at Skidaway Island / 2 PM
Skidaway IslandSkidaway Isalnd State Park – Savannah, GA
Take a guided tour of the marsh through our Sandpiper Trail with a park ranger. Plan for about an hour on this one mile hike, where you will learn about life in a Georgia marsh. Please dress in comfortable clothing. $5 parking. 912-598-2300

First Day Hike at Fort McAllister, Richmond Hill
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 1 PM to 3 PM
Fort McAllister Historic Park – Richmond Hill, GA
Come take a leisurely stroll through the woods with us on our 3 mile loop trail as we walk and talk about the winter wildlife in the maritime forests and marshlands of the Georgia Coast. From the chirping in the trees to the rustles in the woods, we’ll explore the wild side of Fort McAllister State Historic Park with a focus on the birds of winter. $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

Crooked River’s First Day Hike
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 1 PM to 3 PM
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA
Meet at the Nature Center for a walk on the Bay Boardwalk trail. Vistas include wetland habitats plus our unique longleaf pine/saw palmetto ecosystem. Enjoy the great outdoors, camaraderie on the trail plus party hats. $2 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256.

First Day Hike at Gordonia-Alatamaha / 8 AM to 4 PM
Gordonia-AlatamahaGordonia-Alatamaha State Park – Reidsville, GA
Start your New Year off right by getting outdoors and taking a guided hike. Our Nature Trail is a 1 mile loop that is moderate in duration. $5 parking. 912-557-7744

And lots of other first-day hikes in Georgia here.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Come out to Skidaway Island State Park to enjoy FREE kids’ nature activities most Wednesdays-Sundays during November .  To see the complete list of FREE kids’ nature activities @ Skidaway Is. State Park during November 2013, click here.

This months highlights include:

* Toddler Time at 10 AM on Thursdays : Stories, games, and learning designed for 2-4 year olds. This upcoming week’s theme is birds . See upcoming themes here..

* SMORES & STORIES AROUND THE CAMPFIRE: 6 PM FRI. Nov. 8 Campfire:  Meet and greet fellow park visitors for Smores and stories around the campfire. Meet at Amphitheatre across from Picnic Shelter 4.

* Owl Programs at 2 PM Wed. Nov. 6 & 6 PM Sat. Nov. 23.

To see the complete list of FREE kids’ nature activities @ Skidaway Is. State Park during November 2013, click here.

FOR MORE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR BY CLICKING HERE

Public Archeology Walking Tours offered by Digging Savannah this Fall include:

Free “Your State Parks Day” Saturday, September 28, 2013

Join Georgians in a celebration of our State Parks & Historic Sites with free admission on Saturday, September 28. Sponsored by Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, the statewide event showcases how parks enrich communities and the importance of local volunteerism. Choose from activities ranging from trail maintenance and river cleanups, to guided hikes and golf tournaments.

Put away your wallet and pull out your work gloves. Visitors to Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will not pay for parking or admission on Saturday, September 28 as part of the statewide “Your State Parks Day.” Sponsored by the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, with support from REI, the celebration highlights the importance of volunteerism and the many ways that recreation enriches communities. Parking is normally $5 at state parks, and admission ranges from $2.50 to $10 at state historic sites.

The statewide event includes numerous volunteer projects and family-friendly programs. A complete list of events and volunteer projects can be found at GeorgiaStateParks.org/parks-day.

Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Georgia’s state parks and historic sites in many ways. Some members raise funds for specific projects, others lead programs such as bird walks, and some help with maintenance. Many support the organization simply by purchasing annual memberships or making donations.

Free parking and admission during “Your State Parks Day” is available to all Georgia residents and visitors. Participating locations can be found on GeorgiaStateParks.org, and includes Black Rock Mountain, Crooked River, Sweetwater Creek, Dahlonega Gold Museum, Reed Bingham, Etowah Indian Mounds, Indian Springs and dozens of other destinations. Because Stone Mountain, Jekyll Island and Lake Lanier are not operated by the Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks Division, they are not included in the free day. The day-long celebration is also in honor of National Public Lands Day and is a Georgia SHAPE Initiative.
When:
Saturday, September 28, 2013
7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
@ more than 60 State Parks & Historic Sites across Georgia including Skidaway Is. State Park, Wormsloe, Fort McAllister and find more here:

More info:
1-800-864-7275
www.GeorgiaStateParks.org
www.FriendsofGaStateParks.org