Crowders Mountain State Park
Programs for February & March 2010
Please Note: Programs typically last 1 to 1 1/2 hours, and are appropriate for children unless otherwise stated. Auxiliary aids require a seven day advanced notice. With any programs involving hikes be sure to wear hiking appropriate footwear, dress for the weather, and bring drinking water and a perhaps a snack.
The Amazing Woodcock Saturday, February 6 – 6:00 – 7:30 PM
The woodcock is a small, winter-resident
bird of many unusual behaviors and physical characteristics. The male has an
elaborate mating dance we will hope to observe after a short hike. Meet at the
Visitor Center for a slideshow to introduce you to this little bird. Come rain
or shine.
Early Morning Bird Hike Saturday, February 13 – 7:30 AM
We will hike around the Lake, and then up the Fern Trail to get a wide variety of habitats. Birds are most active early in the morning, and you get to be in the park before our normal opening time of 8:00 AM! Meet at the lake parking lot. This program is cancelled if it is raining.
Volunteer Trail Work Day Saturday, February 13 – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
The trails at the park see lots of shoes and
hiking boots along with rain and its associated erosion they are always in need
of maintenance. If you would like to give back a little to the park join us for
this program to work on trail maintenance. Meet at the Visitor Center. Wear
hiking and work appropriate footwear and clothes, and bring gloves if you have
them. We will provide tools, drinking water, and snacks. Program cancelled if
it rains.
Off Trail Linwood Hike Saturday, February 20 – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tired of walking the same trails? Want to
explore the Park off-trail, and see an unusual historical structure? Join a
ranger on this hike of a fairly strenuous difficulty rating, and may be too much
for younger children. Meet at the Linwood Road Access building, this program is
cancelled if it is raining.
Owl Prowl Saturday, February 20 – 5:30 to 7:00 PM
“Who’s awake? Me too!” calls the mighty
Great-horned owl! You can answer that question by joining us for a night hike
looking for the owls of Crowders Mountain. Meet at the Visitor Center for a
short indoor program to introduce our owls. Program will be cancelled if it’s
raining.
Animals of Crowders Mountain
Saturday, February 27 – 10:00 AM
Ever wonder what animals live in the Park?
A ranger will introduce you to the most common mammals through photographs,
skulls and skins, and other interesting materials. Meet at the Visitor Center
auditorium, come rain or shine.
Volunteer Trail Work Day Saturday, March 6 – 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
The trails at the park see lots of shoes and
hiking boots along with rain and its associated erosion they are always in need
of maintenance. If you would like to give back a little to the park join us for
this program to work on trail maintenance. Meet at the Visitor Center. Wear
hiking or work appropriate footwear and clothes, and bring gloves if you have
them. We will provide tools, drinking water, and snacks. Program cancelled if
it rains.
Prescribed Fire – Facts vs. Myth Saturday, March 6 – 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Learn the differences between wildfires and prescribed fires, and how one can be used to prevent the other. This program will involve hiking into an area where a prescribed fire has recently been conducted. Meet at the Visitor Center; if it is raining a shorter, but informative indoor version of well be presented.
Birds that Hunt Saturday, March 13 – 1:00 PM
From the high winds above the summits to the open meadows, and deep woodlands there are many species of birds of prey. This program will give you the background information on these powerful birds, and give you a close-up view of some mounts. Meet at the Visitor Center auditorium, come rain or shine.
Ranger’s Slide Show and Video Saturday, March 20 – 3:00 PM
Spending so much time in the Park allows ranger’s the chance to obtain photographs and video images of the, “behind the scenes,” action. Join us for this program to see unusual images of wildlife, work events, fire, and other interesting happenings. Meet at the Visitor Center auditorium, come rain or shine.
Sensational Sense Hike Saturday, March 27 – 2:00 PM
Ever wonder what animals live in the Park? A ranger will introduce you to the most common mammals through photographs, skulls and skins, and other interesting materials. Meet at the Visitor Center auditorium, come rain or shine.
4/11, Saturday, 9 AM till? – Bike Rides around the Park, watch our website for details – volunteers are needed to provide support for the riders
A Word About the Park Lake
The Lake is now filled.
Due to changes during the repairs on the dam the lake may be about 8 inches lower than it used to be. This is not a bad thing as it is going to create new wildlife habitat perhaps even wetlands: one of nature’s most diverse and rich zones of life. More life and structure around the lake will help the fish populations. As the lake continues to fill and as the seasons cycle the lake will present a new face with many exciting changes. These changes are to be celebrated and enjoyed!