Not just another day at the park... Celebrate the NC State Parks Centennial while learning about nature and having fun in the outdoors! Build a bird house. See lots of snakes. Take a wagon ride. Listen to Appalachian music. South Mountains State Park will host the 14th Annual Nature Day on September 24th, 2016 from 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. A variety of programs, exhibits and music will be presented throughout the day with a focus on NC State Parks: 100 S'More Years.
Music is scheduled at the park picnic shelter from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. Bluegrass music from local musicians including Wiregrass and Heartstrings will put a smile on your face.
Exhibits will be displayed at the Visitor Center, Equestrian Day Use Area and in the Jacob Fork Parking Area. Parking and shuttle rides will be provided by park staff and volunteers. Popular exhibits include the Snakes of North Carolina, the USDA Wildlife Exhibit, Rocky River Trout Unlimited, The Spider Shack and more!
Kids, check out our Jr Ranger Corral at the Visitor Center where there will be lots of fun, free activities for all ages including Animal Tracks. Our 4th annual Costume Contest will be held at the picnic shelter at 12, Noon. Dress up in your best insect or animal costume and win a prize! Birdhouses will be assembled from 11:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-2:00pm, while supplies last. Don't forget to stop at the Equestrian Area for a wagon ride 'round the barn and dare to peek in the Spider Shack!
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from South Mountains Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Campfire stories will be told at the amphitheater on Hemlock Nature Trail. A special camping demonstration by Acorn Patrol Classic Camping group will show you how people camped in the early days of state parks.
South Mountains State Park welcomes the community to join us for this educational and fun day. Admission is free. This event is sponsored by Friends of South Mountains State Park. Stop by their booth to say thank you and find out how YOU can become a Friend! For more information, contact the park at (828) 433-4772. South Mountains State Park is located at 3001 South Mountain Park Ave., Connelly Springs, NC 28612.
Submitted by Lance M. Huss