June 2012 GO Georgia Newsletter 
Georgia Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 05/31/2012 10:58 AM EDT 
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May 31, 2012 
Vote Sweetwater Creek For America's Favorite State Park 
We need your vote!  One of Georgia's State Parks, Sweetwater Creek, is vying to be named "America's Favorite Park" and win a $100,000 grant for outdoor recreation. The national contest is part of Coca-Cola's America Is Your Park campaign which encourages families to get active outdoors. Anyone can vote online at LivePositively.com through July 15 as often as they wish, and checking in with Foursquare earns 100 votes. 
Last year, three of Georgia's State Parks ranked high in the voting, but ultimately did not win the top grants. This year, state park officials hope that rallying all of Georgia behind a single park will create a better chance for winning. Just after Memorial Day, Sweetwater Creek State Park was already in the top 5 nationally, so it was chosen for statewide support.  Tell your friends and family about LivePositively.com.  Every vote counts! 
Give Dad The Gift Of The Outdoors: 
A Gift That Keeps Giving 
Whether dad enjoys fishing, camping, hiking or just a quiet weekend away, a gift from Georgia State Parks is sure to please. A Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites membership is the perfect choice. In addition to enjoying the benefits of a free Annual ParkPass, Historic Site passes, a free night of camping or round of golf, and many additional perks, a Friends' membership helps to protect Georgia's natural and historic resources. Membership levels begin at $50 for an individual and $75 per family. For more information, visit FriendsofGeorgiaStateParks.org. 
Junior Ranger Kids Camp 
Kids 6 to 12 are invited to explore Georgia's wildlife, nature and history as they earn their way through three badge levels. Nature hikes, arts and crafts, water games and fishing are just a few of the daily camp workshops offered at Georgia's State Parks. With more than a dozen Junior Ranger Day Camps offered this summer, kids can meet new friends as they build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. For a full listing of events, visit GaStateParks.org/JuniorRanger. 
Affordable Summer Recreation 
Keep your family entertained all summer long without spending a ton. A Georgia public library card is all you need to check out a ParkPass or Historic Site Pass. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the state parks and historic sites statewide. For a listing of libraries, go to georgialibraries.org. Then grab your sunscreen and enjoy the simple pleasures of a sandy beach with the parks' 18 lakeside beaches. Or, if your family is more interested in getting in a few laps at the pool, Victoria Bryant, Magnolia Springs, High Falls, George T. Bagby and F.D. Roosevelt state park pools are sure to please. Little Ocmulgee State Park offers a splash pad just perfect for the youngest water lovers. 
Summer Military Discount 
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites salutes the efforts of our armed forces this summer with a special discount. Through July 4, active and retired military save 10% on cabins, lodge rooms, campsites, golf and most retail purchases. Military ID required; one reservation per ID; no other discounts apply. Thank you, armed forces, for all you do! For more information call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStateParks.org/reservations. 
June 2012 Calendar of Events  Divided by Region 
Below are just some of the many programs happening in June. Check GaStateParks.org/events for a full calendar. 
NORTHERN GEORGIA 
Outdoor Adventure Weekend (National Trails Day) Saturday, June 2, 7:30 a.m.  5 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 10:30 a.m.  4 p.m. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge  Dawsonville Celebrate the fun of the great outdoors. Bring the family for an early morning kids' fishing rodeo. Participate in trail maintenance and guided hikes to honor National Trails Day. $5 parking. (706) 265-1969. 
Kids Fishing Rodeo Saturday, June 9, 8 a.m.  12 p.m. Vogel State Park  Blairsville Wolf Creek will be stocked with plenty of trout to be tempted by anglers 12 and younger. Prizes will be given to lucky ticket holders; families will enjoy watching children as they have a blast. Each adult must be accompanied with a child to register prior to fishing. Coke refreshments will be provided. A limited amount of fishing poles will be provided. $5 parking. (706) 745-2628. 
Family Camp Monday, June 11 through Friday, June 15, 9 a.m.  12 p.m. Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen Make your family vacation memorable by attending Unicoi Family Camp. Spend each day attending classes or workshops while enjoying time with your family. No age limits. Register in advance. $30 adult/$20 child. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305. 
Summer Sky Observation Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m.  11 p.m. Tugaloo State Park  Lavonia Observe the summer skies with members of the Atlanta Astronomy Club. This event is open to anyone -- experienced astronomers and newcomers. A slide show will be followed by observation outdoors with several telescopes. Meet at Shelter 5 behind the park office. $5 parking. (706) 356-4362. 
COASTAL GEORGIA 
Okefenokee Swamp Programs Friday, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7 p.m.  8 p.m. Stephen C. Foster State Park  Fargo Come to our Interpretive Center Friday evenings in June to learn about the natural and cultural history of Okefenokee. We'll have programs on alligators, snakes, nocturnal creatures, and the logging operation that lasted over 20 years. $5 Refuge Parking. (912) 637-5274. 
Marsh Kayak Tour Monday, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30 a.m.  2:30 p.m. Crooked River State Park  St. Marys BYOK (Bring Your Own Kayak) and join interpretive guide Rod Villemaire on trips through Crooked Rivers marshes. Discover some of the native marsh wildlife while discussing bird behavior, courtship and reproduction. Learn bird identification tricks. Intermediate to experienced kayakers only. Reservations required. $10 per person $5 parking. (912) 882-5256. 
Kids Fishing Rodeo Saturday, June 9, 8 a.m.  11 a.m. Laura S. Walker State Park  Waycross Prizes will be awarded for different categories. A food concession area will be available. For kids 13 years old and under. Please bring your own fishing gear and bait. Meet at the screened in Group Shelter behind the playground to sign up for the event. $5 parking. (912) 287-4900. 
Outdoor Photography for Beginning Digital SLR Photographers Saturday, June 16, 9:30 a.m.  4:30 p.m. Skidaway Island State Park  Savannah Join photographer Jackie DeBusk for either the morning or afternoon session and allow her to demystify digital SLR camera settings in easy to understand terms. You will learn exposure, focus area, and metering settings. Please call for registration and fee information. $5 parking. (912) 580-5308. 
SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA 
Alligator Day Saturday, June 2 Florence Marina State Park  Omaha See live alligators at the Kirbo Interpretive Center and take guided boat tours to view these reptiles in their natural habitat. Alligator experts and trappers will be on hand, sharing their knowledge. Lake Walter F. George is a beautiful location to view wildlife and birds. $5 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706. 
Kids Fishing Derby Saturday, June 9, 9 a.m.  12 p.m. General Coffee State Park  Nicholls Children ages 3-15 (accompanied by a parent or guardian) are invited to participate in the parks annual kids fishing derby. Prizes will be offered in various categories and age groups. Registration will be held the morning of the event. Donations appreciated. $5 parking. (912) 3847082. 
Senior Fishing Rodeo Saturday, June 16, 8 a.m.  12 p.m. A.H. Stephens Historic Park  Crawfordville This tournament will be held at Lake Liberty, recently stocked with more than 2,500 catfish. Anglers 55 and older can compete for great prizes in several categories. A hot lunch will be available. Registration will be held from 7:30am to 8:00am at the park office. $5 parking. (706) 456-2602. 
Creative Camp Cooking Saturday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. Mistletoe State Park  Appling Don't eat dinner until you've stopped by for appetizers cooked up with lots of fun! We'll fry hamburgers on a flat rock, bake biscuits in a cardboard oven, cook omelets in zip lock bags, roast potatoes in mud, and make desserts to die for! Kids ages 8-80 will love this program. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321. 
Robert Augustus Toombs' 202nd Birthday Celebration Saturday, June 30, 10:30 a.m.  4:30 p.m. Robert Toombs House Historic Site  Washington Demonstrations of military life will be the highlight of the day. The history of the Robert Toombs House will be presented including its role in state and national history. Free. (706) 678-2226. 
METRO ATLANTA 
Days of Discovery at Etowah Saturday, June 2, 11 a.m.  3 p.m. Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site  Cartersville Archaeologist Adam King and associates will speak at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dr. King is an authority on early cultures and authored "ETOWAH: The Political History of a Chiefdom Capital." His presentations always bring new information about Etowah and the surrounding area. $3.50 $5.00 (770) 387-3747. 
Frog Slog Saturday, June 2, 5:30 p.m. Panola Mountain State Park  Stockbridge 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. 
Twilight Paddle Friday, June 8, 15, 22, 8 p.m.  9:30 p.m. Sweetwater Creek State Park  Lithia Springs Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake at sunset. This trip is for adults (18 and older) who can swim and have some experience canoeing or kayaking. $15 includes canoe or kayak, paddle and PFD. $5 parking. (770) 732-5871. 
Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb Saturday, June 16 Panola Mountain State Park  Stockbridge Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.