Junior ranger activity book [2008]

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Junior Ranger

Activity

Book

Dear Parents:
Welcome! We are pleased that you and your family are participating in the Junior Ranger
program. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to share time together in the outdoors and learn more about Georgia's wealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources. Please keep in mind that it is not necessary to be trained in the natural sciences to assist your child in their efforts to become a Junior Ranger. No individual, regardless of their expertise, can answer all of the questions generated by a curious child. Your willingness to provide encouragement and help your child find his/her own answers is what matters most of all.
Many of the activities required for the Junior Ranger program may be completed at sites other than Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites--from other public lands to your own backyard. Public lands include national parks, national historic sites, wildlife management areas, national wildlife refuges, local parks and historic homes. Keep in mind that our historic sites may also have unique natural resources and each park has its' own history. Some Parks and Historic Sites offer Junior Ranger Day Camps in the summer months. A complete listing of camp offerings can be found on our website.
The Georgia State Park system is one of the finest in the country. It is rich in many ways--from its natural and cultural resources to the talented and devoted people who work there. The staff at Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites are committed to protecting our parks and sharing them with you and your family.
We would love to hear any comments you wish to share with us regarding your experience with the Junior Ranger Program. Have fun!
Sincerely,
The Staff at Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites
www.gastateparks.org 2008 Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 1352, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.
Cindy Reittinger, State Naturalist for Georgia State Parks. Designed by Lenz Design, Decatur, Georgia.

Welcome to the Junior Ranger Program

Georgia is rich in natural, cultural and recreational resources. As a Junior Ranger you will experience nature first-hand, explore Georgia's fascinating history and have fun enjoying recreational activities in the outdoors.

How to Become a Junior Ranger
Using this activity book as your guide, complete the checklist below. When you complete each activity a parent or guardian must initial the item. There is no deadline for completing the program. The same book can be used as Junior Rangers progress from level to level.
When you have completed all of the requirements, you may present this page at any Georgia State Park or Historic Site office to receive your badge OR send this page or a photocopy of this page to: State Naturalist, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 1352, Atlanta, GA 30334. You will receive your badge in 2-4 weeks.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Name __________________________________ Age________ Home State ________________________
Provide your e-mail address below to receive the free Junior Ranger E-Newsletter
E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________________________
Level I Approved____________________________________________ Date _______________________ Georgia State Park or Historic Site Representative/Name of Site
Level II Approved ___________________________________________ Date _______________________ Georgia State Park or Historic Site Representative/Name of Site
Level III Approved __________________________________________ Date _______________________ Georgia State Park or Historic Site Representative/Name of Site

Check the Level You Want to Achieve
(Only one badge may be earned at a time.)
Level I:
(Recommended for ages 6-7) Must complete at least 7 activities
Level II:
(Recommended for ages 8-10) Must complete at least 10 activities

Junior Ranger Checklist

Activity Be Aware Georgia Pines Water Gone Fishing Outdoor Fun Wildlife Fruits & Flowers Long Ago Whooo Look Up Circle of Life Forts Bird Watching Early Georgians Lifestyles

Level I Level II Level III

Page

Parent's Initials

23 ______ ______ ______

4 ______ ______ ______

5 ______ ______ ______

6 ______ ______ ______

7 ______ ______ ______

8 ______ ______ ______

9 ______ ______ ______

10 ______ ______ ______

11 ______ ______ ______

12 ______ ______ ______

13 ______ ______ ______

14 ______ ______ ______

15 ______ ______ ______

16 ______ ______ ______

17 ______ ______ ______

Level III:
(Recommended for ages 11-12) Must complete at least 14 activities

The following are for Level II & III only

Rare Treasures 18

Get Involved

19

Dear Friend

20

Natural Features 21

Good Fire

22-23

Who's Who

24

______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

1

Be Aware of Potential Dangers

Junior Rangers need to be aware of potential dangers and use good common sense when exploring in the outdoors. To meet this Junior Ranger requirement you must ask an adult to read the following aloud while you listen carefully.

Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is commonly found in Georgia's State Parks. It may be found growing on the ground or as a hairy vine climbing up a tree trunk. Each leaf is divided into three leaflets which may be smooth or notched. Many people develop a rash when they come in contact with this plant. Although it is not popular with people, poison ivy berries are an important food for wildlife. Find and identify poison ivy, but do not touch it.

Ticks

A small percentage of deer ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme

disease. Wood ticks may carry the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain

Poison Ivy

spotted fever. Although it was first identified in the Rocky

Deer Tick

Wood Tick

Mountains, most cases occur

in the southeastern United

States. Be sure to check for

and remove any ticks after spending time in the outdoors.

Snakes

It is very unlikely that you will encounter a snake in the

wild. If, however, you should come across a snake give it

<< Actual Size >>

plenty of space. A snake's most common form of defense is

avoidance, so you need to give them room to flee. Look where

you are stepping, and never reach under rocks or into openings.

Six species of venomous snake occur in Georgia: eastern coral snake, timber rattlesnake (and sub-

species canebrake rattlesnake), eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, cottonmouth

(water moccasin) and copperhead.

Rattlesnake

Copperhead

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Be Prepared
Wear appropriate dress and comfortable walking shoes in the outdoors. It is wise to dress in layers so that you may remove or add layers as needed. Pay attention to local weather reports and have rain gear available if needed. Know your abilities and physical limits. Before setting out on a hike be aware of distances and trail conditions. Carry water with you when walking for extended periods of time. Hike with a buddy and always let someone know where you are going.
Exhaustion and exposure to cold temperatures, aggravated by wind and getting wet can cause hypothermia, the number one killer of outdoor recreationists. Heat stroke on the other hand, can be caused by excessive heat and a lack of fluids.

Collecting
Collecting plants and animals or their parts is illegal in a state park unless you have been issued a Scientific Research & Collection Permit. We have made an exception on the Georgia Pines activity page.

Do Not Eat Berries or Other Wild-Collected Foods
It is dangerous to eat wild-collected foods as they may be poisonous.

Lost Prevention Programs
Some Georgia State Parks offer programs on how to avoid getting lost in the wilderness. Check with the parks you visit to see if they offer such a program, or if they can refer you to a park that does.
When you are hiking you should always stay on the trails and stay with your group.

Poisonous Mushroom

Museum Manners at Historic Sites
Our Historic Site museums display a variety of artifacts. Artifacts are objects remaining from a particular time period. The artifacts you see on display in our museums and historic buildings range from clothing and books to weapons and furniture. Most of these items are centuries old and very fragile. Help us to preserve these items by following these simple rules:
Please do not touch the exhibits. Your hands leave dirt and oils on the artifacts. Avoid using flash photography. It fades the artifacts.

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

3

Georgia Pines

Pine trees are common in Georgia. Pine trees have specialized leaves called needles. Most pines

can be identified by measuring the length of the pine's needles and

counting the number of needles bundled together. There are ten

Junior Ranger

kinds of pine trees found in our state.

Collection Permit

Identify Pine Trees
LEVEL I: Find and identify at least one kind of pine tree. LEVEL II: Find and identify at least two kinds of pine trees. LEVEL III: Find and identify at least three kinds of pine trees. Tape the pine needles next to the name of the tree. To measure the length of the needles refer to the ruler on the back cover.

You are hereby permitted as a Junior Ranger to collect up to three pine needles in a state park.

Name of Pine Tree Name of Pine Tree Name of Pine Tree

Tape Needle Above Tape Needle Above Tape Needle Above

Common Georgia Pine Trees

Species

Number of Needles in Bundle

Virginia

2

Shortleaf

2 & 3

Pitch

3

Eastern White

5

Loblolly

3

Slash

2 & 3

Longleaf

3

Length of Needles
1.5"3" 3"5" 3"5" 3"5" 6"9" 8"12" 12"

Habitat
mountains & upper Piedmont throughout Georgia mountains of northeast Georgia mountains of north Georgia throughout Georgia except high mountains lower coastal plain coastal plain

Loblolly Pine

Shortleaf Pine

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Water
Water is important to all living things. It comes down from the clouds as precipitation (rain and snow) and collects in many places. When raindrops hit the ground, they may percolate down through the soil or travel over the land. They may also be taken up through plant roots in the soil. An area of land that collects runoff from precipitation is referred to as a watershed.
Run off from a watershed eventually ends up in bodies of water. In Georgia we have access to many bodies of water. Some occur naturally and some are created by man. By blocking the flow of water using a dam we may create a collected body of water such as a pond or lake.
Observe and Study Bodies of Water
LEVEL I: Complete one of the following observation activities.
LEVEL II: Complete one observation activity and one water study activity.
LEVEL III: Complete observation activities at two different bodies of water and two water study activities.
Observation Activities
______Identify plant and animal life in a body of water: lake/pond, marsh/swamp, or river/stream
Body of Water and Name of Site Plant/Animal Living in Water Animal Traveling on Water Plant/Animal at Water's Edge

Observation 2 Observation 1

Water Study Activities
______Observe wave action at the beach. Walk along the shore and identify at least three things that wash in with the waves. 1.________________________ 2. ______________________ 3. ____________________
______Visit a stream or river. Look upstream (the direction the water comes from) and down stream. List one living thing you see in the water:________________________. List one nonliving thing you see in the water:________________________.
______Visit a dam. Where does the water come from? _______________________________________ Where does the water go? __________________________________________________________ What is the name of the body of water created by the dam?__________________________

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

5

Gone Fishing
Here are some tips for catching fish: 1. Fishing is good early in the morning and early in the evening. 2. If fish aren't biting move to a new spot. 3. Fish like cover, so fish in likely protected places.
Go On a Fishing Trip
LEVEL I: Go fishing. Have your picture taken and paste the photo on this page.
LEVEL II: Go fishing and catch a fish. You must bait your own hook and cast accurately. Take a picture of the fish you caught and paste it on this page. Identify the fish and record its weight and length under the photo.
LEVEL III: Go fishing and catch a fish. You must bait your own hook and cast accurately. Visit a fish hatchery--a site where fish are raised in pools for later release into lakes and streams. Have your picture taken at the fish hatchery and paste it on this page. Identify where the fish hatchery is located and what kind(s) of fish are raised there under the photo. To locate the nearest fish hatchery refer to the inside back cover.

Bass

Sunfish

Catfish

Staple/Paste Photo(s) Here

6

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Outdoor Fun
The following is a listing of recreational activities available in Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites. Match the activity to the appropriate icon and circle the activities in which you have participated. For each circled item write where you participated in the activity.
Have Fun in the Outdoors
LEVEL I: Must match all activities with icons and participate in at least two activities. LEVEL II: Must match all activities with icons and participate in at least four activities. LEVEL III: Must match all activities with icons and participate in at least six activities.

Icon

Activity

Where You Participated

Fishing Guided Tour/Walk Tennis Swimming Picnicking Hiking Bird-watching Horseback riding Boating Golf Backpacking Biking Camping

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

7

Wildlife

More than 900 different kinds of amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds and mammals live in Georgia. They range from salamanders and snakes to wood storks and bears.

If you want to observe wild animals, you must be patient. Many wild

creatures are wary of people, so you will need to move slowly and quietly.

Listen carefully for sounds of movement, calls or other animal sounds.

The best time to see wild animals is usually early morning and early

Look for this sign...

evening. Binoculars are helpful. Remember, do not feed wildlife or approach it indicates a good site

too closely.

for viewing wildlife.

Even if you do not see animals you may see signs of wildlife, including

tracks (footprints), scat (droppings), evidence of feeding, feathers, nests, and burrows.

Observe Wildlife
LEVEL I: Must make at least three observations of wild animals or evidence of wildlife. LEVEL II: Must make at least five observations of wild animals or evidence of wildlife. LEVEL III: Must make at least seven observations of wild animals or evidence of wildlife. You may want to visit one of more than 80 wildlife management areas around the state. (See Wildlife listing inside back cover.)
List Your Observations Below:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________________________________

5. ____________________________________________________________________________

6. ____________________________________________________________________________

7. ____________________________________________________________________________

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Fruits & Flowers
More than 3,500 different kinds of plants grow in Georgia. Unlike animals, plants are easy to observe since they cannot run away! They do, however, change from season to season, so plant watching offers different opportunities at different times of the year. Spring is usually the best time to look for wildflowers, although there are some that bloom in summer and fall. Fall is usually the best time to see fruits and their seeds.
Not all plants produce flowers. Non-flowering plants include ferns and mosses. Flowering plants include trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers.

Go On a Plant Scavenger Hunt

LEVEL I: Must find three of the plants, fruits, or flowers described below.

LEVEL II: Must find five plants, fruits, or flowers as described below.

LEVEL III: Must find seven plants, fruits, or flowers as described below.

Remember collecting in State Parks is not allowed--see page 2.

Put an X Next to the Plant, Fruit, or Flowers You Find:

_____A nut or acorn (fruits from trees)

_____A red flower or fruit--(red attracts hummingbirds)

_____A flower with at least 5 petals

_____A fuzzy seed that can be carried on the wind

_____A fern

_____A grass (their flowers are tiny)
Fern
_____Spanish moss hanging on a tree (it is a flowering plant and not really a moss)

_____A berry--look inside for seeds (Don't taste or put your fingers in your mouth)

Seed Pod

_____A vine

_____A flower that attracts bees or butterflies

_____A fruit with tiny hooks--like burdock. These fruits stick to animals, helping to spread their seeds.
Berries
_____Seeds inside a pine cone

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Acorn
Magnolia 9

Long Ago
Georgia has a rich and fascinating history--from ancient Indian Mounds and Revolutionary War forts to Native American settlements and Civil War battle sites. See history come to life by visiting a Historic Site or by investigating the history of a Georgia State Park site.

Investigate History

LEVEL I: Complete two activities.

LEVEL II: Complete four activities.

LEVEL III: Complete six activities.

Historic markers can be found along roadsides all over Georgia. They mark the site of an important event in Georgia's history.
Check Completed Activities and Attach a Brochure, Map or Other Evidence that You Have Visited the Site.

_____Visit an historic marker. Write the title of the marker:__________________________

_____Visit the first state park in Georgia and drink from the spring--Indian Springs

_____Visit Indian Mounds: Etowah Mounds, Kolomoki Mounds or other

_____Tour an historic mill: Hamburg State Park, George L. Smith State Park, Sweetwater Creek State Park, High Falls State Park or other

_____Visit a Civil War Site: Pickett's Mill Battlefield, Fort McAllister, A. H. Stephens, Magnolia Springs, Jefferson Davis Memorial or other

_____Visit an 18th Century Fort: Fort Yargo, Fort Morris, Fort King George

_____Visit an historic home: Chief Vann House, Lapham-Patterson House, Little White House, Robert Toombs House, or other.

_____Visit a Plantation: Jarrell Plantation, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, or Traveler's Rest

_____Visit the site of this country's first gold rush: Dahlonega Gold Museum

_____Attend or participate in a living history program (people dressed in period costume).

_____Many of the oldest structures on our State Parks were built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the 1930's. Visit the CCC Museum at Vogel State Park or look for prominent CCC structures at other parks like FD Roosevelt, Hard Labor Creek, A.H. Stephens, Indian Springs, and Little Ocmulgee. What was the CCC?

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Whooo...!
Venturing out into the natural world at night is a new experience for many people. In a safe outdoor environment, exploring nighttime wonders can be fun and exciting. To complete this Junior Ranger requirement you must attend a Ranger-led Night Hike OR take a 30 min. walk outside at night with an adult. You will need to get away from lights and noise to best enjoy your night hike.
Since you cannot see at night, you need to use your ears and your senses of touch and smell. Listen for owls, insects and other creatures rustling around on the ground. Does the air smell different at night? (Wetting your nose will increase your smelling ability!) Can you distinguish between two trees by the feel of their bark?
Experience the Natural World at Night
LEVEL I: Take a night hike and see, hear or smell at least two night creatures.
LEVEL II: Take a night hike and see, hear or smell at least three night creatures.
LEVEL III: Take a night hike and see, hear or smell at least four night creatures.
Circle the Creatures that you Heard, Saw, or Smelled on Your Night Hike.

Bat White-tailed Deer

Cricket

Firefly

Katydid--sounds like rough sandpaper rubbing together

Raccoon

Flying Squirrel Wolf Spider

Owl

Frog or Toad

Skunk

Opossum

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

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Look Up
Day or night there is something of interest in the sky above you. You can gaze at the moon and watch vultures circle, hawks soar, clouds float by, stars twinkle and bats flutter.

View Nature Above You
LEVEL I: Find one item on the daytime checklist and one item on the nighttime checklist

LEVEL II: Find two items on the daytime checklist and two items on the nighttime checklist.

LEVEL III: Find three items on each checklist.

Nighttime
______Observe the moon. What phase is the moon: ____________ Why does the moon change shape? It doesn't. When we look at the moon we see the front of the moon--part is lit by sunlight and part is in shade.
______Observe a blue moon, shooting star or meteor shower. A blue moon is a second full moon occurring within one month. It is a rare occurrence
______Find the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper and the North Star. The North Star is at the tip of the handle of the Little Dipper.
______At dusk look for bats fluttering in the sky.

Phases of the Moon

New

Waxing

Full

Waning

Common Constellations

Cassiopia the Queen

Daytime
______Lie down on your back and look at the clouds for at least 15 minutes. Think about this while you are cloud-watching--clouds are there because of the large and mighty oceans--what does that mean?
______Watch a hawk soaring in the sky. Hawks generally hold their wings flat as they soar.
______Watch vultures circling in the sky. Some vultures hold their wings in a V shape and teeter back and forth

Draco the Dragon

Polaris (North Star) Little Dipper
Big Dipper

______Find the moon in the daytime sky. Some days during each month you can see the moon in the daytime sky.

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Get Outdoors Georgia
It's a perfect time to start getting healthy and fit. Why? Because it's good fun and good for you. Turn off the TV, step away from the computer, put down the iPod and spend some time in nature. You'll feel better - physically and mentally. Get Outdoors (GO) Georgia focuses on family-friendly, nature-based, healthy outdoor recreation throughout the state. So, it's time to "Get Out, Get Dirty and Get Fit" in the safety and scenery of Georgia's exceptional state parks. Our fun, fitness-loving gopher character challenges you to "go for" a walk, a hike or a day in the park and to participate in planned promotional and recreational events and activities.

Get Outdoors Georgia Badge
What could be a better way to get off the couch and enjoy the great outdoors than with a fun-filled program and a Gopher badge as the incentive? The program is targeted toward ages 7 to 14, although younger ages have successfully participated, too.
Choose from a list of 16 different badge requirements. If you are age 7 to 10, complete 5 activities while the older kids from age 11 to 14 must complete 8.
Fun ideas such as setting up a campsite, paying close attention to a sunrise or sunset, taking outdoor photography, or participating in the Canyon Climbers or Muddy Spokes Clubs are among the list of badge requirements.
Have fun learning in the outdoors as you work toward earning a Get Outdoors (GO) Georgia badge with a fun Gopher mascot pictured on it. By following the guidelines and activities listed here, you will experience nature first-hand, explore Georgia's fascinating history and enjoy outdoor recreational activities.
There are 63 sites statewide and a site within about 50 miles of almost every Georgia resident. So "Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit." and go for a "Gopher badge."
To earn your Get Outdoors Badge you must complete the required number of activities stated below:
Age 7-10 Must complete at least 5 activities Age 11-14 Must complete at least 8 activities To receive your free badge you can present this checklist to any Georgia State Park or Historic Site OR mail it to: Chief Naturalist, Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 1352 East, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.
Please Print Clearly:
Child's Name: ________________________________________________________________ Age:_________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of parent or other adult to verify that the required activities have been completed
Parent or Guardian's email address: __________________________________________________________________

Activity Checklist:
Hike Near Home Find a trail within 15 miles of your neighborhood and take a walk/hike there with your family or friends. Many urban areas have local parks and recreational trails. Other areas to consider include state parks and state historic sites, wildlife management areas, nature centers, national forests, national parks, national recreation areas, national wildlife refuges, and public fishing areas.
Make a Snack to Enjoy on Hikes It is important to take a high energy snack and water with you on a hike. Make a batch of trail mix for your family to enjoy on an outing and pack it in a zip-lock bag. This high energy food (sometimes called GORP Good Old Raisins and Peanuts) is easy to make and can be eaten on the go. Your trail mix should include 1 part raisins or other dried fruit, 1 part salted nuts (peanuts, almonds or other favorites) and 1 part M&Ms.
Learn a New Outdoors Skill Take lessons in swimming, tennis, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, sailing or golf. Lessons can be taken in formal classes (city/county recreation departments usually have quarterly publications of their outdoor classes) or from an experienced friend or family member. Go to a public park or natural area and use the new skills you have learned.
Enjoy a Sunrise or Sunset Enjoy the exciting events that happen as the sun is rising or setting. To plan your activity, look in the newspaper to find out what time the sun sets and rises each day. Find an open field or area away from bright lights. Take a blanket to sit on and a flashlight. Things to watch and listen for are: bird song either increasing or getting quiet, sky color changes, shadows shifting, colors beginning to appear or fade, temperature getting cooler or warmer, stars appearing or fading, fluttering bats, wind speed or wind direction changes, artificial lights appear or fade. Remember to look to the east and the west to observe changes.
Walk Instead of Riding Walk to an activity in your neighborhood instead of riding a bus or having someone drive you there. This may include walking to school, walking to the store or walking to a friend's house. Talk to a parent or guardian before selecting this activity to be sure that there are no safety concerns.
Outdoor Photography Go outdoors and photograph places in nature that are interesting to you. Email or mail a copy of your favorite photograph to Georgia State Parks and tell us why this place appeals to you (pictures may be sent to Cindy.Reittinger@dnr.state.ga.us or the address listed at the top of the checklist). Include your name and age, the name of the site photographed and the location (city or town in Georgia). Your photo may be displayed on our Junior Ranger website!
Set-up a Campsite Learn how to put up a tent and make a checklist of items to bring on a camping trip. Camp out in a tent for at least one night it can even be in your backyard!
Go on a Club Outing Go on a field trip with a recreation or nature club. Club members are always eager to welcome new attendees. Select a club that offers activities that you enjoy. Possibilities include: The Appalachian Trail Club (www.georgia-atclub.org), Pine Mountain Trail Association (www.pinemountaintrail.org), The Georgia Botanical Society - for plant lovers (www.gabotsoc.org), The Audubon Society - for bird lovers (www.audubon.org), and The Georgia Canoeing Association (www.georgiacanoe.org).

Document Your Outdoor Adventures with Writing and Sketches Much about the natural history of Georgia is known today because naturalists and explorers wrote about what they saw in journals. Take a hike and write about what you saw. You can also use sketches to illustrate your journal. To see how others have done it visit your local library and look at journals written by two famous naturalists who wrote about their hikes in Georgia: William Bartram and John Muir. To learn more about sketching in the outdoors look for books written by Claire Walker Leslie.
Hike on the AT Take a hike on the Appalachian Trail with your family or friends. This famous trail, sometimes call "The AT", stretches from Springer Mountain in north Georgia all the way to Maine. There are several access points in north Georgia. Since 1936 more than 9,000 hikers have completed the entire 2160-mile trail. For more information go to www.appalachiantrail.com or www.georgiaatclub.com.
Participate in a Rivers Alive Cleanup Rivers Alive is Georgia's annual volunteer river clean-up that targets all waterways in the state including streams, rivers, lakes, beaches and wetlands. It happens every year in October and is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Protection Division and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. For details go to www.riversalive.com.
Attend a Public Fishing Event Participate in a fishing derby or other public fishing event at any state park or public fishing area. To find an event at a Georgia State Park check the event calendar at www.georgiastateparks.org. To find an event at a Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources Public Fishing Area go to www.georgiawildlife.com.
Attend a Junior Ranger Camp Attend a Junior Ranger Day Camp at a Georgia State Park or Historic Site. Many parks and historic sites offer day camps in the summer months. For a listing of camp offerings go to www.georgiastateparks.org the Junior Ranger webpage is listed under "Kids and Educators"
Enter a Golf Tournament Participate in a Junior Golf tournament in your community or at any of Georgia State Parks' eight golf courses. Our State Park tournaments are for girls and boys age 6-18. For more information go to www.georgiagolf.com.
Climb a Canyon Join the Georgia State Parks' Canyon Climber's Club. Hike the "canyons" at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Providence Canyon State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park and earn a free tshirt. Tell state park staff you are working on your Get Outdoors Badge and the fee to join will be waived. For more information go to www.georgiastateparks.org.
Check Out our Bike Trails Join the Georgia State Parks' Muddy Spokes Club. Visit 3 of the 11 state parks in the Muddy Spokes Club, ride the designated bicycle trail at each and earn a free t-shirt. Tell state park staff you are working on your Get Outdoors Badge and the fee to join will be waived. For more information go to www.georgiastateparks.org.

Circle of Life
As you have probably heard many times, everything in nature is connected. It is, however, such an important message that it bears repeating. Life begins and ends, animals eat plants and big animals eat small animals. Insects, bacteria and fungi (like mushrooms) break down dead things and recycle them back into the soil. This enriches the soil and helps plants grow. Mother Nature is a great recycler. Nothing is wasted.
As a Junior Ranger you can help the earth by recycling at home. You should recycle newspaper, aluminum cans, glass containers and anything else that your community recycles. You can also recycle kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peelings by building a compost pile.
Draw Nature's Recyclers
LEVEL I: Find and draw one of the following. Find and recycle one item.
LEVEL II: Find and draw two of the following. Find and recycle two items.
LEVEL III: Find and draw all of the following. Find and recycle three items or build a compost pile.
Visit a State Park/Historic Site or Other Natural Area and Look for Examples of the Following. Use the Space Below for Drawing.

An earthworm or a creature smaller than an earthworm that lives in the soil

Life on a rotting log.

An animal eating a plant

List the Items You Recycled
1. __________________________
2. __________________________
3. __________________________

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

13

Forts, Wars and Weapons
Early Georgians had to protect their land. It is believed that Indians built the stone wall at Fort Mountain to protect themselves from invading groups. Fort King George was built to protect the English from the Spanish and Fort Morris was used during the Revolutionary War. Fort McAlister was built to guard the Ogeechee River and protect Savannah from Union troops and ships during the Civil War.
Weapons have been used by people since the beginning of time. They have been used for protection as well as to hunt animals for food. The earliest weapons were made of stone. Later, metal such as iron and steel were used. The use of gunpowder in weapons such as cannons and guns changed the way wars were fought. Combat was no longer man-to-man but could be conducted from a distance.

Learn About Past Wars and Weapons Used
LEVEL I: Visit a historic site and examine the weapons found in the exhibits. List the types of weapons you saw: _________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
Weapons are displayed at several State Parks & Historic Sites including: Pickett's Mill Battlefield, A.H Stephens, Fort McAlister, Fort King George, Fort Morris, Georgia Veterans Memorial, New Echota, Chief Vann House and Jefferson Davis Memorial.

LEVEL II: Visit a fort: ______________________________
Name of Fort
What materials were used to build the fort: __________________________________

List the weapons they used: ________________________________________________

LEVEL III: Visit a military reenactment of a battle: __________________________________
Site of reenactment
Describe who was fighting and the types of weapons they used to fight the battle

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Bird Watching
Watching birds is fun and it can be done anywhere. You can set up a bird feeder in your backyard to better view the birds in your neighborhood. Or, you can travel to different habitats to observe different kinds of birds. It is helpful to use binoculars and a book called a field guide to identify the birds you see.
About 400 different kinds of birds can be found in Georgia. Some of them live here year-round, others are here in spring and summer only and some just spend the winter. A few are seen only when they pass through on migration.

Observe Bird Behavior in Different Habitats
LEVEL I: Visit one of the habitats listed and observe at least four bird behaviors.
LEVEL II: Visit two different habitats and observe at least six bird behaviors.
LEVEL III: Visit three different habitats and observe at least six bird behaviors. Go on a field trip with other bird watchers, attend a bird festival or participate in Georgia's Youth Birding Competition (see inside back cover for resources).

Habitat Checklist (Birds to look for)
___ Open Fields and Meadows (sparrows, eastern bluebird) ___ Forests (woodpeckers, warblers) ___ Wetlands - swamps, marshes (egrets, red-winged blackbird) ___ Beaches (gulls, terns) ___ Lakes and Ponds (ducks, herons) ___ Backyards (carolina chickadee, cardinal, tufted titmouse)

Bird Behavior Checklist

___ Singing or calling

___ Bathing in water or taking a dust bath

___ Walking or hopping on the ground

___ Preening (grooming its feathers with its beak)

___ Flying with food or nest material in its mouth

___ A group of birds perched together on a wire

___ Wading in water

___ Perched on a branch

___ Flying (flapping wings)

___ Soaring (no flapping)

___ Swimming

___ Feeding

___ Climbing a tree trunk

___ Sitting on a nest ___ Other: ___________________

Wood Duck

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Great Egret
Pileated Woodpecker
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Early Georgians
People from many different places have migrated to the land we now recognize as the State of Georgia. Four of the earliest migrations are described below. People continue to migrate to Georgia. When did your family first settle in Georgia and where did they come from? _____________________________
Learn About Four Waves of Migration to Georgia
LEVEL I: Complete one activity below. LEVEL II: Complete two activities below. LEVEL III: Complete three activities below.

____ Indians: The first people to arrive in Georgia were Indians. They began to settle here over 10,000 years ago. Imagine what it was like to travel to a place no one had seen before! Many of our State Parks have names derived from Indian words. Visit a site with an Indian name and find out what the word means: ________________________________.
Name of Site meaning
____ Spanish: The second wave of immigration came from Spain. Hernando de Soto was the first European to explore Georgia in 1540. The Spanish established Catholic missions throughout southern Georgia including one near the modern day site of Fort King George State Historic Site. Visit the Spanish Mission exhibit at the Fort King George museum. What was the name of the Mission? ____________________________________________.
____ English: In 1733 James Oglethorpe and 114 colonists arrived from England and settled in the area of present day Savannah. One of these first colonists, Noble Jones, built a house at what is now Wormsloe State Historic Site. Visit the ruins of the home of Noble Jones. What was his home made of? __________________________________
____ African Slaves: Slavery was originally banned in Georgia. The law was later overturned and slaves began arriving in Georgia in 1751. Many worked on plantations along the coast including at the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation which is now a State Historic Site. Visit the site and find out what crop was grown there and what tasks were performed by slaves: ________________________________________________ OR Visit another historic site where slaves once lived and find out what tasks they performed. State Historic sites: A.H. Stephens, Jarrell Plantation, Robert Toombs House, Chief Vann House or other __________

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Lifestyles of the Past
All people, regardless of where they live or when they lived, have the same basic needs: food, clothing and shelter. The types of food, clothing and shelter used by people in Georgia have changed through time. The earliest Georgians hunted for meat and collected nuts and berries for their meals. The women who lived in the 18th and 19th century wore long skirts. Settlers on Georgia's coast built houses made of tabby (a mix of limestone, sand, shells and water).

Learn How People Lived in the Early Days

LEVEL I: Visit an historic site, learn about the people who lived there and complete the lifestyle chart.
LEVEL II: Visit two historic sites and complete the lifestyle chart for each site. Learn to play a game played by children of that time period.
LEVEL III: Visit two historic sites and complete the lifestyle chart for each site. Make your own toothbrush and toothpaste.

Make Your Own Toothbrush
Toothbrushes can be made from the twigs of sweetgum or dogwood trees. Chew or shave the bark off one end of a twig and mash the wood so that it looks like a paint brush. You can make toothpaste by mixing baking soda or salt with a small amount of mint.

Lifestyle Chart
Name of Site(s): _________________________________________________ Number of years ago people lived there: ______________

Type of clothing worn
Kind of house/building material used
Common foods
Kind of plants grown in the garden
Means of transportation
Where did they go to school? Games/Activities enjoyed by children Adult Jobs Children's Chores

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

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Rare Treasures (LEVEL II AND III ONLY)
Did you know that of Georgia's 3,600 species of plants approximately 600 are considered rare and that more than 200 of our 930 animal species are rare? Many of these rare creatures are endangered species or at risk of becoming endangered. They need our protection. It is getting harder and harder to find them in the wild. See if you can find their names in this word search.
Rare and Endangered Species Word Search
LEVEL II: Find and circle the names of all of the protected species in the word search.
LEVEL III: Find and circle the names of all of the protected species in the word search. Highlight the plant names in green, the birds in blue, mammals in yellow, reptiles in pink, amphibians in purple

Note: The Words in Parentheses are not Included in the Word Search.

Bald Eagle

Gopher Tortoise Gray Bat

R A D E C G N I K N I T S G G

Green Fly Orchid

E K A N S O G I D N I A R S G

Green Salamander (Eastern) Indigo Snake (Swallow-tailed) Kite

E L A H W T H G I R B E B T O E C B A L D E A G L E T P R P

Manatee

K R O T S D O O W N O I O I H

Pitcher Plant (Green, Purple, Red) Plum Leaf Azalea

E E T A N A M P F T B K N P E G R E E N S A L A M A N D E R

Pondberry Red-cockaded (Woodpecker) (Northern) Right Whale

T B J M E Z Y I T B T F B D T X R E D C O C K A D E D E N O J E L T R U T A E S J U R E R

Sea Turtle (Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Ridley)

P I T C H E R P L A N T R W T B K H S W A M P P I N K Y T O E I V O F B G R A Y B A T R I

Spotted Turtle Stinking Cedar Striped Newt

D S P O T T E D T U R T L E S A E L A Z A F A E L M U L P E

Swamp Pink

Wood Stork

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Get Involved (LEVEL II AND III ONLY)
Agood way to get more involved in Georgia's State Park system is to talk to the park staff and volunteer to help out at a State Park. State Park Volunteer Days are scheduled at different times for each individual park; most but not all parks have a Volunteer Day. You will need to contact a park directly to find out more.
Interview Someone and Help Out by Volunteering
LEVEL II: Interview a park visitor, park staff member or park volunteer. LEVEL III: Volunteer at a State Park or Historic Site and interview a park staff member or
volunteer. Name of Park Where you Volunteered: __________________________
Fill Out the Following:
Person Interviewed _________________________________Date: ________________ Visitor Volunteer Staff, position: _____________________________
Interview Questions:
What do you like most about visiting (or working in) this park?
How many times have you visited or (how long have you worked with) this Georgia State Park?
What does the name of this Park mean?
What wildlife have you seen in this park?
Your own question:________________________________________________________________

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

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Dear Friend
Complete the letter below and send it to someone you know. If you do not want to tear this page out of your book, you may send a photocopy. You may use as many words as you like to fill in blanks.
Write a Letter to a Friend

Dear _________________________________________,

Date: ___________________________

TheWIseirtinetejoisayeafdbeowmustye_vn_its_ei_tn_ct_oe_s__a__b__om_u_itl_e_tsh_ef_r_op_ma_rk_m_oy_r_hh_oi_sm_to_e_rii_cn_s__i__te____a__n__d____d__e__s_c__ril_bo_ec_at_the_ed__tnh_ei_na_gr_s__y__o__u____d__i_d___d__u__r__i_n__g___y__o__u__r___v, _iGs_iat_..___.

There is a state park within 50 miles of every Georgia resident. The nearest parks to you are

want

____________________________________________________(refer to visit one some time!

to

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map

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back).

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may

h__a__v__Ye_D_Go_i_rued_e_or_a_syr_d_got__iuraa_u_b_kl_iyos_n_,u_o_ht_w_o_i_mn_t_c_he_l_eu_t_rdo_e_e__ma___r_ae___n___ty__h___rd_e__i_fa__f_t_e__e_r__ne___en___dt____p_a__ln__a__dn____t_e_s__n__a_d__n_a__d_n___g_a__e_n__r_i_e_m__d__a___sl_s_p__.__e__Ic__'_vi__e_e__s___s_r_e__ig_e__h_n___t_____h____e___r___e________in____(__GR___e_e__o_f__er___rg___it_a__o_?___R__S___a_o__r_me_____eT___r_eo___a_f__s__t_u_h__r_e_e___so____np___ea___sg___e__I___1__8____)___

_____________________________________________

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Natural Features of Georgia (LEVEL II AND III ONLY)
Wind, water and fire over time have created the landscape we see in Georgia today. The diversity of natural environments found here range from mountains to seashore.
The southern tip of the Appalachian Mountains can be seen in northeast Georgia, in an area called the Blue Ridge. Because they are very old mountains they have experienced more weathering and are therefore not as tall as mountains in the western U.S. In the Piedmont, an area of rolling hills just south of the mountains, you can find large areas of exposed rock called granite outcrops. Georgia's Stone Mountain is the largest granite outcrop in the world.
Below the fall line (an imaginary line that stretches from Columbus to Augusta) is the Coastal Plain area. The fall line represents the coastline of long ago when what is now south Georgia was underwater. The soil in the Coastal Plain is sandy.

Visit Unique Natural Areas and Plot Their Location on a Map

LEVEL II: Visit one of the natural features described below and mark the site on the map.

LEVEL III: Visit two of the natural features described Cumberland Plateau below and mark them on the map.
Ridge & Valley

Blue Ridge

____ Visit a mountain stream in the Blue Ridge area and look for trout: Moccasin Creek State Park, Smithgall Woods, Unicoi State Park or other.

Piedmont

____ Visit a granite outcrop in Georgia's Piedmont and see lichen growing on the exposed rock: Panola Mountain State Park, Stone Mountain, Arabia Mountain or other.

____ Visit a longleaf pine and wiregrass community and look for gopher tortoise. This rare natural community cannot persist without fire: General Coffee State Park, George L. Smith State Park, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, Reed Bingham State Park, Seminole State Park.

Coastal Plain

____ Visit a salt marsh on the coast and look for fiddler crabs: Crooked River State Park, Skidaway Island State Park, Fort McAllister State Historic Site, Wormsloe State Historic Site.

____ Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park located in the Cumberland Plateau region. Take a hike in the canyon, it looks unlike any other part of Georgia.

____ Visit Providence Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls or the Okefenokee Swamp (Stephen C. Foster State Park) and see why each is listed as one of Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders.

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

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Good Fire and Pushy Plants (LEVEL II AND III ONLY)
The staff at Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites are responsible for taking care of the land and protecting the plants and animals that live there. Sometimes this requires starting fires and getting rid of pushy plants that don't belong there.
Fire is a Natural Part of the Landscape
Fires can be started by lightning; these natural fires are nature's way of taking care of the land. Scientists now know that fires are needed to keep forests healthy. Fire helps to cycle nutrients and promote diversity in the existing plant and animal community.
While we must protect our homes and communities from bad wildfires, we must also provide nature with the fire it needs. To do this our park staff set carefully controlled fires. Setting these good fires is called prescribed burning.
Pushy Plants Upset the Balance of Nature
Some of the plants that live in Georgia were brought here from other places. Most of them are not a problem but, a few of them are pushy and crowd out our native plants. Scientists call these "pushy plants" non-native invasive plants.
A park ranger uses a drip torch Some pushy plants grow so thick that they cover up other plants to start a fire. and block out the sunlight they need to grow. Pushy plants also affect wildlife because animals need native plants for food and shelter. You should never plant a pushy plant in your yard. It may spread or the seeds may be carried to other places and start new plants.

Kudzu Kudzu is sometimes called the vine that ate the south.

Water Hyacinth Water hyacinth grows in lakes and other waterways.

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Good Fire and Pushy Plants (continued)

Chinese Wisteria

English Ivy
Photographs courtesy of University of Georgia www.invasive.org

Mimosa Tree

Spread the Word About Good Fire and Pushy Plants

Getting rid of pushy plants and using prescribed fire are new ways of helping nature that many people don't understand. You can help by learning more about it and sharing what you learn with others. You may need to ask a park ranger to direct you to a recently burned part of the park or to a place where pushy plants can be found.
LEVEL II: Find at least one pushy plant and complete one activity from the list below.

LEVEL III: Find at least two kinds of pushy plants and complete both activities.

Find a Pushy Plant:

___Chinese Privet ___Chinese Wisteria ___English Ivy ___Japanese Honeysuckle ___Kudzu

___Mimosa Tree ___Popcorn Tree (also called Tallow Tree) ___Water Hyacinth ___Other: _______________________

Activities
____ Collect leaves from a pushy plant and make a leaf rubbing by placing the leaves under a piece of paper and rubbing a crayon across the paper. Label your rubbings and make a poster to educate others about pushy plants.

____ Visit a recently burned site on a park or other natural area. How can you tell the site has been burned? Look for evidence of new plant growth. Make a poster to educate others about using fire to keep forests healthy.

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

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Who's Who in Georgia (LEVEL II AND III ONLY)
Many of our State Parks and Historic Sites are named after people. Match the name of the person to the description of their identity. It may be helpful to refer to our Guide to Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites (a free publication available at all of our sites.)

Learn About the People that Parks and Historic Sites Have Been Named For

LEVEL II: Match all of the Names and Identities and visit at least one site. LEVEL III: Match all of the Names and Identities and visit at least two sites.

Name
A.H. Stephens Franklin D. Roosevelt Chief Vann
Elijah Clark
Jefferson Davis Laura S. Walker Robert Toombs Stephen C. Foster

Identity
Georgia Governor and Vice President of the Confederacy President of the Confederacy captured by Union calvary 32nd President of the United States who had a home in Warm Springs, Georgia Georgia Senator who said "Defend yourselves; the enemy is at your door" Teacher, writer and naturalist Frontiersman and Revolutionary War hero Composer who wrote a famous song about the Suwannee River Built the first brick home in the Cherokee Nation

Visit the Parks and Historic Sites Named for these People:
____ Dowdell's Knob at FD Roosevelt State Park: see where FDR enjoyed picnics. ____ Chief Vann House: look for the burn mark on the stairs where the Georgia Militia "smoked"
Joseph Vann from the home. ____ Jefferson Davis Memorial: see where Davis was captured. ____ AH Stephens State Historic Park Museum: see the Civil War Medical exhibit. ____ Take a nature hike at Laura S. Walker State Park: write a story about what you saw. ____ Fargo Visitor Center at Stephen C. Foster State Park: see the Suwannee River. ____ The cabin at Elijah Clark State Park: learn how people lived in the 1780s. ____ The Robert Tombs house: see General Toombs' swords.

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GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

Learn More About It
Learning about our natural and cultural resources is a never-ending adventure. Check out the valuable resources below to learn more about topics covered in this activity book.
Bird Watching
Youth Birding Competition and Birding Trail brochures, Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, 478/994-1438, www.georgiawildlife.com.
Field trips with Georgia Audubon Societies, www.audubon.org/states. Birding Festivals: www.coastalgeorgiabirding.org, www.pinewoodsbirdfestival.com.
Civil War
The Civil War in Georgia: An Illustrated Traveler's Guide - view it online at www.sherpaguides.com.
Fishing
Map of Georgia's Public Fishing Areas & Fish Hatcheries refer to Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations available wherever fishing licenses are sold or call 770/918-6418.
Statewide calendar of Kid's Fishing events, www.georgiawildlife.com.
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites - Junior Ranger Program
Visit the Junior Ranger page on our website: www.gastateparks.org Check out our statewide listing of Junior Ranger Summer Day Camps. Subscribe to the free Junior Ranger E-Newsletter.
Recycling & Composting
www.earth911.org. Just enter your zip code to identify recycling sites in your community.
Trees
Native Trees of Georgia (free book), Georgia Forestry Commission, 1-800-GATREES. www.gfc.state.ga.us.
Wildlife
Georgia Wildlife Viewing Guide - view it online at www.sherpaguides.com. Map of Georgia's Wildlife Management areas request the WRD general brochure, 770/918-6404.
Express Yourself in Competitions sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
River of Words statewide poetry and art competition, 404/675-1638, www.gaprojectwet.org. Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest, 478/994-1438, www.georgiawildlife.com.
GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

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Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
Coca-Cola Bottlers of Georgia is a
proud sponsor of the Junior Ranger Program

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