DeSoto Resort State Park's

Interpretive Program

Calendar of Events

2008

Butterflyclipart.gif (35101 bytes)

DeSoto State Park teams with Jacksonville State University Field School and Little River Canyon National Preserve to bring you a series of interpretive programs, hikes, and workshops intended to educate the public about all thing nature....

For info on any programs,

Contact: DSP Naturalist Brittney M. Hughes

256.845.0051

Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov

DeSoto_s_Large_CCC_Pavillion_by_BLMH.jpg (1554091 bytes) NC Back room by BLMH.JPG (271223 bytes)

Campfire Programs are located at the CCC Pavilion in DSP's Picnic Area. (Across from the Country Store)

In case of bad weather they are located in DeSoto's Nature Center.

For even more fun programs and events, see http://fieldschool.jsu.edu

&

http://www.desotostatepark.com/LRCNP.htm

 

WILDFLOWER PHOTO GALLERY           NATURE CENTER PHOTO GALLERY

 

September

 

 tree.wmf (22520 bytes)

Friday, September 5, 2008
 8:00 p.m. -9:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Constellations from Lookout Mountain
An out-of-this world experience! JSU astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf will explore the science and myths of the constellations visible from Lookout Mountain.

No fee.
leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Saturday, September 6, 2008
 8:00 p.m. - 9:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion

 Moon Views from Lookout Mountain
Join astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf as she reveals the science and mysteries of our closest celestial neighbor and other moons in our solar system.

No fee.
leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

 Friday, September 12, 2008
 8:00 p.m. - 9:00p.m.

DeSoto's Nature Center

Frog Metamorphosis
Explore how amphibians transform from a single cell to the wonderful hopping creatures we adore with JSU’s Dr. Rayburn.

No fee.
leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Saturday, September 13, 2008

10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Meet at DeSoto's Nature Center

Woodsy Stroll
Explore the trails of DeSoto State Park and hike along the Little River with Dr. Jim Rayburn. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

No fee/ but be sure to register.

leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

 Saturday, September 13, 2008
 8:00 p.m. - 9:00p.m.

DeSoto's Nature Center

Venomous Organisms of Alabama
Some plants and animals really get your attention with their special lines of defense. Toxicologist Dr. James Rayburn of JSU will present this program on a variety of species that can cause pain, injury, or even death.

No fee.

leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

 Friday, September 26, 2008
 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Cherokee Trail of Tears
Thousands of Native Americans were taken from their homelands and sent to Oklahoma on this infamous trek. JSU's Dr. Kelly Gregg will share the story of this tragic chapter in our nation's history.

No fee
leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Saturday, September 27, 2008

2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Meet at DeSoto's Nature Center

Casual Canyon Hike
Join Dr. Kelly Gregg for this easy to moderate hike along DeSoto State Park trails to learn more about the natural history of the area.
No fee/But be sure to register

leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Saturday, September 27, 2008
 8:00 p.m. -9:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Geologic History of

Little River Canyon
Join geologist Dr. Kelly Gregg to learn about the ancient inhabitants of Little River: sharks, corals, ferns, ancient trees, and even giant salamanders.

No fee

leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

October

tree.wmf (22520 bytes)

Friday, October 3, 2008
 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Prehistoric Cultures of

Little River Canyon
JSU’s Dr. Harry Holstein will fascinate you with stories of from the Ice Age to DeSoto's 16th century Spanish expedition.

No fee
leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Saturday, October 4, 2008

10:00a.m.-12:00 noon

&

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

DeSoto's Picnic Area

Native American Pottery Workshop

Join expert potter, Tammy Beane, to learn how pottery was made on Lookout Mountain thousands of years ago. We’ll provide the clay as well as bone needles and paddles to make designs on your pots.

$10 per person/Be sure to register.

leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Saturday, October 4, 2008

10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

DeSoto's Picnic Area

Native American Tools & Weapons
Join National Park Service archaeologist Larry Beane for a demonstration of how Native Americans utilized natural resources to hunt and gather food, to make weapons, to start fires, and more!

No fee

leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

 Saturday, October 4, 2008
 7:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Spanish Exploration of Northeast Alabama
JSU's Dr. Harry Holstein will take you through their amazing adventures of the first European explorers search for the ancient town of "Coosa"

No fee
leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

 Saturday, October 10, 2008
 7:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Birds of Alabama
Birdwatchers will share their vast knowledge of our feathered friends and will teach visitors the ABCs of bird identification.

No fee

leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

 Saturday, October 11, 2008
 7:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Feeding Winter Wildlife
How to prepare your yard to be a sanctuary for winter wildlife. Hands-on and kid friendly!

No fee

 leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Friday, October 17, 2008
 7:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Climate Change

Hurricanes in June…droughts…cold spells in May. What is going on? Join Dr. Jonathon Herbert as he explains the science behind global warming and how it might affect Alabama.

No fee

 leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Saturday, October 18, 2008
 7:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Seasons

Why do the leaves change color? Why don’t we get snow in Alabama? Join Dr. Jonathon Herbert as he explains the science behind the seasonal changes in our state…

No fee

 leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Friday, October 24, 2008
 7:00 p.m. -8:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion
Little River Canyon Center: Construction Update
Pete Conroy, Director of the JSU Field Schools (Little River Canyon Field School) will present this exciting update on the progress of the new Little River Canyon Center which is being built on Hwy 35 near Little River Falls and is scheduled to open in 2009.

No fee
leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

 Saturday, October 25, 2008
 6:00 p.m. -7:00p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Creepy Critters
Dan Spaulding of the Anniston Museum of Natural History will be showing some creepy crawly critters at this fun educational program.

No fee

 leavesclipart.wmf (33736 bytes)

Friday, October 31, 2008
 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

CCC Pavilion

 Ghosts on the Mountain
Spooky storytelling guaranteed to put shivers up your spine! Learn about Alabama’s finest spooks, legends and folklore from JSU Field Schools’ Renee Morrison.

No fee
wpe1.jpg (3653 bytes)

November

tree.wmf (22520 bytes)

 Saturday, November 1, 2008

10:00-12:00 p.m.

Meet at DeSoto's Nature Center

Storytelling Hike
Join storyteller Renee Morrison for this easy artsy stroll.

No fee/But be sure to register.

wpe1.jpg (3653 bytes)

 Saturday, November 1, 2008
 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

CCC Pavilion

My Life as a Hound Dog
Storytelling and knee-slapping humor as JSU Field Schools’ Renee Morrison tells true stories about growing up on her Granddad’s dairy farm in Choccolocco Alabama.

Be sure to register for the Storytelling Hike

November 1, 2008


wpe1.jpg (3653 bytes)

Saturday & Sunday

November 8th & 9th

Indian Artifact Show

In DeSoto State Park's Nature Center

(Next to the Country Store)

See Native American artifacts from all over Alabama in this special display.

Saturday-9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday-9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

No fee.
wpe1.jpg (3653 bytes)

Friday,November 7, 2008

7:00-8:00 p.m.

CCC Pavilion

The Legend of Granny Dollar
Granny Dollar is one of the most colorful characters and rugged individualists who ever lived in the Fort Payne area. She has long captured the imagination of those who have heard of this Cherokee Indian’s century of varied experiences.

wpe1.jpg (3653 bytes)

 

Saturday,November 8, 2008

7:00-8:00 p.m.

CCC Pavilion

The legend of Sequoyah

Sequoyah is celebrated as a Native American genius who, solely from the resources of his mind, endowed a whole tribe with learning; the only man in history to conceive and perfect in its entirety a syllabary. Sequoyah, is known to have taught in the DeKalb County area for years after his mother took up residence in Willstown, Alabama during the movement of the Cherokee Nation to Oklahoma.

wpe1.jpg (3653 bytes)

Saturday, November 8, 2008

9:00 a.m.

Meet at Nature Center

Medicinal Plants of Fall;Gathering & Preserving Herbs
Join herbalist Darryl Patton for a hike on DeSoto State Park's trails to see the fruits of the Fall season.

No fee

wpe1.jpg (3653 bytes)

November 15, 2008

1:00 p.m.

DeSoto's Nature Center

Learn How to Play the Harmonica

Musician Tony Thomas teaches this fun class designed to learn this fun and easy instrument.

No fee; Tony will have harmonicas for sale.

wpe1.jpg (3653 bytes)

Friday & Saturday

November 14th & 15th

6:00 p.m.

CCC Pavilion

Introduction to Musical Instruments in Story & Song

Join musician Tony Thomas for this interesting program introducing acoustic instruments such as the fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and banjo by using stories & songs to give you a appreciation for each instrument.

No fee/Bring your instrument if you wish!

wpe1.jpg (3653 bytes)

 Saturday, November 22, 2008
 1:30-3:30 p.m.

International TELLABRATION!

Storytelling in the Canyon

  This is a worldwide event devoted to storytelling. This grass-roots movement is endorsed by the National Storytelling Network. Join Renee Morrison and other local storytellers for this fun event.

Little River Canyon Center

Visit www.tellabration.org for more info.

Be sure to join the fun!

 
 

Back to Main Page

Check Out Wildflower Photo Gallery

Access to Alabama State Parks and State Park Programs is available without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex or disabilities