Little River Canyon Center

Field Schools

2009 Programs

Contents:

            Mission Statement

Registration Information         

Field Trips for K-12 classes, home school students, scouts, church groups, etc.

            January 2009 – December 2009 Field School Calendar of Events

            DeSoto State Park Campfire Talks 2009 (List of topics, dates and times)

Field School Mission:

To provide in-depth programs designed to nurture appreciation of Alabama’s natural and cultural significance, celebrate diversity, and foster stewardship of the natural world.

We promote natural and cultural history education from the

“deepest canyon to the highest mountain” in Alabama.

The Little River Canyon Field School is a project of the

JSU Environmental Policy and Information Center (EPIC).

These programs are for everyone!!

Public Programs: Hikes, Classes, Workshops, and Tours

On weekends throughout the year, a variety of programs are presented for anyone who is interested.  These popular programs often fill quickly, so early registration is recommended.  Each program is described in detail below. Call for more information or to pre-register for a program.

Registration is easy!

Phone:  Call (256) 782-5697 and register with your VISA, MasterCard or Discover.
On-line:  E-mail your request to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will reply to you with details.
Walk-in: Our office is located on the campus of Jacksonville State University
Mail:  Make checks payable to the JSU Little River Canyon Field School:

          Mailing Address:                                JSU Little River Canyon Field Schools
                                                        Jacksonville State University
                                                        700 Pelham Road North; Suite 246, Martin Hall
                                                        Jacksonville, AL 36265

Physical Address:                                JSU Little River Canyon Center

                                                472 AL Hwy 35

                                                Ft. Payne, AL 35967

                                                (Adjacent to the Little River Canyon National Preserve)

Gift certificates are available!!

Workshop sizes are limited so early application is encouraged.  Payment in full is required to register. Cancellations must be made at least two weeks prior to the workshop in order to receive a refund. Programs cancelled due to inclement weather will not be refunded, but fees will be credited to another program. Although paid pre-registration secures slot in program, registrant is not considered officially a participant until JSU waiver and release form is signed prior to the beginning of a program.

Canyon Center Field Trips:

Bring your class, club, troop or group for a hands-on adventure they’ll never forget at the new LEED registered Canyon Center in Ft. Payne, Alabama.  Group leaders choose 2 – 4 learning station topics depending upon the size of the group and availability of Canyon Center instructors for an unforgettable hands-on environmental education and/or arts experience.

Learning Station Topics

Select from topics that may include Interpretive Hikes, Archaeology, Native American Pottery Making, Ecology, Herpetology, Ornithology, Botany, Water Quality/Watersheds, What Makes a Building GREEN?, Climate Change/Weather, Geology, Nature Art & Journaling, Canyon Creatures, Endangered Species, Storytelling (Folk Tales, Fairy Tales or Ghost Stories), How to Tell Stories, Nature Observation Skills, Observing Nature through Fairy Houses, Seasonal Programs, or our national award-winning Naturalist Adventure.

Canyon Center Outreach Programs:

Outreach Field Trips:

Select your location from “Alabama’s deepest canyon to its  highest mountain” including DeSoto State Park, Talladega National Forest,  Cheaha State Park or JSU Digistar Planetarium. Choose learning stations from the topics listed above.

                                                                                Classroom Outreach:

Can’t come to the Canyon Center? The Canyon Center can come to you! JSU Field School instructors will visit your school, classroom or group to present unique programs on Natural History topics such as Virtual Wilderness Presentation, Can Snakes Crawl Backwards?(with live specimens), Native American Pottery Making Workshop, Story Telling Presentations, Storytelling Workshops, and  Nature Journaling Workshops.

Fees are $15 per student (grades K4-12) and $10 per participating chaperone/parent/guardian. There is a minimum fee of $300 per scheduled field trip. At least one adult chaperone per five children is required to register.

2009 Calendar of Events (General Public Programs)

January 2009

Second Saturday Space Safaris: Larry Cat in Space
Travel through space and explore planet Earth during these exciting programs for families and children led by Dr. Laura Weinkauf on an incredible dome 3D screen. Larry Cat in Space is a about a curious cartoon cat who stows away on a rocket for an exciting journey to the moon. Larry Cat’s adventures are purrrfect for kids ages 10 and under.  
Date:      Saturday, January 10, 2009 (Second Saturdays: January – April)
Where:  JSU Planetarium (3rd Floor Martin Hall) in Jacksonville, AL
Time:     1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Fee:       $5 per person; website: http://epic.jsu.edu/stars/

Wilderness Survival 101
Let your instincts come alive and learn to survive.  Captain Jerry Mize (JSU Department of Military Science) and Larry Beane (National Park Service) will teach hands-on methods of basic survival skills dealing with water, shelter, food, fire and getting found. Skills are similar to those shown on popular TV. This program will be outside, hands-on, hiking, collecting materials with hands so wear appropriate clothing for a cold winter day in the wilderness. Participants will be sitting on the ground, crawling on the ground as necessary, and will get “dirty” so to speak. Dress in layers. Bring your own lunch, snacks and water/drink.

Date:     Saturday, January 24, 2009
Where:  Jacksonville State University’s Little River Canyon Center in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:      10:00 am – 2:00 pm Pre-registration required
Fee:       $20 adult; $10 child/student (ages 15—22); children under the age of 16 must have a parent/guardian attend with them; children 16 - 19 must have signed parental consent form to attend alone.

February 2009

Murdock’s Hidden Trails & EXTREME Hike
Join Dr. Chris Murdock, JSU Biologist and Little River native for this EXTREME experience on hidden trails to the river; difficult trails and extreme situations in some areas; dress for getting your feet wet. Not recommended for children under the age of 16 years.

Date:     Saturday, February 7, 2009
Where:  Meet at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (Hwy 35 near Little River Falls) in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:     9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fee:       $20 per person; pre-registration required

Second Saturday Space Safari: Love Stories In the Stars
Travel through space and explore planet Earth during these exciting programs for families and children led by Dr. Laura Weinkauf. Many different people have gazed at the sky and been inspired to tell stories.  In honor of Valentine's Day, we'll look at love stories from many cultures.
Date:      Saturday, February 14, 2009

                (Second Saturdays February – April)
Where:  JSU Planetarium (3rd Floor Martin Hall) in Jacksonville, AL
Time:     1:30 pm – 2:30 pm   website http://epic.jsu.edu/stars/planetarium.html
Fee:       $5 per person

Grand Opening: Little River Canyon Center
Join us for the grand opening of the Little River Canyon Center, a LEED registered arts/science facility near Ft. Payne. Enjoy arts, crafts, music, interpretive hikes, nature demonstrations, live animals, great food and more!
Date:      Sunday, February 22, 2009
Where:  JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (Ft. Payne, AL next to Little River Falls on Hwy 35)
Time:     1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Fee:       No Fee (Donations welcome!)

March 2009

First Saturday Series:  Early Spring Frog Pond Adventure
Experience “love” from a frog’s point of view! Join the one-and-only, “Dr. Frog” George Cline, for an unforgettable evening of romance and songs from the first amphibian voices of the season. Learn to identify frog songs and get a hands-on experience with these   slippery creatures. Participate in Frog Watch USA. Subject to water level/drought conditions.  http://epic.jsu.edu/frogpond.html 

Date:  Saturday, March 7, 2009
Where:  JSU Frog Pond in White Plains Alabama
Time:      7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Fee:  $5 per person  

Second Saturday Space Safari: St. Patty's Cosmic Serpents
Watch out for snakes!  See snake constellations and other wonders of our universe in this St. Patrick's Day-themed show led by JSU’s Dr. Laura Weinkauf.To learn about the JSU planetarium, visit our website http://epic.jsu.edu/stars/planetarium.html
Date:     Saturday, March 14, 2009
Where: JSU Planetarium (3rd Floor Martin Hall) in Jacksonville, AL
Time:    1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Fee:       $5/adult; $2.50/students

EEAA Conference: Woods & Water…Connections in NATURE!
Teachers, educators, naturalists, scout leaders, home school parents…this Environmental Education Association of Alabama conference is for YOU!!  
Date:     Thursday March 19 through Saturday March 21, 2009
Where: 4H Center Columbiana (Near Birmingham AL)
Time:    Thursday evening through Saturday noon
Fee:       Scholarships available; Visit  www.eeaa.us for more information

Waterfall Tour & Easy Hike
Join Joan Alexander and others from the Anniston Outdoor Association for this unique driving and hiking tour of several beautiful waterfalls located around the Cheaha State Park area.  These are easy short hikes on dirt trails. Dependent upon water level.
Date:       Friday, March 27, 2009
Where:   Cheaha State Park    (Meet at State Park and ride JSU Shuttle for tour) in Cleburne County, AL
Time:      9:00 am – Noon (Suggested lunch after hike at Cheaha Lodge Restaurant)
Fee:        $20 per person; pre-registration is required.

April 2009

Lost Arts Series: Southern Storytelling Workshop

Join Alabama’s national storyteller Renee Morrison (author of Calico Stories) for this workshop on how to tell your own stories, story prompting, and building character sketches through creative drama.

Date: Thursday April 2, 2009

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm 

Fee:  $20 per person -.15 CEUs; pre-registration required (REGISTER AT JSU Continuing Education)

Location: JSU McClellan Auditorium, Anniston, AL Call JSU Continuing Education at (800)634-7199 or (256)782-5983 or visit www.coned.jsu.edu 

Deep Canyon Hike
This is our most challenging and rewarding hike of the year! Join JSU Field Schools for an unforgettable view of one of Alabama’s natural wonders, Little River Canyon. Hike level: difficult/extreme.  

Not recommended for children under 14.

Date:     Saturday, April 4, 2009
Where:  Meeting at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:     9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fee:      $25/person; Pre-registration is required. This hike fills quickly so make reservations early.

Fly Fishing Techniques
Join Dr. Chris Murdock to learn the basics of fly fishing (and join him on Saturday morning to try out your skills)! Each participant will leave with a set of hand-tied flies.
Date:     April 10, 2009
Where:  JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (near Little River Falls on Hwy 35) in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:     6 pm – 8 pm
Fee:       $10 per person; Pre-registration is required

Fly Fishing on Little River
Join Dr. Chris Murdock, JSU Biologist and Little River native for an opportunity to fly fish on Little River. Equipment supplied for a limited number of participants or call for a list of needed equipment.

Date:     April 11, 2009
Where:  Meet at Little River Canyon Center (near Little River Falls on Hwy 35) in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:     8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fee:       $35 per person; Pre-registration is required

Second Saturday Space Safari: Stars of the Pharaohs
How did Egyptians view the night sky?  Find out in this fascinating show that merges astronomy, geography, and archaeology for an unforgettable experience.Travel through space and explore planet Earth during this exciting program viewed on a giant dome screen.

Date:      Saturday, April 11, 2009
Where:  JSU Planetarium (3rd Floor Martin Hall) in Jacksonville, AL
Time:     1:30 pm – 2:30 pm  http://epic.jsu.edu/stars/planetarium.html
Fee:       $5 per person

Cultivating Shiitake Mushrooms in Natural Logs                                                                   

Join Dr. Safaa Al-Hamdani to learn how to grow shitake mushrooms and how to make money doing it! Course begins at JSU Martin Hall for a presentation on the specific “how to” of this process and then moves to the green house for a four hour “hands on” step by step program.
Date:    Saturday, April 25, 2009                                                                                            

Where: Jacksonville State University Martin Hall 700 Pelham Road North Jacksonville AL 36265
Time:    10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fee:      $40 per participant; includes supplies to complete one log (additional logs may be purchased after the workshop); bring your own “brown bag” lunch. Pre-registration required.

Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day at Little River Canyon National Preserve

National Park Junior Ranger programs will be presented at various times on this date.

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009

Where: Meet at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (near Little River Falls on Hwy 35)

Time: Events and information scheduled at various times and locations throughout the day. Fore more info call Little River Canyon Center at 256-845-9605 or look on line at www.nps.gov/liri

Fee: No fee or registration

Spring Fairy Houses & Hobbit Hike (Children’s Nature Observation Skills)

Pausing in the forest or along the river to create a small structure for the good folk gives children the opportunity to bond with nature on a very personal level. Morrison will also lead a short “hobbity” hike through an enchanted forest to identify places where fairies might live or play to teach observation skills to budding young naturalists. Award-winning storyteller and naturalist Renee Morrison was taught to make fairy houses by her grandmother and has been making fairy houses with her sons and nature campers for decades. CEUs available for this workshop.                                                                                     

Date:       Saturday, April 25, 2009

Where:    JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (near Little River Falls on Hwy 35)
Time:      Noon – 3:00 pm 

Fee:        $10 per person; pre-registration required

May 2009

First Saturday Series: Early Summer Frog Pond Adventure
Learn to identify frog songs and get a hands-on experience with these slippery creatures. Participate in Frog Watch USA. For more information on JSU’s Frog Pond, visit our website at http://epic.jsu.edu/frogpond.html
Date:      Saturday, May 2, 2009
Where:  JSU Frog Pond in White Plains, AL
Time:     7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fee:      $5 per person; pre-registration required

Chief Ladiga Trail Interpretive Bike Ride

Join USFS Biologist Jeff Gardner for a bike ride on the Chief Ladiga Trail portion that crosses through the Talladega National Forest. Participants will bring their own bikes and meet at the new parking lot at Borden Springs. Bikers will ride approximately 10 miles round trip. Bring drink/snacks/lunch. Not recommended for children under 12 years.

Date:      Saturday, May 2, 2009
Where:  Chief Ladiga Trail Parking Lot (Borden Springs, AL)
Time:     9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fee:      $10 per person; pre-registration required

Bilingual Spanish-English Hike (¡para los personas hablas Espanol!)
Acompanenos a una caminata en el Parque Estatal de Soto y Canon de Rio Pequeno.
Fecha:  Sabado, Mayo 2, 2009
Donde: JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (Hwy 35 near Little River Falls)
Hora:     10:00 am hasta las 1:00 mediodia
Tarifa:   $10 adulto (ninos gratis)
This easy hike is led by Dr. Kelly Gregg. It is designed for individuals who are fluent and learning Spanish.
Date:     Saturday, May 2, 2009
Where: JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (Hwy 35 near Little River Falls)
Time:    10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Fee:     $10 per adult and children free with parent; pre-registration required

17^th Annual Wildflower Saturday at DeSoto State Park
With its abundance of rhododendron and mountain laurel, there are few places lovelier than DeSoto State Park in May. Join DeSoto’s Brittney Hughes, NPS’s Larry Beane, and other botanists for this incredible day of flora.
Date:     Saturday, May 2, 2009
Where:  DeSoto State Park; Visit  www.desotostatepark.com or call 1-800-ALA-PARK (option 2) 
Time:     Multiple hikes from morning through afternoon (call for exact times)
Fee:       No fee

Paddling Tour of Terrapin Creek
Imagine green pools with six foot alligator gar floating along side your boat, wildflowers dripping over verdant banks, and spring birds trilling in the tree tops. Join JSU Field School staff and seasoned paddlers for this 4-6 mile float down lovely Terrapin Creek.  If water levels are low, program may be cancelled. Space is LIMITED.

Date:     Saturday, May 9, 2009
Where:  Terrapin Creek Outdoor Center (AL Hwy 9 near Centre, AL)
Time:     9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fee:       $50 per person kayak; $25 per person canoe (double only); $25 per person to bring your own canoe or kayak; Pre-registration is required.

CCC Historic Hike                                                                                                                                                         Join DeSoto State Park Staff on this historic hike to the Civilian Conservation Corp’s ‘unfinished’ Bridge. Learn why the CCC left it ‘unfinished’ and see several original structures. Meet in front of DeSoto’s Lodge in the CCC Memorial Park. Moderate to Strenuous Hike on old CCC roadbed. Not for children under the age of 5.                                                                     Date:     Saturday, May 9, 2009
Where:  DeSoto State Park; Visit  www.desotostatepark.com or call 1-800-ALA-PARK (option 2) 
Time:     9:00 am – 12:00 noon  
Fee:       No fee

Wildflower Saturday at Little River Canyon National Preserve
National Park Ranger Larry Beane will guide you through a memorable wildflower experience. Come enjoy a bloomin' good day! Call the National Park Service for more information at 256-845-9605
Date:    Saturday, May 9, 2009                                                                                            

Where: Meet at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (near Little River Falls on Hwy 35) in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:    9:00 am – 11:00 am or 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Fee:      No fee or registration

International Migratory Bird Day
Programs and information on migratory birds.
Date:    Saturday, May 9, 2009                                                                                            

Where: Meet at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (near Little River Falls on Hwy 35) in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:    Events and information scheduled at various times during the day. Call the National Park Service for more information at 256-845-9605 or visit www.nps.gov/liri
Fee:      No fee or registration

Murdock’s Hidden Trails & EXTREME Hike
Join Dr. Chris Murdock, JSU Biologist and Little River native for this EXTREME experience on hidden trails to the river; moderate to difficult trails in some areas; opportunities to swim in Little River (dress for getting wet). Not recommended for children under the age of 16 years.

TEEN approved: visit www.geeksinthewoods.org for more information on TEEN approved outdoor recreation.

Date:     May 9, 2009
Where:  JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (near Little River Falls on Hwy 35) in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:     9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fee:       $20 per person; pre-registration required

Edible & Interesting Plants Workshop for Children                                                                                                  This workshop is designed for children that are naturally curious about nature. Join DeSoto's naturalist Brittney Hughes for this fun & interesting program on the nature of plants.  Demonstrations & an easy hike. No fee. Please Pre-register ahead of time.                                                                                                                                                                           Date:     May 16, 2009
Where:  DeSoto State Park Nature Center www.desotostatepark.com
Time:     10:00 am – Noon
Fee:       No fee; pre-registration required

Beginning Bird Identification
Join USFS birding experts for a tour of the Shoal Creek District’s birding “hot spots” including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker management  areas (and possibly nestlings). Convoy behind USFS biologist in your own vehicle.
Date:     May 16, 2009
Where:  Meet at the Shoal Creek District Office (256)-463-2272 in Cleburn County, AL
Time:     7:00 am – 10:00 am
Fee:       $10 per person; Pre-registration required

Herbal Medicine Making Workshop                                                                                                                                Join Herbalists Darryl Patton and DeSoto State Park staff for an introductory class geared toward learning medicinal properties of plants including how to make salves and poltices. Class will include short hikes on nature trails and demonstrations. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hike.                                                                                    Date:     May 23, 2009
Where:  Meet at DeSoto State Park’s Nature Center www.desotostatepark.com (1-800-ALA-PARK)
Time:     2:00 pm – 4:00 pm  
Fee:       Pre-registration required (call Brittney Hughes at 256-845-0051)

CCC Historic Hike: The Quarry Trail                                                                                                                               Join DSP Staff on a moderate hike to the CCC Quarry. Learn how the builders of DeSoto State Park constructed the original structures that you can still see in the park today.  Moderate to strenuous climbs.                                                                                    Date:     May 30, 2009
Where:  Meet at DeSoto State Park’s Nature Center www.desotostatepark.com (1-800-ALA-PARK)
Time:     9:00 am – 11:00 am
Fee:       No fee; Pre-registration required

June 2009

Ethnobotany Weekend at DeSoto State Park (June 5-6)                                   

JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park will offer fun activities Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together. Join ethno-botanist Francine Hutchinson for Campfire Talks on Friday and Saturday nights, register for the plants workshop on Saturday. For lodging information, visit www.desotostatepark.com

Campfire Talk: Medicinal Plants of Little River Canyon

Join botanist Francine Hutchinson for a presentation of local healing herbs, and learn how to grow many of them yourself.
Date:     Friday, June 5, 2009

Where:    DeSoto State Park Nature Center/Campground
Time:    8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Fee:        Free

Medicinal & Edible Plants Workshop & Hike
For centuries, local residents have used hundreds of different species of medicinal plants found in our forests. Come learn about many of them with botanist Francine Hutchinson.
Date:    Saturday, June 6, 2009
Where: Meet at DeSoto State Park Nature Center
Time:    9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fee:      $30/adult; $15 child; Pre-registration is required.

Campfire Talk: Ethno-botany/Edible Plants of Little River Canyon
There are many wild plants that have a wide range of uses. Join botanist Francine Hutchinson for a presentation on what’s safe and what’s not.
Date:     Saturday, June 6, 2009
Where:    DeSoto State Park Nature Center/Campground
Time:    8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Fee:        Free

Junior Catfish-Fishing Derby
Join United States Forest Service and JSU Field Schools for this event for kids which includes a cat fishing competition. Take advantage of the beautiful location and camp for the weekend! Family friendly.

Date:      Saturday, June 13, 2009
Where:  Coleman Lake Recreational Area (near Heflin, AL)
Info:     Contact Jeff Gardner at 256-463-2272
Fee:       Free for kids 16 and under

Family Weekend DeSoto State Park (June 26-27)
JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park will offer fun activities Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together. Join Dr. Chris Murdock for free Campfire Talks on Friday and Saturday nights with live critters. Register for the family hike program on Saturday. For lodging information, visit www.desotostatepark.com

Campfire Talk: Can Snakes Crawl Backwards?
JSU biologist Dr. Chris Murdock will talk about amphibians and reptiles...meet some live creatures!
Date:      Friday, June 26, 2009
Where:    DeSoto State Park Nature Center/Campground
Time:    8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Fee:        Free

Herpetology Hike:  Searching for Reptiles & Amphibians
Join Dr. Chris Murdock, JSU biologist (and herpetologist) on a fun and extremely unique adventure hike looking for creepy crawly creatures! This hike gained national attention last year and drew a large crowd who said, “This is one of the BEST hikes we’ve ever experienced!”

Date:     June 27, 2009
Where:  Meet at DeSoto State Park Nature Center
Time:  12:00 pm – 2:00 p.m.
Fee:  $10 per person; pre-registration required

Campfire Talk: Venomous Snakes of Alabama
JSU biologist Dr. Chris Murdock will talk about venomous reptiles: fact, myth and misunderstandings. Meet some live creatures!
Date:      Saturday, June 27, 2009
Where:    DeSoto State Park Nature Center/Campground
Time:    8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Fee:        Free

JSU Field Schools Nature Camps

Hands-on science,   environmental arts, exploration of the natural world, outdoor adventure, live animal experiences, and nature games...children who participate in these camps beg for “just one more week” with JSU!  Every participant builds his or her own memory journal and receives a complete photo CD of camp week to share with their families. These camps fill quickly with a long waiting list, so register early! Fee includes lunch and supplies.

Canyon Camp for Children (at JSU Canyon Center Ft. Payne, AL)

Hands-on environmental education, outdoor fun, arts and exploration of the natural world abound in this camp. Campers will experience hands-on nature study at the Little River Canyon Center and they will explore the Little River Canyon National Preserve, DeSoto State Park, and other areas in DeKalb County. These camps leave children begging for more JSU Field School fun! Every participant builds his or her own memory journal and receives a photo CD of camp week to share with their family and friends. These camps fill quickly so register early. Fee includes lunch and supplies.

Date:                       June 23 – 26, 2009 (Tuesday – Friday)

Age/Grade:            Ages 6 – 8 years
Where:                    JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (Near Ft. Payne, AL)
Time:                      9:30 am – 2:30 pm at the Canyon Center
Fee:                         $200 per participant (includes lunch); pre-registration required (Camp is limited; register early)

July 2009

Little River Canyon Adventure Camp

Hands-on environmental education, arts, exploration of the natural world AND outdoor adventures abound in this camp. This camp travels to Little River Canyon, DeSoto State Park, Talladega National Forest, and/or Cheaha State Park. Children who participate in Renee Morrison’s camps beg for “just one more week” with JSU Field Schools. Every participant receives a photo CD of camp week to share with their family and friends. These camps fill quickly so register early. Fee includes lunch and supplies.

Date:                        July 7 – 10, 2009 (Tuesday – Friday)

Age/Grade:            Ages 9 - 11
Where:                    Meet at the Little River Canyon Center in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:                      8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Fee:                        $200 per participant; pre-registration required (Camp is limited so register early)

Learn to play the HARMONICA
Musician Tony Thomas teaches this fun class. There will be harmonicas for sale.
Date:      Saturday, June 27, 2009
Where:    DeSoto State Park Nature Center/Campground
Time:    1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Fee:        Free Visit www.desotostatepark.com for more information

Canyon Center Outreach Camp: Mountain Longleaf Adventure Camp FULL

Hands-on environmental education, arts, exploration of the natural world AND outdoor adventures abound in this camp. This camp travels to Little River Canyon, DeSoto State Park, Talladega National Forest, and/or Cheaha State Park. Children who participate in Renee Morrison’s camps beg for “just one more week” with JSU Field Schools. Every participant receives a photo CD of camp week to share with their family and friends. These camps fill quickly so register early. Fee includes lunch and supplies.

Date:                       July 14 – 17, 2009 (Tuesday – Friday)

Age/Grade:            Ages 9 - 11
Where:                    Meet JSU Campus

Time:                     8:30 am—4:30 pm
Fee:                        $200 per participant; pre-registration required (Camp is limited so register early)

Canyon Center Outreach Camp: “Greenager” Canyon Camp  FULL

Hands-on environmental education, arts, exploration of the natural world AND outdoor adventures abound in this camp for teenagers who have completed at least 3 years of advanced camp. This camp, led by Renee Morrison, will provide adventurous trips through WILD Alabama habitats while studying field biology.  Fee includes lunch and supplies.

Date:                       July 28 – 31, 2009 (Tuesday – Friday)

Age/Grade:            Teens who have graduated from JSU’s Advanced Camp Series  

Where:                    Meet/Pick Up on JSU Campus

Time:                     8:30 am—4:30 pm  
Fee:                        $250 per participant; pre-registration required

Native American Pottery Workshop
Join nationally renown 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. This workshop is very popular and fills with a long waiting list. Pre-register early to assure your place.

Date:        Saturday, July 18, 2009
Where:    JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (near Little River Falls on Hwy 35) in Ft. Payne, AL
Time:       10:00 am – 12:00 noon OR 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Fee:        $20 adult/$15 child; Pre-registration is required

August 2009

DeSoto State Park: Little River Plant Hike
Join Brittney Hughes and Darryl Patton for a medicinal plant hike along the west fork of the Little River. Moderate to difficult hike. Wear appropriate foot wear.
Date:     Saturday, August 15, 2009
Where: Meet at DeSoto State Park Nature Center
Time:    9:00 am – 11:00 am
Fee:      No fee (Visit www.desotostatepark.com for more information)

Guided Archaeology Tour of Calhoun & St. Clair Counties
Come along with JSU’s Dr. Harry Holstein for a guided archaeology tour of various sites throughout Calhoun and St. Clair counties. We will visit Janney Iron Furnace, a 19th century battlefield and river locks, a prehistoric Indian village, and much more. Participants should bring their own lunch and drinks. Transportation is provided. Space is limited.  This is one of our most of our most popular programs so register early!
Date:     Saturday, August 22, 2009
Where: Jacksonville, AL (Meeting location to be disclosed upon registration)
Time:    9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fee:      $30 per person (ages 14 and older) Pre-registration is required.

September 2009

Family Weekend DeSoto State Park (September 11-12)
JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park will offer fun activities Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together. Join JSU’s Dr. Jim Rayburn for fun “live animal” Campfire Talks on Friday and Saturday nights. Register for the family Woodsy Stroll on Saturday. For lodging information, visit www.desotostatepark.com

Campfire Talk: Frog Metamorphosis
Explore how amphibians transform from a single cell to the wonderful hopping creatures we adore with JSU’s Dr. Rayburn.
Date:     Friday, September 11, 2009

Where:    DeSoto State Park
Time:      7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Fee:        FREE

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.  Easy to moderate level hike. Pre-registration is required.
Date:     Saturday, September 12, 2009
Where:  DeSoto State Park Nature Center
Time:     9:00 am – 12:00 p.m.
Fee:      $10.00 per person (Pre-registration required)

Campfire Talk: Venomous Organisms of Alabama
Some plants and animals really get your attention with their special lines of defense. Presented by toxicologist Dr. James Rayburn.
Date:     Saturday, September 12, 2009
Where:    DeSoto State Park
Time:      7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Fee:        FREE

Murdock’s Hidden Trails & EXTREME Hike Series
Join Dr. Chris Murdock, JSU Biologist and Little River Canyon native for this EXTREME experience on hidden trails to Little River; prepare to get your feet wet. Moderate to difficult (and extreme) level hike. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age.
Date:     September 26, 2009
Where:  JSU’s Little River Canyon Center (near Little River Falls on Hwy 35) in Ft. Payne, AL  
Time:     9:00 am – 4:00 p.m.
Fee:       $20  per person; pre-registration required

Family Weekend DeSoto State Park (September 25-26)
JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park will offer fun activities Friday night, Saturday and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together. Join JSU’s Dr. Kelly Gregg for Campfire Talks on Friday night (Cherokee Trail of Tears) and Saturday night (Geologic History of the Canyon). Join us for the casual canyon “stroll” on Saturday afternoon. For lodging information, visit www.desotostatepark.com

Campfire Talk: 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 this tragic story.
Date:     Friday, September 25, 2009
Time:     7:00 pm - 8:00 pm FREE

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.

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