By Cara Beth Lewis
Calling all nature-lovers, lifelong-learners, and curious-wonderers! Jones Lake State Park has several upcoming programs in February that are sure to spark your interest and teach you something new. From Carolina Bays to Long Leaf Pines, to snakes and bears – these are great learning opportunities for both children and adults.
A common adjective used to describe Carolina Bays is “puzzling,” and they are often referred to as a phenomenon. On February 5th, you can visit Jones Lake State Park, home of one of these intriguing bays, and join a knowledgeable park ranger who will tell you about Carolina Bays, their inhabitants, and more. The tour will begin at 2 pm.
On February 12th, visitors can learn about the Longleaf Pine and its history as a ranger guide and discusses the significance of these trees found in the Tar Heel State. For this program, participants will meet at the visitor center at 1 pm and caravan approximately two miles to the nearby Salters Lake. There will also be a short hike that is approximately one mile long.
Snakes of Southeastern NC are the topic for February 19th’s program. At the visitor’s center, a park ranger will discuss the species of snakes found in eastern North Carolina, as well as those all throughout the state. This event is free of charge and open to the public. Attendees should meet at the visitors center at 10 am.
Lastly, on February 26th, a park ranger will teach and tell about Jones Lake’s largest mammal: the black bear. Participants will learn about the biology, lifestyle, and habits of black bears. This program is free to the public. Participants should meet at the visitors center at 2 pm.
Contact Jones Lake State Park for more information:
4117 NC 242 Hwy N
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
(910)588-4550 (Phone)
For more information about Jones Lake State Park, click here.
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