Chattahoochee River Keeper led 30-minute boat rides for event attendees.
Families have fun learning on and about Lake Lanier
A River Forks Park Explorer event was held in mid-July and featured a combination of fun on the lake and learning about water safety, local wildlife, erecting tents, and meeting some special K-9s that help keep our community safe.
After a brief check-in, children and their parents made their way around the park visiting each of the learning stations, then earning their “Explorer pin.”
Captain John McCalpin and Headwaters Watershed Specialist Becca Risser from Chattahoochee River Keeper, provided attendees with the opportunity to cruise the lake and learn about the importance of water conservation and keeping its waters clean. Leaving from shore near the new Lake Lanier floating Aquatics Learning Center, the group took a 30-minute cruise.
At another booth, Park Ranger Cahn of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Rangers Locke and Thompson of the Department of Natural Resources, and Elaina Lee of Safe Kids of Northeast Georgia came together to provide life jacket tutorials and water safety tips. Fun games, frisbees and balls were available for those who visited the booth.
Members from the GA Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Safe Kids Northeast Georgia came together to provide life jacket demonstrations and water safety tips.
Hall County Fire Department and Hall County Sheriff’s office provided tips on putting up tents, fire safety and leading some “yummy” fun making s’mores.
Elachee Nature Science Center’s Naturalist, Emily Jennings provided a hands-on talk about the wildlife around Lake Lanier. Families could touch animal pelts, see turtle shells, and taxidermy of foxes and owls. A scavenger hunt was provided as well.
A deputy with the Hall County Sheriff’s K-9 unit introduced two of their canines to participants and answered questions visitors had about them. Jolene, a Bloodhound, that helps find people was eager to interact with the families and Timo, a Belgian Malinois, who helps sniff out illegal substances was also well-behaved and friendly with all those who visited. The event was sponsored by Hall County Parks and Leisure.
Naturalist Emily Jennings of Elachee shares information about the many animals that live around Lake Lanier.
Deputy Murray of the Hall County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit describes how their friendly Bloodhound Jolene, uses her strong sense of smell to help find people.
Photos: by Vicki Hope
