Spring Break at Lake Charles State Park.
Saturday, March 21
1:30 – 2:30 pm – BE AN EXPLORER!
Interested in becoming an Arkansas State Parks Explorer? Meet a park interpreter outside the visitor center to learn how to get started! The Explorer Program is intended for young people ages 6-14 (though all ages are welcome) who care about nature, history, safety, and fun. You get to do neat stuff and earn an official Explorer Badge. This is a drop-in program.
Meeting Place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free.
3:30 – 4 pm – EDIBLE BUGS
While many of us don’t view them as food, some of the insects found at Lake Charles State Park are part of a healthy diet all over the world! Meet the park interpreter to discover some of the unique ways insects are used in today’s cuisine and try some for yourself. You don’t have to eat any to attend, but those who do will become official members of the “I Ate a Bug” club and will receive a certificate!
Meeting Place: Old Playground. Admission: Free.
Join a park interpreter at the Mockernut Trail to prowl for owls. Several species of owls reside in the forests of Lake Charles State Park. Learn about a few species of owls and their awesome adaptations that make them efficient nocturnal predators. Once we learn about owls, we’ll attempt to call some and hear them call back. This program will last about 45 minutes. Please bring a flashlight and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Meeting Place: Mockernut Trailhead. Admission: Free.
Sunday, March 22
9 – 10 am – BIRDING HIKE
Join a park interpreter on a hike to look for some local feathered friends. We will discuss fun facts about these park residents and weary travelers as we identify them. Bring water and binoculars if you have them. Meet at the White Oak trailhead near the campsites and please wear appropriate shoes for this less than a mile hike of the Butterflies & Blooms Trail.
Meeting Place: White Oak Trailhead. Admission: Free.
2 – 3 pm – DIY BIRD FEEDERS
Join a park interpreter as you create your own birdfeeders made from recyclable materials! This program will not only inspire you to create your own birdfeeders but encourage you to help protect your own ecosystems in your own backyard. Materials and craft instructions will be provided.
Meeting Place: Pavilion. Admission: Free.
Monday, March 23
11 am – 12 pm – BE AN EXPLORER!
Meeting Place: Visitors Center. Admission: Free.
3 – 4 pm – BACKYARD BASS
Meet a park interpreter at the beach and learn how to cast and make sure your catch is ethical and legal with this fun, land-based activity. Backyard Bass is a great interactive game to practice your casting with no hook involved. Participants will also learn how fishing regulations ensure a lifetime of fishing opportunities. This is a drop-in program that is suited for families.
Meeting Place: Swim Beach. Admission: Free.
Thursday, March 26
2 – 3 pm – FLY FISHING 101
Think fly fishing can only be done in world-class trout rivers? Think again! Fly fishing can be done anywhere that conventional tackle is used, but with special considerations for certain types of bodies of water. Starting on lakes is a great introduction to this wonderful sport. Come learn the basic equipment needed to get started and get a chance to practice casting a fly rod.
Meeting Place: Snapp Fishing Pier. Admission: Free.
Friday, March 27
10 – 11 am – MOCKERNUT HIKE
Join the park interpreter for a guided 3/4-mile hike of the Mockernut Trail. Experience first-hand the peaceful sights and sounds of nature, who knows what we may discover along the way! This hike is considered lightly moderate in difficulty, please wear sturdy shoes and bring some water!
Meeting Place: Mockernut Trailhead. Admission: Free.
2– 3 pm – GYOTAKU: FISH PRINTING
Gyotaku is the Japanese art of fish printing. Fishermen kept record of their catches by applying ink and printing the fish’s impression on rice paper. Join a park interpreter at the playground as we make our own fish prints of native Arkansas species. Each participant will get to take home their own fish print. We’ll be using fake fish! There is a possibility of getting messy in this program so bring appropriate clothing. This is also a drop-in program.
Meeting Place: Pavilion. Admission: Free
Saturday, March 28
9 – 10 am – BIRDING HIKE
Join a park interpreter on a hike to look for some local feathered friends. We will discuss fun facts about these park residents and weary travelers as we identify them. Bring water and binoculars if you have them. Meet at the White Oak trailhead near the campsites and please wear appropriate shoes for this less than a mile hike of the Butterflies & Blooms Trail.
Meeting Place: White Oak Trailhead. Admission: Free.
2 – 3 pm – MAMMALS AND THEIR HABITAT
Join the park interpreter to learn about some of the local furbearing residents that call the park home. You will have the opportunity to feel the furs of various mammals as we discuss their relationships to each other as well as their roles in the park’s ecosystem.
Meeting place: Old Playground. Admission: Free