By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
From a Tots Discovery program about baby owls to nature hikes in search of birds and reptiles, Spring Fest at Goose Creek State Park offered something for everybody.
The event, held Saturday, was an opportunity for families to spend quality time together in the great outdoors, while also learning ways to “go green” and preserve Earth’s natural resources, said Kelley Thompson, park superintendent.
“I think everybody who came out had a really good time,” she said. “They definitely enjoyed it.”
Educational booths sponsored by various agencies and organizations offered tips on recycling and conservation. Among those on hand were the N.C. Division of Air Quality, Weyerhaeuser Co., Beaufort County 4-H, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Red Wolf Coalition, Beaufort County Master Gardeners, Cool Springs Environmental Education Center, N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries and the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation Riverkeepers. The N.C. Division of Forest Resources was scheduled to participate but had to bow out since Saturday turned out to be a high fire-risk day, according to Thompson.
“I appreciate everybody being here and giving their Saturday up to educate people about the environment and what we can do for the environment,” Thompson said.
Activities included a scavenger hunt, a Reptile Roving hike along the Palmetto Boardwalk with Ranger Kevin Bischof and a birding expedition with retired Ranger Floyd Williams, who worked at Merchants Millpond State Park. Also planned were ranger-led kayaking trips on Goose Creek.
For more information about Goose Creek State Park and upcoming nature programs and special events, call 252-923-2191.