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Outdoors Calendar

From Staff Reports

Published: November 6, 2008

Updated: 12/12/2008 12:00 am

South Mountains State Park
-Saturday, 2 p.m., Christmas Wintergreen Hike
Join Park Ranger Allen Rogers for a leisurely walk along the Hemlock Nature Trail and learn about some of the many plants that stay green all year and plants that are used for traditional Christmas decorating. Meet at the Jacob Fork parking area.
-Saturday, noon, Nature's Ornaments
Hey kids, want to make a pinecone Christmas tree or a clothespin reindeer? If so, stop by the visitor center to make these fun Christmas tree ornaments. Call the park office to pre-register.
-Sunday, 2 p.m., Leave It To Beavers
Join Ranger Waltz at the visitor center for a guided walk to view beaver dams. Learn more about nature's wetland engineer and the impact beavers have on the environment.
Call the park office at 433-4772.

Lake James State Park
Saturday, 10 a.m., Wilderness Survival
Have you ever been lost in the woods? Join a park ranger to find out how to keep from getting lost and how to survive if you do. We'll discuss survival kits, finding shelter, fire building and much more. Meet at the park office.
Call the park office at 652-5047.

Fly-fishing and wing-shooting show
There is a hunting and fishing trade show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 30 and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 31at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart in Charlotte. Cost is $15 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Admission includes door prizes, exhibitor booths, information on hot spots and dream destinations, book trips, over 50 programs per day on how to fish and where to go, instructional fly-tying, casting demonstration and more. Visit flyfishingshow.com.

Fly-fishing tournament
The Pisgah Fly Masters fly-fishing tournament on the Davidson River is on March 21 and March 22. This year, there is a youth category for anglers younger than 16.
Hosted by the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Davidson River Outfitters, the competition tests anglers' casting skills off-stream and catch and release abilities on-stream. Registration is open to the first 125 entrants through March 3 for $50, with a late registration available for $75 until March 21. Contact the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education at 877-4423.

Seniors bass tournament on Lake Rhodhiss
Seniors are invited to a bass tournament from 7 a.m. to midnight at Castle Bridge on Lake Rhodhiss. Tournament is open to the public with a one-fish weigh in limit. Cost is $5.

Seniors bass tournament on Lake Hickory
Seniors are invited to a bass tournament from 7 a.m. to midnight at the Love Lady access area on Lake Hickory. Cost is $10 per angler. Half of proceeds go to top three fish weight and other half to the top bass.

Hunter education classes
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is conducting hunter safety certification classes in the following counties:
- Burke County on Dec. 29, 30 and 31. All dates required. Classes begin at 6 p.m. Contact Officer Phillip Tallent at 437-3420.
- Caldwell County on Jan. 17 and 18 beginning at noon. Both dates required. Contact Officer Richard Tucker at 313-2470.
- Iredell County on Jan. 5, 6 and 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. All dates required. Contact Steven Bullins at 704-883-2279.
- McDowell County on Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is a one-day school course at East McDowell Junior High. Contact Heather Goins.
The classes are required for first-time hunters and those buying a hunting license for the first time. Certification requires a total of 10 hours and is recognized in all 50 states.

Crowder's Mountain State Park
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Volunteer Trail Work Day
The Kings Mountain Ridgeline Trail, the trail that will eventually connect Crowders Mountain and Kings Mountain state parks, is nearly completed. This trail is being built largely with help from volunteers. If interested in helping out with this project, call the park office and leave your name and e-mail address. Work groups will meet and depart from the visitor center. Wear work clothes and good hiking boots or shoes. Bring gloves, water and snacks.
Call the park office at 704-853-5375.

Lake Norman State Park
- Dec. 20, 2 p.m., Slimy Salamanders
Join a park ranger at the community building for a Powerpoint program on salamanders. This program will discuss the various salamanders that can be found in Lake Norman State Park. Depending on the weather, a short hike will follow to search for salamanders. Reservations required.
- Dec. 21, 3 p.m., Canoe Nature Trip
Join a park ranger at the boat house for a guided canoe trip around Park Lake, along with a discussion about the many plants and animals that live in and around the lake. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Basic canoe skills are recommended and participants must be at least 7 years old and all canoes must have one adult 18 years of age or older. Reservations required.
Call the park office at 704-528-6350.