PROGRAMS/EVENTS
May 2, 2003: 8:00am-11:00am Spring Migration Bird Watch
Join expert birder & Charlie Elliott interpretive specialist Tim Keyes on a search for warblers, thrushes, viroes, and other migratory birds. This bird search will consist of short walks and drives between various sites within the Wildlife Center's boundaries. Bring your own binoculars & field guides, and meet in the Visitors' Center parking lot bright and early! Pre-registration is not required. FREE!
May 3, 2003: 9:00am-12:00pm Public Kids' Fishing Event
The Fisheries staff at Charlie Elliott invites kids under 16 to a fun day of fishing! Come hook a bass, bream, or catfish! Fishing is catch & release and is for kids only (children under 14 must be supervised by an adult). Pre-registration is not required. Bring your own bait and tackle (minnows are not allowed). For pond location and other details, call Charlie Elliott's Fisheries Section at (770) 784-3121. FREE!
May 17, 2003: 10:00am-2:00pm Outdoor Festival & JAKES Day
Whether you're new to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center or have visited for years, our annual festival is sure to enlighten you with many fun outdoor experiences! Sponsored by the GA Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation, and Beaver Manufacturing, this event also serves as JAKES Day. The Wild Turkey Federation's JAKES program encourages Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship. Novices can try their hand at fishing, archery, and shooting sports as well as enjoy wildlife shows held throughout the day. The Discovery Building, which contains wildlife classrooms used by school groups and day campers, will be open to the general public. Several conservation exhibitors are available to answer your natural resource questions too. A limited supply of free t-shirts and food for children are available. A must for the whole family! This event takes place at the Discovery Area near Clubhouse Pond. No pre-registration is required. All ages are welcome. FREE! Call (770) 784-3059 for more information.
May 31-June 7, 2003 National Fishing and Boating Week
National Fishing and Boating Week was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness, and to share the values and knowledge of today's anglers with tomorrow's anglers. People of all ages are encouraged to get out on the water and give fishing and boating a try during this week, as well as all year long! Georgia offers two Free Fishing Days in celebration of this week: May 31 and June 7. On these days, residents do not need to obtain a fishing license nor a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state. In addition, residents do not need to obtain a Wildlife Management Area license to fish on a Public Fishing Area (PFA). Marben PFA, part of Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, has several stocked and managed ponds waiting waiting for you! State fishing laws and area limits still apply. Please sign in at one of two kiosks before fishing. For more information, visit the Wildlife Resources Division website at www.georgiawildlife.com.
June 7, 2003: 9:00am - 12:00pm Public Kids' Fishing Event
The Fisheries staff at Charile Elliott invites kids under 16 to a fun day of fishing! Come hook a bass, bream, or catfish! Fishing is catch and release and is for kids only (children under 14 must be supervised by an adult). Pre-registration is not required. Bring your own bait and tackle (minnows are not allowed). For pond location and other details, call Charlie Elliott's Fisheries Section at (770) 784-3121. FREE!
June 7, 2003: 8:00pm-10:00pm Frogging By Ear
Some people can indentify songbirds by their calls, so why not learn frogs' calls too? Join DNR herpetologist John Jensen to learn all about these croaking creatures--which species live in Georgia, how to identify them by sight and sound, and why they call. A half-hour slide show at the Visitors' Center will be followed by hands-on frog catching! We'll search for amphibians around ponds, which will involve a mix of walking and driving within the Wildlife Center's boundaries. Bring a flashlight, and dress fro the outdoors (espically if you want to go after frogs in the water). Maximum 25 participants. All ages welcome. Pre-registration is required. FREE.
June 21, 2003: 10:00pm-11:00am Firearms Safety for the Family
Are you considering bringing a firearm into your home? Or do you have a gun you're not sure how to use? If so, this class is for you! Firearms instructors Jan & Jeannie Dillard will teach you gun safety in the home, in the field, and on the range. Certified by NRA, NSCA, WSSF, and GA Hunter Education, you'll surely learn a lot from these experts! Pistol, rifle, and shotgun ballistics will be covered, too. For safety reasons, please do not bring your own firearms. Attending this program does not fill any hunter education requirements. Maximum 40 participants. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required for this FREE class.
June 28, 2003: 9:30am-12:30pm Shotgunning Basics
If you have never fired a shotgun but would like to try, here's your chance! A firearms safety lesson at the Boar Pond Pavillion will be followed by hands on instruction in a nearby field. For safety reasons, all equipment will be provided. Please do not bring your own firearms. Recommended for ages 9 and up. Children under 16 must be supervised by adults. Pre-registration is required for this FREE class since space is limited to 30.
July 12, 2003: 9:00am-12:00pm Public Kids Fishing Event
The Fisheries staff at Charile Elliott invites kids under 16 to a fun day of fishing! Come hook a bass, bream, or catfish! Fishing is catch and release and is for kids only (children under 14 must be supervised by an adult). Pre-registration is not required. Bring your own bait and tackle (minnows are not allowed). For pond location and other details, call Charlie Elliott's Fisheries Section at (770) 784-3121. FREE!
July 19, 2003: 10:00am-2:30pm Flyfishing Basics
Held at the Campbell Aquatics Center, this flyfishing class includes formal instruction from experts along with hands on practice sessions. Bring a lunch and your own tackle and rods, or use or equipment. Maximum 20 participants, ages 10 and up. An adult over 18 must accompany children. Pre-registration is required. FREE!
July 26, 2003: 10:00am-2:30pm Flytying Basics
Have you ever heard of a wooly bugger? If not, you'll know what it is after taking this class! Instructors will guide you through making 2-3 variations of flies, which you can take home as art or use the next time you go flyfishing! Don't forget to pack a sack lunch for this half day class. Pre-registration is required. Maximum 12 participants (limited kits and supplies). Recommended for ages 12 and up. FREE!
August 9, 2003: 9:00am-12:00pm Public Kids' Fishing Event
The Fisheries staff at Charile Elliott invites kids under 16 to a fun day of fishing! Come hook a bass, bream, or catfish! Fishing is catch and release and is for kids only (children under 14 must be supervised by an adult). Pre-registration is not required. Bring your own bait and tackle (minnows are not allowed). For pond location and other details, call Charlie Elliott's Fisheries Section at (770) 784-3121. FREE!
August 16, 2003: 8:30pm-10:00pm Bugs at Night
Perhaps you already know what lightning bugs and moths look like, but what other insects could you bump into at night? Join retired entomologist Fred Sherberger to find out! After a brief slide presentation , we'll venture outside to see what types of bugs are attracted to black lights and "moth mix." Pre-registration is required for this FREE class since space is limited to 30 participants. All ages are welcome.
September 13, 2003: 10:00am-11:00am Firearms Safety for the Family
Are you considering bringing a firearm into your home? Or do you have a gun you're not sure how to use? If so, this class is for you! Firearms instructors Jan & Jeannie Dillard will teach you gun safety in the home, in the field, and on the range. Certified by NRA, NSCA, WSSF, and GA Hunter Education, you'll surely learn a lot from these experts! Pistol, rifle, and shotgun ballistics will be covered, too. For safety reasons, please do not bring your own firearms. Attending this program does not fill any hunter education requirements. Maximum 40 participants. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required for this FREE class.
September 20, 2003 Fall Migration Bird Day
Nearly 350 species of migratory birds travel between nesting habitats in North America and wintering grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, and the Carribbean. Say farewell to these flying beauties at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (designated an Important Bird Area by the Atlanta Audubon Society) during the peak of fall migration with the following events on this day:
7:30am-10:30am Fall Migration Bird Walk
Join Charlie Elliott interpretive specialist Tim Keyes on a search for warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other migratory songbirds. This bird search will consist of short walks and drives between various sites within the Wildlife Center's boundaries. Wear shoes or boots that can get wet, bring your own binoculars and field guides, and meet in the Visitors' Center parking lot bright and early! Max. 20 participants. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required. FREE!
11:00am-12:00pm Wintering Hummingbirds Slide Show
Rusty Trump from the Georgia Hummer Study Group will give tips on attracting various species of hummingbirds to your backyard as they migrate this winter. Learn how to identify hummers other than the Ruby-Throated and where to find the most updated reports on species sightings. Max. 50 participants. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required. FREE! For more information on hummingbirds, go to www.gahummer.org
September 27, 2003 National Hunting and Fishing Day
The US Congress and President Nixon first established this special day in 1971 to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money they donate to wildlife convervation. The following programs will be offered to celebrate the 32th National Hunting and Fishing Day at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.
Free Fishing Day in Georgia
On this day, residents do not need to obtain a fishing license nor a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state. In addition, residents do not need to obtain a Wildlife Management Area license to fish on a Public Fishing Area (PFA). Marben PFA, part of Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, has several stocked and managed ponds waiting for you! State fishing laws and area limits still apply. Please sign in at one of two kiosks before fishing. For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com.
9:00am-12:00pm Public Kids' Fishing Event
Kids under 16 are invited to a fun day of fishing! Come hook a bass, bream, or catfish! Fishing is catch and release and is for kids only (children under 14 must be supervised by an adult). Pre-registration is not required. Bring your own bait and tackle (minnows are not allowed). For pond location and other details, call Fisheries Management at (770) 784-3121.
10:00am-4:00pm: Muzzleloading Seminar
Here's your chance to learn the correct way to load, fire, and clean muzzleloaders! Sponsored by the Bear Creek Muzzleloaders, qualified NMRLA instructors will be on hand to show you all the basics of muzzleloading rifles and to discuss blackpowder hunting. Bring your own muzzleloader or use the equipment provided. Held at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center's 50-yard Shooting Range, no pre-registration is required. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE! For more information, contact Al Powell at (770) 463-4714 or via e-mail at bpowell616@cs.com.
October 3, 2003: 8:00am-11:00am Fall Migration Bird Walk
Join expert birder and Charlie Elliott interpretive specialist Tim Keyes on a search for warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other migratory birds. This bird search will consist of short walks and drives between various sites within the Wildlife Center's boundaries. Wear shoes or boots that can get wet, bring your own binoculars and field guides and meet in the Visitors' Center parking lot bright and early! Pre-registration is not required. FREE!
October 11, 2003: 9:30am-2:30pm Nature Drawing
Join nature artist Ed Westbrook for a day of drawing amongst the beautiful scenery at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center! If you enjoy drawing but would like to improve your skills, this informal class is for you! Bring your own drawing supplies (graphite and colored pencils, paper) and your imagination! Don't forget to pack a sack lunch for this half day class too. Maximum 20 participants. All ages are welcome (children must be supervised). Pre-registration is required. FREE!
October 25, 2003: 7:00pm-10:00pm Creatures of the Night
After the sun sets, the forest comes alive with animals that rarely are seen during the day. What's out and about at night? Join us to see and hear! Program inculdes guided night hikes, highlights of nocturnal animals, live owl exhibition, and crafts for kids. Don't forget to bring a flashlight! Max. 60 participants. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required. FREE!
November 1, 2003: 10:00am-12:00pm Stream Ecology
The types of fish, insects, and other invertebrates found in a stream often indicate water quality, helping biologists know where to concentrate their efforts. After a brief presentation at the Discovery Building, join DNR Stream Survey staff as they hike to one of Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center's streams and examine the creatures found there. Maximum 20 participants. All ages are welcome. FREE!
November 8, 2003: 11:00am-2pm Mushroom Mania
Hey Fungi Friends! Come explore the fungus among us! Nature photographer Debra Davis, naturalist Larry Davis, and UGA mycologist Dr. David Porter will show you several beautiful mushrooms and to help you identify various species. A guided 'shroom search will follow a slide show presentation. Bring a sack lunch and a basket to collect mushrooms (this day only, and don't eat the mushrooms for lunch). Maximum 35 participants. Pre-registration is required. FREE!
November 29, 2003: 11:00am-2:00pm It's An Outdoor Life
You may know from our Visitors' Center dispalays that Charlie Elloitt was an avid outdoorsman, writer, and conservationist. But artifacts alone can't convey all of Mr. Elloitt's contributions to wildlife! Join Alesia Rust, our museum curator and good friend to Charlie, to learn more about this great man's life. Her "Charlie stories" will change the way you look at the outdoors! And there's no better day to hear them than on his date of birth--November 29! Special artifacts will be displayed, too. Maximum 60 participants. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required. FREE!
December 6, 2003: 9:30am-12:00pm Backyard Bird Basics
Birds could use a little help getting through the winter! So why not put out a feeder for your feathered friends? You don't need to spend a lot of money to do so--come build your own feeder at this FREE class! Participants also will build bluebird nest boxes to continue attracting birds in the spring. Keep your feeder and next box for yourself, or give them as gifts to loved ones! Linda May, one of Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center's wildlife interpretive specialists, will be on hand to discuss the types of feeders and nest boxes available and which work best for various species. Max. 20 participants. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required. FREE!
December 13, 2003: 10:00am-12:00pm At Home With Nature
Feeling crafty this season but not sure where to start? Join Charlie Elliott's Erika Fickle to make a grapevine wreath for your home, incorporating natural items like leaves, pinecones, and moss. Max. 15 participants, ages 12 and up. Children under 16 must be supervised. Pre-registration is required. FREE!
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