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Elk Knob State Park Programs Include Community Headwaters Day, Story Time, Trail Work Days and More

Elk Knob State Park –  September  2012

Aug. 30, 2012. Saturday, Sept. 8 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Community Headwaters Day Celebration 

The 8th Annual Elk Knob Community Headwaters Day will kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8. The cost of admission is a covered dish to share. Enjoy live music, wagon rides, games, environmental programs, bee keeping, hide tanning, weaving, geology information and a delicious potluck lunch – all against the backdrop of Elk Knob and Snake Mountain. Families are encouraged to bring food items at 11 a.m. but no later than noon when lunch is served. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the park and dogs must be on a leash. This celebration of Elk Knob State Park and the heritage of the surrounding communities is presented by Elk Knob Community Heritage Organization, Inc. (EKCHO) and Elk Knob State Park.

Sunday, Sept. 9 – 2 p.m. – Story time with the Park Ranger

Come to the park and learn about fire and its importance in the natural world. The Fire that Saved the Forest, by M. Donahue, will be the featured story. Following the story, see some of the equipment used by park rangers to protect our natural resources from the devastation of a forest fire. This program is designed for children ages 6-12, but all ages are welcomed. Meet at the park office. 

Saturday, Sept. 22 – 11 a.m. – TRACK Trail Dedication

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks program is installing its fourth TRACK Trail at Elk Knob State Park. The goal is to get kids and families “un-plugged,” outdoors and actively engage in nature for their health and the health of our parks. The TRACK Trail provides a series of self-guided, brochure-led adventures designed to turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled adventure. The Elk Knob State Park TRACK Trail will be located on the Summit Trail that begins at the Trailhead parking lot and climbs toward the summit of Elk Knob. Meet at the Trailhead parking lot for this exciting new addition to Elk Knob State Park.

Sunday, Sept. 30 – 3 to 5 p.m. – Wily Weeds and Wildflowers

Though plants don’t have a brain like animals, they do have an intelligence that allows them to live low impact lives maximizing solar energy while using clever strategies to ward off enemies, get pollinated and spread their seeds as well as to manufacture healing and nutritional compounds. Join former NPS Park Ranger Julie Mullis at the Elk Knob State Park Office for a PowerPoint-enhanced discussion highlighting some smart fall weeds and wildflowers followed by a walk through the park to see them in their habitats. This event will be held rain or shine.

Mark your calendar for every Saturday in September, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and come to Volunteer Work Days at Elk Knob State Park. Meet at the Summit Trail parking lot. No experience is needed, and the park will supply all tools. You will need to wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes (no flip flops or sandal-style shoes are permitted), work gloves and any snacks or drinks (non-alcoholic) you will need throughout the workday. Work can include: digging up roots or soil to create the trail tread, moving rocks, building a rock wall and other similar tasks. It’s fun and also a great way to give back to the area you enjoy.

For more information, call 828-297-7261.