Nature Center Canoing, Camp Outs, Hikes

Animal Encounter
Every Thursday and Friday in October, 4 p.m.
Autumn is a wonderful time for an outdoor adventure at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Learn about the native wildlife living at CNC through a 30-minute live animal presentation. All ages. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under. Go to www.chattnaturecenter.com for more information.

Naturalist-Led Canoe Trips
The first two Saturdays and Sundays in October: October 4, 5, 11 and 12 from 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Ages 6 and up. Don’t miss your last opportunity this year to experience one of metro Atlanta’s best-kept secrets! It’s a fantastic way to unwind from the daily hustle and bustle of suburban life, or to entertain family and friends. Each trip is led by a CNC naturalist, and offers a unique introduction to the ecology of the Chattahoochee River. Participants are expected to be an active part of this program. Register at scheduling@chattnaturecenter.com, or call 770-992-2055 ext. 237. $30 non-members/$25 members. Pre-registration required.

Native People of the Chattahoochee River
Every Saturday and Sunday in October, 2 p.m.
Discover how the Creek and Cherokee people utilized the Chattahoochee River in their everyday lives. All ages. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Guided Hikes
Every Saturday and Sunday in October, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Autumn is a wonderful time of year to explore the grounds of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. A CNC docent guides you on a journey through the CNC trails, using biofacts and activities to spark your “natural” curiosity. All ages. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Raptor Mealtime
Every Tuesday and Saturday in October at noon. Join our wildlife staff and volunteers to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to keep our animals happy and healthy while in captivity; including our birds, mammal and reptiles. Hike along the wildlife path to find out what it takes to feed all of these animals that are in our care! General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Storytime by the River
Wed., Oct. 1, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Ages 3 to 5. Using books, finger-plays, or crafts, our volunteer storytellers share stories about our favorite orange vegetable – the pumpkin! General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

My 8-Legged Friends
Sat., Oct. 4, 11 a.m. - Noon
Ages 3 to 5. Come and find all about our 8-legged friend – the spider! Enjoy a great story, and make a really cool spider craft. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Arborist Workshop
Sat., Oct. 4, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
$15 non-members/$10 members
Join arborist Nick Philp of Bartlett Tree Experts (www.bartlett.com ) and learn to care for the trees in your home landscape. Recognize dangers such as drought stress and pests, and learn what you can do to help your trees stay healthy. There will also be a discussion and hands-on demonstration to teach you to begin pruning at home. Program is for ages 16 & up. We recommend pre-registration for all programs. If spaces are available, we will accept same day registration.

Lake Kayak & Cook Out
Sat., Oct. 4, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
$95 non-members/$75 members
CNC and High Country Outfitters are partnering for this beautiful afternoon on Parksville Lake (also known as Lake Ocoee). You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the flora & fauna of the area, as well as some new paddling skills. We’ll end the day with a tasty cook-out dinner, vegetarian options included. We will caravan from CNC. Bring water and pack a lunch. Snacks and dinner are included. Program is for ages 16 and up. We recommend pre-registration for all programs. If spaces are available, we will accept same day registration.

Atlanta Audubon Society Intro to Birding Optics Seminar and Open House
Sat., Oct. 4, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Seminar, and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Open House
Join Eagle Optics, the U.S.’s largest independent sports optics dealer, and learn about binoculars and spotting scopes, including how to use them, what to look for and what works best for you. After there will be a display of spotting scopes, binoculars, tripods, digiscoping and camera adapters. Items will be available for sale. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, Free for CNC and Audubon members. Program is for ages 16 & up. No pre-registration required.

Family Canoe Day
Sun., Oct. 5, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ages 5 and up. $15 non-members/$10 members. Pre-registration required.
Join us to discover the basics of canoeing. Learn about canoes, how to paddle them, and safety issues. Then use what you’ve learned as you practice safely on the CNC pond. Spaces fill fast so register early at scheduling@chattnaturecenter.com or 770-992-2055 ext. 237.

Atlanta Audubon Society Master Birder Program
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Tues. and Thurs., and 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Sats., Oct. 7 - Nov. 13. Dates: 10/7, 10/9, 10/11, 10/14, 10/16, 10/18, 10/21, 10/23, 10/25, 10/28, 10/30, 11/1, 11/4, 11/6, 11/8, 11/11, 11/13, 11/15.
$240 non-members/$210 members (Friends of Audubon or CNC)
Introductory ornithology course provides participants with bird identification skills and general knowledge of birds. Participants are expected to attend all lectures and field activities and upon graduation complete volunteer service for Atlanta Audubon each year. Course includes lectures, textbook, audio CDs, and all other materials and handouts. For information and registration contact Georgann Schmalz - georgannschmalz@alltel.net, or call 706.216.5012. Program is for ages 16 & up. We recommend pre-registration for all programs.

Exploration Stations
Fri., Oct. 10 at 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Ages 4 – 12. Visit the Classification, Conservation, Observation, Sensation, and Pollination Stations, and find out through hands-on activities about each of these exciting areas of our natural world. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Autumn Stars STARLAB
Sat., Oct. 11, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. (Two 25-minute sessions).
Don’t miss this must-see attraction at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. A naturalist will guide you as you learn about the stars, constellations, and planets that are prominent in the autumn night sky in our giant, inflatable STARLAB planetarium. Ages 5 and up. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Backyard Camp Out
Sat., Oct. 11, 5 p.m. – Sun. Oct. 12, 10 a.m.
$30 non-member families/$15 member families
Join us as we sleep out under the stars at CNC. We’ll provide space, water, bathrooms & a campfire; you bring the rest. Adults, families & (supervised) children of all ages welcome. For details, including a packing list and schedule.

Eagles for the Eagles Charity Golf Tournament
Tues., Oct. 14, 2008.
Registration at 9 a.m., Shotgun Start at 11 a.m.
Atlanta National Golf Club in Alpharetta.
Costs are $500 for individual players, and include green fees, boxed lunch on the course, complimentary beverages, post play cocktail reception and awards banquet.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s environmental education programs, which are increasingly important, given the metro Atlanta’s continuing water shortages. To register or sponsor this exceptional event, contact DeAnn Fordham, Special Events Director, at 770-992-2055, ext. 226, or E-mail at d.fordham@chattnaturecenter.com.

Pumpkin Carving
Wed., Oct. 15, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30p.m.
Ages 6 and up (adult helper required). Help us decorate the grounds of CNC for our annual Halloween Hikes by carving a pumpkin to be on display during the festival. Spaces are limited for this event. Pre-registration required. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Chattahoochee River Canoe Discovery Trip
Sun., Oct. 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$60 non-members/$50 members (Fee includes canoe, paddles and life vest)
Join CNC volunteer naturalist, Jerry Hightower for an interpretative canoe paddle from Morgan Falls Dam to Paces Mill (9.3 river miles). Good for beginners, intermediate and advanced paddlers. This trip is not suitable for those who have never canoed on a river before. CNC offers guided trips to gain experience. We will caravan from CNC. Bring water and a pack lunch. Snacks will be provided. If spaces are available, we will accept same day registration.

Earth Balloon
Sun., Oct. 19, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. (program begins at 1 p.m., come early to explore)
Ages 5-adult. Join Laura Aikens with the City of Roswell to explore their brand new Earth Balloon This 22 ft. Earth allows you to explore our planet in new ways, both inside and out. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Halloween Hikes
Fri./Sat.: Oct.17, 18, 24 and 25, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
$7 per person (children 2 and under are admitted for free).
Our annual fundraiser is a non-scary adventure for children of all ages. Take your child on a well-lit hike through the forest to meet woodland creatures, and hear about their lives. It’s the perfect non-scary alternative to traditional Halloween events. An evening full of fun activities includes arts and crafts, games, face painting, musical entertainment and a traditional bonfire! It’s good, clean fun for the entire family, and an excellent way to celebrate Halloween. Ticket sales begin each evening at 6:30, and end at 9:30 PM. For more information, call (770) 992-2055, ext. 236, or send an E-mail to r.gilbert@chattnaturecenter.com.

Bird Walk
Sat., Oct. 18, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Ages 8 to adult. Join CNC wildlife volunteer and Master Birder, Stacy Zarpentine, for a morning bird walk to discover what feathered friends you will find around the grounds. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Pumpkin Carving
Wed., Oct. 22, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Ages 6 and up (adult helper required). Help us decorate the grounds of CNC for our annual Halloween Hikes by carving a pumpkin to be on display during the festival. Spaces are limited for this event. Pre-registration required. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

New This Fall: Youth Photography Workshop – Learning the Basics of Nature Photography
Sat., Oct. 25, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ages 10-15. $35 non-members/$30 members
Does your child have a camera, but is unsure how to use it? Does your child want to take their photography skills to the next level? Sign them up for this all day photography workshop with longtime naturalist and photographer Mindy Edelson. She will teach the basics of camera operation, composition and lighting. The class will practice taking photos on the nature center grounds, as well as during live animal encounters. Pre-registration required.

Infant Walk
Sat., Oct. 25, 10 a.m.– 11 a.m.
Ages Birth – 2 years. Join a CNC naturalist to discover ways you can connect your infant to the wonders of nature. Find out what plants are okay to touch, great places to explore shapes, and connect with other parents. $15 non-members/$5 members (price per family). Pre-registration required.

Photography Workshop – Focus on CNC Wildlife with Marvin Price
Sun. Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bring your own lunch. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
$160 non-members/$140 members
This is a reprise of our popular spring workshop. Marvin price, www.marvinpricephotography has spent many hours at CNC honing his skills as a wildlife photographer, and is eager to share those skills with you. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, this class will provide you with a unique opportunity to photograph CNC’s wildlife, share & critique your art and apply what you learn to a second photo session. Program is for ages 16 & up. We recommend pre-registration for all programs. If spaces are available, we will accept same day registration.

Infant Walk
Wed., Oct. 29, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Ages Birth – 2 years. Join a CNC naturalist to discover ways you can connect your infant to the wonders of nature. Find out what plants are OK to touch, great places to explore shapes, and connect with other parents. $15 non-members/$5 members (price per family). Pre-registration required.

Go to www.chattnaturecenter.com or call 770-992-2055 for more information on classes and programs.