Explore, learn, protect at Panola Mountain’s Junior Ranger Day

There’s a world of activities near your backyard to help kids satisfy their curious nature while also becoming a Junior Ranger! Encourage them to discover the great outdoors in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area during Junior Ranger Day at on Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Panola Mountain State Park.

Kids will participate in hands-on activities where they will explore alien-like landscapes filled with amazing plants and creatures, learn about nature and history, and work together to protect our parks.

“Our Junior Ranger Program is a great way to inspire kids to discover the rich cultural and natural landscapes around them,” said Mera Cardenas, executive director of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance. “We’re encouraging families to join us for a day filled with adventure where future Junior Rangers can come explore, learn and protect our wonderful resources in the National Heritage Area.”

While the program is geared toward children ages 8-12, the entire family is welcome to stay and discover the park for the day. All aspiring Junior Rangers will participate in action-packed activities related to the National Heritage Area including farming, stain glass designs, and wildlife animals. As they earn their Junior Ranger badge and special prizes, our young rangers will also share in making fun-filled memories together.

Activities will be guided by AMNHA partners from the AWARE Wildlife Center, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Flat Rock Archives, the Monastery of the Holy Spirit and Panola Mountain State Park. At the end of the day, our newest Junior Rangers will be sworn in together and receive their badges and certificates in a special ceremony.

To sign up for Junior Ranger Day, start your adventure here: http://juniorrangerday.bpt.me. Registration is $5 per child; accompanying adults are free. Parking for the event is $5 per car at the Panola Mountain State Park Nature Center located at 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281.

For more information about the program, contact Director of Interpretation Sarah Lisle at sarah@arabiaalliance.org or 404-998-8384.

Junior Ranger Day is sponsored and organized by the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, a non-profit organization that protects, promotes, and preserves the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. For more information about Arabia Alliance, visit www.arabiaalliance.org.