(POWHATAN, Ark.) – Looking for a fun and educational way to spend spring break? Lake Charles State Park has you covered. From March 22 to March 29, the park will offer a variety of engaging programs that highlight the unique wildlife, ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities the park has to offer. Whether you’re curious about the mammals of the park, interested in trying edible insects, eager to prowl for owls or want to try your hand at fly fishing, there’s something for everyone. These programs are free and require no registration.
Saturday, March 22, 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., Mammals of Lake Charles: Join the park interpreter to learn about some of the local furbearing residents that call the park home. You will have the opportunity to feel the furs of various mammals as we discuss their relationships to each other as well as their roles in the park’s ecosystem. This event is free. No registration is required.
Saturday, March 22, 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., Edible Bugs: While many of us don’t view them as food, some of the insects found at Lake Charles State Park are part of a healthy diet all over the world! Meet the park interpreter to discover some of the unique ways insects are used in today’s cuisine and try some for yourself. You don’t have to eat any to attend, but those who do will become official members of the “I Ate a Bug” club and will receive a certificate! This event is free. No registration is required.
Friday, March 28, 7 p.m. until 7:45 p.m., Owl Prowl:Join a park interpreter at the Mockernut Trail to prowl for owls. Several species of owls reside in the forests of Lake Charles State Park. Learn about a few species of owls and their awesome adaptations that make them efficient nocturnal predators. Once we learn about owls, we’ll attempt to call some and hear them call back. You will learn how to conduct your own owl prowl. This program will last about 45 minutes, and we will hike approximately 1/2-mile. Please bring a flashlight and wear sturdy hiking shoes. This event is free and no registration is required.
Saturday, March 29, 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., Fly Fishing 101: Think fly fishing can only be done in world-class trout rivers? Think again! Fly fishing can be done anywhere that conventional tackle is used, but with special considerations for certain types of bodies of water. Starting on lakes is a great introduction to this wonderful sport. Come learn the basic equipment needed to get started and get a chance to practice casting a fly rod. This event is free. No registration is required.
Saturday, March 29, 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., Birding Hike: Join a park interpreter on a hike to look for some local feathered friends. We will discuss fun facts about these park residents and weary travelers as we identify them. Bring water and binoculars if you have them. Meet at the White Oak trailhead near the campsites and please wear appropriate shoes for this 1.5-mile hike. This event is free. No registration is required.
Lake Charles State Park
Lake Charles State Park is spread along the western shores of Lake Charles, a 645-acre lake in the northeastern foothills of the Ozark Mountains. A half-hour from Jonesboro and 1.5 hours from Memphis, the park features trails, campsites, and fishing for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. To learn more about Lake Charles State Park, visitwww.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-charles-state-park.