JSU News Wire

Fresh Air Family: Teeth Trees, Paddles and Frogs

"Pull" more teeth than the Tooth Fairy can afford, catch some fins, hug some trees and row, row, row our boats with Fresh Air Family outings in June. You can get up close and personal with some "creepy crawlies." Also, if you plan on attending City Stages this year, be sure to stop by our booth located in Linn Park near the children's stage to say "hello" to a few critters besides the human ones! Look for Bat Lady!

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How is it possible that teeth from 16 different species of sharks can be found 300 miles from the beach? Join us at Shark Tooth Creek as Mr. Ken Owens explains how this happened, and then hop on the "Shark Tooth Creek Express" for a hayride down to the creek. We guarantee you will leave with more teeth than you started with. Don't forget to dress to get wet!

****THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY FULL***

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Didn't register in time for the Shark Tooth Creek adventure? Then break out your rod and reel, and join us for a little family-friendly competition at East Lake Park and Coleman Lake .

Saturday, June 7
11th Annual Fishing Rodeo
East Lake Park
Birmingham, Alabama
Time: 7:00AM to 1:00PM CST
Sponsored by the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board at East Lake Park on 1st Avenue North and 84th St. Bring your rod and reel and fish in the stocked lake. Fill out your free ticket for prizes. You may picnic or purchase lunch and snacks. For more information call the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board at 205-254-2699.
Fee Notice: free
No registration required because this is not a sponsored program, but is for your information

Saturday, June 14
Junior Fishing Derby
Coleman Lake Recreational Area (near Heflin, Alabama)
Time: 9:00AM to 11:00AM CST
Join United States Forest Service for this event for kids which includes a catfishing competition and fishing etiquette workshop. Lunch will be provided. Take advantage of the beautiful location and camp for the weekend! Family friendly. Contact Jeff Gardner at (256) 463- 2272. This event is limited to children 16 years of age and under.
Fee Notice: Free Event
Registration: events@freshairfamily.org or call (205) 401- 0245

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Come explore the beautiful Bankhead National Forest/Sipsey Wilderness as we go on a special Fresh Air Family exclusive peek into rare wonders on our fourth Thursday hike. Janice Barrett will meet us at the Warrior Mountain Trading Company at 10:30 AM for a hike no longer than 3 miles. Bring a sack lunch and plenty of water. Due to the sensitivity of the area, this hike will be limited to 20 children, plus parents.

Thursday, June 19
Thursday Hike with Wild South
Moulton , Alabama
Time: 8:30AM CST
Meet: at Hobby Lobby in Gardendale at 8:30AM ( 655 Fieldstown Rd. ) Exit 271 onto I-65 North.
Directions: Take I-65 north to Cullman. Exit onto Highway 157 (Exit #310) and head toward Moulton. Drive about 20 miles and turn Left onto Highway 36.
Go about 10 miles to the end of 36, where it intersects Highway 33. Warrior Mountains Trading Company will be on your Right. In fact, turn into the parking lot before you actually get to the traffic light. This is the community of Wren.
Fee notice: Free event
Registration: events@freshairfamily.org or call (205) 401- 0245. Please register by Thursday, June 12. This is in order to have enough guides for our group.

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If you want to be prepared for next month's camping/canoeing adventure, sign up for our Canoe 101 class at Oak Mountain State Park where we'll learn canoe basics and safety. Bring a sack lunch, and we will picnic after canoeing. If you'd like to fish, bring your fishing gear and license, or purchase one at the Fishing Center Store for $12.00.

Saturday, June 21
Canoe 101- Prep for Bear Creek Canoe Run
Oak Mountain State Park
Pelham , Alabama
Time: 9:00AM.
Meet: at the Oak Mountain State Park Fishing Center at 9:00AM. The Fishing Center is at Beaver Lake . The ' Oak Mountain Public Lake ' entrance is closer to Beaver Lake than the recreation area entrance. On Hwy 119 at I-65, go east toward Hwy. 280 about 5 to 6 miles. The entrance will be on your right.
Fee Notice: There is an entrance fee for Oak Mt State Park: adults $3.00, children 6-11 $1.00, seniors 62 and over $1.00.
A $15.00 REFUNDABLE deposit, per family, is required to reserve a canoe. Please mail your deposit to: Fresh Air Family, Inc, PO Box 321038 , Birmingham , AL 35232 .
Registration: events@freshairfamily.org or call (205) 401- 0245. Please register and send in your deposit by Thursday, June 6.

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Come show the trees some love as we go on a guided nature hike and learn about the variety of hardwoods and evergreens that blanket the forest of Guntersville State Park . Be sure to bring a sack lunch, drink, and plenty of bug spray!

Saturday, June 21
"Trail of Trees" Tree Identification
Guntersville State Park
Guntersville, Alabama
Meet time: 10:30 CST - Event starts at 2:00
Meet: at Sam's Club on Kilgore Memorial Parkway in Irondale at 11:00AM or Mtn High Outfitters on Hwy 280 at 10:30 AM. Directions: Birmingham - We will travel I-20 to I-459 then to I-59 North. Then take I-59 North to Gadsden and exit onto Hwy. 431. Follow Hwy. 431 North to Guntersville. Turn onto Hwy. 227 South and follow it into Guntersville State Park .
Free Notice: Free Event
Registration: events@freshairfamily.org or call (205) 401- 0245

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Want to go in search of a few "creepy crawlies"? Join us as we meet JSU biologist (and herpetologist) Dr. Chris Murdock, for a herpetology hike at beautiful DeSoto State Park . Be sure to bring a sack lunch, bug spray, appropriate footwear, and a camera to catch the action!

Saturday, June 28
Herpetology Hike: Searching for Reptiles & Amphibians
DeSoto State Park Nature Center
Ft. Payne, Alabama
Meet time: 8:30 - 9:00AM CST - Event starts: 12:00 PM
Meet: at Sam's Club on Kilgore Memorial Parkway in Irondale at 9:00 AM or Mtn High Outfitters on Hwy 280 at 8:30 AM. Directions: We will travel I-20 to I-459 then to I-59 North. Then we will follow I-59 North to exit 218 off ramp, turn right onto AL 35 South. Go to the first red light and veer left. Go to the next light and turn left on Gault Ave. Go through downtown Fort Payne about 1 mile and turn right on AL 35 next to Union Park . Travel up the mountain, turn left at a flashing caution light on top of Lookout Mountain . Go 5 miles on Co. Rd. 89 and enter DeSoto State Park . Lodging is indicated on signs turning right from DeSoto Parkway . Continue past the signs around the curvy road approximately ¼ mile to the Country Store/Campground Registration Office/Nature Center Building/Restrooms on the left..
Fee Notice: Free; part of Family Weekend.
Registration: events@freshairfamily.org or call (205) 401- 0245

Gas prices got you down? Want to go on an overnight excursion in your own "backyard?" Participate in the National Wildlife Federation's 4^th annual Great American Backyard Campout!

Saturday, June 28
Great American Backyard Campout
Gardendale Civic Center
Gardendale , Alabama

For more information or to register, contact Wendi Merritt at AlabamaHiker@hotmail.com or the Gardendale Civic Center at 205-631-5679.
Fee Notice: Free

Visit the Year of Outdoor Alabama site to view more recreational attractions, events and accommodations.