Upcoming Canyon Center Events

Canyon Center Events

Field School Programs


March 2023 



Sunday March 12 - Longleaf Pineneedle Basketry Class - 10am - 3pm

Learn the basics of pine needle basketry, an old craft with a long history. Join artist Brittney Hughes to learn the basic steps to making a coiled basket from longleaf pine needles. Each participant will learn the basic skills of pine needle basketry and take home their very own creation. The art of coiling baskets is universally common to indigenous peoples.  Coiling is the technique of creating baskets and art from pine needles and was a part of pre-Columbian Native American crafts.  Today, pine needle baskets and art are made primarily for decorative purposes. All materials (pine needles, thread, and small center for basket) will be furnished. Class is for ages 10 and up.

When: Sunday, March 12, 2023

Where: JSU's Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, Alabama

Time: 10 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (CST)

Fee: $25 supply fee- Supply fee due day of class Pre-registration required.

For details and registration, email Brittney Hughes at Southernchick888@hotmail.com.

March 18 - Dutch Oven Demo Cooking

Dutch ovens have been in use for hundreds of years; especially when our country was expanding, and families were on the move. Unable to bring their large cook stoves with them, women learned how to cook entire meals from stews & soups to bread & desserts, in their Dutch ovens. Learn the basics about Dutch ovens, how to clean & care for your cookware, AND cook (& eat!) dinner & dessert at the same time! Starts around 10:00 am, located at JSU's Little River Canyon Center. This is a demonstration, so the best part is when food is just coming off the fire- drop in whenever you like & check out the food!

Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023

Time: 10 am – 2 pm (or until the food runs out)

Where: JSU's Little River Canyon Center

Call 256-845-3548 for more details

March 28 - 31 Spring Break!

March 28 - Wild About Bears

Join us for Wild About Bears and celebrate Spring Break with us at the Little River Canyon Center! On Tuesday, March 28th, we will celebrate and learn about the Alabama state mammal, the Black Bear. From 10:30 – 11:00 we will have a story time and craft for kids. This program is designed for children 10 and under, but all are welcome. Join us at 1:30 for an educational program about these amazing animals.

Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

Time: 10:30 – 11:00 & 1:30 - 2:00pm.

Location: The Little River Canyon Center.

Fee: Free programs, no registration required.

March 29 - Family Dog Day 

Bring your dog and join us Wednesday, March 29 for a wagging good time!Test your dog's agility in a self-guided obstacle course for dogs that will be open throughout the day. From 10:30 - 11:00 kids can enjoy a doggy craft and story time. Join us from 1:30 - 2:15pm for an guided scent trail hike with your dog and see what can find on the trail!

Date: Wednesday March 29, 2023.

Time: 10:30 - 11am & 1:30- 2:15pm

Location: The Little River Canyon Center

Fee: Free programs, no registration required.

March 30 - Art in Nature

Join us Thursday, March 30 as we look for art in nature! Story Time and a Craft at 10am-10:30am. Nature Journaling for Kids - 10:30am-11:30am. Nature Journaling 101 Workshop -1:30pm-2:30pm. Learn the art of nature journaling with artist Destin Padgett. We'll have story time and a craft at 10am. Registration is appreciated for our Nature Journaling Classes by emailing rmtaylor@jsu.edu. Nature Journaling for Kids is developed for families with kid 10 and under. Nature Journaling 101 Workshop is recommended for teens and adults, but all are welcome. There will also be the chance you to create your own art at stations throughout the day. Be sure to dress appropriately for various weather conditions.

Date: Thursday March 30, 2023.

Time: 10:00 - 10:30am & 10:30 - 11am & 1:30- 2:15pm

Location: The Little River Canyon Center

Fee: Free program. Registration is appreciated for our Nature Journaling Classes by emailing rmtaylor@jsu.edu.

March 31 - Opt Outside Day

Join us Friday, March 31 as we Opt-Outside. Story Time and Sensory Hike for Kids from 10:30am-11:30am. Guided Hike to Little Falls -1:30pm-3:00pm. Lawn Games will be available throughout the day. Story Time and Sensory Hike will be located at the Little River Canyon Center. This program is designed for children 10 and under, but all ages are welcome.
The guided hike to Little Falls is a strenuous 2-mile hike with varying steep terrain and approximately 140 stone steps into the canyon. Please wear footwear suitable for hiking, bring water, and a snack. Meet at the Main Falls parking lot at 1:30

Date: Friday March 31, 2023.

Time: 10:30 - 11:30am & 1:30- 3:00pm.

Location: The Little River Canyon Center & The Little River Falls.

Fee: Free programs, no registration required.


April


April 1 - Hike With a Naturalist - Plant Discovery Hike

Join JSU Field School staff and DeSoto State Park naturalist, Brittney Hughes, for a meandering journey within the forest, taking in every opportunity to learn more about the natural world. On this hike we will identify many native plants of the southern Appalachians and will be teaching you how to recognize the species found in the park. Bring a notebook/camera if you wish and discover what can be seen along the trails. All ages welcome

Things to bring: Plenty of water and/or sports drink, snacks, hiking poles/staff (optional), sturdy shoes (open toe shoes are not recommended). Please be sure to dress appropriately according to seasonal temperatures/weather.

WEATHER: As with all outdoor events, if it's raining/stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please check with the park before leaving home. Please make every effort to arrive early or on time.

Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Time: 10:00-12:00
Location: Littler River Canyon Center. Trail is TBD.
Fee: Free and open to everyone! For details, contact 256-845-3548 (Canyon Center)

April 1 - Family Pottery Workshop

Join artist Jessica Haigh of Animal House Pottery and create your own wind chimes and "poof pot' (small dish)!This class is designed for beginners with little or no pottery experience. Participants will create awesome finished products they can be proud of without having to spend long hours on the process.

Date: Saturday April 1, 2023

Time: 1pm – 3pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Location: Little River Canyon Center.

Registration includes: 2lbs of clay, tools, paints, and instruction. Pre-registration is required.

Fee: $35 per participant. No refunds after March 20. For questions please email rmtaylor@jsu.edu or call 256-845-3548.

Register Here!

April 14 - Photography Workshop

Join Fine Art Photographer John Dersham for an all-new two-day photography seminar. Learn through a combination of classroom lecture and hands-on field experience at the Little River Canyon Center, Desoto State Park, and DeKalb County.Learn how to improve your photography by learning tried and true compositional rules. In addition, learn about lighting and strategies that will provide more visual impact to your pictures. Hikes are easy to moderate (optional).

Date: Friday, April 14th from 6pm-8pm and Saturday, April 15th from 7am-3pm Where: Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne What to bring: Camera, tripod, Neutral Density filter (optional), snacks and drinks. (Class will stop for an early lunch or you can bring one from home.) Fee: $50 per person; pre-registration required; call 256-845-3548 for more information; no refunds after April 7, 2023.

Register Here!

April 30 - Fly Fishing 101 Workshop 

Join Dr. Tim Lindblom to learn the basics to get started on your own fly fishing adventures! We will be discussing what gear is needed, knots, basic fly selection, and casting instructions. Participants will get hands-on experience and the opportunity to make that first catch! Ages 14 and over are welcome. Register today! Spots are extremely limited!

Date: Sunday, April 30, 2023

Time: 3 pm - 6 pm Fee: $75 per participant OR $35 for JSU Students with School ID. No refunds after April 14.

Location: Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, AL

What to Bring: Please bring water, sun protection and a snack. All equipment will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Register Here! 


May