Bird life is abundant along the lakeshore as species make their annual trek from the wintering grounds in the south, to the nesting territories in the north. Some birds will end their journeys here to find a mate, build a nest and raise their young. It’s an incredibly exciting time of year to be a birdwatcher and this hike is timed to meet the greatest diversity of warblers, vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks and buntings. Meet Park Ranger Jamie Cameron at the Catawba River Area breezeway at 8 a.m. for a stroll around the Fox Den Loop Trail. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them and dress appropriately for the weather.
Archives
Early Spring Photo Safari
Shutterbugs and novices alike can capture great images at Lake James State Park during every season, but spring is especially rewarding. With new growth literally bursting out of the ground and birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians shaking off their winter doldrums, there’s no telling what kind of subjects we’ll find for the camera. Join Park Ranger Jamie Cameron, an award-winning photo-journalist, for a laid back hike in the woods. Bring whatever camera gear you have; from the top-of-the-line Nikon SLR, to a Smart Phone. Meet at the Holly Discovery Trail parking area at 9 a.m.
- February, 26
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Frogs Magnified
Come experience nature in a new way, a magnified way! Nature Magnified is a new program series at Lake James that will introduce kids to the natural world in a different way. Undoubtedly you’ve strolled along the trails of lake and experienced the beauty Lake James has to offer, but have you ever seen the natural world magnified? Come join Ranger Kevin Bischof as he leads a group along the trails of Lake James to explore the frog species of the forest at a different level. The park will supply the magnifying loupes, all you have to do is bring the kids and a sense of exploration. Magnification will turn your walk in the woods into a whole new experience. Because the park has a limited number of magnifying loupes, please call ahead of time to reserve your spot. Reservations can be made by calling the park office at 828-584-7728. This program can be used for the Junior Ranger program and will meet at 1 p.m. at the Holly Discovery Trail parking lot in the Paddy’s Creek Area.
- February, 26
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Return to Long Arm Cemetery
It has been many years since members of the public have had the opportunity to visit the historic cemetery on Long Arm Peninsula. Before the area became part of Lake James State Park in 2005 it was long held in private ownership. As new park facilities are developed to access and enjoy this beautiful area, the park staff is excited to provide a rare opportunity to walk among the tombstones. Meet Ranger Clay Veasey at the Paddy’s Creek Area bathhouse breezeway at 10 a.m. and we’ll caravan to the cemetery from there.
- February, 26
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Walking the Wetlands
Park Ranger Earl Weaver will be meeting a group of adventurous hikers to the Old Catawba River to search for aquatic plants, animals, insects and birds. The wetland habitat in this area is rich in biodiversity and rarely visited by humans. Meet Ranger Weaver at the Canal Bridge Boat Access on NC 126 at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. carpool caravan to the site. 9:45am
- February, 26
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Old Homesites Tour
Home sites at Lake James? Before there was Lake James, the Catawba River and Paddy’s Creek were home to communities of farmers. Their legacy remains along the lakeshore in the home site ruins they left behind and we can learn a lot about life during those times if we consider the structures they built. Join Ranger Clay Veasey at the bathhouse in the Paddy’s Creek Area of the park and be prepared to leave at 2:00 pm.
- February, 26
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Lake Clean-Up
The weather is warming, the birds are singing and the trees are beginning to bud – it’s time for a little spring cleaning at Lake James. Lake James Area Wildlife and Nature Society and the Community of Lake James Inc. will partner with the state park once again for their annual shoreline clean-up, Saturday, March 14. Other area organizations participating are Lake James Environmental Association and Keep McDowell Beautiful. It will be all hands on deck to get the lake ready for the busy spring and summer season. With water levels low, now is the time to remove as much trash as possible from the exposed shoreline. Volunteers are needed, but volunteers with boats are at a premium. The clean-up will be divided into two fronts; the McDowell County side and the Burke County side of Lake James. In Burke County, volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Paddy’s Creek Area law enforcement boat ramp for a briefing and departure. The teams will reconvene at the East Picnic Shelter at 2 p.m. for a picnic lunch. Anyone interesting in lending a helping hand should call the park office at 828-584-7728.
- February, 26
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Astronomy for Everyone
February evenings can be cold, but if you bundle up to brave the frigid air you will be rewarded with the sparkling gems in the sky. Lake James State Park Superintendent Nora Coffey will be co-hosting with the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club for a night of star gazing. Learn some basic star gazing tips and take home your own star chart. There will be telescopes and binoculars set up for viewing the night sky, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Folding chairs are also recommended. Sunset will be at 6:16 p.m. but we will meet in the upper parking lot of the Paddy’s Creek Area at 6:00 p.m. to get oriented and cover some tips for the evening’s events before it gets dark. Register by calling the park office at 828-584-7728.
- February, 26
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Waterfowl Boat Tour
Lake James plays host to many species of waterfowl during the early spring migration, as well as the critters that stay here year-round. Renowned waterfowl expert, Ranger Earl Weaver will be your captain and guide aboard the park patrol boat as we search for loons, otters, eagles and scenic vistas. The weather could be blustery, so be sure to dress warmly if you are one of the eight lucky participants. Registration is required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the park office at 828-584-7728 to reserve your spot. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area East Picnic Shelter at 1:50 p.m. for a briefing and prompt 2 p.m. departure.
- February, 26
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Watching Waterfowl
Lake James is a winter stopover for many ducks, grebes, loons and other migratory waterfowl. These birds are once again massing for their northward migration in anticipation of the spring breeding season. Park Ranger Jamie Cameron will have his field guide and a spotting scope to help participants enjoy viewing some of these colorful travelers before they go. Bring binoculars if you have then and dress for the weather. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area bathhouse breezeway at 10 a.m.
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