Park plans multiple events in March

As the weather continues to warm up throughout March, DeSoto State Park will host multiple events open to the public. These events will heavily feature the beautiful park, along with educational resources that are fun for everyone.

A Waterfall Tour & Hike will be conducted two times over the month, at 9 a.m. March 7 and March 17. Both JSU Field School and DeSoto State Park staff will lead tours exploring Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park waterfalls. The hikes will be fairly moderate on rocky dirt trails, and will lead to both well-known waterfalls and lesser-known gems nestled throughout the trails.

Hikers are encouraged to bring water or other drinks, snacks/lunch, walking poles, sturdy shoes and hike-appropriate clothing. This event may be cancelled if the weather does not permit hiking.

On March 9, the National Parks Service will team up with both the JSU Field School and NASA educator John Weiss to host a Star Party at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center, less than 10 miles from DeSoto State Park. This event will explore the night sky, including stars, constellations and planets. This event begins at 6 p.m. and is free.

A pine needle basketry class will be offered at 10 a.m. March 10. The historical craft is taught by Brittney Hughes, who will explain the basic steps to making a coiled basket from longleaf pine needles. This practice stems from indigenous peoples and is part of pre-Columbian Native American crafts. The class is for ages 10 and up; a $25 fee covers the cost of materials and education.

Jacksonville State University Professor “Dr. Frog” George Cline will host a Creature Feature event focused on different types of frogs at the Canyon Center at 6 p.m. March 10. The event will focus on different “frog songs” and identification of frogs based on their noises. This event is child-friendly and free.

On March 12, the JSU Field Schools will host private-sector reptile enthusiast Ray Morgan as part of the 2018 Canyon Talks. Morgan will speak about his documentary film “The Venom Interviews,” which centers around his work and the science of venomous herpetology. Morgan lives in Costa Rica, where he provides the local community with educational programs on local snakes along with the relocation of snakes that are too close to humans.

For more information, call 256-845-5380 or search for DeSoto State Park on alapark.com.