Written by Christina Gordon Friday, 11 March 2011 21:21

As the days start to get longer and the warmth of the sun begins to loosen the cold icy grip of winter, many of us start to think of getting outdoors. A day spent exploring Medoc Mountain State Park may be just what we all need to reawaken those senses and start to find a cure for cabin fever. A visit to Medoc Mountain State Park in the spring will usually reward the visitor with signs of nature waking up from her long winter’s nap, if you know when and where to look, and sometimes just listen. An afternoon picnic in our picnic area will get the family outside into the sunshine and fresh air, and if you look up you may see a turkey vulture or a red-tail hawk soaring high above. A 3 mile hike on the Bluff Loop trail may reveal many wildflowers beginning to bloom, and why go to the mountains to see the mountain laurel in bloom when you can take a short drive to Medoc Mountain State Park and see it in all its glory!

The park’s residents usually begin to stir in the month of March and if you’re real quiet, you may actually witness a couple of river otters at play, squirrels scurrying about, or a white tailed deer in search of a snack. When you get close to Little Fishing Creek, look closely, you may see crayfish creeping along the bottom, a frog, a salamander, or even a turtle sunning itself on a log!

Make sure when you come you bring your binoculars as springtime is an excellent time to see many species of birds because the leaves haven’t fully developed giving you a better view up in the trees. If you spend the night in our campground you may hear a bobcat crying out, a barred owl announcing itself, and tree frogs calling.

Some of the scheduled programs that Park Rangers will be presenting in March, April, and May here at Medoc Mountain State Park for the general public are:

“Say Goodbye to Winter” On Sunday, March 13^th at 2 p.m.

“The Bear Facts” On Sunday, March 27^th at 2 p.m.

“Medoc’s Wild Turkeys” On Saturday, April 16^th at 1 p.m.

“Enjoy Medoc’s Night Skies” On Friday, April 29^th at 8 p.m.

Our annual “Mothers Day Hike” On Sunday May 8^th at 2 p.m.

“Snakes Alive!” On Sunday May 22^nd at 1 p.m.

We also offer our Junior Ranger program for children ages 6 – 12. This free, year round program is an excellent way to get a child outside and let them explore the world around them. Once they complete the requirements they are designated a “Junior Ranger” and earn a patch and a certificate!

Our office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by appointment Saturday and Sunday. For more information on Medoc Mountain State Park or one of our free programs please call 252-586-6588.

Article by Bill Meyer, Medoc Mountain State Park Superintendent