Field Trips - Hard Labor Creek State Park | Department Of Natural Resources Division

Ranger-Led Programs

For more information, to schedule a ranger-led program or to book a field trip, please call 706.557.3001.

Casting Animal Footprints, Grades 1-12

Be a nature detective. Learn about the different clues that animals leave behind such as fur, footprints, scat, and others. Identify different footprints of some common Georgia animals. Make a plaster cast mold of a footprint to take home.

Program length: 45 min
Program cost: $4
GSE: S3L1, SB5, SEC1, SKL2

A Walk in the Park, Grades 1-12

A ranger will take students on the Brantley Nature Trail for an easy walk characterized by mature hardwoods. This trail has reminders of the park’s origin. A prominent ravine echoes the past and the result of poor land-use practices which resulted in large outcrops of rocks that students can study.

Program length: 45 min
Program cost: $4
GSE: SEC1, S3L1, S3E1, S2E3

Owl Pellet Dissection, Grades 1-7

Kids will explore the contents of owl pellets, small packages of fur and bones coughed up by owls after they hunt. Using bone charts, students will identify various types of prey, then explore an owl’s food chain.

Program length: 45 min
Program cost: $4
GSE: S4L1, S3L1

Oh Deer (Animal Habitat Game), Grades 4-12

This fun game will introduce students to the components of habitat and limiting factors that influence the carrying capacity of deer populations. Explore predator-prey relationships through data collection and analysis.

Program length: 45 min
Program cost: $4
GSE: S1L1, SKL1, SKL2, S3L1

Snakes Alive! Grades K-12

Learn everything you need to know about our scaly friends. See and interact with live non-venomous snakes. Learn the differences between venomous and nonvenomous. Become a Snake Expert. Appropriate for all audiences.

Program length: 45 min
Program cost: $4
GSE: SEC1, S3L1, SKL1

Ranger-Led FAQ:

Q: What comes included with the program cost?
A: Materials, picnic shelter, and instructor provided.

Q: Do you offer a discount to Title 1 schools?
A: Title 1 schools receive a $1 discount per child.

Q: How do these programs relate to what I am teaching?
A: Each of these programs were designed to align specifically around the grade-specific standards outlined by Georgia’s Standards of Excellence.

Q: Is there a cost or limit for chaperones?
A: There is no limit for the number of chaperones who can come on a ranger-led program. Any chaperone who drives a personal vehicle must have a ParkPass tag displayed in their vehicle. Cost for a ParkPass is $5 per vehicle.

Q: How early in advance do I need to book our program?
A: We require at least a two-week notice to book any ranger-led programs. Call the park office at 706.557.3001.

Ranger-Led Additional Information

Educators and group leaders will be responsible for the behavior of their students at all times.
Groups larger than 6 classes will need to be broken up amongst multiple days.
Please be on time for your scheduled program. If running late, call to let us know. We try to keep to schedule so that you may return to school on time. Occasionally, we have groups scheduled back-to-back, and late arrivals may either shorten or possibly forfeit their program.
Rain dates are available. We still present the program indoors as well as outdoors in misty rain or cold weather, so please have your students dress accordingly.

Outreach Programs

Hard Labor Creek State Park can provide your class or group with programs at your location. With a maximum of 30 students per class, our bilingual (Spanish-English) Interpretive Ranger will engage your students with a 45-minute program. School must be within 45 minutes from the park. Cost: $75 for the first class, $45 for each additional class. Please call the park office at 706.557.3001 to schedule an outreach program.

Snakes Alive!

Learn everything you need to know about our scaly friends. See and interact with live non-venomous snakes. Learn the differences between venomous and nonvenomous. Appropriate for all audiences. Grades K-12.

Self-Guided Explorations

Educators and group leaders have the opportunity to experience Hard Labor Creek State Park on a self-guided basis.

Hard Labor Creek State Park is the perfect destination for a self guided exploration! You can take your students to Brantley Nature Trail on an easy walk characterized by mature hardwoods. This trail has reminders of the park’s origin. A prominent ravine echoes the past and the result of poor land-use practices. Much of the land which comprises Hard Labor Creek State Park was eroded cotton and corn fields and only marginally productive. Originally known as Hard Labor Creek National Recreation Demonstration Area, land stabilization was one of the first projects accomplished in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Along the trail you will find interpretive signs with information about common wildlife and plants typical of this area.

Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Surface: Natural (unpaved surface)
Uses: Walking, hiking
Location: Behind the mini golf course (across from the park office/trading post)
$5 ParkPass or Annual Pass required