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.

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

What It Takes To Thrive – 1st Grade

Students will explore the essential habitat needs of animals through an interactive game, group presentation, and a forest hike.

Program length: 3.5 hours (9:30 am - 1:00 pm); 3 activities (30 min lunch break)
Program cost: $6 per student, 60 students minimum, 1 teacher/chaperone free for every 10 students
GSE: S1L1

Growth and Change – 2nd Grade

Students will learn about animal life cycles and metamorphosis through a fun craft activity. They will study parts of plants on a variety of different specimens in our pollinator garden. Lastly, they will see how humans have changed the landscape, both positively and negatively, during a short hike on our nature trail.

Program length: 3.5 hours (9:30 am - 1:00 pm); 3 activities (30 min lunch break)
Program cost: $6 per student, 60 students minimum, 1 teacher/chaperone free for every 10 students
GSE: S2E3, S2L1

Animal Adaptations and Conservation – 3rd Grade

Students will learn about different types of animal adaptations by making observations of various animal skulls and bird beaks, and by playing a fun camouflage game. On a short hike, they will learn ways to ensure the conservation of natural resources.

Program length: 3.5 hours (9:30 am - 1:00 pm); 3 activities (30 min lunch break)
Program cost: $6 per student, 60 students minimum, 1 teacher/chaperone free for every 10 students
GSE: S3L1, S3L2

Flow of Energy – 4th Grade

Students will demonstrate how energy flows through different ecosystems by constructing a large food web, playing an interactive game while posing as prey and predator, and exploring a pond or forest ecosystem.

Program length: 3.5 hours (9:30 am - 1:00 pm); 3 activities (30 min lunch break)
Program cost: $6 per student, 60 students minimum, 1 teacher/chaperone free for every 10 students
GSE: S4L1

Civilian Conservation Corps History – 5th Grade

Students will learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps through a variety of programs. A hayride will take students around the park where they will learn about the history of the CCC. Then, a blacksmith demonstration will allow students to experience the work of the CCC when building the park. Finally, students will take a short hike to see the erosion that was in the area before the CCC arrived and the erosion control practices put in place.

Program length: 3.5 hours (9:30 am - 1:00 pm); 3 activities (30 min lunch break)
Program cost: $6 per student, 60 students minimum, 1 teacher/chaperone free for every 10 students
GSE: SS5H3, S5E1

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: For ranger-led programs, there is one teacher or chaperone free for every 10 students. Additional chaperones must pay participant price. 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