Providence Canyon to conduct landscape investigation hike

LUMPKIN — Providence Canyon State Park will help get visitors into the new year with an event inspired by the author of “A Sand County Almanac.”

Officials at the park encourage the public to join a ranger-led hike from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday to investigate the landscape of Providence Canyon in the manner of Aldo Leopold. The focus will be on using only the five senses, pencil and paper to identify and note — through words and drawings — any evidence of wildlife activity during the winter days of January.

It is part of a conservation project at the park inspired by Leopold, with each month having a new theme inspired by his book.

“We will take a few minutes to sit down and get back to an age without technology,” Breanna Walker, an interpretive ranger at the park, said. “We are hoping to start doing these hikes every month.”

Walker said the monthly events would be held on the first Saturday. Nobody came to participate in the December event, but roughly 15-20 people are expected to be at the one for this month.

“(The goal is) to get people more connected to nature, to sit down and pay attention to the things others might miss,” she said.

Walker said the Leopold event in February is expected to focus on trees.

Admission to the event is $5, and the cost for parking will be an additional $5. Registration in advance is not required, unless attendees expect to pay by credit card as only cash and check can currently be accepted onsite. Hiking shoes and water are required.

The park is located at 8930 Canyon Road in Lumpkin. For more information, call (229) 833-4706 or visit https://gastateparks.org/ProvidenceCanyon.