Friends received $25,000 in grant funding through REI in support of Friends' newest statewide volunteer program, YOUR State Parks. Funding received will be used to inspire the stewardship of Georgia's array of state parks and historic sites.

September marks the onset of the autumn season bringing vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures, drawing many enthusiasts to the great outdoors.  Georgia state parks and historic sites along with many Friends chapters are gearing up for some fantastic events and unforgettable fun! 

Your State Parks Day 2012 was a huge success for Friends. Chapter throughout the state, partners like REI, and DNR staff all collaborated in a fantastic effort to make a huge impact for our state parks and local communities. Friends welcomed about 2,000 volunteers throughout Georgia to transform hiking trails into a clean, safe habitat for wildlife, repaint park structures, build birdhouses, and countless other projects that showed visitors the impact our state parks and historic sites have on Georgia.

Fall is here and so is the amazing artwork nature paints on the canvas of Georgia each year.  Despite a somewhat dry summer, naturalists are predicting good color this year.  The northern parks are already starting to see some color changes.  While many typically think about driving through the mountains in the north for great color, don't forget about the southern parks.  Further south, the colors are just as beautiful and the variety of trees can make an especially interesting view for fall.

For more information, check out the Georgia State Parks Leaf Watch page!

Click here for Leaf Watch 2011