Sat, Apr 22 2017 - Earth Day Hike and Critter Search (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): John Stirman, Nancy L Participants: Mer, AliciaT, Nancy L, John Stirman, Melissa H, Pam Y, Joyce T.

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Sweetwater Creek State Park did not disappoint for our Earth Day hike and critter search, although some of the park residents remained allusive. We found toads-large, striped, and tiny, long-tailed lizards, fence lizards, large bowfin fish, eastern king snake, lots of squirrels (of course), spiders, ants(can’t leave them out), a variety of butterflies, 5 turtles on a log, plus one moth who insisted on hiding under a hiker’s shoe which was safely guided off the trail. The moth not the shoe. We had a silent part of the hike along Jack’s Creek so that we could enjoy the many songbirds singing and the sound of the creek running over the rocks. This was very peaceful and I would like to do this again on future hikes. We also saw a few varieties of ferns, blooming azaleas, mountain laurel, cross-vine, and a few of the tiny early spring flowers were still present. There was also a stop at the mill ruins for a quick break and chat before finishing the hike at the visitor’s center. Our hike was just over 6 miles and it was an enjoyable morning being in the woods with great company looking for critters and the such.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the event. Compliments to Joyce for sharing her photos of the hike.