Eisenhower State Park hosts such events as GO FISH and Family Outdoor Workshops throughout the year. Enter Kate Saling. Kate is a Texas Parks and Wildlife Park Ranger intern at Eisenhower State Park. Thanks in part to Kate, Eisenhower has been ramping up their activities calendar with special Saturday nature programs, sunset hikes and a Book Club in cooperation with the Sherman Public Library.
These programs have all been crowd pleasers and Kate tells me the turnout has been much larger than they expected. On Saturday, October 9, the program is “Along Came a Spider”. You can join Kate at the Cedar Hollow Amphitheater at 7:30 pm to learn something about spiders and their kin.
On October 10th the very popular GO FISH program will be held from 9 am – 12 noon. Families can learn the basics of fishing through fun, hands-on activities. Take away a fishing fun pack and enter the drawing for door prizes. All ages are welcome to come and learn how to fish from expert anglers. Learn about knot-tying, casting, identification and more. No fishing license is required. Bait and tackle are provided or bring your own. Meet at the Cedar Hollow Picnic Pavilion and then move down to the lakeside. Adults must accompany children. It is recommended that you bring hats, sun protection and water.
“Snakes Alive” is the nature program scheduled for Saturday, October 17th. This program was held earlier in the fall and was very well received. You decide – are these cold-blooded killers or misunderstood reptiles? Those brave enough will get a chance to meet live, non-venomous snakes up close and personal. In addition there will be an arts and crafts activity that can be used as a Halloween decoration. This is the first part of their Halloween “Spooky Snakes and Spiders” double feature. Meet the spiders at 7 pm. Both events will be in the Recreation Hall at Deer Haven.
Do you have what it takes to survive the Zombie Apocalypse? Find out on this fun and informative hike which will be held on Fridays, on October 16, October 23 and October 30 at Eisenhower State Park. Hikers will begin at Cedar Hollow amphitheater and then travel to find basic necessities like food, shelter, water and fire. Come dressed as a zombie or your favorite Halloween monster. Bring a flashlight, and a parent or adult guardian for youngsters.
Saturday night Sunset Hikes are a great way to take in the beauty of the park as hikers head to scenic Lover’s leap just in time for sunset. Along the way you’ll learn a little about local wildlife, history and what makes Eisenhower State park such a unique place. The hike is moderately difficult and over a mile long. Bring comfortable shoes, water and a flashlight. Meet across from the Fossil Ridge camping loop at the ATV parking lot at 5:45 pm on Saturday, October 24. The hike should be over by about 7 pm.
All programs are open to all ages and are FREE with paid park admission.
If you love nature and happen to be a bookworm too, you will enjoy the Eisenhower Book Club which meets monthly. Whether it’s about surviving in the wilderness, hiking across the country, hunting lions or hugging trees, they’ll try to read it. The Club meets the first Thursday of every month in the Community Room at the Sherman Public Library. The topic for November 5th is “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” by Ben Montgomery and on December 10th “Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold. Any ideas for January? Kate would love to hear from you! You can reach Kate at Eisenhower State Park, (903) 465-1956 or follow the Eisenhower Events page on Facebook.
