Spring and Summer are Great Times to Become a State Park Explorer

By Margi Jenks

In 2010 the Arkansas State Parks and Tourism Department launched a new program for kids.  The aim is to help young people connect with State Parks in ways that they otherwise might not, especially in four areas:

• Discover what State Parks are

• Prepare to be safe in State Parks

• Connect your mind and heart to State Parks

• Share your State Park experience with others

The State Park Explorer Field Guide has interactive questions and activities that help kids to explore their own connection with the natural and historic sites that are found in State Parks. Activities include attending interpretive programs, taking walks on trails, and completing a simple service project.  Young people will also meet with park staff to answer some of the field guide questions.  They can complete the field guide at a single park, but it is more fun to explore several parks near their homes. While the program is available year round, spring and summer bring more programs and activities at all State Parks.

So, next time your family visits one of our beautiful and historic State Parks, be sure to ask for a Field Guide to enhance your child’s park experience.

Search area last plowed:  April 7, 2011; Most recent significant rain:  April 14, 2011

Total diamonds found in 2011: 151

Diamonds registered for April 10-April 16, 2011 (100 points = 1carat): 

April 10 - Mike Beduhn, Cedar Springs, MI, 9 pt. yellow

April 11 - No diamonds registered

April 12 - Jack Wieland, Holyoke, CO, 7 pt. white

April 13 - Jim Graham, Prescott, AR, 2 pt. white; Jeff Engle, Laredo, TX, 4 pt. white, 16 pt. white

April 14 - Kenneth Shoemaker, Murfreesboro, AR, 2 pt. brown, 2 pt. brown; Mike Ellison, Kings Mountain, NC, 3 pt. white; Lena Greenhaw, Moulton, AL, 7 pt. white

April 15 - Debbie Briggs, Lakeland, TN, 24 pt. white

April 16 - Heather Lancester, West Memphis, AR, 24 pt. white