North Carolina’s state parks have been celebrating 2015 as the Year of the Amphibian, and there’s still time to catch related events.

For example, on Sunday, October 4, ranger Kevin Bischof is taking folks on a trail to discover amphibians in Lake James State Park. The park in Nebo, McDowell County, has more than 150 miles of shoreline and scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountain range.

By the way, educational materials about the park, including free teachers booklets, have been developed for grades 2–4 and are correlated to North Carolina’s competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, math and English/language arts. Its program Aquatic Critters introduces students to the lakeshore environment, focusing on animals and plants that live there. To arrange a group visit, call the park’s office. 828-584-7728 orncparks.gov

To find amphibian events at other parks near you,
ncparks.gov