Botanist Jim Sullivan will be at the Smithgall Woods State Park in Helen, Georgia on February 11, 2012 from 12 Noon to 4 PM. He will be discussing and demonstrating how to identify plants in the winter. Along with this study, he will report on the progress of the Eastern Hemlock trees after the treatment of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, a serious pest of the Hemlocks in the eastern United States. The Winter Botany study will also include a short hike to identify flora in the area.

Cost is $10 plus $5 parking. Register in advance by calling 706-878-3087.

Get geared up for the 33rd Annual Hogpen Hill Climb in Helen, Georgia on January 21, 2012. This Run and See Georgia Grand Prix event starts at Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia with the Piglet Run, a 5K run at 10 AM and the Hogpen Hill Climb, a 17K run at 12 Noon. The Hogpen Hill Climb is said to be one of the toughest races in North America with over 2500 feet of climbing over the 17K course.

Awards for the overall male and female of each race plus the top 3 finishers of each age group will be given at the post race award ceremony at 4:30 PM at the Unicoi Lodge. All participants will receive a long sleeve shirt.

Registration fees for the Piglet Run are: early – $25, regular – $30, student – $20.
Registration fees for the Hogpen Hill Climb are: early – $30, regular – $40, student – $20.
Early registration ends on January 13, 2012.

Check in and registration begin at 8 AM at the Unicoi State Park Lodge.

This event is being brought to you by Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia and Georgia Runners Magazine. For more information and to register, visit runthehogpen.org.

Women learn wilderness skills with this class for women that is taught by women at Smithgall Woods State Park in Helen, Georgia on September 10, 2011 starting at 8 AM. Learn shooting a bow, fishing, orienteering which tests your skills of reading a map and using a compass, and much more.

Registration forms are available at the park. Fee for this class is $65 plus a $5 camping, and a $5 parking fee. For more information, call 706-878-3087.

Learn all about freshwater wetlands in this workshop given by Adopt a Wetland (AAW) at Smithgall Woods State Park in Helen, Georgia on August 27, 2011 from 9 AM to 12 PM. You will be taught the threats and importance of freshwater wetland systems and how to identify hydric soils and plants. This will give you knowledge to help protect and promote wetland conservation.

Parking is $5. For more information, call 706-878-3087.

JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship) Day at Smithgall Woods in Helen, Georgia is a fun filled event loaded with reptiles, raptors, shooting, archery, primitive skills and more. Not only will you get lunch as part of the package but you just might win a prize from the raffle ticket drawings that will be held.

This event is happening on May 21, 2011 from 10 AM to 2 PM and is co-sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation. It is $3 per person and $6 to park. $1 will go to help the Friends of Smithgall Woods. For more information and details, call 706-878-3087.

Smithgall Woods is located at:
61 Tsalaki Trail
Helen, GA

The White County United Way along with gunbroker.com is hosting the 2011 Celebrity Golf  Tournament at Innsbruck Golf Course in Helen, Georgia on April 19, 2011 beginning at 8:30 AM. This fundraiser is the biggest event of the year and will help benefit 18 White County charitable agencies.

Celebrities, players, and the public will gather at 6:00 PM on April 18, 2011 at Bigg Daddy’s American Tavern and Restaurant for a reception where autographs will be given and stories will be shared. Team players will be bidding on who they want their celebrity team mate to be. Some of the celebrities this year include: Roger Erickson, Dewey McClain, KD Dunn, Steve Nicosia, Steve Bartkowski, Tracy Stallard, Dave Bristol, just to name a few.

Immediately following the tournament on April 19th is a VIP reception and banquet in Masters Hall at Unicoi State Park and Lodge with live music by local rock and top 40′s band The Open Road. The highlight of the evening will be a silent auction of sports memorabilia. Tickets for this reception are available for $25 per person. Call 706-865-3151 or 706-892-4779 to get your tickets.

Best Western River Park Inn and Conference Center is also a sponsor of this event and will have special room rates for those who wish to stay. All celebrities and their guests will be rooming there. Vendors including Divine Design Jewelers, Nikken Wellness, and Jigglin’ George will be set up in the lobby during this event. WNGA Radio 105.1 will be doing live remote interviews with the celebrities as well.

Come out, have some fun, meet some celebrities, and help a good cause!

Mark your calendar for this 2 day Earth Day event, “Spring Wildflowers around Unicoi” being held on April 15 – 16, 2011. This wildflower program will start out on Friday, April 15 with slides and a lecture. It will continue with wildflower walks around Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia. Whether you are a novice or knowledgeable on the subject of wildflowers, you will learn about and appreciate the beauty of the North Georgia mountain wildflowers. Pre-registration is required for each walk.

There is a $5 parking fee. For more information and details about this event, call 706-573-9659 ext. 305.

Unicoi State Park is located at:
1788 Highway 356
Helen, GA