By TYLER STOCKS

Washington Daily News

 

With picturesque grasslands, marshes, loblolly and longleaf pines, nature lovers looking for an escape can get lost in the beauty of Goose Creek State Park.

The scenery is just the beginning though. Ospreys, bald eagles, tree frogs, red-bellied and cottonmouth snakes are just a few of the park residents to be encountered.

The Critter Hunt program is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, and visitors can expect to find many different animals as they hike along the many trails that Goose Creek has to offer. There will be a lot of walking in the woods as well, and Nicole Crider, a park ranger, reminds people to dress appropriately.  Overall, the event will provide attendees with education on how the animal kingdom is managed out in the wild.

“We’re going to discuss some of our natural resource management techniques,” said Crider.  “The different things we’re looking for, how we document and observe different species, keep track of them and their health and different things in the environment. We’re going to go out to the woods and check for different tree frogs, and, hopefully, get some really cool salamander species. You really never know what you’re going to get.”

According to Crider, the Critter Hunt will last an hour and is intended for all age groups. Programs like this help educate people and give them proper understanding of species that exist in the wild and at home, she said.

“The program itself is going to open people’s eyes to the awesome wildlife in their backyard. The stuff we will pass, people pass everyday and don’t realize it could be living under a log and there could be five different species of salamander,” said Crider.

The park hosts programs like Critter Hunt throughout the year and has more programs scheduled later this month. Most programs, including Critter Hunt, are free and can make for a fun filled afternoon.

To find out more about Critter Hunt and other park events, call 252-923-2191. Goose Creek State Park is located at 2190 Camp Leach Road, east of Washington.