The science of forestry will be in the spotlight Saturday at Goose Creek State Park.

The park will host a free educational program beginning at 2 p.m. in the visitor center.

“Forestry is basically the principles and practices of managing forests for specific obligations, for timber, timber products, fish, wildlife, watershed … it’s really a broad term,” said park ranger Joe Martin, who will lead the program. “That includes history and different ways you can harvest products. The program will be a good overview of forestry practices, how they’re organized and what you typically find in a forest.”

Those attending will gather first in the auditorium for a brief lecture and then move outside for an increment bore demonstration, according to Martin. Anyone attending should be able to walk away with new found knowledge, he added. The program is suitable for children and adults.

“There’s a wide variety of people who show up,” said Martin, who led a similar program in the past. “I also get a lot of retired foresters.”

Martin said the program will also offer some tree identification tips, and he plans to discuss Goose Creek’s natural resources restoration plan currently being implemented. The park is attempting to reestablish its native long leaf pine population, according to Martin.

‘We’re kind of helping it along by burning and planting some long leaf pine plugs out here in the park,” he added.

Goose Creek State Park has a series of free programs scheduled over the next several weeks.

On April 19, a tar kiln demonstration is planned for 2 p.m. That program, which includes a short hike, focuses on an actual working tar kiln discovered in the park.

An Earth Day hike is planned for April 25 at 2 p.m. Participants will hike along the novice-friendly Mallard Creek trail, which meanders through pine hardwood forests.

A self-guided Amphibian Read and Hike will be offered May 3 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Participants will walk along the Palmetto Boardwalk, where park staff will set up a variety of short poems and stories based on amphibians. Those attending the day’s event should first stop by the park visitor center and pick up a map.

Ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes will be discussed May 9 during a program beginning at 2 p.m. in the visitor center. And on May 12, another tar kiln hike is planned, this one at 10 a.m.

Goose Creek State Park is also gearing up for National Kids to Park day, slated for May 16. Families are invited to visit the park for an adventure through one of the swamps, complete with an up close look at a variety of critters who make their home in the park. Participants should meet at the visitor center by 2 p.m.

For more information on these and other activities hosted by Goose Creek State Park, call 252-923-2191.