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 It's right outside your door — It's nature!

Naturalist Walk
Join naturalists as we discover the beauty of spring. Bring binoculars, a camera, and a sense of adventure. Ages: All (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult). Dates: March 1, April 5th Times: 10-11 AM Fee: free
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Naturalist's Walk 
N/A N/A Sa  03/01/2025 - 04/05/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Foyer
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res

Adopt A Stream Workshop
Adopt-A-Stream Workshops- Interested in adopting a waterway near you? Join us for the chemical and macroinvertebrate workshops to learn more about the qualities of clean water. Space is limited to 10 people. Ages: 13 – adult Date: March 29 Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fee: Free. Pre-registration required by March 27.
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Adopt A Stream Workshop 
13y and up N/A Sa  03/29/2025
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Walker Hall Complex
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res

Log House Open House
Join us as we open the doors to the Log House and explore life in earlier times. Play games, make a craft, listen to a story, and explore the house built in the 1790s. Ages: 3-Adults (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult) Date: March 22nd Time: 1:00-4:00 p.m. Fee: $3/person Special events are not scholarship eligible for events with a fee.
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Log House Open House 
3y and up N/A Sa  03/22/2025
01:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Log House
$3.00 Res, $3.00 Non-Res

Froggy Spring Fling
Family Program “Froggie Spring Fling” Join us for an evening of searching for amphibians. A quick introduction is done inside about local amphibians and then we will search the property for a few. Bring a flashlight and wear closed toed shoes. Ages: 5-adult Children 13 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult. Date: April 18 Time: 7:00-8:30pm Fee: $5/ACC resident, $8/Non-ACC resident. All participants must register.
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Froggie Spring Fling 
5y and up N/A 04/18/2025
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Classroom #2
$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res

Babies and Beasties
Babies & Beasties Series Join us for a series of classes structured for toddlers and their guardians. Explore nature, learn about animals, go on hikes and make nature crafts. Ages: 18 months - 2 years, with accompanying adult. Dates: Winter: February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. Spring: May 1, 8, 15, 22 Time: 10:00 - 10:45am Fee: Preregistration required two days before start of series. $12/ACC resident; $18/Non-resident; SCNC Members get 10% discount
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Babies and Beasties Winter 2025 
1y 6m - 2y N/A Th  02/06/2025 - 02/27/2025
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Classroom #1
$12.00 Res, $18.00 Non-Res
 
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Babies and Beasties Spring 2025 
1y 6m - 2y N/A Th  05/01/2025 - 05/22/2025
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Classroom #1
$12.00 Res, $18.00 Non-Res
An adult must attend with registered child.

Knee High Naturalists
Knee High Naturalist Preschoolers will explore nature through hikes, animal encounters and hands on experiences. Ages: 3-5 years, with adult Program Date: January 8-February 19, every other Wednesday Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Fee: $12 ACC Resident, $18 Non-resident, 10% off for SCNC members. Preregistration required. Spring is a time to be outside. Join us every other Wednesday as we explore the property of Sandy Creek Nature Center. Ages: 3-5 years, with adult Program Date: March 5-May 14, every other Wednesday. Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Fee: $24 ACC Resident, $36 Non-resident, 10% discount for SCNC Member. Preregistration required online.
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Knee High Naturalists Spring Class 
3y - 5y N/A 03/05/2025 - 05/14/2025
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Full Classroom
$24.00 Res, $36.00 Non-Res
Adult must attend with child.
 
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Knee High Naturalists 
3y - 5y N/A 01/08/2025 - 02/19/2025
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Full Classroom
$12.00 Res, $18.00 Non-Res

Journey Through the Stars
Join us for our planetarium program in the Sky Center. We will journey through the night sky, exploring the great beyond. Ages: Ages 5 and up. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Anyone under 5 will not be admitted into the program. Children must be able to sit in the dark through the program portion. Pre-registration is required. Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Fee: $5/ACC resident, $8/Non-resident. This program is not scholarship eligible. January 18 “Winter Skies” Discover what is visible during our winter nights. February 15 “Animals of the Sky” View a variety of animals found in the constellations. After the program, meet one of the resident animals. Dates: March 15 “Constellations from Around the Globe” When we look in the sky at night and recognize constellations, do people around the world see the same ones? We see Scorpius the Scorpion but if you lived in the Pacific Islands, you may see Maui’s Fishing Hook. We see the big dipper but in England the plough. Learn about constellations from around the world and compare myths of the star stories. April 19 “Spring Skies” We’ll discover what is visible this spring in the night sky. May 17 “Star Light, Star Bright” What is a star? We’ll talk about the stars closest to us and why we see different sizes and colors. After the show, we will demonstrate how stars make energy.
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April "Spring Skies" 
5y and up N/A Sa  04/19/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium
$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
All participants must register.
 
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March "Constellations from Around the Globe" 
5y and up N/A Sa  03/15/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium
$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
All participants must register.
 
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May "Star Light, Star Bright" 
5y and up N/A Sa  05/17/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium
$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
All participants must register.
 
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Animals of the Sky February 
5y - 100y N/A Sa  02/15/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Planetarium
$5.00 Res, $7.50 Non-Res

Telescope Basics Class
Join amateur astronomers as we go over basic understandings of using a telescope. A couple of telescopes will be on hand to use and learn parts of the telescopes. Participants are welcome to bring their telescope and set it up to learn how to use their own. This program will happen rain or shine. If it rains we will move telescopes inside and learn how to use the scopes. Ages: 18 years and up Program Date: March 1st, 2025 Time: 10 AM-12 PM Fee: $5 ACC resident, $8 nonresident.
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Introduction to Telescopes 
18y and up N/A Sa  03/01/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Full Classroom
$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res

Spring Break Family Fun
Clarke County School District spring break week is April 7-11th. SCNC is offering a variety of activities for families to do while out of school. Some programs have a fee and require pre-registration from everyone attending. Spring Break Week of activities: Spend spring break week at SCNC! We have a variety of programs happening throughout the week. April 8: MicroHike This hike will focus our attention on the miniscule, often overlooked, life on a trail. Hand lenses will be provided. Time: 2:00-3:30pm Ages: 4-adult, children under 13 must be accompanied by a registered adult. All participants must register. Fee: Free April 9: Planetarium “Is there life out there” Is life on another planet possible? We’ll take a look at what it takes to support life on a planet and explore other celestial bodies that could potentially support life. Before the show, you can create an example of what life would look like in a different environment. Time: 10-11:30am Ages: 5-adult. children under 13 must be accompanied by a registered adult. All participants must register. Fee: $5/ACC, $8/Non-ACC. April 10: Land Art Join naturalist as we hike the trails and create natural art in the forest of the nature center Time: 10am-Noon Ages: 5-adult, children under 13 must be accompanied by a registered adult. All participants must register. Fee: $5/ACC, $8/Non-ACC April 11: Dino Open House Take a trip back to the time of dinosaurs. Dig for fossils, learn about different types of fossils, make a fossil to take home. Time: 2-3:30pm Ages: 3-adults, children under 13 must be accompanied by a registered adult. All participants must register. Fee: $3/ACC, $3/Non-ACC. Pre-registration required Do you want an activity to do while visiting the nature center but want to keep your own schedule? Check out a back pack, complete a scavenger hunt and make a craft in the activity cubbies in the classroom.
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"Is Life Out There" Planetarium Show 
5y and up N/A 04/09/2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Full Classroom
$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
 
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Dinosaur Open House 
3y and up N/A 04/11/2025
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Full Classroom
$3.00 Res, $3.00 Non-Res
 
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Land Art 
4y and up N/A Th  04/10/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Foyer
$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res
 
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Micro Hike 
4y and up N/A Tu  04/08/2025
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Foyer
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res

Feast with the Gods
Come dressed in your best mythological costume and enjoy Greek food. After dinner, enjoy a planetarium program hearing tales of the gods. Enjoy music and some after dinner desserts with hot beverages. Come prepared to be transported into Greek Mythology.
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Feast with the Gods 
18y and up N/A 02/14/2025
07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center
$30.00 Res, $30.00 Non-Res
Come dressed in your best mythological costume and enjoy Greek food. After dinner, enjoy a planetarium program hearing tales of the gods. Enjoy music and some after dinner desserts with hot beverages. Come prepared to be transported into Greek Mythology

Comedy and Nature
Join nature center staff and local comedians as we bring laughter to the nature center. Enjoy hearing corny science jokes and help find humor in nature. Come prepared to laugh and be entertained.
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Comedy and Nature 
18y and up N/A Sa  02/08/2025
07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Full Classroom
$10.00 Res, $10.00 Non-Res

Night Explorers: OWLS
We'll adventure out into the night to see what becomes active after dark. Our focus will be in search of owls. We will learn about owls in the area then call for them on the trails. Bring a flashlight. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Ages: 5 years and up (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult) Date: Feb. 21 Time: 6:30 PM-8:00 PM Fee: $5 per ACC resident, $7 Non-Resident. Pre-registration is required.
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Night Explorers: OWLS 
5y and up N/A 02/21/2025
06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Full Classroom
$5.00 Res, $8.00 Non-Res

Birding with Technology
Who's that little brown bird? Join Trails and Open Space staff on a nature walk to uncover all of the friends flying around our backyards. Learn who’s who using old school and new school techniques. We will be highlighting smart phone apps Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Labs and Audubon Bird ID, feel free to download these to your phone prior to the program to be able to utilize them along our walk. Staff member will have an iPad utilizing the app in case you are unable.
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Birding with Technology Dudley Park 
1y - 99y N/A 02/07/2025
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Dudley Park - Dudley Park Pavilion
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res

The Vine That Ate the South
Learn about “The Vine That Ate the South,” Kudzu. This plant is fast growing, wide spreading, and sure to be identifiable from any roadside. Join Trails and Open Space staff in learning about ACC's work in managing kudzu on properties, how kudzu impacts our land, its history, and ways in which you can repurpose this vine. Be prepared for a short hike, getting your hands dirty in harvesting invasive species, and to leave with your own art piece crafted from kudzu.
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The Vine That Ate the South 
8y and up N/A 02/28/2025
05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

North Oconee River Greenway - 11 Easley's Mill to Cemetery Entrance Section
$8.00 Res, $10.00 Non-Res

Pop-up Trail Talk
Come join Trails and Open Space staff and learn about our amazing trails and natural spaces right here in Athens! Keep on the lookout for upcoming dates and locations as we will pop-up anywhere we have a trail. In addition to meeting with our staff, we will have a small family-friendly activities, giveaways, and ways to get involved more involved on the trail. We will also often partner with local organizations to promote awareness of community resources. Note: If you register, you will get updates on our location via email a week or two in advance.
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Pop-up Trail Talk 
and up N/A Sa  03/01/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

North Oconee River Greenway
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
 
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Pop-up Trail Talk 
and up N/A Sa  04/05/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Southeast Clarke Park - Trails
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
 
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Pop-up Trail Talk 
and up N/A Sa  05/03/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Walker Park - Trails
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res

First Saturday Park Play
Join Leisure Services staff on the first Saturday of each month discovering the wonders of nature. Family groups will engage in hikes, games, and activities where we learn, build, and explore. Activities will rotate throughout the seasons. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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First Saturday Park Play @ Ben burton 
5y - 11y N/A Sa  04/05/2025
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Ben Burton Park - Field
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
Join Leisure Services staff on the first Saturday of each month discovering the wonders of nature. Family groups will engage in hikes, games, and activities where we learn, build, and explore. Activities will rotate throughout the seasons. All minors must
 
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First Saturday Park Play @ Ben burton 
5y - 11y N/A Sa  05/03/2025
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Ben Burton Park - Field
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
Join Leisure Services staff on the first Saturday of each month discovering the wonders of nature. Family groups will engage in hikes, games, and activities where we learn, build, and explore. Activities will rotate throughout the seasons. All minors must
 
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First Saturday Park Play @ Ben burton 
5y - 11y N/A Sa  03/01/2025
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Ben Burton Park - Field
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
Join Leisure Services staff on the first Saturday of each month discovering the wonders of nature. Family groups will engage in hikes, games, and activities where we learn, build, and explore. Activities will rotate throughout the seasons. All minors must

Fish On!
Join Middle Oconee Parks staff as you learn how to make a traditional cane pole, spot different kinds of fish, and practice catch-and-release fishing, all while staying nice and dry. In this exciting game, you’ll use magnets instead of hooks, colorful paper fish instead of the real ones, and play on dry land instead of in the water. It’s a perfect way to discover the joys of fishing without getting messy!
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Fish On! 
5y - 11y N/A Sa  05/17/2025
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Sandy Creek Park - Garden
$0.00 Res, $0.00 Non-Res
There is a $2 per person fee to get into Sandy Creek Park. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Basic Birding
Join a local Audubon member in this exciting birding class for beginners. Spend the morning learning how to identify birds by sight and sound while enjoying coffee and bagels. Then venture outside to slowly hike around the pond and trails to put our knowledge to use.
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Bagels and Birds: Beginning Birding 
18y and up N/A Sa  03/08/2025
09:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center - Walker Hall Complex
$10.00 Res, $15.00 Non-Res

* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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