The cooler temperatures, the smell of pumpkin-spiced lattes, and waves of red and gold leaves spark the start of fall. Knowing that the fall colors will soon make their appearance, and the trees will transform into a kaleidoscope of color, many leaf peepers find themselves planning their autumn escapes to get a front-row view. Although Mother Nature is in charge of when peak leaf season will hit, Georgia State Parks has launched “Leaf Watch 2023” to help leaf lookers track fall color as it moves across the Peach State. Found at GaStateParks.org/LeafWatch, the travel planner is filled with top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events and safe hiking tips.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced the grant applicants who have been selected to move forward in the approval process to receive approximately $9.6 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program. These funds will be used for the acquisition, development, and renovation of outdoor recreation areas all across the state.

Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Walter Rabon has named Angie Johnson as Director for Georgia’s State Park and Historic Site system. For the past year, she has served as Assistant Director of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, overseeing more than 60 state parks, historic sites and regional offices.

When the sun retreats and the stars align, overnight visitors of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites can experience the unseen side of the parks.

Get Outdoors Day is June 10, 2023.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced the promotion of Jason Grantham to the manager position at Roosevelt's Little White House State Historic Site in Warm Springs, Ga. Originally from Harris County, Jason studied Computer Science at the University of Phoenix in Columbus. Jason joined DNR as a part-time tour guide at Roosevelt's Little White House. From there he moved over to the maintenance department, eventually becoming the site's General Trades Craftsman II.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has hired new management and staff for the historic Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo Island.

On-site chargers improve zero-emission recreation for all drivers of plug-in vehicles.

Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah has not only a new manager but also new “glamping” yurts. Jeri Nokes was recently promoted from assistant manager at nearby Wormsloe Historic Site to oversee the park which draws more than 500,000 visitors annually.

Several Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees were honored recently during a Rangers Conference held at Unicoi State Park. Around 140 assistant managers, interpretive rangers, administrative staff and maintenance rangers participated in training activities, team building and sharing ideas. The conference included an awards ceremony celebrating the efforts of those who make more than 60 sites outstanding destinations for Georgia’s citizens and visitors. Learn more at GaStateParks.org/awards.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the selection of the 2022-2023 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program “Conserve Georgia” grants for conservation and outdoor recreation projects.

Free Admission to State Historic Sites. To spotlight the Peach State’s fascinating past, Georgia’s State Historic Sites are offering free admission on Sunday, February 5.  The event is part of Georgia History Festival’s statewide celebration of “Super Museum Sunday.” Visitors can admire FDR’s hand-controlled roadster, walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War soldiers, translate the Cherokee Nation’s first newspaper, see black powder demonstrations at Wormsloe and explore many other historic treasures. Find more than a dozen places to step into the past at GaStateParks.org/SuperMuseumSunday.

Responding to the temporary closure of the Villas and Lodge rooms at Lake Blackshear Resort, the Department of Natural Resources is planning steps to minimize negative economic impact to the local community and the southwest Georgia region.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will soon begin returning artifacts to culturally affiliated tribes from Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site in Cartersville. Repatriation is mandated by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), a federal law enacted in 1990.

Kick off the new year and get a jump on those resolutions by lacing up and heading out to one of Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites to celebrate First Day Hike’s on New Year’s Day. With more than 40 guided treks, family and friends will be able to welcome 2023 in the outdoors. Distance and difficulty vary from park to park, allowing hikers of all levels to connect with nature and each other. Hikes range from a kid-friendly stroll up Panola Mountain, to a three-mile hike around Stephen C. Foster Park, or even a long hike at Hardman Farm Historic Site.

Skip the malls and cyber deals for thoughtful gifts inspired by nature and history. Georgia’s State Park System offers several options for presents that can be enjoyed long after the eggnog is gone.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting applications for its 2023 Career Academy now through Nov. 30.

Spalding County native Katherine Darsey was recently promoted to Chief of Administrative Services for Georgia’s State Park system, a division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For the past six years, she has served as manager of Indian Springs State Park in Flovilla, thought to be the oldest state park in the nation and best known for its mineral-rich spring water.

Public Unveiling is 10 a.m., November 4, at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge.

The annual arrival of pumpkin-spice flavors and cooler temperatures have many people eager for fall getaways. To help leaf peepers plan their autumn escapes, Georgia State Parks has launched “Leaf Watch 2022” to track fall color as it moves across the Peach State. Found at GaStateParks.org/LeafWatch, the travel planner is filled with top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites, fall events and safe hiking tips.