Explore the Outdoors During a Ranger-guided Walk
Grab your family and friends and see how much fun learning can be! The City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department is hosting free ranger-guided walks during the month of December.
Guests will learn how to install their own rain barrel, the history of the Columbia Canal, what wildlife can be found in your local park and more.
Schedule
Start it Right! | Sunday, January 1 from 3-4 p.m.
2017 starts today! Invest in your health and happiness by starting your year with a fast paced fitness oriented exploration of outdoor activities at Riverfront Park. Dress for the forecast, as we will walk and climb, rain or shine, hot or cold! Wear shoes to cover distance and climb stairs.
Meet at the Red Schoolhouse at Riverfront Park South area parking lot, 312 Laurel St.
Riverfront North Winter Bird Walk | Saturday, January 7 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Join us for a Ranger-led outing between the Broad River and the historic Columbia Canal and we’ll focus on our diverse birdlife. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them as well as any water, warm clothing and sturdy footwear.
Meet atop the Canal Head gates at Riverfront Park North parking lot, 4122 River Drive
Columbia Canal History Tour | Tuesday, January 10 from 6-7 p.m.
The Columbia Canal has been part of our city’s growth and innovation for almost 200 years. Learn about the original 1820s canal, the present 1890s canal, and the historic buildings that surround us.
Meet at the Red Schoolhouse at Riverfront Park South area parking lot, 312 Laurel St.
Southeast Park Wildlife Walk | Thursday, January 12 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Join us for a Ranger-led nature walk at Southeast Park. This 64 acre wooded park features a pond, hiking trails and abundant wildlife, including resident red foxes, deer and aquatic animals that thrive in the pond. It’s always a good idea to bring along binoculars and field guides as well as any essentials like water, warm clothing and sturdy walking footwear.
Meet at the Park Ranger station at Southeast Park, 951 Hazelwood Road
Rainbarrel Workshop | Saturday, January 14 at 10am, 11 am and Noon
Get smart; harvest rainwater! The City of Columbia wants to help you save money on your water bills by using rainwater instead of treated water to irrigate your garden. City of Columbia residents can also qualify for one FREE rain barrel per household; all we require is attending a FREE rain barrel workshop. Visitwww.bluethumbrainbarrel.com and see if you qualify for a free rain barrel. Midlands area residents outside the City of Columbia are welcome to purchase discounted rain barrels and attend the workshop at no additional cost. Park Rangers will demonstrate how to put together and install your rain barrel. Afterward, you get to take your very own rain barrel home!
Meet at the Red Schoolhouse at Riverfront Park South area parking lot, 312 Laurel St.
Winter is for the Birds! | Tuesday, January 17 from 6pm -7pm
Learn about the birds at our park and in your back yards at this time of year. We’ll look around to find birds, so bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Afterward, we will assemble some pine cone and seed feeders that you can take home to encourage avian visitors to visit your own back yard.
Meet atop the Canal Head gates at Riverfront Park North parking lot, 4122 River Drive
Columbia Canal History | Saturday, January 21 from 2 pm-3:30pm
Join us for a Ranger-guided tour along the historic Columbia Canal and learn how it has been a part of Columbia’s growth and innovation for almost 200 years. We’ll discuss the original canal, Columbia’s Waterworks, the earliest hydropower plants, and the SC State Penitentiary (CCI).
Meet at the Red Schoolhouse at Riverfront Park South area parking lot, 312 Laurel St.
Night Walk | Tuesday, January 24 from 6pm -7pm
Twilight in the park is the perfect time to observe nature, be it a spectacular sunset or the last flurry of activity for the day as birds settle for the long night ahead. On clear nights, the stars emerge to illuminate our curiosity.
Meet atop the Canal Head gates at Riverfront Park North parking lot, 4122 River Drive
One Columbia, Two Canals, Three Rivers | Saturday, January 28 from 2 pm-3:30pm
Columbia developed because it is on the fall line. Walk with us to learn how Columbia used our waterways in the past; hear about the process now underway to evaluate the Columbia Canal following last year’s flood and discover pending additions to the Three Rivers Greenway along the beautiful Lower Saluda River.
Meet at the Red Schoolhouse at Riverfront Park South area parking lot, 312 Laurel St.
Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides as well as any essentials like water, sunscreen, bug repellent, hats and sturdy walking footwear.
For more information, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.
