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October 2026 Issue
FIELD GUIDE COLUMBIA COUNTY OF GA
Breaking News! New boardwalk coming soon! Did you hear the news? excited to share this new The boardwalk at Reed chapter for the park with Creek Park is soon to be you and are hard at work under construction! We developing lots of new know you miss the program opportunities boardwalk, we do too! for you to enjoy once we The wait is almost over reopen. We’ll be sharing though; the bid has been construction updates and awarded and soon there park closures as soon as will be a brand new (& possible through social improved) boardwalk for media and a special newsletter release. you to enjoy! We are so
It’s Spooky Season! Happy Fall Y’All We hope you have been able to enjoy the cooler weather to get outdoors and enjoy fall to the fullest!
Quick Reference Office Location: Reed Creek Park 3820 Park Lane, Martinez, GA Visitor Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Closed Saturday & Sunday Contact Info: 706 - 312 - 7358 kdegelman@columbiacountyga.gov
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All Ages Program
Run the Rapids 5k Race Make sure your laces are tied because it’s time for a RACE along the historic Augusta Canal on Saturday, October 10th! The race begins at 9am and finishes when you cross the finishline.
Enjoy an out-and-back style 5K on a crisp fall morning, perfect for personal bests or a casual stroll. We’re awarding special custom medals to the top two male and females in each age category and overall winners. You don’t have to be fast to take part in this race, everyone who crosses the line will receive a finishers medal.
This is a perfect first 5K because of the flat course and aid station at the halfway turn around point so you won’t get lost! Keep an eye out for wildlife like river otters and herons who will be cheering you on as they hunt for breakfast! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Know Before You Go Must register to race - day of registration available $40 Savannah Rapids Park Canal Footbridge Questions? Contact Christi DeLoach 706.312.7411
Saturday, October 10th at 9am!
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Youth Program
Brew up some Nature Potions during Lil Waders in Oct! Spooky season is here and we are ready to celebrate by brewing up our very own Nature Potions this month at Reed Creek Park during Lil Waders!
We’ll read A Recipe for Magic Potion by Jack Henseleit and illustrated by Natasja Horne before we make our very own magic wands and collect nature ingredients to add to our cauldrons. Costumes are not required but are recommended for some added Halloween
spirit! We cannot wait to hear what magic words your lil’ ones will use to active the magic in their potions. Please note that there are less opportunities to attend this month as we get ready for construction and the holiday season.
How to Join Us
Weekly Classes on Tuesdays at 11am at Reed Creek Park Registration is open! Fee of $2.50 per child per class Weekly Class Schedule: Oct 6th Oct 13th
Lil Waders is for children ages 2-5 years old; parents must attend. Space limited to 15 children
This program is designed for both early learners and their guardians. Each topic offers different learning experiences for children of a variety of play styles. Don’t forget the handout on your way out for more ways to play at home! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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Adult Program
Last Chance for an EcoTrip Our fall series of EcoTrips is coming to a close with one last trip out to Hitchcock Woods in nearby Aiken, SC on Friday, October 16th from 9am - 12pm and we can’t wait to see you there!
Field Trips for Adults! Our EcoTrip program is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore your own “backyard”as we take guided tours of protected spaces in and around Augusta.
For our last trip of the year we are heading to Aiken to tour Hitchcock Woods, the largest privately owned urban forest in the USA! We’ll be joined by Heather Levvy, who
is the Woods’ Education & Grants Coordinator. She’ll be taking us on a short morning hike to teach us about the Woods and the Foundation’s mission.
EcoTrip Details $10 per person - registration required. Ages 18+ Beginner friendly experience
Meet at Reed Creek Park 3820 Park Lane, Martinez, GA
Transportatuin provided for all participants Bionculars available to those that need them Uneven terrain; good walking shoes recommended
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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Adult Program
Snacks & Facts What is stormwater? and where does it go when it enters a stormdrain? Our Stormwater Compliance department can answer these questions and more with their quarterly Snacks & Facts program at the Evans Library!
Each class offers a unique spin on a stormwater related topic and we are proud to partner with them as the October presenter. Enjoy free snacks while you learn some facts. Bonus: attend and reduce your Columbia County stormwater fee!
Working With Wildlife Come have a snack and learn some facts about sotrmwater solutions that help benefit and protect wildlife. We’ll be bringing some of our live animal ambassadors to help discuss how development can affect these animals. We’ll also be highlighting some ways the County is working with nature rather than against it.
This program is free but does require registration to attend. Join us at the Evans Library on Wed, Oct 21st from 11am - 12pm Secure your spot with the link below CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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All Ages Programs
Monthly Social Programs Enjoying the outdoors comes in many forms; that’s why our team loves supporting some more unique ways to connect with nature each month through our drop-in social programs. These programs are great ways to unwind and connect with others!
Nature Game Nights!
Wild Pages Book Club
Thanks to Cardboard Castle Games we are able to bring you plenty of FREE demo games to try out each month inside the Wetland Interpretive Center at Reed Creek Park! Enjoy complimentary snacks while making new friends or enjoying a unique date night out. Stop in for a quick round or play the night away!
We welcome bookworms of all types at Reed Creek Park’s monthly book club! Love it, hate it, or didn’t finish it we would love to meet you and hear your thoughts!
Not sure what to play or how to play it? Don’t worry, staff is here to help!
Tuesday, October 6th from 5-9pm Questions? Call 706 - 312 - 7358 or stop by Cardboard Castle Games to learn more
Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 27th at 6:30pm at Reed Creek Park in Martinez October’s Read: The Spirit of the Rainforest by Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza
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All Ages Program
A look ahead: Nature Trivia is back! We are excited to announce that Nature Trivia is back with events throughout the year! Join us in November as we kick off another night of family fun and learning! Our next theme is: the National Park Service! Coming Soon
Duck Hunting 101 Did you know duck hunting helps protect and conserve wetlands? We’re partnering with GA DNR to offer a class all about wild ducks and duck hunting to help keep you informed before migratory flocks arrive this winter Save the Date: Mon, Nov 9th at 7pm
to help make Nature Trivia as family friendly as possible we’re adding a special hour just for kids. We’re getting the night started at 7pm with questions and special prizes just for our youth teams (ages 5-13) Feeling competitive? Stick around for all ages trivia starting at 8pm for another chance to take home the grand prize.
This event is FREE and will take place at The Evans Market next to the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. Keep an eye out for more info, including a sneak peak at our grand prize!
Save the Date: Thurs, Nov 12th at 7pm