#GeorgiaOutdoors | AM 1180 Radio

August 28, 2026

Hiking 101 Program Coming To James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day with a special Hiking 101 program on Saturday, September 12.

The program begins at 2:30 PM, with participants meeting in front of the park office.

Park rangers will lead a guided hike along the Lower Lake Trail, teaching participants some of the basics of hiking. The program will cover how to safely hike trails, what hikers should pack and how to prepare for an emergency while enjoying the outdoors.

Organizers say the program is open to all ages and is designed for people who are new to hiking as well as those who simply want to spend some time outdoors and learn more about safely navigating trails.

The Hiking 101 program itself is free, although a $10 park pass is required.

Anyone interested in participating is asked to register by calling the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Could Add 145 Species To State Protected List

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Georgia is considering the first major update to its list of protected plants and animals in two decades, a move that could add 145 species whose populations are declining or facing significant threats.

August 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DNR Revitalizes Statewide Water Safety Program

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is revitalizing a statewide program aimed at preventing drownings and other water-related injuries, with hundreds of new life jackets being made available to people enjoying Georgia’s lakes, rivers and other waterways.

August 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Plant ID Hike And Creatures Of The Night Coming To Sloppy Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors two opportunities to explore the natural world on Saturday, August 22, with a Plant ID Hike during the morning and a Creatures of the Night program that evening.

The Plant ID Hike begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The ranger-led program gives participants an opportunity to explore some of the plant life found at the park while learning more about identifying native plants and the role they play in the surrounding ecosystem.

Later Saturday, visitors can return for Creatures of the Night at 8:30 p.m. The nighttime program offers a chance to experience the park after dark and learn more about the animals and other creatures that become active after the sun goes down.

Both programs are part of Sloppy Floyd State Park’s August lineup of outdoor activities.

Those interested in participating are asked to call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826 to register or for additional information.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.

August 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sunset Paddle Set For This Evening At Sloppy Floyd State Park

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors a chance to enjoy the lake as the sun goes down with a special Sunset Paddle this evening.

Park rangers will lead participants on a paddle around the park’s lower lake from 8 until 8:30 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m.

The cost is $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required, and participants must register in advance.

Those taking part should bring drinking water and wear clothing that can get wet.

To register or get additional information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.

July 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Proclaims August as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia

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Governor Brian Kemp has officially proclaimed August 2026 as Shooting Sports Month in Georgia, recognizing the state’s long-standing hunting traditions, recreational shooting opportunities, and the economic impact of the industry. The proclamation encourages Georgians of all experience levels to safely enjoy shooting sports throughout the month.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is encouraging residents to visit one of the state’s more than 45 public archery and shooting ranges, many of which are located on Wildlife Management Areas and Public Fishing Areas. The agency also promotes firearm safety training and responsible participation in shooting sports.

According to DNR, Georgia’s shooting sports and hunting industry contributed an estimated $2.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 and supports nearly 11,000 jobs. In addition, Georgia received more than $19.2 million in federal wildlife conservation funding in 2025 through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which is funded by excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Those funds help support wildlife management, habitat conservation, hunter education, and public shooting ranges across the state.

The proclamation highlights the role hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts play in conservation while encouraging safe, responsible firearm ownership and recreation throughout the month of August.

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia’s Bald Eagle Population Continues Strong Growth, DNR Survey Finds

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Georgia’s bald eagle population continues to thrive, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ annual nesting survey, which found nesting success well above long-term averages despite surveying fewer areas than usual this year.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

National Fishing and Boating Week Returns June 6-14 Across Georgia

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Georgians will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as National Fishing and Boating Week returns June 6-14, 2026, with special events, educational programs, and two free fishing days offered statewide.

May 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Quota Hunt Applications Open June 1

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Georgia hunters will soon be able to apply for a variety of quota hunts as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources prepares for the upcoming hunting season.

May 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sloppy Floyd State Park Ready to Welcome Summer Adventurers

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville is gearing up for a busy summer season, with camping, hiking, fishing and family-friendly programs available for visitors.

Park Manager Katy Gramling says summer adventures at the park include several camping options, including electric campsites, backcountry campsites and a pioneer campground with water but no electricity.

Gramling says weekend reservations are mostly booked into June, but weekday campers may have a better chance of finding an available site.

Upcoming events at the park include Junior Ranger Camps June 10-12, June 22-25 and July 16-17. The camps are designed for children ages 6 to 12 and include outdoor skills, crafts and ranger-led activities. The park will also host “Star Spangled S’mores and Stories” on July 4 at 7 PM, featuring campfire games, a storybook, hot cocoa and s’mores.

Visitors can also enjoy the park’s lakes, hiking trails and access to the Pinhoti Trail. For reservations or more information, visit Georgia State Parks online or call the park office at 706-857-0826.