Celebrate Georgia State Parks' 75th Anniversary

Come be a part of Georgia State Parks' 75th Anniversary celebration at Vogel State Park in Blairsville. On Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., visitors can join the park's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Reunion. Attendees can learn about the CCC's vital role as the architects of the park system and participate in various activities scheduled throughout the day. The fun includes tours of the park's new CCC Museum, a program on camping and tourism in the '30s, live music from the same era, camp cooking demonstrations, and the event culminates with a CCC reunion. Join surviving members as they reminisce about the past during a pot luck dinner. Those attending the reunion meal need to R.S.V.P. and will need to bring a covered dish to share. Meats will be provided by Vogel Volunteers. Parking is $3. To R.S.V.P. for the meal or to obtain additional information, call (706) 7452628 or log onto www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/in fo/vogel.

The Civilian Conservation Corps was established in 1933 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a work relief program for young men to combat poverty and unemployment caused by the Great Depression. The major task of the corps, whose members enlisted and were housed similarly to army encampment, was to improve conservation through various methods such as erosion control and reforestation. The CCC also built roads, installed telephone and power lines and constructed

many buildings and trails in state and national parks that are still used today, including Vogel State Park.

Vogel houses one of two museums in the nation that marks the history of the Corps.

In 1931, Indian Springs and Vogel became Georgia's first state parks. During 2006, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is commemorating 75 years of protecting Georgia's natural, cultural and recreational resources with a year-long celebration of exciting events. Throughout the year, visitors can participate in several events and exhibits celebrating the parks' rich past. From historic reenactments to sockhops, and wildflower hikes to moonshine displays, visitors will be able to experience the many cultural and educational opportunities that Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites have to offer. To see a list of all 75th Anniversary events, browse the vintage park photos, shop the new Trading Post, and learn more about the celebration, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/75 th or call 1-800-864-7275 for a free brochure.

This annual reunion of the Civilian Conservation Corp Boys includes CCC museum tours, a program on what camping and tourism were like in the 1930s, camp cooking (from a dutch oven to the microwave), and live music of the era. Bring a covered dish to share; meat will be provided by Vogel Volunteers. RSVP for the meal. (706) 745-2628. While everything else changes, Georgia State Parks remain true to nature.