Date: June 1, 2017
Contact: Tim Cruze, 806-857-3151
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument is announcing the “Ranger-led” Summer Program Schedule starting Saturday, June 3, 2017 and running through Sunday, August 27, 2017. Programs will be offered each day of the week. See descriptions and listings below:
DAILY
Alibates Quarries Tours – Join a National Park Ranger for one of the more popular programs since 1965. Tour Alibates Flint Quarries and learn about the Native Americans who lived here and see beautiful Alibates Flint. Moderate. 1 mile. 2 hours. Reservations recommended Tours are limited to 15 – 20 people per tour. Please call (806) 857-3151. Tours daily at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
SUNDAYS
“Paddle-Up” – Join a National Park Ranger on a guided kayaking tour down the Canadian River located at Spring Canyon. Watch migratory birds, dragonflies, and other flora and fauna along the river. Learn the importance of our wetlands and witness a diverse wildlife habitat. Lake Meredith National recreation Area will furnish the kayak and personal floatation device. Reservations only. Please call 806-857-3151. Limit 12 individuals. Meet at Spring Canyon at 9:00 a.m. Program starts at 9:30 a.m. 1 ½ hours.
“History of Lake Meredith” – Learn about the history of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and the recent changes in the ecosystem. Meet at Spring Canyon at 11:30 a.m. 1 hour.
“The Many Colors of Alibates Flint” – Park staff will discuss why this type of beautiful flint referred to as “Alibates Flint” was so important to people. How and why did it form? How was it used during ancient times through the 19th century? Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 12:00 p.m. and find out.
“Paleo Life” – Learn about some of the most unique people who lived in the Texas Panhandle some 13, 000 year ago. Learn about their culture, weapons, food, clothing and family life as well as other interesting facts about the Paleo-Indians. Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m.
MONDAYS
“Why Alibates?” – How did Alibates Flint get its name? Why was the Flint Quarries so important to people through the years? Come to Alibates Visitor Center and find out why. Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 12:00 p.m.
“Tools and Practices of the Early Cultures” – Join Park staff to learn about some of the many tools used by early cultures that called the Texas Panhandle home. Program may include flintknapping, grinding grain, prehistoric weapons, friction fire and pottery. Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m.
TUESDAYS
“Rock Talk” – Join Park staff to learn about Alibates Flint, or agatized dolomite and the geological features of the area eroded by wind and water. The Mesa tops are the result of the Alibates Dolomite, a resistant rock layer. There are several hypothesis as to how the flint was formed within the dolomite. Come learn more about ROCKS! Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS
“Prehistoric Weapons” – Learn how ancient Native Americans made weapons for everyday use in order to survive in the harsh landscape they called home. Meet at Alibates Visitors Center 1:00 p.m. 1 hour.
“Tool and Practices of the Early Cultures” – Join Park staff to learn about some of the many tools used by early cultures that called the Texas Panhandle home. Program may include flintknapping, grinding grain, prehistoric weapons, friction fire and pottery. Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m.
THURSDAYS
“Mammals of the Texas Panhandle” – Park staff will discuss how to identify certain mammals found in the Texas Panhandle by examining their skins and skulls. Specific adaptations found in animals will be discussed and what inherited traits are. You will learn about the food chain and what traits are found among predatory mammals vs. herbivores. Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 12:00 p.m.
FRIDAYS
“Hike of the Week – South Turkey Creek” – Meet at the South Turkey Creek Trailhead located in Harbor Bay for a short recreational tour exploring the Park’s newest trail. During the program park staff will discuss various topics surrounding Lake Meredith. Meet at the South Turkey Creek Trail at 10:00 a.m.
“Mammals of the Texas Panhandle” – Park staff will discuss how to identify certain mammals found in the Texas Panhandle by examining their skins and skulls. Specific adaptations found in animals will be discussed and what inherited traits are. You will learn about the food chain and what traits are found among predatory mammals vs. herbivores. Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 12:00 p.m.
“Tool and Practices of the Early Cultures” – Join Park staff to learn about some of the many tools used by early cultures that called the Texas Panhandle home. Program may include flintknapping, grinding grain, prehistoric weapons, friction fire and pottery. Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m.
SATURDAYS
“Paddle-Up” – Join a National Park Ranger on a guided kayaking tour of the Stilling Basin located in Spring Canyon. During this recreational activity park staff will discuss the importance of water safety, conservation, lake history and the importance of our recreation areas. Lake Meredith National recreation Area will furnish the kayak and personal floatation device. Reservations only. Please call 806-857-3151. Limit 12 individuals. Meet at Spring Canyon at 9:00 a.m. Program starts at 9:30 a.m. 1 ½ hours.
“Storytelling through Flintknapping – Park staff will demonstrate how ancient tools and weapons were made out of this unique Flint. Meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 45 minutes.
“Basic Fishing 101” – Meet a Ranger at Spring Canyon to discuss, demonstrate, and practice basic techniques that can be used while fishing. Learn what type of fish are around in the lake. Fishing poles and tackle equipment will be provided in this hands-on recreational activity. Children and adults are invited to participate in this program. Meet at Spring Canyon at 11:30 a.m. 1 hour.
