America's Wonders (Fourth of July Event)

Experience America's night time wonders during multiple evening activities!

Accessibility: Parking will be available at the Caddo Forest Trailhead/Boat Ramp. Portable restroom is available nearby. No drinking water is available nearby, must grab from front office fountain or bring your own. Path to program is pavement and concrete sidewalk. Path during program will be relatively flat with some minor trip hazards and a few bridges.

Program Expectations: Park Will Be Dark. Program will consist of "Mothing", an "Owl Prowl", a "UV Night Hike", and "Basics of Astronomy" all led by a park ranger.

Mothing - consists of UV blacklights that attract certain flying insects to the identification area. These insects with be recorded and observed with iNaturalist.

Owl Prowl - consists of a ranger-guided "prowl" where we will call and search for owls without causing major disturbances to their behavior.

Night Hike - consists of a ranger-guided hike using mainly UV flashlights to find glowing scorpions, centipedes, and mushrooms.

Basics of Astronomy* - consists of multiple telescopes to see different stars, planets, and galaxies. A ranger will also use a high-powered green laser to point out various constellations and things we can see with our naked eye. *This event is subject to cloud cover and visibility.

Please do not bring SUPER BRIGHT white lights. This will negatively affect participants' experiences. Any type of Red Light or soft/dim white is ideal for night time events. *Some wildlife becomes more active at night. While this is great for experience, safety precautions are at a high. Snakes, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, biting insects, tripping, and many other hazards may present themselves during the program. Please stay with the ranger at all times if you are not familiar with these hazards.*

Registration: Registration is not required but appreciated! To register, contact: Lane Neely @ [email protected] or (903) 578 - 0160

Where: Caddo Forest Trailhead/Boat Ramp

What to bring: 

Water
Bug Spray
Red Light Flashlight
Binoculars (Astronomy)

Program is included in park entry fees- $4 per person ages 13 and older, 12 and under are free. No need to register, just show up! Programs are subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Cancellations will be announced on Caddo Lake State Park Facebook page or you can call park headquarters.