Candy Cook – Cobb County Parks Outdoors

Join Cobb Parks Natural Resources Team for these awesome events in January!

Farm Friday Volunteer Workday

01/03/25 2p-4p

Hyde Farm Park

Volunteer at Hyde Farm Park. Come out and help us beautify the park and demonstration garden. Learn new things, meet new people, and make a difference in the community. Please dress appropriately for a workday, including closed-toe shoes. Bring your own water to stay hydrated.

Register

Allatoona Sled dog Dryland Challenge

01/04/25 8a-4p

01/05/25 8a-4p

Allatoona Creek Park

4th Annual Georgia Dryland Sled Dog Race! Exciting event organized by Georgia Urban Mushing Team. Our goal is to continue to grow the sport of dog powered sports in the South

More info click here

Forest Bathing – Reconnecting with Nature

01/07/25 10a-11:30a

Green Meadows Preserve

Volunteer David Castaldini provides an introductory session of forest bathing which involves awakening our senses to be more aware in the present moment and connect with the trees, plants, and natural surroundings at Green Meadows Preserve. The practice is said to have many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and helping with insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Register

Friday Night Lights

01/10/25 5-7p

Pitner Road Park Pump Track

Gather with the MTB community for fun and friends at Pitner Bike Park after Dark and ride the pump track under the bright lights. $5 per participant

Register

Green-Bullard Historic House Museum Open

01/11/25 10a-12p

Green Meadows Preserve

Come explore the historic Green/Bullard house in a self-guided tour that showcases farm life from 1840-1940

Moonlight Hike

01/11/25 6:30-8:30p

Ebenezer Downs Park

Experience Ebenezer Downs Park after dark under the light of the full moon! Join us at Ebenezer Downs Park, meet at the house. Dress for the weather, shoes for hiking, flashlight, & water. Easy hike.

Register

Open Garden Time

01/11/25 10a-12p

Wright Environmental Education Center

Come explore the trails and native plant gardens of the Wright Environmental Education Center. During open garden time, you can walk the trails, visit the Jean Wright museum, and a master gardener volunteer will be on site to answer questions about the plants you see. Please park in the parking lot accessible from Post Oak Tritt Road near the church. The Wright Environmental Education Center is a limited access property and only open during the designated open garden times. Please make your way to the gate at closing time.

Register

Homeschool at Hyde Farm Park

01/16/25 10a-12p

Hyde Farm Park

Learn about identifying different types of animal tracks, scats, and other signs followed by an hour-long hike along the trails looking for signs of wildlife in the park.

Register

Open Garden Time

01/16/25 9a-11a

Wright Environmental Education Center

Come explore the trails and native plant gardens of the Wright Environmental Education Center. During open garden time, you can walk the trails, visit the Jean Wright museum, and a master gardener volunteer will be on site to answer questions about the plants you see. Please park in the parking lot accessible from Post Oak Tritt Road near the church.The Wright Environmental Education Center is a limited access property and only open during the designated open garden times. Please make your way to the gate at closing time.

Register

MTB Atlanta Volunteer Trail Workday

01/18/25 9a – 12p

Allatoona Creek Park

Join the mountain bike community with MTB Atlanta working to help build and maintain the trails at Allatoona Creek Park.

Register

Forest Bathing – Reconnecting with Nature

01/18/25 10a-11:30a

Heritage Park

Volunteer David Castaldini provides an introductory session of forest bathing which involves awakening our senses to be more aware in the present moment and connect with the trees, plants, and natural surroundings. The practice is said to have many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and helping with insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Register

Forest Bathing – Reconnecting with Nature

01/18/25 1p-2:30p

Discovery Park

Volunteer David Castaldini provides an introductory session of forest bathing which involves awakening our senses to be more aware in the present moment and connect with the trees, plants, and natural surroundings. The practice is said to have many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and helping with insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Register

Open Garden Time

01/23/25 9a-11a

Wright Environmental Education Center

Come explore the trails and native plant gardens of the Wright Environmental Education Center. During open garden time, you can walk the trails, visit the Jean Wright museum, and a master gardener volunteer will be on site to answer questions about the plants you see. Please park in the parking lot accessible from Post Oak Tritt Road near the church.The Wright Environmental Education Center is a limited access property and only open during the designated open garden times. Please make your way to the gate at closing time.

Register

Hyde Nature Walk

01/25/25 10a-11a

Hyde Farm Park

Part of the Hyde Farm In Season series, this easy nature walk will focus on nature and wildlife featuring prominently during the winter season.

Register

Trail of the Month

01/25/25 1p-3p

Mabry Park

Join us for a first Trail of the Month Club hike along the trails of Mabry Park. Please meet next to the playgrounds near the parking lot. Dress for the weather. Wear proper trail walking shoes. Bring your own water & hiking essentials.

Register

Astronomy Night

01/31/25 7p-9p

Allatoona Creek Park

Enjoy the serene beauty and sounds of nature under the stars spotting constellations on astronomy night. It is recommended that participants download the Star Walk Night Sky Map app on their mobile device.

Register

Stay connected with our Natural Resource Management Unit on our social media channels:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/CobbNature
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CobbNaturalResources
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CobbParksNaturalResources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cobbcountyparksandrec/

Join Us for Winter Evenings in the Park!

Photos: Friday Night Lights. Photo credit: John Purcell

Embrace the winter evenings with exciting park activities designed to keep you warm and active! Our lineup includes:

Wednesday Weenie Roast: Join us for a group mountain bike ride, followed by a cozy hotdog cookout. Perfect for riders of all levels, this midweek adventure is a great way to meet new friends and enjoy the trails. Register please!
Friday Night Lights: Head to Pitner Park for an exhilarating evening on the pump track! This action-packed night under the lights is perfect for riders who love the thrill of the track. $5/per participant. Register please!
Moonlight Hikes & Astronomy Night: Experience the magic of a moonlit night as we explore nature trails after dark on our moonlight hikes. Enjoy the serene beauty and sounds of nature under the stars spotting constellations on astronomy night. It is recommended that participants download the Star Walk Night Sky Map app on their mobile device.
Register for our Moonlight Hikes! Register for our Astronomy Night!

Bundle up and bring your family and friends for these unforgettable winter evenings at the park!

Explore Wright Environmental Education Center on Open Garden Days!

Photo Credit: June Jordan

The Wright Environmental Education Center invites the public to enjoy the beautiful trails and explore the educational displays during Open Garden Days. Stop by on scheduled Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a morning walk through nature. Starting in December, the center also opens the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m for those who prefer a weekend visit. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply curious about the environment, these open garden days provide a perfect opportunity to connect with the outdoors. Please register so we know you’ll be there!

Explore Cobb Parks Winter Trails Events

Photo: Trail of the Month Club Photo Credit: Candy Cook

Get ready to enjoy Cobb Parks’ trails this winter with exciting outdoor events designed to bring our community together and celebrate our scenic parks!

The Trail of the Month Club wraps up 2024 with a December 14 gathering at Stout Park from 1-3 PM, a fantastic opportunity to explore this local gem with like-minded nature enthusiasts. Starting in 2025, we’ll continue the adventure at Mabry Park on January 25, and then at Harrison Park on February 22. Each outing lets members discover a new trail and connect with the vibrant community of Cobb outdoor lovers. Please register:

For those interested in trail building and maintenance, we’re partnering with MTB Atlanta for Volunteer Trail Workdays at Allatoona Creek Park. These workdays happen on the third Saturday of each month, beginning on January 18. It’s a hands-on way to learn about trail care and give back to the trails you love, helping keep them safe and accessible for all. Please register

Join us on the trails to make the most of these winter months and get involved in preserving the beauty of Cobb County’s parks!

Dive into the Fabulous World of Fungi with Our Oyster Mushroom Workshop!

Photos: Fabulous World of Fungi Workshop Photo Credit: Candy Cook

Join Sam Landes of the Mushroom Club of Georgia for an in-depth look into the fascinating world of fungi! In this hands-on Oyster Mushroom Bag Cultivation Workshop, Sam will introduce participants to the wonders of fungi through an educational presentation, followed by a step-by-step guide to growing your own edible oyster mushrooms at home. This easy process skips the complex sterilization step, making it accessible for beginners. All supplies are included, along with a take-home recipe and a care guide for your mushroom bags. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to cultivate your own fungi! We’ll have two workshops this February. $3 per participant
Please register!

Celebrate the Holidays with Cobb Parks: Two Special Winter Events!

Photos: Green Bullard Historic House Photo Credit: Candy Cook

This holiday season, Cobb Parks invites you to enjoy two special events that celebrate the warmth of tradition and the beauty of winter.

Christmas Thru the Ages at Green Meadows Preserve offers a unique glimpse into history with each room of the Green-Bullard Historic House Museum decorated to reflect a different time period in the park’s story. Visitors can enjoy light refreshments, listen to traditional Christmas carols sung by live carolers, and even meet Santa! It’s a festive journey through history, perfect for the whole family.

At Hyde Farm Park, join us for Winter Solstice History & S’mores and experience a cozy evening exploring the heritage of pioneer farmers. This event includes a guided history and nature tour focused on life during the winter months. Hands-on activities like candle making, a look at pioneer toys and chores, and fireside storytelling add to the magic of the solstice celebration. And, of course, we’ll be serving up delicious s’mores by the fire! December 21 3PM-5:30PM $3/person Please register!

Join us for one or both of these holiday experiences to embrace the spirit of the season with family, friends, and a touch of history.

Discover Hyde Farm Park’s New Program Lineup!

Hyde Farm Park is excited to introduce a fresh lineup of engaging programs called, “Hyde Farm In Season,” starting this winter. On December 14, join us for a walking history tour, where you’ll get an up-close look at Hyde Farm’s historic buildings and learn about the rich history of the area.

Starting in January, Hyde Farm Saturday programs will be held on the last Saturday of each month, giving visitors an enriching way to connect with nature and history. On January 25, we’ll host a nature walk that highlights the park’s plants and wildlife—perfect for nature lovers and families alike. February 22 will bring our popular seed-starting program, designed to help gardeners prepare for spring planting. On the same day, the Georgia Wildlife Trackers Club will meet, welcoming all wildlife enthusiasts eager to learn about tracking skills and local wildlife.

Homeschool at Hyde will continue through winter with programs about fossils & skulls, wildlife tracking skills, and beginner bird watching.

These events are a fantastic opportunity to explore, learn, and connect at Hyde Farm Park. We can’t wait to see you there!

Please register for all of our Hyde Farm Park programs!

Forest Bathing – Reconnecting with Nature

Photos: Hyde Farm Park Photo credit: Candy Cook

The Japanese word for forest bathing is shinrin-yoku:

Shinrin-yoku is a Japanese practice that involves spending time in a forest to relax and connect with nature. It involves being calm and quiet, breathing deeply, and observing the natural surroundings. The practice is said to have many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and helping with insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Japan’s national health service has included shinrin-yoku as an intervention for mental health.

Please register for Forest bathing programs at Price Park, Green Meadows Preserve, Hyde Farm Park, Discovery Park at the Riverline, and Heritage Park.