Goose Creek State Park Calendar of Events for May | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Saturday, May 1      Flatty Creek Hike      3 p.m.

     One of the favorite destinations in the park is the overlook at Flatty Creek. This is a wonderful place to see osprey and other wildlife that call Goose Creek State Park home. Bring your binoculars, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the outdoors. Meet the ranger in the parking lot at the campground entrance to begin this one mile hike.


     Saturday, May 8       Ivey Gut Trail      3 p.m.

    This trail with the very puzzling name is one of the most beautiful spots in Goose Creek State Park. Yet it is one of the least visited. Meet in the campground parking lot to accompany a ranger on a mile-and-a-half walk leading out to Goose Creek itself. Be ready to discover just what a gut is! Wear close-toed shoes, dress appropriately for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them.


    Saturday, May 14       Birds and Their Nests       3 p.m.

    All children, ages 5-10, are invited to attend this special Saturday program where we will focus on birds and the nests they build. Come and learn the birds most commonly seen in our area, the types of nests and nesting locations, and the foods birds eat based on the shape of their beaks. Some interesting bird “fun facts” will be shared as well. Meet in the Auditorium of the Visitors Center and remember that all children must be accompanied by an adult.

    Sunday, May 15       Wonderful Wetlands       3 p.m.

    Come and find out why wetlands are so wonderful. Meet in the Visitor Center to learn the various functions of wetlands and why preserving them is important. Following the program, weather permitting, we will take a short hike on the Palmetto Boardwalk to see Goose Creek State Park’s wetlands at work.


    Sunday, May 22       Snapping Turtles!       3 p.m.

    The Common Snapping Turtle is the largest fresh water turtle native to our state of North Carolina. Often seen crossing the roads in the spring and found in the most unlikely environments, little is known about this cantankerous turtle species. Visit Goose Creek’s Visitor Center to discover all that makes the Common Snapping Turtle everything but common.


    Sunday, May 29       Beautiful Bluebirds       3 p.m.

    Spring is here and the Eastern Bluebirds have found their favorite nesting sites and feeding grounds. Join a ranger for a short presentation on these wonderful birds and then take a guided hike to the front fields in hopes of seeing them in action. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable walking shoes.


    Special Announcement!
    Goose Creek State Park's Annual Photography Contest Is Back!!!

    Have you been out on our trails already this year and taken some really neat photos? If so, choose your best to enter in our photo contest. If not, come on out, stop by the office to pick up an entry form (or three), then get out there and capture the winning photo!


2011 Photo Contest Rules

• All photos must have been taken in the park this calendar year and must be accompanied by an official entry form. Each contestant is limited to 3 entries. Contest deadline is December 18, 2011.
• Prints no larger than 8"x10" must be submitted for judging. Be prepared to submit electronic copies for contest winning photographs.
• Framed, matted or digitally manipulated photos (other than simple cropping and brightness/contrast adjustments) are not eligible.
• Employees of the North Carolina Division of State Parks and are not eligible.
• All photos must reflect safe, ethical, and legal behavior. Do not harass wildlife to get a photo.
• Mail or bring your entry to: Goose Creek State Park
2190 Camp Leach Road
Washington, NC 27889

If you have questions please call 252/923-2191 or e-mail goose.creek@ncmail.net.

    Here below is an image file of the Photo contest.

    If you have questions, call the park office at 252-923-2191.