Green is the New Black at Hobbs & Devil’s Den on Friday After Thanksgiving

Instead of joining the crazy crowds of shoppers on Black Friday, Rebekah Penny, an interpreter at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, suggests enjoying clean water and air, and time with friends and family by making memories at the park.

“There is true value in our natural areas, recreational activities, and traditions,” she says. “Getting out exploring them with friends and family are those priceless connections – those priceless memories.”

Devil’s Den State Park Interpreter Terry Elder agrees, “There will be plenty of time to fight the crowds for that special gift and deal with all the headaches of the holiday season.” She suggests starting “a new family tradition this year and creating some positive memories by getting the family together to enjoy nature at its best at your local state park.”

On Friday, Nov. 29, the both parks will host activities all day that range from crafts to hikes in the woods.

Green Friday at Hobbs will include:

All Day: Ozark Plateau Trail Scavenger Hunts

9 a.m. – 10 a.m.:  Playing old timey, Ozark folk toys with Rebekah Penny

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.:  Learning about our native animals with Carey Channey

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.:  Turkey Tales with Denis Dean

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.:  Mother Nature (Diane Gately) reads a story, sings songs, and then

helps little ones with a craft

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.:  Shaddox Hollow trail hike led by Rebekah Penny

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.:  Sinking Stream Trail hike led by Beckie Moore

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.:  Kid’s crafting with Cindy Anderson

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.:  Zoe Caywood talks about old time turkey hunting

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.:  Fly tying demonstration with Sally Ann Brown

3 p.m.:  Eagle Cruise (advanced reservation required)

For more information about all of the Green Friday family activities call:  479-789-5000.

Programs at Devil’s Den on the Friday after Thanksgiving will include:

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. What’s in the Park and Where Scavenger Hunt – Explore and discover the many hidden treasures of the park on your own time.

10 a.m. –Noon Guided Hike on the Devil’s Den Trail – No matter how many times you have done this trail, there is always something new to see and learn.

12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m. – Nature Journaling – Design your own journal book and record all your favorite memories about your visit.

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Nature’s Holiday Cards – Design a holiday card for that special someone using some of nature’s own seasonal treasures.

4:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. – How Long will It Last?- Really go ‘green’ with a special fun recycle game as you learn just how long some of our trash will be hanging  around.

Devil’s Den will be collecting empty personal care containers such as shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, make up, mouthwash and other such items to be turned in and recycled into flower pots and park benches. So do your holiday cleaning and turn in your items at the visitor center on your next visit to the park before Dec 1.

For further information contact the park at 479-761-3325.