Don Carter State Park

05/29/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Easter Cauliflower Mushroom

This mushroom is blooming near the Visitor Center again this summer!! This mushroom has a large, cauliflower-like structure with tightly packed overlapping lobed clusters. Its color can range from creamy white to pale yellow and typically grows on the ground, often near the base of hardwood trees. This one is at the base of a hardwood stump!!

05/27/2026

Wild Wednesday

Great Blue Heron

This guy was spotted by the beach on Memorial Day!

05/26/2026

Our Monumental Moments Scavenger Hunt is still going strong and we still have Chick-Fil-A cards for prizes. Make sure you don't miss it!! This scavenger hunt and prize will end on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

We have a new scavenger hunt and prize every month!!

05/15/2026

Fun Fact Friday

Jump in the line...🎶

These caterpillars have gotten in line to come visit; you should too!!

We still have 2 cottages available for Memorial Day Weekend! Just a reminder it's a 3-night minimum.

05/14/2026

We've had to re-schedule the Poker Ride to a later date. More information coming soon! Thank you for your understanding.

05/13/2026

Wild Wednesday

Pleated Inkcap

This mushroom is a decomposer that can be found in grassy areas, alone scattered or in small groups. The bodies grow at night after rain and will self-decompose after spore dispersion. Otherwise, they are quickly dried up in morning sun! We found these after the much-needed rain last week!!

05/08/2026

Fun Fact Friday!

Gall Wasp

These are tiny insects that make an abnormal growth called a gall on plants, mainly oaks. They have chemicals that they use to manipulate the plant to create a protective home and food source for their larvae! The galls can look like bumps, balls or mushrooms and are usually harmless to the tree's overall health.

We found the half open one on the Overlook trial earlier this week and Photo credit goes to Kristin Kallaher Inman for finding the one hanging on the tree and the deep green one.

We've got our story walk at the beach as well, the book is "The Hike". Come on out and see if you can find your own Gall Wasp!!

05/01/2026

The State of Georgia is currently under a Level 1 Drought Response, as issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
To help conserve water and protect our natural resources, the following measures are now in effect throughout the park:
Water Use Guidelines:
•Avoid unnecessary water use whenever possible.
•Limit shower times and turn off water while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
•Do not leave faucets running unattended.
•Report any leaks or dripping fixtures to park staff immediately.
Outdoor Water Use:
•Washing of vehicles, campers, or equipment by guests is prohibited.
•Use of hoses should be minimized and only used for essential purposes.
These small steps make a big difference in preserving water resources during dry conditions. We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the environment and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all visitors.
For more information on campfire bans and drought guidance, please visit gastateparks.org/Alerts

The State of Georgia is currently under a Level 1 Drought Response, as issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).

To help conserve water and protect our natural resources, the following measures are now in effect throughout the park:

Water Use Guidelines:
•Avoid unnecessary water use whenever possible.
•Limit shower times and turn off water while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
•Do not leave faucets running unattended.
•Report any leaks or dripping fixtures to park staff immediately.

Outdoor Water Use:
•Washing of vehicles, campers, or equipment by guests is prohibited.
•Use of hoses should be minimized and only used for essential purposes.

These small steps make a big difference in preserving water resources during dry conditions. We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the environment and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all visitors.

For more information on campfire bans and drought guidance, please visit gastateparks.org/Alerts

04/29/2026

Wild Wednesday!

Mud daubers may look intimidating, but they're actually helpful neighbors in our state parks! These solitary wasps build nests from tiny mud pellets on rock walls, barns, under eaves, and even fallen trees like the one pictured here.

Female mud daubers are the nest builders, carefully crafting each chamber and stocking it with food for their young, while the male daubers stay near the nests to protect them. These wasps play an important role in nature by helping control spider populations, especially orb-weavers and widow spiders.

Next time you're exploring our trails or picnic areas, keep an eye out for these amazing natural builders at work!