Attired afresh in dainty lacePerfumed with fragrant scented graceThat beckons suitors from abroad,To kiss a nectar sweetened  frond!                 (R Weisser 2013) It Springtime at Chattahoochee Bend State Park in CowetaCountyGeorgia. The park is less than two years old, and it will take decades for the land to be returned to a primeval state. But there are hints of what is to come throughout the expanse of preserved acreage. The various ecosystems of the park allow for a great diversity of flora and fauna. Whether one is exploring the bogs and wetlands in the low areas or the rock outcroppings on the hills, one is certain to discover many hidden treasure if one looks closely enough. Chattahoochee Bend State Park is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or to enjoy an extended campi... 04/07/2013

In ranks along the azure sluice,Baptized in cleansing waters blue,Their Glory Days are nigh at hand.Late-bloomers take their final stand!                    (R Weisser 2012)  When we think of Fall we always think of foliage, but fall also delivers the a tremendous display of wildflowers. It’s as if Nature decides to take one last, great stand against the upcoming windows and presses forth a profusion of late blooms. And although they are late to the party, they will make the best use of their remaining time and complete their mission of reproduction and the completion of the cycle of life! Sometimes productivity peaks at the last minute! And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Photos: Chattahoochee Bend State Park September 2012 09/22/2012

Chattahoochee Bend State Park opened in July 2011 and is one of the largest state parks inGeorgia. And in a little over a year all of the proposed trails have been blazed and now there are over ten miles of maintained hiking routes open. One of the more interesting sites along the trails is the “Bear” tree found along the Riverwalk Trail. It’s an interesting natural phenomenon that at first glance actually looks like the silhouette of a climbing bear cub! And although black bears range throughout Georgia, they are seldom seen in these parts. So the casual walker might be a bit startled. Chattahoochee Bend State Park is a great place to hike, picnic, camp and canoe or kayak the Chattahoochee River. And although it is Georgia’s newest state park, it is certain to become one of its most po... 08/05/2012

The Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park has announced that the construction of all approved trail paths is complete. One can now hike from the Visitors Center and connect to the Riverwalk Trail and continue from there to the Bend Trail. There is also a short loop available (.9 miles) for those just wanting to stretch their legs. Here’s the latest Chattahoochee Bend State Park Trail Map. Since there are some moderate changes in elevation it is wise to always carry water and perhaps an energy snack. The hot Georgia Summer can talk a toll on the ill-prepared hiker. There is a plethora of diverse plant and animal life to be observed in the park. And one of the best ways to get “up close and personal” with Nature is to spend a morning or afternoon on the trails. Chattahoochee Bend State... 05/15/2012

A glint of azure tinged with greenThat beckons from the dark ravine,The forest reveals its hidden jewelA softly trembling shimmering pool!                  (R Weisser 2012) We all know the old saying that you “can’t see the forest for the trees,” and we rarely apply it literally. But as an avid hiker and naturalist, I have learned to keep an open eye along the trail for any nuance of nature that could easily be bypassed without so much as a second look! So as I was walking the East-West Trail in Chattahoochee Bend State Park, I noticed a nice reflection on a small pool in a rivulet. You can only wonder how the light penetrates through the full canopy of leaves and is able to reveal an otherwise easily missed spot along the way. It is indeed easy to miss the forest for the trees. So we n... 04/28/2012

Awake, from sleeping root push forthTo beckon famished apian swarms‘Tis Spring’s first industry of growthThat bursts from rock as Nature’s host!                         (R Weisser 2012) It’s THAT time of year again. The time when the earth warms enough to force the earliest blooms to open and face the sunlight before the canopy of leaves prohibit them for completing their reproduction cycles. I often marvel at how delicate and fragile these earliest flowers are. Springtime conditions provide a harsh environment and the plants will only bloom a short time. And while you may have to narrow your focus and look very closely to see the show, it’s well worth the time and effort to discover what symphonies of life are being orchestrated beneath your feet! It’s a show that should not be missed!... 03/03/2012

Chattahoochee Bend State Park will allow hunters to harvest deer and feral hogs and kill coyotes for two days this December. Thirty bucks will allow you to harvest two bucks (or does) after a mandatory pre-hunt meeting with park officials. After debating the issue on the “Friends” Facebook Group, I was a bit surprised to see that many support the hunt. One commenter even complained about seeing three herds of deer on a twilight ride. Another said that deer were a dangerous threat to park visitors. That prompted this reply from me: “I guess I'm just a silly old man, but when I go to a park I WANT to see deer and coyotes and other forms of wildlife. If I saw three herds I would be thrilled! The park speed limit is 20 MPH, so I don't think that the threat of injury is all that great. If th... 09/10/2011