Cooper Lake has fall colors, activities for all ages

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Celebrate autumn at Cooper Lake State Park. This month’s activities focus on family fun and learning about the natural world.    highlighted program topics for November are astronomy, archery, Dutch Oven cooking and guided hikes.

For outdoor activities, state park officials say to be sure to bring water, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen and a camera, if desired.

“November is a special month during the fall season with leaf colors at peak beauty, several warm sunny days perfect for fishing and hiking, and a few clear cold nights just as perfect for a roaring campfire,” said Complex Superintendent Steve Killian.

 

HIKING

Night Hikes will take place, starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15. Put on pants and hiking boots, bring a flashlight and experience new activities learning about arthropods and their roles in nature, as well as nighttime animal behavior and how to use night vision. Get up close and personal with a creepy crawler.

Formation Station teaches about how fossils are made and the different types. Participants will create their own and help a park ranger search for real fossils. The event will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16.

Come celebrate Take a Hike Day at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. Learn about hiking essentials and planning on a moderately-fast paced hike with a few short stops. Expect to walk most, if not all, of the trail and expect mud! Shoe brush provided at the end of the hike.

Starry Hikes will be held at 6 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 22 and 27. Learn about our galaxy on a hike through the park. Discuss our North Star as it's been used for generations and what its future holds. Learn how to use a star map and take home your very own.

Turkey Trot will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. Come walk off those second (OK, fourth) helpings and check out some natural wonders with a park ranger.

Leaf No Trace will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. Come make some leaf rubs and talk about what causes leaves to change in this beautiful season.

 

CRITTERS

Critter Corner will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. Learn about animals through stories, science and props. Meet a critter from around here. 

Hike with a Homeless Dog will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Take a walk with a shelter dog and make a new friend.

On Sunday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m., The Scoop on Poop will teach about species’ feces and enjoy a special, fudgy treat.

 

NIGHTTIME

Campfire Stories will take place at 9 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 15, 22 and 29. Come gather around a campfire for snacks and stories.

In Starry-Eyed and Star-Crossed, a park ranger will tell astronomical tales about the constellations and other heavenly bodies at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24.

 

HUNTING

Learn how to safely shoot with a Genesis bow on a small range in an archery class to be held at 3 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 9 and 16. Practice with a string bow first then move on to the Genesis on a small range. Arm guards will be provided on request or as necessary. Coaching will be provided for the entire duration of the program as necessary. Safety will be top priority, and anyone who doesn’t follow safety protocol will be asked to leave.

 

COOKING

Cook like the cowboys did. Sample and learn an old school, outdoor cooking method of the Dutch oven at 11 a.m. Saturdays, Nov. 9 and 30.

Park programs are open to the public and free with park entrance fee of $5 per person ages 13 and older; children 12 and younger are always free. Park entry is free with a Texas State Park Pass. Unless otherwise noted, there’s no need to register.

Outdoor events are subject to cancellation due to weather. For more information and updates visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/cooper-lake/park_events.