Enjoy nature, summer with local nonprofit

By ADRIENNE ANDERSONJuly 10, 2013

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 10, 2013) -- Oxbow Meadows, an outreach program by Columbus State University, is right across from Fort Benning, making it a great location for those living on post. The environmental learning center has free admission and a small donation is required for many of its programs and events. Just how small? Oxbow Meadow's Wildlife Walks are only $2 per person. Not bad.

PUBLIC AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

School is out and if you are looking for a way to keep your little ones busy, try the reading club that is every Saturday at 11 a.m. or Colorful Creations: Butterflies at 10 a.m. to noon July 20, where children learn about butterflies and make their own artistic creations.

Take the Family on a hike with Oxbow's Wildlife Walks program or get a hands-on look at reptiles with the Radical Reptile program.

And if you like insects, Oxbow Meadows is hosting its annual Insectival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 13. The cost is $5 per person.

The center also has volunteer opportunities -- whether working in summer of the programs or helping the center stay pretty. For more information on volunteering, visit http://oxbow.columbusstate.edu/volunteers.php.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wildlife Walks

Date: 10 a.m. July 20.

Price: $2 per person. Children 3 and younger free.

Join Oxbow Meadows and take a leisurely and fun-filled hike along nature trails. During the hike, you will learn more about the wildlife found at Oxbow and how to identify certain plants and trees that are located along the trail.

Spruce it up volunteer club

Dates: 10 a.m. July 13 and July 27.

Join one of Oxbow's dedicated master gardeners and other volunteers as they help spruce up the gardens, trails, and animal exhibits. 706-507-8546.

Insectival

Date: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 13.

Price: $5 per person. Children 3 and younger free.

See live insects, make glow worms, participate in the cricket spitting contest, make crafts and more. http://oxbow.columbusstate.edu/Insectival.php.

OXBOW MEADOWS HOURS

Closed Monday

Tuesday through Friday:

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday:

Noon to 4 p.m.

Scheduled Closings:

Labor Day Weekend Aug. 31 to Sept. 1

CONTACT INFORMATION

Location:

3535 South Lumpkin Rd.

Columbus, GA 31903

Phone:

706-507-8550

Email:

oxbowmeadows@columbusstate.edu

Public Programs, Field Trips:

706-507-8555

Volunteer Information:

706-507-8546