“It’s been two years since Lake James State Park reintroduced fire to the landscape after decades of well-intentioned, but ill-informed suppression. The first prescribed fire in the parks 30-year history took place in February, 2014 in the area traversed by the Fox Den Loop trail and it’s a great time to revisit the site to weigh the consequences, both good and bad. We may also assess a more-recent burn unit if the 2016 prescribed fire season goes according to plan. Park Ranger Jamie Cameron will lead the way on this moderate, 2.25-mile hike in search of plants and animals that were affected by the fire. Meet at the Catawba River Area breezeway at 2 p.m.”

“Check out one of the best views on the lake with Park Ranger Clay Veasey. The Sandy Cliff Overlook Trail is an easy, 1/2-mile route through a section of the park that received a restorative prescribed fire in late 2014. Come see for yourself the amazing habitat improvement that can be achieved through a thoughtful prescribed burning program and bring your camera to record the awesome overlook view of Lake James. Meet at the Catawba River Area parking lot at 10 a.m.”