Teaching kids to enjoy the outdoors

The annual Greenwings event is set for Aug. 19 at the DNR compound on Everett Springs Road.

Youngsters interested in shooting sports should put a sticky note on their parents’ calendar for Aug. 19. The local chapter of Ducks Unlimited will host their annual Greenwings event at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources compound at 2592 Floyd Springs Road from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Boys and girls up through the age of 17 are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about how to handle a bow and arrows, or firearm of their choice.

Event chairman David Culp said DU holds the event every year to help get kids out of the house, away from the video games and enjoy a day outdoors.

DNR instructors will funnel children through stations with BB guns, .410 gauge shotguns fired at static clay targets and .12 gauge shotguns shooting at skeet for more advanced youngsters. Kids will also have some time on the archery range.

Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division Sgt. Mike Barr said the event is as much about teaching conservation as it is shooting sports. “Conserving the renewable resource for present and future generations is a solid investment in ensuring that conservation gets passed on,” Barr said. “Sportsmen are the ones that look out for the wildlife, for habitat, the health of the herd and waterfowl, and efforts to balance human interaction and habitat for wildlife.”

Inflatables will be available for younger children who are not ready for exposure to the weaponry.

The DNR representatives will start the event with a safety session and will be on hand to assist the DU volunteers at each of the shooting stations.

Children will also have an opportunity to visit the Arrowhead Wildlife Education Center on the DNR compound to learn more about local wildlife and what is being done to enhance habitat for wildlife. Habitat loss is considered one the most serious

threats to virtually every species in the Northwest Georgia area.

There is a $15 admission fee, but that also gets the kids lunch and a T-shirt, along with membership in the Greenwings youth affiliate of Ducks Unlimited for a full year.

People with questions about the event can reach Culp at 706-346-0571.