Pinson Mounds hosted Junior Ranger Camp at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park June 6 through June 8. Park Ranger Deidra Ekberg lead the event.
Rangers Claire Smartt, Madlyn Maples and Ethan Azbill led campers through fun activities, teaching what it means to be a Park Ranger, while discussing safety, Tennessee wildlife, the environment and conservation. Activities included Ranger led hikes, games, and crafts for the junior campers. The topics discussed and taught were
The three-day camp ended with a Graduation Ceremony for all Junior Rangers that completed the course. The ceremony was held at the Playground Picnic Shelter Saturday, June 8. Families attended to congratulate the succession of the campers. After the ceremony, the Junior Rangers were encouraged to show their families around the park.
The Pinson Mounds State Archeological Park hosts this event every year and has numerous family friendly events throughout the entirety of the year.
Friday, June 14, the Morning Bird Melodies Birding Hike begins at 8 a.m., followed by Native American Spear throwing at 1 p.m. On Saturday, June 15, the Swamp Friends event begins at 10 a.m., where anyone can learn some of the interesting wildlife found in Pinson Mounds’ Swamps and meet swamp friends. Saturday evening at 7 p.m., the Symphony on the Move festivity is welcoming the Jackson Symphony for a concert in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Pinson Mounds State Archeological Park. Ending the weekend out on Sunday, there will be a Golf Cart Tour at 2 p.m. where guests will be able to experience the park from a historical golf carty tour around the grounds for about an hour. No one under the age of five years old may attend and lap riding is not permitted.
Friday, June 21, the park will host An Afternoon of Archaeology. The Pinson staff and members of Colorado State University’s Department of Anthropology and Geography invite the community to a guest lecture by Dr. Edward R. Henry, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the park museum. Dr. Henry is an Assistant Professor of Archeology at Colorado State and has been conducting research at Pinson Mounds State Archeological Park for 10 years. Following the lecture, there will be a tour of excavations. Registration is required. Go to https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/pinson-mounds/#/?event:an-afternoon-of-archeology2024
Saturday, June 22 is Tennessee Promise Saturday. This is a great opportunity to provide logged volunteer hours. The park will be open to the public and welcomes the community to participate.
For more information about these or upcoming future events call the park at (731) 988-5614 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Saturday, or check out their Facebook page online.
