April in the Ouachitas

Spring is the time for chirping birds and blooming flowers and there are plenty popping up around Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs. To celebrate, the Outdoor Adventure Series-Birds and Bloom Weekend is April 13-15 at the park. Guided wildflower and bird hikes and educational nature programs this weekend explore the many birds and blooms in this Ouachita Mountain landscape. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or contact the park at 501-844-4176 for more information.

ONE Day is April 14 in Mountain Pine at Lake Ouachita State Park. ONE stands for Ouachita Nature Experiences. This family-friendly day of activities and skills training is designed for those who want to learn camping skills or improve on skills they have learned but haven’t practiced in some time. A $10 fee includes a Dutch oven lunch. For more information visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or contact the park at 501-767-9366.

A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody is showing April 13-22 in Hot Springs at the Pocket Community Theatre. The story centers on Julia and Matthew Perry reveal their resolutions for the New Year. He vows to kill her and she vows to stay alive. And so a year-long match of wits begin! Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information visit www.pockettheatre.com or call 501-623-8585.

Join a park interpreter for a kayaking adventure April 18 or April 25 for a Kayak Cover Adventure at Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs. No experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable around water. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are also provided. Cost is $15. For more information visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or call 501-844-4176.

The 14th annual Central Arkansas Corvette Club Weekend is April 19-21 in Hot Springs. There will be events and a parade on Friday and Corvettes on display at the Hot Springs Convention Center on Saturday. For more information visit www.centralarkcc.com or call 501-922-3898.

Paddle the shorelines of Lake Ouachita with a park interpreter as your guide April 21 during a Kayaking Day Trip at Lake Ouachita State Park in Mountain Pine. Experience the lake in a new way while learning about the history, geology and wildlife of the area. No prior paddling experience is required, but you should be comfortable around water and be fit enough to paddle (at a leisurely pace) for several hours. A $30 fee includes use of a kayak, paddle and PFD. For more information visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or call 501-767-9366.

Develop or enhance your wilderness survival techniques at Daisy State Park in Kirby during a Survival Skills Weekend April 21. Learn the skills needed for wilderness survival through a series of workshops. Choose the ones you want or take them all. Advance registration and a fee is required. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or contact the park for more information by calling 870-398-4487.

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area in Wickes hosts the Little Rock Zoo's "Birds of Prey" program on April 28. The program include several live birds that can be found in the area in the wild. Discover which birds of prey are found here and learn about the individuality of these beautiful creatures. Admission is $3. For more information visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or call 870-385-2201.