The days lengthen and the nights shorten. When they are even with each other, it will be spring. Whether night or day there are fun things to do at Hodges Gardens State Park in Florien:
• Star party — The Baton Rouge Astronomical Society hosts its annual star-gazing party March 10-14 at Hodges Gardens with a night open to the public March 13. Astronomers will be on hand to share their equipment and knowledge of the heavens. To keep the area free from light pollution, participants must hike about a quartermile to the event to keep the area free of headlights.
• Spring celebration — Hodges Gardens State Park celebrates the first day of spring March 20. Highlights of the event include 5-kilometer and 5-mile runs, guided hikes through newly reopened trails, fine arts by Louisianian artists for viewing or sale, a custom and antiques car show, a folklore archiving project by Northwestern State University students and live music.
• Moonlight garden tour –– Park hours are extended for this opportunity to stroll through the gardens by the light of the full moon.
The gardens normally close at sunset; but each full moon night this year, hours are extended. The moon will be full and bright March 30 when the public is invited for a moonlight stroll at midnight.
For information on these or other events, contact the park at (800) 354-3523. Hodges Gardens State Park is located on U.S. Hwy 171 between Many and Leesville, across from Emerald Hills Golf Resort. Admission is $5 per person, $4 per person for seniors age 62 and over and children under 3 are admitted free.
State park annual passes are available for $50. The park is open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
