The West GA Chapter of GNPS participated in “October Outdoors at the Bend”, presented by Freinds of Chattahoochee Bend State Park on October 8 2011. Our newest state parks, it consists of 2,900 acres of varied natural land in western Coweta County, with seven miles of river frontage along the Chattahoochee River. There are some wonderful granite outcrop areas and views of the river from the picnic area.

The October Outdoors day promoted family outdoor activities at the park. There were a number of tables and tents for visitors including a bird of prey demonstration and native snake demonstration, a history & archeology of the park display and games and crafts for the kids. The West GA Chapter presented a 2 table display on invasive plants commonly found in the park. The tables were manned by Gina & Mike Strickland who explained sample fresh cuttings of a variety of invasive plants and vines like Kudzu (Pueraria montana), Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Japanese Stilt Grass (Microstegium vimineum). They demonstrated the use of the 'Weed Wrench' shrub and plant pullers we use at Buffalo Creek restoration project to remove Privet (Ligustrum spp.) and Japanese Honeysuckle. There were handouts on resources for more information about native plants, invasive species plants and a slide show of the issue featuring control methods and alternative native plants. It was a beautiful day and attendance was over 200 people.

	Entrance to our newest State Park.		Gina and whole setup.
	Information table.		Samples of Invasive Exotics.