CHARLESTON COUNTY PARKS

To register, call 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com.

Events

Mullet Haul Trail Run: 10 a.m. March 10 at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on Johns Island. This second annual run encourages participants to sport real or imitation mullet hairstyles during the race. The race will feature 5- and 10-mile off-road runs. Participants are not required to have a mullet, but a prize will be awarded for the best mullet in the race. Both races begin at 10 a.m. Following the races, awards will be presented and participants may take part in a post-race party featuring live music, food and beverages. Online registration is open through March 9. Late registration and packet pickup will be available 8-9:30 a.m. on race day. The five-mile run costs $34, or $28 for Charleston County residents. The 10-mile leg cost $44, or $36 for Charleston County residents. The Mullet Haul is for ages 10 and older, and participants ages 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult, although chaperons don't need to participate. No dogs or strollers.

Palmetto Pump & USA Climbing Competition: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 10 at the Climbing Wall at James Island County Park. The Climbing Wall is 50 feet high with multiple routes. Categories are by age and gender. No competition experience is necessary. Free event T-shirts for participants who register before March 4. Registration 8-9 a.m., climbing at 9:30 a.m. Fee: $45. Participants not registered with USA Climbing will need to pay a $5 day membership fee to compete. Free to spectators (park admission fees apply).

Customer Appreciation Day: March 18. Free admission to Ravenel Caw Caw Interpretive Center, North Charleston Wannamaker, Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands and James Island County Parks. Also free parking at Kiawah Beachwalker Park and Isle of Palms County Park. Free parking and fishing at Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier. Free fishing at the Mount Pleasant Pier, but parking fees still apply.

Lowcountry Cajun Festival: Noon-6 p.m. April 1 at James Island County Park. Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children's activities and entertainment. Live music by Mel Melton & His Wicked Mojos and Lil Brian & The Zydeco Travelers. Crawfish-eating contest at 2:30 p.m. Food and beverages for sale. No coolers, outside beverages or pets. Admission: $10 for adults (13 and up); free for children 12 and under and for Gold Pass holders.

Programs

March 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31: Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw Interpretive Center. 8:30 a.m.-noon. Join group on one of its regular bird walks. The walk through many distinct habitats will allow the group to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies and other organisms. Preregistration encouraged but walk-ons welcome. Chaperon required for participants under age 16. Fee: $5/free for Gold Pass holders.

March 3: Parent and Child Samplers: Kayak and SUP Sampler at James Island County Park. 9 a.m.-noon. This hands-on class introduces basic strokes and equipment of paddleboarding and kayaking before giving families a chance to paddle. A registered and paid chaperon is required for participants under age 16. Pre-registration required. Age: 6 & up. Fee: $18/$15 residents.

March 3-April 21: Team Charleston Recreational Club at the Climbing Wall at James Island County Park. 9-11 a.m. The parks' youth climbing team is designed to introduce newcomers to the sport of climbing through basic climbing techniques, safety, belay instruction and more. Eight weeks of games and activities. Pre-registration required. Age: 7-17. Fee: $132/$120 residents.

March 3, 17: Introduction to Climbing: Climbing 101 at James Island County Park. 1-4 p.m. Learn about gear, basic knots, technique and how to belay. After completion, participants will be prepared to take a belay test upon their next visit to the Climbing Wall. Pre-registration required. Age: 14 & up. Fee: $24/$20 residents.

March 4: Introduction to Climbing: Climbing 204: Top Rope Anchors at James Island County Park. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn all the basics of top rope anchor building. Will discuss natural features and bolts, good preparation for taking your climbing to real rock. Pre-registration required. Age: 16 & up. Fee: $24/$20 residents.

March 5-9: Kayak Rolling and Rescues: Introduction to Kayak Rolling Class at St. Andrews Fitness Center. 7-8:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 5:30-8 p.m. Friday. Learn important rescue techniques or how to roll a kayak. Small pool classes ensure comfort throughout the process. Pre-registration required. Participants ages 13-15 can register for this course, but must be accompanied by an adult chaperon. Age: 13 & up. Fee: $48/$40 residents.

March 6-June 5: Master Naturalist at Caw Caw Interpretive Center. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays. CCPRC and Clemson University are offering the Certified Master Naturalist program for people interested in understanding and protecting the state's valuable natural resources. Candidates complete a 13-day field study course led by a variety of experts in some of the state's most beautiful natural areas as they learn and practice skills naturalists use to "read" the natural world. The program develops volunteer citizen scientists, conservationists and educators who can positively affect the natural resources of the state. A detailed schedule will be available at the first meeting. Pre-registration required. Age: 18 & up. Fee: $625/$600 residents.

March 6: Night Climbing at James Island County Park. 7-10 p.m. An evening under the moon at the Climbing Wall. Try your favorite route from a different perspective. Equipment not included in climbing fee; bring headlamp/flashlight. Registration is not necessary. Age: 16 & up. Fee: $12/$10 residents.

March 7, 14, 21, 18: College Day at the Climbing Wall at James Island County Park. Noon-7 p.m. Students with a valid college ID will receive a free harness and shoe rental with the regular price of admission. Registration is not necessary. Fee: $10.

March 8: James Island Bird Walk at James Island County Park. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Birding experts will help identify and count songbirds, birds of prey, wading birds and others found in the park's diverse habitats. Free with pre-registration. Registered chaperon required for participants under age 16. Age: 9 & up.

March 8: After Work Paddling Trips: Sunset/Moonrise from Sunrise Park. 5:30-8 p.m. Join group for a sunset view of The Charleston Battery and head up with the tide from Sunrise Park to the Wappoo Boat Landing. Watch the sun set to the west and catch the moonrise an hour later. Pre-registration required. Age: 16 & up. Fee: $36/$30 residents.

March 9: Folly Beach Bird Walks: Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve Bird Walk. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Birding experts help participants explore the surprisingly diverse orth end of Folly Beach. Free with pre-registration. Registered chaperon required for participants under age 16. Age: 12 & up.

March 10: Birding Basics at James Island County Park. 9-11 a.m. The class will begin with birding essentials, covering everything from proper attire to gear, basic terminology, characteristics of bird groups, etc. Then move into the field to spot and identify winged friends. Pre-registration required. Registered and paid chaperon required for participants under age 16. Age: 10 & up. Fee: $6/$5 residents.

March 10, 24, 25: Intro to Stand Up Paddleboard at James Island County Park. Noon-1:30 p.m. These small, individualized classes will allow you to progress at your own pace, and introduce you to proper techniques and safety considerations. Pre-registration required. Age: 16 & up. Fee: $24/$20 residents.