For all those who love fall and the changing of the seasons, this is for you. Living in Florida we don't have very much change in both temperatures or in foliage. As the weather gets colder and the season changes the Goddess shows us that this change is all around us. The leaves begin to change color and slowly begin to die. This is why I had to go hunting for the seasons. Our hunt took us to General Coffee State Park, in Nicholls, Georgia. This amazing park and has quickly become my kids favorite park, mainly because of the Heritage Farm. Let's first look at why leaves change color when the Sun God begins his slow descent. As the Sun goes down it allows less time for the trees to absorb the chlorophyll which keeps it that bright green color. As the chlorophyll leaves the photosynthesis process changing so that now instead of the carotenoids instead give off deep colors of orange, and yellow. Then on other some other trees instead of carotenoids, they release anthocyanin which gives off that deep red and purple. The only leaves that do not change is that of the Evergreens. This is because their "leaves" pine needs are covered in a wax coating which ensures that any chlorophyll that is absorbed. They stay on their branches till their life cycle is over then they fall to the ground. They will also fall and die from environmental issues like intense drought. The first signs of fall are not just the cold weather, but the change of the leaves. As you travel further north up the mountains you will see the beautiful orange, yellow, and red leaves dotting the roadways. The leaves do not stay for a very long time so it is important to take advantage while they are in transition. One strong gust of wind can knock those stunning leaves right off. To make sure you don't miss the peak of the colors you can check each state’s fall foliage maps. John E. Coffee was a General who later became a Congressman for the state of Georgia. He fought in the Creek Wars against the Native Americans. He fought under Andrew Jackson against the British on the attack on Pensacola in the autumn of 1814. The battle had forced the British out of Pensacola and left the Spanish in charge of Pensacola. Jackson after viable intel ordered Coffee to led 600 men to Natchez, Mississippi Territory to protect New Orleans from the British. After he won the war General Coffee ran and won the election to become a member of the 23 & 24 U.S. Congress. General Coffee died on his plantation near Jacksonville, Georgia, on September 25, 1836. Ironically even after his death he was reelected to the 25th Congress. General Coffee State Park is on 1511 acres that was donated by some local Coffee County residents in 1970. They choose to name the park after a local congressman, named General Coffee who lived in the area. In addition to the amazing natural environment. General Coffee State Park also has a working farm, Heritage Farms. At your kids will love to take a step back in time to visit the 1800 cabin home of Charles Meek's family. He raised his 13 kids with his wife in the home. Heritage Farms has a corn crib, tobacco barn, and a cane mill. It also has a vegetable garden that provides nutritious vegetables to the caretakers of the farm. My children love the interaction with the horses, ducks, goats, sheep, chickens, pigs and donkeys. In addition to the historical farm there is also tons of other fun activities you can do to enjoy yourself. You can bike, or hike the 13 miles of trails. You can even bring your horses and ride the trails together. General Coffee State Park also has a beautiful black river that runs through it. It is an "ephemeral river” meaning that it’s dry as often as it is wet. The seventeen-mile river is part of the Satilla River. The Satilla River drains almost 4,000 square miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The river flows through the park into open lake in some areas. There are several long boardwalks to access the river and swamps. My boy enjoyed fishing of the bridges, and banks. To really enjoy this state park, you really need at least 5 days, sadly we only had 3. It is for that reason that we make sure we go more than one trip a year. We camped at one of the 70 campsites available. They also have yurts and cottages available for those who are not a fan of sleeping in a tent or rv. You can access the hiking trails right off the campground by the playground. “If the farmer is rich, then so is the nation.”
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