There is no more beautiful time of year in Mississippi to really enjoy being outside than on a crisp October day, so come bring out the family this Saturday to enjoy some outside fun and learn a little bit along the way!

We have a great day planned to help folks get to know more about the natural, cultural and recreational opportunities that abound along the lower Mississippi River here — and to get some exercise, to boot!

We’ll start at the St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge with the opening of their new visitor center, the Magnolia walking trail extension, and the kid’s fishing pier starting at 10 a.m., followed by guided tours and canoe trips.

Then, while that fun is still going on, the focus will shift from natural resources to recreation as we gather on the bluff just as the Phatwater kayakers begin coming into Under-the-Hill at the end of their race.

Our fall festivities on the bluff from noon to 2:30 p.m. will include booths promoting healthy eating and local outdoors opportunities like the Natchez Trails Project and the Natchez Bicycle Club. Broadway Street will be blocked off from Franklin Street to Main Street. There is no cost for attendance.

The upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War provides an opportunity for older children to participate in the “Join the Army!” activity with rangers from Vicksburg National Military Park and learn what life was like for Civil War soldiers. Youngsters 3-6 will have the most fun of all — a tricycle rodeo with obstacle courses (trikes are provided!)

There will also be invited dignitaries and officials from the state, local and federal level who are interested in how this particular region can empower families and communities to make healthy decisions.

The Mississippi River Connections Collaborative has built a framework that enables National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges up and down the Mississippi River to work together with each other, and with the Mississippi River Trail, to plan this kind of programming for public benefit.

Finally, at 3 p.m., the group will shift to Melrose for “lemonade in the shade” and an outdoor scavenger hunt that teaches older children about history and cultural resources. Children and adults can enjoy free tours of the Melrose gardens and the mansion. The day will end at 5 p.m. at the Forks of the Road site, which will be the terminus of the Natchez Walking Trails, Phase 2.

Unfortunately, the dramatic changes in our lifestyles over the past 50 years have not improved our region’s health, and Southwest Mississippi holds the unenviable reputation as the most obese region in the United States. Our children, in particular, have become too sedentary for their own good. Let’s get them moving outside on Saturday! For more information, contact superintendent me at Natchez National Historical Park kathleen_jenkins@nps.gov, or 601-442-7047).

Kathleen Jenkins is the superintendent of the National Park Service.