This activity guide, developed to provide hands-on environmental education activities geared to South Mountains State Park in North Carolina, is targeted for grades 4 and 5 and meets curriculum objectives of the standard course of study established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Three types of activities are included: pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit. The on-site activity is conducted at the park, while pre- and post-visit activities are designed for the classroom. Major concepts included are: water quality; biotic index; indicator species; metamorphosis; native aquatic species; stewardship of natural resources; watersheds; and natural resource management. Includes a vocabulary list, scheduling worksheet, parental permission form, North Carolina Parks and Recreation program evaluation, and information about South Mountains State Park. (MKR)