Upcoming Nature Programs

Wetland Birds-Walnut Creek Wetland Center
Kids ages 8 and up, join us to observe and identify birds. We'll learn about field markings, which birds are most common in our area, and how our local birds are specially adapted to wetlands. We will observe birds at the bird feeders. If weather permits, we'll hit the trails. Guide books, bird artifacts, a taxidermy specimen and binoculars will be used as teaching aids. This program is for the beginning birder and will meet at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center on Tuesday, July 16 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm with a $5.00 fee. Registration is required four days prior to the program.

What's a Scud?-Walnut Creek Wetland Center
School's out and the high schoolers are invited! Come over to the Walnut Creek Wetland for exploration of the Little Rock and Walnut Creeks. We'll put on our water boots to search, find and identify macroinvertebrates such as crayfish, damselflies, sow bugs and scuds. Be prepared for discovery and wear comfortable clothes. Class meets on Thursday, July 18 from 12 to 1:30 pm. The course is free but registration is required a minimum of four days in advance.

Kid's Nature Night at Walnut Creek-Walnut Creek Wetland Center
Do you need a little time to yourself at the end of the week? Drop your kids off with us for a fun Friday night. We'll learn about nature, go for a short walk, play games and do a craft. The activities will all be related to that night's featured animated movie. We will even have popcorn and a big movie screen! For this event the Walnut Creek Wetland Center will welcome kids ages 6 to 12 on Friday, July 19 from 5 to 8 pm. Fee is $5.00 per child and registration is required four days prior to the program.

Wetland Birds Intermediate-Walnut Creek Wetland Center
Join local expert, John Gerwin, to observe, appreciate and identify birds. John is Curator of Ornithology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. We'll learn about field markings, which birds are most common in our area and how our local birds 'make a living'. We will first observe birds at the bird feeders and weather permitting, out on the trail. Field guide books, binoculars and instructions on how to use them will be provided. Taxidermy specimens will be used as teaching aids. This program is for the intermediate birder and will meet Tuesday, June 18 from 9 to 11 am at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center. Registration is required four days prior to the program with a course fee of $5.00.

Preschool Swamp Romp-Walnut Creek Wetland Center
Bring your budding naturalist, ages 3 to 5, to the Walnut Creek Wetland Center for an exciting learning experience. A craft, engaging activity, and a guided walk through the wetland will awaken your preschoolers' sense of wonder. Each week will feature a different nature inspired theme. Class meets at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center on Tuesday, June 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 am; Wednesday, July 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 am; Tuesday, July 23 from 10:30 to 11:30 with a $3.00 fee. Registration is required by four days prior to the program.

Wetland Tree Walk-Walnut Creek Wetland Center
Join an Arborist on a stroll through the Walnut Creek Wetland. Learn how to use an identification key and field guide to name some native wetland trees, like the Boxelder, Bald Cypress, and Cottonwood. You get to take home your tree key. The walk will begin at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center and welcomes everyone age 15 and up. Program will be held on Friday, June 28 from 5:30 to 7 pm and Friday, July 26 from 5:30 to 7 pm, the fee is $5.00 per participant. Registration is required four days prior to the program.

Fur, Feathers & Scales-Nature Programs
Have you ever wondered what a fox feels like? Have you ever seen a hawk flying and wondered how big their feathers are? Do you think snakes are slimy? Come see, touch, and learn about animals through study skins, feathers, and live animals. Program held at Peach Road Community Center on Thursday, June 20 from 10-11am. Program is for ages 6-12 years and the fee is $2 per participant. Pre-registration is required four days prior to program.

Birding for Preschoolers-Nature Programs
Preschoolers can learn to identify birds too! Basic backyard birds will be our focus as we talk about their different colors and songs. We will explore the outdoors in search of these feathered friends. Program held at Sertoma Arts Center on Tuesday, June 25 from 9:30-10:15am. Program is for ages 2-5 years and the fee is $3 per participant. Pre-registration is required four days prior to program.

Doodlebug Detectives - Nature Programs
Does your preschooler love searching for bugs outside? In this program, we will roll logs and search for our six legged friends. A story time and a craft will be included. Program held at Optimist Community Center on Thursday July 11 from 9:30-10:15am. Program is for ages 2-5 and the fee is $4 per participant. Pre-registration is required four days prior to program.

Backyard Birding - Nature Programs
Ever wonder what birds are visiting your birdfeeder? Join us to learn about the birds in our backyards. We will hear their songs, learn some common species and ways to attract them to your backyard. We will also make a bird feeder for you to hang at home. Program held at Five Points Center for Active Adults, Tuesday, July 16 from 10-11:15am. Fee is $7 per participant and pre-registration is required four days prior to program.

Spiders at the Swamp-Walnut Creek Wetland Center
Kids ages 8 and up, come to the Walnut Creek Wetland Center to discover the secret life of spiders. Dr. Butler from the Shaw University Biology Department will tell us about the different spiders that call North Carolina home and then hike to find some. Also, look at some preserved poisonous specimens! Class meets at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center on Saturday, July 13 from 10:30 to 11:45 am with a $3.00 fee. Registration required four days prior to the program.