MenuWalnut Creek Wetland Center Programs
Our mission at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center is to increase people’s awareness of the importance of wetlands, wildlife habitat, hydrology and natural ecosystems while encouraging outdoor activity.
The Walnut Creek Wetland Center is a great place to learn about nature in an urban environment! We have fun, educational programs for all ages that are designed to be hands on and outdoors. Our classes are guided with a focus on local flora and fauna while also encouraging self discovery and environmental stewardship.
Pre-school Swamp Romp (Ages 2-5 years)
Preschoolers and adults will explore the Walnut Creek Wetland Center with a Nature Instructor. Each week will feature a different nature theme, an indoor activity, and, weather permitting, time to explore outside.
Pre-registration is required four days prior to the program.
Cost $3.00
- #139595 May 1 Wed 10:30 am -11:30 am
- #139597 May 21 Tues 10:30 am -11:30 am
- #139600 Jun 5 Wed 10:30 am - 11:30 am
- #139602 Jun 25 Tues 10:30 am - 11:30 am
- #139608 Jul 10 Wed 10:30 am - 11:30 am
- #139609 Jul 23 Tues 10:30 am - 11:30 am
- #139610 Aug 7 Wed 10:30 am - 11:30 am
- #139611 Aug 20 Tues 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Wetland Birds (Ages 8 to 15)
Join a local expert to learn how to observe, appreciate and identify birds. 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 beginner or intermediate birder.
Pre-registration is required four days prior to the program.
Cost $3.00
- #141025 Jun 11 Tues 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
- #141026 Jul 16 Tues 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
- #141027 Aug 13 Tues 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Spiders at the Swamp (Ages 8yrs 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! Registration required four days prior to the program.
Cost $3.00
- #139726 May 18 Sa 10:30 am - 11:45 am
- #139727 Jun 8 Sa 10:30 am - 11:45 am
- #139728 Jul 13 Sa 10:30 am - 11:45 am
- #139729 Aug 10 Sa 10:30 am - 11:45 am
Kid's Nature Night at Walnut Creek (Ages 5-12 years)
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 the night's featured animated movie. We will even have popcorn and a big movie screen! Registration required four days prior to the program.
Cost $5.00
- #139651 May 10 Fri 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- #139654 Jun 14 Fri 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- #139655 Jul 19 Fri 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- #139656 Aug 16 Fri 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
What's a Scud? (Ages 13-19 years)
School's out! 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.
Registration is required but the course is FREE!
- #139753 Jun 13 Thu 12:00 pm -1:30 pm
- #139754 Jul 18 Thu 12:00 pm -1:30 pm
- #139755 Aug 15 Thu 12:00 pm -1:30 pm
Wetland Birds Intermediate (Ages 18 yrs and up)
Join local expert, John Gerwin, to learn how 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 birds 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. Pre registration is required four days prior to the program.
Cost $5.00
- #142341 Jun 18 Tues 9:00 am - 11:00 am
- #142342 Aug 7 Wed 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Wetland Tree Walk (Family)
Join an arborist on a stroll through the Walnut Creek Wetland. Learn how to use a tree identification key and field guide to correctly name some native wetland trees. You will take home your tree key. Dress warm because, if it isn't raining, we'll go outside! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Pre-registration is required four days prior to the program.
Cost $5.00 | all ages | adult & family
- #139665 May 24 Fri 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
- #139666 Jun 28 Fri 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
- #139668 Jul 26 Fri 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
- #139669 Aug 23 Fri 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Note on Classes:
You can always find a full listing of our classes in the Leisure Ledger.
All Nature classes offered by the City are listed in the Nature Section of the Leisure Ledger. Please, call the Walnut Creek Wetland Center if you have any questions about classes or registration!
Registration for classes is now available. Stop by Walnut Creek Wetland Center or register online using RecLink. We look forward to seeing you in one of our upcoming classes!
General Program Information
Preschool Programs - Programs for children ages 3-5. These classes guide young children to an understanding of the basics of wetlands while being fun and entertaining.
Youth Programs - Programs for participants ages 4-12. Our youth programs foster learning about a wide variety of environmental subjects while encouraging outdoor discovery.
Teen Programs - Programs for teens. With an emphasis on tactile learning through activities such as dip netting, water sampling and interactive nature walks, our nature programs are very hands on.
Adult Programs - From nature walks to beginning composting, these classes can guide you in outdoor exploration or help you discover ways to improve your sustainable lifestyle.
Family Programs - Looking for something your entire family can participate in? Family programs may be your answer.
Field Trips and Parties
Group Programs - Are you a teacher searching for field trip ideas? Do you work in a daycare, run a scout troop or home school your children? Is your church group or social club looking for a quiet place to visit? Our Group Programs are a wonderful way to engage your group and learn about urban nature in Downtown Raleigh.
Birthday Parties - For budding naturalists or kids who just enjoy being outside, there’s no better place for a birthday than the Walnut Creek Wetland Center! Our Birthday Party Package includes three hours of room rental and a nature instructor led program of your choice.
