Explore The Outdoors With These Upcoming Nature Programs
Birding 'n' Coffee
Enjoy a leisurely walk around the park with park staff and a hot cup of shade grown coffee! Learn why shade grown is the best for birds as we wander the trails in search of bird activity! Please wear comfortable walking shoes. This program will be held Saturday, December 5, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The cost is $5 for ages 16 and up. Please meet at the Camp Office located at the North entrance to the park off of Durant Rd.
Tales and Scales
This story time focuses on reptiles and is followed by a visit from a few live snakes and lizards to see and touch. This class is open to participants from 3-5 years and the fee is $3. This program will be held at Sanderford Road Community Center on Tuesday, November 24, from 5:30-6:15 p.m. and at Laurel Hills Community Center on Tuesday, December 8, from 1-1:45 p.m.
Little Nature Hikers
Join a nature instructor and other families for a guided walk around the park with your child. Meet other families in your community and learn about nature. We’ll see birds, insects, and maybe even a few mammals and reptiles basking near the lakes and pond. Strollers are welcome. This class is open to participants from 1-6 years of age and the fee is $1. The fee applies to each participant; all children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will be held at Lake Johnson on Wednesday, December 2, from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Wildlife Wednesdays
Spend your Wednesday evenings discovering wildlife. This program is great for kids who like learning about living creatures, catching insects, arts and crafts, and games. This program is open to participants from 6-12 years of age and the fee is $1 per week. This program is held at Chavis Community Center on Wednesdays (December 2, 9 and 16) from 5-6 p.m.
Natural Art - Wisteria Wreaths
Join an instructor to explore the artistic side of nature as we make holiday wreaths made from wisteria. This program is open to participates ages 16 and up, and the fee is $10. This program will be held at Anderson Point Park on Wednesday, December 9, from 7-8 p.m.
Animal Show and Tell
Meet some animals up-close. Possible visitors include: Snakes, lizards and insects. Learn about these animals and the ones living in the park. This class is open to participants from 6-12 years of age and the fee is $2. This class will be held Thursday, December 3, from 5-6 p.m. at Peach Road Community Center and at Sanderford Road Community Center on Thursday, December 10, from 4-5 p.m.
Animals in Action
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to slither up the street, crawl down the hall, or fly in the sky? We’ll investigate how and why animals move the way they do and try moving like them too. This class is open to participants from 3-5 years of age and the fee is $3. This program will be held at Green Road Community Center on Saturday, December 12, from 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Follow Those Tracks
Discover how scientists follow animals to their homes. Learn to identify common animal signs. Enjoy games, nature walks, and get a track book to take home. This class is open to participants from 8-12 years of age and the fee is $3. This program will be held at Lake Johnson on Saturday, December 12, from 1-2 p.m.
Behind the Superhero
What do Spiderman, Batman, Mighty Mouse, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles all have in common? They are all based on wildlife! Join a nature instructor and learn about the creatures behind these popular heroes and find out how SUPER they really are! This class is open to participants from 5-11 years of age and the fee is $3. This program will be held at Biltmore Hills Community Center on Tuesday, December 15, from 5-6 p.m.
Christmas Bird Count
Join us for the 110th Annual Christmas Bird Count. Participants will hike around the park and identify as many species of bird as possible. “Each of the citizen scientists who annually brave snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations- and to help guide conservation action.” Beginners are welcome and will be paired with a more experienced birder. Binoculars are essential. Pre-registration is required. This event will be held on Saturday, December 19, from 7 a.m. -12 p.m. at Anderson Point Park and is free of charge. This event sponsored by the Wake Audubon Society.
For more information on Nature Programs, please call 919-831-6640.
Prepared by:
Allison Jones
Corporate Leisure Services Event Coordinator
Parks and Recreation Department
