Birds are migrating, trails invite hikers, and the nature center is a hub for all things natural heritage at Blackwater Falls State Park June 1 – 6, 2022. Join the naturalists for these great programs. Programs begin at the nature center unless indicated.

Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Nature Center Open: 1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m.
Beginners Bird Walk
Join park naturalist, Paulita, at the Harold Walters Nature Center to look and listen for feathered friends. Some binoculars available to borrow during
program. YPP

1:00 p.m.
Sit n’ Go Nature
Join the Park naturalist for a brief introduction Opossum. About 15 minutes. YPP

Thursday, June 2, 2022
Nature Center Open: 1:00 p.m. .—3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.
Naturalist Loop Walk
Join park naturalist, Paulita, at the trailhead of Elakala Trail (near Blackwater Lodge)for an interpretive walk along a section of three trails: Elakala,
Balanced and Shay. About 90 minutes, 2 miles. YPP

MOUNTAIN STATE BIRD DISCOVERY WEEKEND
Field trips may include Canaan Valley State Park, Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge, Dolly Sods and Otter Creek wilderness areas and Blackwater Falls State Park. Arguably West Virginia’s best birdwatching region. Field trips are limited and fee-based at $40 per person and include both field trips conducted during the weekend. Advance registration for field trips is very necessary. Email paulita.l.cousin@wv.gov naturalist to book the bird discovery field trips with well-known Naturalist/Birder Bill Beatty during the weekend.

Friday, June 3, 2022
Nature Center Open: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.
Who was Porte Crayon?
Join Naturalist Kenny in the bus /Falls overflow graveled parking area near the park intersection for a short walk to Blackwater Falls . Along the way, learn a little history of the area and hear about Porte Crayon adventures. About 1 hour. YPP

1:30 p.m.
Natural Cordage
Naturalist Kenny, will introduce you to the historical methods used to make twine and rope from plants. YPP

SPECIAL PROGRAM
7:00 p.m.
Thrushes of West Virginia
Learn the identification, by sight and sound, of a sometimes difficult bird group. The thrushes are among the most amazing songsters of all the North American birds. Meet in the Blackwater Lodge Shay Room. Presenter is Bill Beatty. Free and open to the public. YPP

Saturday, June 4, 2022
Nature Center Open: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

11:10 a.m.
Elakala Trail
Naturalist Kenny leads a hike for National Trails Day. Let’s hike to explore the dark mystery of a forest along a section of Elakala Trail. Meet at Blackwater Falls Lodge. About One mile. YPP

SPECIAL PROGRAM
7:00 p.m.
Avian Center of Appalachia
The Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia’s mission is to conserve our region’s wild birds through research, education and rehabilitation. This interactive presentation, featuring several live, non-releasable birds. Meet in the Blackwater Lodge Shay Room. Free and open to the public. YPP

Sunday, June 5, 2022
Nature Center Open: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Monday, June 6, 2022
Nature Center Open: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy the outdoors and the natural heritage of the area.

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