Weekend Fun: Blackwater Falls

Enjoy these activities July 15-17, 2022 at Blackwater Falls State Park. From nature walks and butterflies to fire building and a workshop creating cordage from plants it’s all about nature’s wonders. All activities meet at the Nature Center unless otherwise noted.

Friday, July 15, 2022
Nature Center Open: 10:30 a.m. —5:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m.
MASON JAR CRAFT
It’s craft time. Stickers on a gold flecked or silver flecked mason jar. Add the candle (provided) and you have a shimmering decoration. Craft fee: $5.00.

11:00 a.m.
NATURE WALK
Join the park naturalists out in the field to observe birds, butterflies and more in addition to taking a look at the current blooming wildflowers. Bird life around the nature center can include Alder Flycatchers, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Purple Finch, and Swamp Sparrow in the variety of habitats right around Pendleton Lake. Boots recommended. About 1 hour. About 1 mile. YPP

1:30 p.m.
BUTTERFLIES AND CRAFT WINGS
Join the park naturalist to listen about our state butterfly and perhaps attempt to look outside for
butterflies found in the area. Afterwards, create a pair of child sized cardboard “stained glass” wings. The use of a utility knife requires an adult to assist their child. About 1 hour. Craft fee: $3.00 YPP

3:00 p.m.
SIT ‘N GO NATURE MOMENT-BATS!!
Join the park naturalist to listen about bats of the area. Includes a scratch bat craft for $1.25. About 30 minutes. YPP

4:00 p.m.
THE MIGHTY WEASEL
Enjoy this nature film to discover the truth about the infamous weasel family, often portrayed as villains and associated with unsavory behavior. About 1hour. YPP

Saturday, July 16, 2022
Nature Center Open: 10:30 a.m. —5:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m.
TIE DYE and ORB
Use colorful paint inside a glass ornament to create a tie dye effect. Small orb: $3, Med- $4

11:00 a.m.
PRIMITIVE FIRE SKILLS
Join Kenny the Naturalist to hear about primitive fire making skills, perhaps try your hand at creating flames with one of the techniques. Kenny may have a campfire treat for you to enjoy. About 1 hour. YPP

12:00 p.m.
SUN CATCHER CRAFT
Use colorful paint to “paint” a decoration for your window. $1.00 to $8.00 depending on selected craft.

1:30 p.m.
HERB GARDEN CRAFT
Join the seasonal naturalist to listen about the herbs you are planting and perhaps some other tidbits about herbs. About 30 minutes. Craft fee: $3.00. YPP

2:30 p.m.
WOOD GINGERBREAD HOUSE
Use paint to decorate this snap together wooden gingerbread house. Craft fee: $2.00

3:30 p.m.
EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANT WALK
Join Kenny the naturalist as he picks out a few plants along a short hike that has edible or medicinal qualities. About 1 hour. About ½ mile. YPP

Sunday, July 17, 2022
Nature Center Open: 10:30 a.m. —5:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m.
JEWELRY CRAFT
Create a crystal necklace for $1.00, Para cord necklace for $4.00 or an arrowhead necklace for $1.00 with the nature center attendants.

11:00 a.m.
NATURAL CORDAGE AND BASKET CRAFT – WORKSHOP
Kenny is a heritage art instructor. Learn some basics about creating cordage from plants then weave a beginners small basket. Craft fee is $15.00 and limited to 12 participants . Activity is first come first serve basis. This is a hands-on workshop and unique program only at Blackwater Falls State Park. About 1.5 hours. YPP

1:00 p.m.
FINGER PAINTING
Join the recreation staff to let your imagination loose on paper by using your fingers to paint. Craft fee: $1.00

2:00 p.m.
SIT N’ GO NATURE MOMENT – COYOTE!
Learn about the Eastern Coyote and how it made it’s way to West Virginia. How to identify, what sounds they make and more.About 30 minutes. YPP

2:45 p.m.
WEATHER NATURE FILM AND RAIN GAUGE
Join the staff to watch this film that takes you on a whirlwind tour of Earth’s turbulent atmosphere and reveals the forces that make the day fair or foul. Includes the creation of a
rain gauge. Craft fee: $2.00. About 1 hour. YPP

4:00 p.m.
BINGO
Enjoy this classic game for the entire family. Small novelty prize to winners. Lot’s of fun.
About 45 minutes.

CHECK OUT/BORROW OUR KIDS EXPLORATION BACKPACK

The YPP program is Young People for Parks with a focus on nature education for youth 6-16.
Participating in three YPP activities qualifies the youth for a certificate. Ask the naturalist about this program and other recognitions.

Since 1978, the Harold Walters Nature Center at Blackwater Falls State Park has been facilitating environmental education through the park’s vast natural resources by offering a variety of free to low cost programs designed to assist visitors to learn more about the natural world.

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