Visiting Blackwater Falls over the St. Patrick’s day weekend? Take advantage of activities and programs offered at Blackwater Falls Nature Center March 17-19, 2023. From the stump of a hemlock and woodpeckers to a Green Hike and West Virginia’s only marsupial, we explore the outdoors, flora and fauna in a fun and entertaining way. The nature center is open from 10:00AM until 4:00PM. Visit and see exhibits, our critter displays or to ask questions about the area and the park.

FRIDAY, March 17, 2023
St. Patrick’s Day
10:00 a.m.
History in Rings @ Cathedral State Park
Join the park naturalist’s to explore a stump of a Hemlock at Cathedral State Park and discuss the history of the area via the rings. Meet us at the Cathedral State Park parking area at 10:00 a.m. You’ll have time to walk trails at the forest as well as attend this area’s history as preserved by our virgin hemlock trees of Cathedral. An interesting program for any age. About 30 minutes. YPP

11:00 a.m.
Microscopy Discovery Fun
Wee bits of nature via a microscope! Join seasonal naturalists to explore specimens from nature and have fun investigating, questioning and using observational skills all with a microscope. We have great conversations while looking at nature from a different advantage point. Microscopes are limited and may need to be shared. Not suitable for very young children. About 1 hour. YPP

1:00 p.m.
Friendship Bracelet Craft
Join the naturalist to weave together a pattern on a bracelet with embroidery thread. FREE. Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

2:30 p.m.
Creature Feature: Woodpecker WOW
Join the park naturalist to hear about West Virginia’s Woodpeckers. There are seven types of woodpeckers in West Virginia. How many might you see at Blackwater Falls? About 30 minutes. YPP

SATURDAY, March 18, 2023
Just a wee bit after St. Paddy’s Day, take a hike on the Cherry Lane Trail. Meet park naturalists at the Blackwater Sled Run at 10:00 a.m. to enter a cathedral-like hardwood forest and earn West Virginia State Park green day hiking patch.

The lycopodium and moss covered forest floor add a touch of green color throughout the winter and early spring. Enjoy listening for and observing Birds of Blackwater Falls: brown creepers, black capped chickadee and woodpeckers as the naturalists interpret the forest and bogs
found along our travels. This jaunt is about 1-1⁄2 miles. The trail doesn’t change much in elevation but contains roots, rocks and short inclines that can be snow covered or muddy so boots and hiking/walking sticks are recommended. We pace ourselves. Please, dress appropriately for the weather because in March there may be snow or it may be spring like weather. If you show, we go unless safety is an issue. Plan on about 90 minutes of time from start to conclusion. YPP There is no fee to participate. Join us. We may dance a jig to celebrate.

1:30 p.m.
Storybook, Puppets and Fun!
Join the staff for a reading of a fun book, help put on a puppet show and perhaps create a craft.
Yes! We’ll have great fun creating a puppet show! About 30 minutes. YPP

2:30 p.m.
Mushrooms of West Virginia
Join the seasonal naturalist to learn about some of the mushrooms that grow in West Virginia. About 70 minutes.

SUNDAY, March 19, 2023
10:30 a.m.
Natural Cordage and Basket Craft
Let’s explore various plants that can be used to make cordage (rope) then weave your own basket kit. This is a great craft. If you don’t want to do the craft, feel free to attend the program to learn about the plants used. Craft fee: $15.00. About 2 hours. YPP

12:30 p.m.
Paint a Gnome
We use colorful paint on a plaster gnome. So cute. Craft fee: $3.00. supplies limited to first come basis.

1:00 p.m.
Herb Greenhouse Craft
Join the attendant to create a herb garden for your house. Craft fee: $2.00 YPP

2:00 p.m.
Creature Feature: Opossum &Track Game Craft
Learn about our only marsupial then fold together a track identification game.
About 45 minutes. Craft fee: $1.00. YPP

3:00 p.m.
Bears Nature Film
This film is about the remarkable animal family that has long captured the human imagination from the mighty grizzly bear to the endearing spectacled bear. It’s all about bears. The only bear you may observe at Blackwater Falls is the state animal, the black bear. The film includes bears you may see in other part of the United States or world. About 1 hour. NR. YPP

Programs and activities planned are open to overnight guests at Blackwater Falls and all public.
Park Naturalist Paulita Cousin welcomes your attendance and interest in the outdoors and history of the area. For more information email Paulita.L.Cousin@wv.gov.

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