All about nature: Blackwater Falls

When at Blackwater Falls, take time to attend activities that introduce you to trails and creatures you may find. Enjoy these activities at Blackwater Falls, June 26-29 2023. All Activities meet at Harold Walters Nature Center at the park unless the description has another meeting location.

MONDAY June 26, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. Wild Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk
Let’s identify some common plants in our area that have been used at some point as an edible or medicinal herb. Sorry, no sampling. About 1 hour. YPP

1:00 p.m. What’s That Tree? J
Let’s talk and learn what to look for when identifying a tree then test your new skill on an easy stroll around the area. Includes using leaf rubbing plates as activity. About 1 hour. 1 mile or less. YPP

2:00 p.m. Tree themed crafts
Join the staff to create a leaf press or tree cookie for $2.00 each.

3:00 p.m. Squirrels gone nuts
Do you hear chattering or barking noises while walking on our trails? It might be one of our native squirrels. Visit the naturalist to learn more about squirrels found in West Virginia and Blackwater Falls State Park. About 45 minutes. YPP

4:00 p.m. Kids Binoculars Craft
Use crayons to decorate a pair of kid friendly binoculars. Craft fee: $2.00

TUESDAY, June 27, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. Warbler Wander
Join the park naturalist to walk along the lake in search of warblers and other feathered friends. Forgot your binoculars? The naturalist may have a pair you can borrow for the walk. And sometimes we don’t need binoculars to enjoy the sounds and catch a glimpse. About 1 hour, some walking. YPP

11:00 a.m. Bird Identification Fun
Join the naturalist’s for a beginners friendly game to learn how to identify birds, perhaps play a
game and time permitting test our skills outside. Adults welcomed. The game helps to recall what you’ll see at Blackwater Falls. About 45 minutes. YPP

1:00 p.m. Habitat Hike & Craft
Join the naturalist as we explore different habitats around the nature center. About 45 minutes. Afterwards create a habitat plate for free. The Habitat Plate craft is fun. YPP

2:30 p.m. Compass Fun and Craft
Join the recreation assistant to enjoy a short film about using a map compass, then perhaps some activities involving map and compass with park naturalist. Afterwards, make a cardboard compass craft. Craft Fee: $2.00 YPP

WEDNESDAY, June 28, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. Nature Stroll
Join the park naturalist in the graveled Blackwater Falls Overflow/Bus parking area to stroll the
park roads and trails looking for flora and fauna. . About 1. 5 miles. 1 hour. YPP

11:00 a.m. Friendship Bracelet Craft
Join The recreation assistant to weave together a pattern on a bracelet with embroidery thread. FREE. Not recommended for children under 8 years of age.

1:00 p.m. Black Bear Aware
Join the park naturalist in Blackwater Falls Lodge to learn about our state mammal and how
to keep the bear and you safe in bear habitat. About 1 hour. Afterwards, a replica bear claw craft will be available to purchase for $2.00 (limited to first 10 for crafts at first come basis).

2:30 p.m. Celestial Food chain
Join the staff to color pictures to create a food chain to hand on your celestial board . Craft fee: $1.00

3:30 p.m. Creature Feature: Woodpecker WOW
Join the park naturalist to hear about West Virginia’s Woodpeckers. About 30 minutes. YPP

THURSDAY, June 29, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. Truth or Lie Stroll
Join the park naturalist at the trailhead of Gentle Trail as she interprets along the paved trail and it’s up to you to discover what is the truth and what is the lie. About 45 minutes. 1/4 mile. YPP

11:00 a.m. Lost in the Woods & Finger Painting Fun
Join the recreation assistant for a short film about a fawn while using your fingers to paint a picture. NO FEE.

1:00 p.m. Who’s Poop?
Join the park naturalist for this program about scat. 30 minutes. Participants may make a baggie of slime during this program. YPP

Learn more about Blackwater Falls State Park when you attend activities. Check bulletin boards for updated information or email blackwaterfallssp@wv.gov.

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