Birds, Bears, Frogs and Turtles: Blackwater Falls

Mid-week activities at Blackwater Falls State Park July 26-27, 2023 includes activities about being bear aware, frogs and toads, fireflies and more. Things to do begin at the nature center unless posted otherwise. You’re invited and encouraged to visit our trails, the falls areas, the Nature Center, and Pendleton Lake.

WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

9:30 a.m. BIRDS AT THE LAKE
Join the naturalist for a morning stroll along Pendleton lake in search of feathered friends. Advanced birders welcome. Just learning bird identity – this is for you! About 1/2 mile. 1 hour. YPP

10:30 a.m. BLACK BEAR AWARE
Join the park naturalist to learn about our state mammal and tips to keep you and them
safe. Among the biggest land mammals on the planet, bears need a lot of resources to survive and must use all of their skills, brawn and brains to get what they need-whether foraging for food, defending themselves or raising cubs. About 1 hour. YPP

12:00 p.m. CAN YOU SURVIVE BEING A BLACK BEAR? And CRAFT.
Find out in this fun game (weather permitting) with our recreation assistant on the fenced basketball court. All ages have a blast with this game. About 20 minutes. Fun family game-young children may need assistance with reading. Afterwards, create a bear themed craft. Craft fee: $2.00 YPP

2:30 p.m.. RAINBOW ART
Join the recreation assistant to use shaving cream (yes! shaving cream)and watercolor to create a work of art for your wall or create a card. Do you know how a rainbow forms? What colors mix to make other colors? Craft fee: $1.00. YPP

3:00 p.m. FEATURE MOVIE
Time for an afternoon feature. Everyone’s favorite pic-a-nic basket-stealing bear movie. About 80 minutes. Rated PG.

THURSDAY July 27, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
LET’S HEAR IT FOR HERPS!

11:00 a.m. JOURNAL CRAFT
Join Blackwater Falls seasonal naturalist to purchase a journal then learn some basics to keeping a nature journal. Supplies limited to first come basis. Craft fee: $2.00. YPP

2:00 p.m. FROGS AND TOADS OF WEST VIRGINIA
Join naturalist Kenny for this indoor presentation about some of the frogs and toads found in the mountain state. Can you speak frog? Find out by listening to some sounds that you can attempt to hear tonight around the park. About 45 minutes. Includes a craft activity for kids. YPP

4:00 p.m. MEET OUR TURTLES
Join the naturalist as she introduces you to our nature center turtle residents. How did they come to live at Blackwater Falls? How can you help the dwindling turtle populations? About 1 hour. Includes a kid friendly craft. YPP

6:00 p.m. ‘Art in the Park’– FIREFLIES!
Creations, a local artist group based in Parsons, W.Va. is hosting this special ‘Art in the Park’ evening at Blackwater Falls Lodge. Tonight’s art piece is about the magic of fireflies and some say, lightning bugs. The instructors make everyone attending feel like they’re at home creating a one of a kind art piece and guide attendees through the entire process of the painting. All materials are provided. The cost is $35 for a 16×20 canvas and $20 for a kids version on an 11×14 canvas. Please call the nature center at 304-259-5511 to reserve your spot!. All ages are welcome at any skill level. This activity is open to the public, overnight guests at the park or attending art in the park only, welcome! About 2 hours. YPP

Learn more about Blackwater Falls State Park when you attend activities. For more information email blackwaterfallssp@wv.gov.