Enjoy these activities at Blackwater Falls, June 23-25, 2023. All Activities meet at Harold Walters Nature Center at the park unless the description has another meeting location.

FRIDAY, June 23, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. The Wild World
Join the staff to participate with a local school group for an introduction to the great outdoors through hands-on activities, discussions and learning games. About 1 hour. This activity is repeated at 11:45 a.m. Join the fun. YPP

2:00 p.m. Clues to the Animal World
Join the park naturalist to learn about skulls and clues left by wild animals while learning to share wild places! About 1 hour. YPP

3:30 p.m. Paracord Critter Craft
Join the recreation assistant to create a critter constructed of paracord. This activity is not recommended for very young children due to technical braiding of craft. Adults welcomed. YPP craft fee: $1.00

5:00 p.m. Ramblin’ Ranger
Find the naturalist in Blackwater Lodge Lobby to ask questions about park trails, find out the weekend activities or simply check out their mystery object of the day and perhaps do a fun activity. The naturalist will be available until about 7:00 p.m. YPP

SATURDAY, June 24, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. CSI: Creek Scene Investigation
Meet a naturalist at the Davis Trail trailhead (near old stables/petting zoo building) to walk to Engine Run in search of creek critters. You will get WET! Yes! Sturdy shoes recommended. About 1 hour. 1/4 mile. YPP

1:00 p.m. Otterly Amazing
What amazing adaptations help the otter to survive in the wild? Join us this afternoon and find out. About 30 minutes. YPP

2:30 p.m. Snookball
Join the staff to stroll to the old tennis court to play a fun game of snookball. The rules are the same as 8-ball pool, except you use your feet. Sturdy shoes required. Lot’s of fun. We’ll explain the game rules. About 45 minutes

3:00 p.m. The Monarch and More
The Monarch Butterfly, WV’s state butterfly. We’ll discuss this insect and other pollinators and why they are essential. Weather permitting, we may venture outside to look for pollinators. Program Includes a Butterfly Wings Craft – a super fun craft! Join the staff to use a utility knife to create a pair of child sized cardboard “stained glass” butterfly wings. The use of a utility knife requires an adult to assist their child. About 1 hour. Craft fee: $4.00 YPP

6:00 p.m. Thrushes of West Virginia
This program helps us with identification, by sight and sound, of a sometimes difficult bird group, the thrushes. The thrushes are among the most amazing songsters of all the North American birds. YPP

9:00 p.m. Shining Light on the Darkness
Join park naturalist Paulita Cousin for some nighttime fun. There are many aspects of nature that occur between dusk and dawn but many people feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar with being outdoors at night. Enjoy some nighttime activities as we explore our senses. Some walking. Activity is entirely outdoors so dress for the weather. Please, leave the flashlight off during the program. About 1 hour. YPP

SUNDAY, June 25, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. Pollinator Garden Wander
It’s a stroll around the pollinator garden at the nature center and perhaps up to Pendleton Point to look for blooming plants, do a monarch butterfly survey, and discuss the importance of pollinators and native plants. About 1 hour. 1/2 mile. YPP

1:30 p.m. Pickle Ball
Join the staff to try and play the fastest-growing sport in the US, rising popularity over the past couple years. Pickleball is played on the old tennis court with a net in the middle. Some describe it as playing ping pong but on a table, Similar to tennis but server underhand and less running. The ball is light – it’s the weight of a whiffle ball,. The paddle is similar to a racquetball paddle, but about twice that size. About 1 hour.

3:00 p.m. FBI – Forest Bureau of Investigation Hike
Join the Naturalist for this kid friendly detective walk where we search for evidence of “criminal activity” within our natural world. About 1 hour, some walking. Afterwards, create a sun print picture. FREE 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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