Weekend activities at Blackwater Falls State Park July 21-23, 2023 includes activities about ‘bugs’, compass use, and Christmas crafts! Things 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.

FRIDAY, July 21, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Creepy Crawlies Day!
11:00 a.m. Surprise Insect Themed Craft
Today’s surprise insect themed craft. What will it be? Come to the nature center and let’s do a craft and talk about insects as we craft. Cost up to $4.00.

1:00 p.m. Incredible Insects Nature Film
Indoors at the nature center. Free. About 30 minutes. YPP

3:00 p.m. Spiders in West Virginia
Naturalist Kenny invited you to learn about some of the spiders found in the mountain state and perhaps complete a spider themed activity. Don’t be worried about actual alive arachnids. Spiders do so much good and we hope you join us. About 1 hour. YPP

SPECIAL PROGRAM
6:00 p.m. Bats!
Join Sheldon Owen for this presentation about Bats in Harold Walters Nature Center.
Bats are an integral part of a dark skies program initiative and Blackwater Falls is please to host ‘BATS’ with Sheldon Owen. Program is great for all ages. After the program perhaps play a bat and moth game with the naturalist. YPP

About Sheldon Owen.
Sheldon is originally from Mississippi and attended Mississippi State University, then University of Georgia, and West Virginia University in his academic pursuits. His studies focused on the ecology of forest dwelling bats, forest management and raccoon ecology. He has served as a Wildlife Disease Biologist for the National Wildlife Disease Program within USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services and Supervisory Wildlife Biologist for the South Carolina Program of Wildlife Services. Sheldon is currently the Wildlife Extension Specialist for the WVU Extension Service. He welcomes questions from the audience about bats, wildlife, career paths and the more nocturnal creatures in West Virginia.

8:00 p.m. Creature Feature-Fireflies!
The harbingers of summer in West Virginia are Lightning Bugs! These nocturnal flashers light up the night typically from May until August and can be identified to species by their unique flash pattern and color. Join the naturalist to learn about these lightning bugs then go for a walk to look for these flying marvels and try to figure out their pattern to species or simply enjoy the show! Up to 2 hours. [Did you know there are over 20 species of fireflies known in West Virginia. However, we think there may be more – help us in discovery.] YPP

SATURDAY, July 22, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Wild Outdoors Day
11:00 a.m. Natural Cordage & Basket Craft
Naturalist Kenny welcomes you to learn some basics about creating cordage from plants This program is free to attend and enjoy. Afterwards, participants have an opportunity to weave a small basket. Craft fee: $15.00. Limited to 12 participants and payment required to reserve your spot. About 90 minutes. YPP

1:30 p.m. . Compass Fun and Craft
We start with a short film about using a map compass, then some activities involving map and compass with a park naturalist. Afterwards, make a cardboard compass craft. Supplies limited to first come basis. Craft Fee: $2.00 YPP

4:00 p.m. Spark the Fire
Come on! Learn how to get a flame with charcloth and flint and steel. Perhaps enjoy a little tasty cake made in the Dutch oven. About 1 hour. YPP

SUNDAY, July 23, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Christmas in July!
11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Christmas Crafts
Staff will have a variety of Christmas themed crafts such as gingerbread man, gingerbread house, ornaments, suncatcher ornaments and sled for you to craft. Craft fee varies depending on the craft you select: $1.00-$10.00

3:00 p.m. Feature Movie and Hot Chocolate
Join the staff for a movie about love and friendship while enjoying a cup of hot choco- late compliments of Blackwater Falls State Park. About 2 hours. Will there be popcorn? If there’s time, there may be campfire popcorn for the movie. YPP

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

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