Enjoy these activities at Blackwater Falls, June 17 – 20, 2023. All Activities meet at Harold Walters Nature Center at the park unless the description has another meeting location.

SATURDAY, June 17, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m.
Beginners Bird Walk
Enjoy walking near the lodge as we look and listen for feathered friends. About 45 minutes. YPP

11:00 a.m.
Pollinators & Craft Wings
Listen about a few pollinators and perhaps attempt to look outside for butterflies found in the
area. Afterwards, create a pair of child sized cardboard “stained glass” wings. The use of a utility knife requires an adult to assist their child. Super fun project! About 1 hour. Craft fee:
$4.00 YPP

1:30 p.m.
Irish Road Bowling Fun
Irish Road Bowling is primarily played in County Armagh in Northern Ireland and in County Cork in Southern Ireland. It consists of a ball made of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. “bowl” with an underhand motion over a 1 to 2-mile country road and see how far it goes! Scored like golf, the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line wins. $5.00 deposit required for bowl. Fun for the entire family! Pack extra water. Meet in the picnic area near cabin 27 just past the Trading Post entrance. YPP

3:30 p.m.
Pepperoni Rolls & Flames
Have fun with hot sparks , perhaps a little West Virginia Trivia, singing the West Virginia Hills
Song and enjoy a West Virginia favorite food. About 1 hour. YPP

Special Program!
7:00 p.m. Birds of Prey-LIVE!
Presented by the Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC).

The educational birds are a great opportunity to learn what birds say “who cooks for me, who cooks for you all?” as well as meeting other raptors. Free. Open to the public. About 1 hour. YPP

9:00 p.m.
Backyard Stargazing
Fun crafts in Blackwater Falls Lodge then go outside to kick back and discover the darkness around you. About 1 hour. YPP

SUNDAY, June 18, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Happy Father’s Day!

9:00 a.m.
Bird Sit
Sometimes the best time to see birds is to sit and watch the bird feeders for feathered friends. About 45 minutes. YPP

11:00 a.m.
Magnificent Marsupials
It’s all about North America’s only native marsupial, the opossum! Listen to interesting facts and perhaps hear common misconceptions surrounding the opossum. Afterwards, children have the option to make a pouch to take home for free. About 45 minutes. YPP

1:00 p.m.
T is for Tree
This is a toddler friendly program with a reading of a book and craft all about trees. About 20 minutes. However, all ages are welcome! YPP

3:00 p.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. About 1 hour. YPP

4:00 p.m.
Fox Tales & Craft
Enjoy this nature film about a fox family living in Newfoundland, Canada. About 1 hour. FREE fox puppet craft during program. YPP

MONDAY, June 19, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Happy Juneteenth Day!

10:00 a.m.
Truth or Lie Stroll
Meet at the trailhead of Gentle Trail as he shares information along the paved trail and it’s up to
you to discover what is the truth and what is the lie. Great for all ages. About 45 minutes. 1/4 mile. YPP

11:00 a.m.
Lost in the Woods & Finger painting Fun
Enjoy a short film about a fawn while using your fingers to paint a picture. NO FEE. YPP

1:00 p.m.
Toddler Time: We All Need Trees
Join the recreation assistant to hear a story about a tree and then craft a project. About 45 minutes. YPP

3:00 p.m.
CSI
Creek Scene Investigation (CSI)
Join the seasonal naturalist at the trailhead of Davis Trail (old stables building) to check out
the water in the area for critters. Shoes required. About 1 hour. YPP

TUESDAY, June 20, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Happy West Virginia Day!

10:00 a.m.
Nature Walk
Meet the park naturalists out in the field to observe birds, butterflies and more in addition to taking a look at the local plant life. Bird life around the nature center can include Alder Flycatchers, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Purple Finch, and Swamp Sparrow in the variety of habitats right around Pendleton Lake. Boots recommended. About 1 hour. About 1 mile.
YPP

1:00 p.m.
Sit n’ Go Nature Moment-BATS!!
Join the park naturalist to listen about bats of the area. May include a lively game or a craft project. About 30 minutes. YPP

2:00 p.m.
Terrific Trees
Join the park naturalist for an introduction to trees through indoor activities and perhaps a short walk. About 1 hour, 1/2 mile. YPP

3:30 p.m.
Prehistoric Amber/copal Craft
The sample fossilized over millions of years! Leaves, flowers and insects have been found trapped inside and scientists have learned a great deal about prehistoric times by analyzing the DNA of these little extinct creatures is perfectly preserved by the hardened resin that surrounds them. (Just like in the movie Jurassic Park!). The amber/copal comes in its natural state (dull and “crusted”) and we provide the simple tools to remove the crusty shell and polish the piece into a smooth, lightweight golden gem. If you polish a piece really well and look closely, some even contain an insect! The amber can be polished in anywhere from 30-45 minutes or more depending upon the piece and the shininess desired! Recommended for ages 6 and up. Limited to first come basis. Craft fee: $3.00

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

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