Visiting Blackwater Falls for a Valentine Day weekend retreat? Take advantage of activities and programs offered at Blackwater Falls Nature Center February 17-20, 2023.

The nature center is open from 10:00AM until 4:00PM. Visit and see exhibits, our critter displays or to ask questions about the area and the park.

FRIDAY, February 17, 2023
9:00 a.m.
Early Morning Bird Walk
Join the park naturalist for a stroll around Blackwater Lodge looking and listening for birds to add to the Great Backyard Bird Count. About 1 hour. Binoculars are helpful but not required. Trail contains wet areas and uneven terrain. YPP

10:00 a.m.
The Life of Porte Crayon
The pen name of David H. Strother was Porte Crayon. Strother was a writer and illustrator that introduced the world to the great waterfall of the Blackwater River. Join us to learn more about this historic figure. About 1 hour. YPP

11:30 a.m.
Creature Feature: Woodpecker WOW
Join the park naturalist to hear about West Virginia’s Woodpeckers. About 30 minutes. YPP

1:00 p.m.
Meet our Turtles
Join us for an up close and personal look at some of West Virginia’s Turtles. Learn about the
turtles found in West Virginia, threats they face and how you can help. Participants may touch a turtle but not hold. Please, be aware this program involves a live animal. About 1 hour. YPP

3:00 p.m.
Survival 101
Do you know what to do when you have an unexpected night outdoors in the wild? Join the seasonal naturalist to learn what items to carry in your daypack and how to survive a night out. About 1 hour. YPP

SATURDAY, February 18, 2023
10:00 a.m.
Coffee and Backyard Birds
Join us as we discuss bird identification and perhaps attempt to use our skills on birds visiting the bird feeders while enjoying a cup of hot coffee, tea or chocolate. About 90 minutes. YPP

11:30 a.m.
Microscopy Discovery Fun
Join us to explore specimens from nature and have fun investigating, questioning and using observational skills all with a microscope. Microscopes are limited and we’ll share as necessary. Suitable for children ages 6 and up. About 1 hour. YPP

1:00 p.m.
Campfire Fun
Join the naturalist’s at the afternoon campfire for songs, light pollution discussion, basic campfire cooking and more. We will cook up a recipe for demonstration. About 1 hour, YPP

2:00 p.m.
Kids Discovery Time
Join us for a reading from the book “What’s in Your Pocket?” and more. What will you put in your pocket? What puppet will you hold? What craft will we complete? About 30 minutes. YPP

3:00 p.m.
Creature Feature: Owl Winter Long
Join the seasonal naturalist as we dive into the world of owls! How many live in West Virginia? What are you likely to see or hear in the winter? About 45 minutes. YPP

SUNDAY, February 19, 2023
10:00 a.m.
Beaver Tales
Take a walk with a naturalist along Pendleton Lake to hear the story of the largest rodent in Blackwater Falls State Park. Sturdy shoes recommended. Trail contains some wet areas, uneven terrain and perhaps some steps. We’ll take our time and enjoy being outside. About 1 hour, 1/2 mile. YPP

1:00 p.m.
Native Bees and Candle Making
Join the seasonal naturalist for a talk about native bees (and non-native honey bee) while creating a candle to take home. Two candle options available. Bees wax or honeycomb. Supplies limited to first come basis. Craft fee: $4.00. About 1 hour. YPP

3:00 p.m.
Turkey 101
Learn more about wild turkeys in West Virginia? This program is a classroom program designed to educate about our present-day turkey found in West Virginia, the struggles of recovery for the turkey population, today’ struggles, basic turkey biology, turkey seasons and more. We try to gobble and imitate this game bird. Learn what a group of turkeys’ is called and more. About 1 hour. Program may include a free craft project. Pre-registration is not required.
Open to the public. All ages are welcome. YPP

MONDAY, February 20, 2023
10:30 a.m.
Herb Greenhouse Craft
Join the attendant to create a herb garden for your house. Craft fee: $2.00 YPP

Stop by the nature center today from 10:00AM until 4:00PM.

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