Take advantage of activities planned September 22 – 25, 2023 at Blackwater Falls. A variety of things to do when you’re not leaf peeping or enjoying a great meal at the Smokehouse Restaurant located at Blackwater Falls Lodge. Don’t miss the live music of the Michael Christopher Band.

FRIDAY, September 22, 2023
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. CHERRY LANE HIKE – It’s a WonderFALL Hike
Join the naturalist at Sled Run Fire Circle to enter a cathedral-like hardwood forest and earn West Virginia State Park Wonderfall hiking patch. The lycopodium and moss covered forest floor add a touch of green color throughout the year.

Enjoy listening to and observing Birds of Blackwater Falls: brown creepers, black capped chickadee and woodpeckers as the naturalists interpret the forest and bogs found along our travels. This jaunt is about 11⁄2 miles. The trail doesn’t change much in elevation but contains roots, rocks and short inclines that can be muddy so boots and hiking/walking sticks are recommended. We pace ourselves. Please, dress appropriately for the weather. If you show, we go unless safety is an issue. Plan on about 90 minutes of time from start to conclusion. This program meets the Young People for Parks activity requirements.

1:00 p.m. PREHISTORIC AMBER/COPAL CRAFT
Join us for this craft activity. 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 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

3:00 p.m. PEPPERONI ROLLS & FLAMES
Join the seasonal naturalist, to have fun with hot sparks , perhaps some Trivia, singing and storytelling. About 1-1/2 hours. This program meets Young People for Parks activity.

SATURDAY, September 23, 2023
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. PICKLEBALL
Join the staff to try and play the fastest-growing sport in the US, rising in popularity over the past couple years.

11:00 p.m. RAINBOW ART
Join the recreation assistant to use shaving cream and watercolor to create a tie dye pattern on watercolor paper for your wall. Craft fee: $1.00

12:30 p.m. PARACORD FUN
Join the staff to braid a survival bracelet or perhaps create a critter. Recommended for children ages 9 and up. Craft fee: $1.00-$4.00

1:30 p.m. LEAF SUNCATCHER CRAFT
Join the recreation assistant to use crayon shavings, wax paper and heat to create a beautiful suncatcher for your window. Includes a short video about trees. This program meets Young People for Parks activity. Free.

2:00 p.m. INVIGORATING AUTUMN HIKE
Join the seasonal naturalist for a walk along Balsam Fir Trail with short interpretive stops along the way. About 90 minutes. 2 miles. This activity meets the Young People for Parks activity requirements.

2:45 p.m. SNAKES ALIVE!
Join the park naturalist to hear about our native snakes, how and why they are protected in the state and more. You may even meet one of our ambassador snakes. Fun for all ages. About 1 hour. This activity meets the Young People for Parks activity requirements.

4:00 p.m. TREES & PLASTER OF PARIS LEAF CRAFT
Join the staff to create a plaster of Paris leaf imprint on burlap while learning a little information about trees. Craft fee: $2.00. This activity meets the Young People for Parks activity requirements

SPECIAL MUSIC
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER BAND
Michael’s guitar-heavy, rock-edged sound intertwines with invocative lyrical virtuosity and positions him with elite company in the country music scene, ultimately offering a sound that is relevant to fans of all ages, styles, and generations. Join us at Blackwater Falls Lodge Harr Conference Center. It’s Live Music. Free.

SUNDAY, September 24, 2023
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. TRAIL THINKING SAUNTER
Join the naturalist for a stroll along nearby trails while listening to some tidbits about the local flora and fauna. About 1.5 miles, 1 hour. Program meets young people for park activity. [What is a saunter? It’s a walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without hurry or effort. Join us.]

11:00 a.m. SUNCATCHER LEAF CRAFT
Join the staff to create a fall suncatcher to hang in your window at home. Craft fee: $1.00. Craft on First Come Basis.

1:00 p.m. HISTORY IN THE RINGS AND LEAF POUNDING
Hear a little about history in the rings of a Hemlock stump and pound a leaf imprint into cloth with the naturalist. About 1 hour. This program meets Young People for Parks activity. First Come Basis. FREE

2:00 p.m. FAMILY MOVIE & SCARECROW CRAFT
Join the staff to use construction paper and imagination to create a scarecrow while watching a Halloween themed movie. About 90 minutes. Rated G movie.

4:00 p.m. HISTORY IN THE RINGS AND LEAF POUNDING
Hear a little about history in the rings of a Hemlock stump and pound a leaf imprint into cloth with the naturalist. About 1 hour. This program meets Young People for Parks activity. First Come Basis. FREE

MONDAY, September 25, 2023
Nature Center Open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm.

Enjoy the outdoors in autumn. Chills. Colors. Seasonal Changes. Blackwater Falls.

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