Memorial Weekend Activities: Blackwater Falls

Enjoy nature based activities at Blackwater Falls, May 25 – 27, 2023. All Activities meet at Harold Walters Nature Center at the park unless the description has another meeting location.

THURSDAY, May 25, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.
Creature Feature: Opossum & Craft
Let’s learn about our only marsupial then create a craft. About 45 minutes. YPP

1:00 p.m.
Creature Feature: Woodpecker WOW
Join the park naturalist to hear about West Virginia’s Woodpeckers. About 30 minutes. YPP

FRIDAY, May 26, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

9:30 a.m.
Beginners Bird Walk
Find the naturalist at Blackwater Falls Lodge Lobby and go on a stroll around the area looking
and listening for feathered friends. About 1 hour. Binoculars are helpful but not necessary. Bring a pair of binoculars or borrow a pair from us. YPP

11:00 a.m.
Let’s play Snookball!
What? Don’t know about Snookball? Learn what Snookball is and how to play. About 1 hour.

1:30 p.m.
Owls of West Virginia
This program is about owls found in The Mountain State. Learn some owl calls and more in this family friendly activity.

2:30 p.m.
Butterflies and “stained glass” Wings Craft
Learn about our state butterfly, the Monarch, and perhaps some other butterflies found in the area. Optional: Afterwards, use cardboard, utility knife and colorful paper to create child sized butterfly wings. Limited space available. Pre-registration recommended. This is such a fun craft. Craft fee: $5.00 YPP ART SPRING

4:00 p.m.
History in Rings and Tree Cookie Printing
Join the staff to explore an old Hemlock stump from Cathedral State Park to discuss the history of the area and more. Optional: Afterwards, use sandpaper, elbow grease, paint and torch to create a unique tree cookie print. Due to safety this activity requires an adult to assist their child with craft. Limited space available. Pre-registration recommended. Craft fee: $3.00 YPP ART SPRING

5:00 p.m.
Ramblin’ Ranger– Be Black Bear Aware!
Park Naturalist Paulita Cousin at Blackwater Falls Lodge Lobby to answer questions you may have about the park, check out her display, and ask how to be Black Bear Aware. The naturalist will be there for about two hours to meet and share park information. YPP

7:30 p.m.
Light Pollution and Solution-You!-
Join the park naturalist in Blackwater Falls Lodge for a presentation about light pollution. About 45 minutes. This program has some surprising information about lighting and safety in addition to night sky programs. YPP

SATURDAY, May 27, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.
Warbler Wander
Let’s look and listen for songbirds around the nature center and trails along Pendleton
Lake. Bring a pair of binoculars or borrow a pair from us. About 1 hour. All ages welcome. Birders please join us. YPP

10:00 a.m.
Microscope Fun for Kids
Using a microscope can provide a fun learning experience for both the child and the rest of
the family. Join the staff to explore the world under a microscope. About 45 minutes. YPP

11:00 a.m.
Shaving Cream Art
Enjoy this “hands on” activity of creating vibrant swirls by just adding paint to create beautiful
prints. Craft fee: $1.00 ART SPRING

1:00 p.m.
“T is for Tree”
Join the recreation assistant for this kid friendly program. Children use fun activities to explore our natural and built environments. This activity is geared toward our young learners, but all ages welcome! About 30 minutes. YPP

2:30 p.m.
Elakala Trail Walk
Join the naturalist in the lobby of Blackwater Lodge for this interpretive walk along a rock and root strewn trail over the first cascade of Elakala and return via the park road. About 1 hour. One Mile. YPP

4:00 p.m.
Stories in the Night Skies & Crafts
Join the seasonal naturalist, to enjoy discovering the night sky. Learn about the moon, some constellations, the myths behind them and more. About 1 hour. YPP

7:00 p.m.
Spark the Fire
Kenny the Naturalist help you to learn how to create char cloth and try to light a “birds nest” using hot sparks and char cloth. Also enjoy a tasty treat using pie irons, sing songs and perhaps tell tall tales. About 1 hour. YPP

9:00 p.m.
Shining Light on the Darkness
Nature programs provide 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 but nothing strenuous. Activity is entirely outdoors so dress for the weather. Please, leave the flashlight off during the program. About 1 hour. YPP

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

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