Nature Activities: Blackwater Falls

You’ll find these activities to do at Blackwater Falls State Park July 19 – 20, 2023. Activities 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.

Special entertainment on Thursday evening, July 20 is West Virginia’s storyteller and champion liar, Bil Lepp. Don’t miss the show!

WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
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Let’s hear it for Herps! Day at Blackwater Falls
11:00 a.m. Amphibians of the Woods and Water
Meet naturalist Kenny at Sled Run Fire Circle, to enter the woods and actively search for amphibians (perhaps a reptile!). Kenny, will assist in identifying the local herps, toads, frogs, salamanders, turtles, etc., along with proper handling techniques for this sensitive group. About 1 hour. 1/2 mile or less.
YPP

12:00 p.m. Journal Craft
Find the recreation assistant to purchase a journal or bring your own and then learn some of her tips to keep a nature journal. Supplies limited to first come basis. Craft fee: $2.00 for journal, or bring your own. YPP

1:30 p.m. Frogs and Toads of West Virginia
This indoor presentation is about some of the frogs and toads found in the mountain state. Can you speak frog? Let’s give it a try. You’ll get to listen to some sounds that you can attempt to hear tonight around the park. About 45 minutes. Includes a craft activity for kids. YPP

4:00 p.m. Meet Our Turtles
Naturalist Kenny introduces you to our nature center turtle residents. How did they come to live at Blackwater Falls? How can you help reduce the dwindling turtle populations? About 1 hour. Includes a kid friendly craft. YPP

THURSDAY, July 20, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Blooms and Blossoms Day
12:00 p.m. Giant Flower Craft
Let’s paint a giant flower! So much fun and indoors or out. At the nature center.
Craft fee: $1.00. Supplies limited to first come basis.

1:30 p.m. Plants in History Hike
This is a leisurely stroll through the history of some of our most common plants such as the dandelion. About 1 hour, 1/2 mile. YPP

4:00 p.m. Summer Wildflower Walk
Stroll around Pendleton Lake with naturalist Kenny and beyond to look for wildflowers in bloom and how to identify them using a Peterson Field guide and perhaps an app or two. About 1 hour, ¼ mile. All ages welcome. YPP

SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT
7:00 p.m. Bil Lepp!
WV’s favorite storyteller and humorous liar. His humorous tales curl the lips on the grumpiest of people. Sure to tickle your funny bone, the laughter and show is staged at Blackwater Falls Lodge, conference center. This program is about an hour or a tad longer. Free to attend. All ages welcome.

Bring the family if you’re from the Blackwater / Canaan Valley area for this fun hour. If you are an overnight guest at Blackwater Falls, leave the camper, your cabin or the lodge room and join us. There is no charge and everyone is welcome. The program is open to the public.

Lepp is an author of children’s books, audio tapes of tall and perhaps true stories and a champion liar. He was a recent History® Channel host. “Man vs. History” was a series that followed Bil as he traveled off the beaten path across the country to dis- cover the truth behind mysteries and legends of American history. Each episode Bil investigated, decoded and debunked iconic subjects and figures like Billy the Kid, Johnny Appleseed, Davy Crockett, Houdini and more. Whether speaking to experts, handling artifacts or testing historical weapons, Bil worked to determine if the story in question was fact, fiction or somewhere in-between. YPP

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

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