Pipestem Resort sits on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, which carves through the plateau to the scenic Bluestone River 1,200 feet below. Visit the Nature Center which is open Wednesday-Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. See our exhibits and heritage structures, and sit a spell in our West Virginia made rocking chairs, listen to the outside birds inside, or attend activities planned July 31-August 3, 2023.

MONDAY, July 31, 2023

10:00 am-Wildlife Game *YPP
Meet at the Nature Center for a quiz game about North American wildlife.

11:00 am- Lake Dip *YPP
Meet at the pedestrian bridge near McKeever Lodge for a walk to Long Branch Lake. Who
knows what critters we might catch!

2:00 pm- Ultimate Frisbee
Meet at the Campground Store to learn how to play Ultimate Frisbee. Ultimate Frisbee is a team
sport which mixes elements of football, basketball, and rugby, substituting the ball with a flying disc
and the referee with the spirit of the game. (1hour)

TUESDAY, August 1, 2023

10:00 am- Taxidermy Talk *YPP
Come by the Nature Center to learn about some of West Virginia’s native wildlife, see our taxidermy
collection, and touch authentic animal pelts.

1:00 pm Creepy Crawly Bug Craft *YPP
Join staff at the Activity Shelter behind the Nature Center for a craft showcasing the various insects crawling and flying around outside. (40 minutes)

3:00 pm- Turtle Game *YPP
Meet in the front yard of the Nature Center to learn about turtles while we play an outdoor game.

5:00 pm- Firefly Friends *YPP
Enjoy the magic of fireflies by creating this cute craft, which will leave you with a firefly friend without taking the real thing out of nature. Join us as we show how, with just a few standard craft items you can have a firefly friend year round.

WEDNESDAY, August 2, 2023

10:00 am- Deer Talk Time *YPP
Join us at the activities shelter behind the Nature Center to learn about deer. We will talk about the different signs and behaviors of adult white-tailed deer and give participants a chance to
touch a deer pelt. Additionally, we will discuss what to do if you come across a fawn in the wild.

1:00 pm- Plaster Tracks *YPP
Meet in the Activity Shelter behind the Nature Center to make a plaster animal track. Drying times may vary due to weather conditions, so please allow a minimum of 30 minutes for your track to dry and be ready to take home.

4:00 pm- Shaving Cream Painting
Meet at the Activity Shelter behind the Nature Center to create a fun painted craft to take home. This craft is fun for kids and kids at heart. Make sure to wear your “play” clothes as the craft can get messy. (30 min)

9:15 pm- Moth Night *YPP
Meet at the Nature Center for some moth watching. There will be a black light and white sheet set up to attract the moths. Bring a flashlight and a chair if you like and don’t forget your camera to capture your moth moments. In the event of rain the program may be canceled. YPP

THURSDAY, August 3, 2023

10:00 am- North Side Trail: *YPP
Meet us at the shelter beside Park headquarters for a hike along the North Side Trail.

1:00 pm- Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air *YPP
Meet at the Activity Shelter behind theNature Center to learn some interesting facts about our favorite little feathered friends.

4:30 pm- Pond Walk *YPP
Join us at the Activity Shelter behind the Nature Center following the for a short walk to the pond to see what amphibians and other critters call the pond home.

8:00pm- Go Batty for Bats *YPP
Cute or creepy, bats are an important part of our environment. Join us at the Activity Shelter behind the Nature Center to learn about some of WV’s native bat species and ways that they support our ecosystem.

Young People for Parks
YPP is an environmental education program for youth ages 6-16. Participants attend three specified activities during their stay. For more information inquire at the Nature Center.