Nature Notes in July: Cacapon

July still has great planned activities at Cacapon Resort State Park, July 24-27 2023. From Tai Chi to Micro-vision World, these neat activities and others are conducted or begin at the nature center unless noted.

Monday, July 24, 2023
10:00AM Tai Chi
This class will help increase balance, flexibility, and focus on connection to mind, body, & spirit. Location lodge.

9:30AM Ridge Trail Hike
Join summer naturalists on this 1.5 moderate trail. You’ll enjoy the conversation and park history when you hike with these two naturalists. YPP

11:30AM Turtle Talk
Learn about the box turtle and play a fun game and make a craft. YPP

1:30PM Knot-tying
Learn some helpful tips on tying knots for camping or while in the outdoors. YPP

2:30PM Fantastic Fox
Learn some fun facts about the red fox, followed by a fun craft. YPP

3:30PM Forest Animal-opoly!
Oh this is such a fun indoor game! Collect your favorite creatures and play to be the best caretaker of the forest.YPP

Tuesday, July 25, 2023
1:30PM Cacapon Critter Catch
What will we find? We will look for small vertebrates & invertebrates using nets, containers and our critter catchers. Then we will safely look at them through magnifying glasses & microscopes then return them where we found them. Always leave no trace! YPP

2:30PM Fire Starting
Learn some different fire building techniques and how to start a fire with flint & steel. YPP

3:30PM Moth & Butterfly Blitz
Come & play this fun board game! We’ll be in the nature center. A great afternoon place to be.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023
10:00AM Fishing 101
Let’s throw a line out! Learn how to tie a hook, cast a line, and maybe catch your first fish. Poles and bait provided or bring your own. YPP

1:00PM Monarchs Need Your Help!
What is a monarch way station? Come & find out and learn how you can help! YPP

2:00PM Native Wildflower Meadow Tour
Explore this 2-acre meadow in full bloom, surrounded with coreopsis, daisies, & coneflowers. YPP

3:30PM Wildflower Bingo & Flower Stenciling
We’re wild about our wild flowers! Join us for some fun.

Thursday, July 27, 2023
9:15AM Paddle Boat Tour
Take a naturalist-led interpretive tour by water to discover the park’s natural & cultural history. Binoculars provided. $6 per person covers the vessel rental. On the water. Meet at the boat dock rental area. YPP

11:00AM-12:30PM Fearless Drawing Leading to Painting Part 3
Join our local artist and volunteer for a free art lesson focusing on geometric shapes of local flora & fauna. This class is free and open to all ages. Final part 4 held on August 3.

1:30PM Vegetable Garden Gifts
Let’s explore this week’s vegetables and how you can cook with it. Also explore the garden senses: touch, taste, & smell. YPP

2:30PM Micro-vision World
Come explore our park from a microscopic point of view. We’ll go on a small trek looking at plants & animals through magnifying glasses, a stereomicroscope for items collected and look at prepared slides in a compound slides. YPP

3:30PM Friendship Bracelets
Join our summer naturalist for a variety of fun colors and styles of bracelets. Her name is Autumn and she brings sunshine to our summer crafting activities. Indoors at the Nature Center. Best place to be in the afternoon.

Come and visit the Tom Ambrose Nature Center! The nature center is a great stop for all ages, showcasing exhibits on the park history and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp Morgan 1934-41. Other West Virginia natural exhibits include an extensive taxidermy
collection of wildlife- fish, birds, fox, bobcat, mountain lion, deer, elk, and eastern grey wolf!

Also, hands-on sand displays for wildlife tracks and a new geology interactive map to design your own mountains, rivers and lakes. Take a park naturalist guided hike or join the daily
activities!