October is winding up with these activities at Blackwater Falls State Park October 28 – 30, 2023. From the ‘mysterious moon’ to bats, disappearing stars and a stained glass amphibian, take advantage of the activities or take a hike or walk to the falls area, Gentle Trail or other pathways or enjoy a great meal at the Smokehouse Restaurant located in Blackwater Falls Lodge.

SATURDAY, October 28, 2023
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.– Storybook Trail & Treat
Pick up a list from the Harold Walters Nature Center or Trading Company to enjoy this storybook with your child along the boardwalk to the Falls. Bring the completed list to the Nature Center for a piece of candy by 4 pm today. YPP

2:00 p.m. Disappearing Stars
Join the park naturalist for this presentation about light pollution and how you can help save the stars. About 30 minutes. YPP

3:00 p.m. Starlight-Starbright, Exploring the Night
Join the seasonal naturalist for some fun activities, stories and information about nature after dark. About 1 hour. YPP

5:00 p.m. BATS and Bat House Craft
Bats are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour. Join us in building a bat box and learning more about these important animals in our ecosystem with guest speaker, Sam Muncy, and naturalist in Harold Walters Nature Center. YPP Make your own bat box (while supplies last) from a precut kit to take home. Participants will use a screwdriver and wood screws to assemble boxes together. Instructor Sam Muncy will be available to assist with assembly. A template and instructions for cutting and making more boxes will be handed out along with some information about how to attract bats. YPP

More Fun at 7:00 p.m. with Mysterious Moon…

7:00 p.m. MYSTERIOUS MOON
Since the beginning of human history the moon has been the source of mystery and every feel-
ing known to man. On July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong said “One step for man, one giant leap for mankind both answering much of the mystery and cementing humankind’s ability to explore this celestial body. Join guest speaker, Sam Muncy, and naturalist in Harold Walters Nature Center.
Through slides and class discussion we will shed some (moon) light on our closest outer space neighbor. The actual footage and sound on Neal Armstrong’s landing will be shown and discussed. Along with slides of past moon myths and the historical path NASA made to the moon.

October 28, 2023 is also a full moon coined a Full Hunter’s Moon and a lovely time to be
at the nature center looking up. Weather permitting, the naturalist will conduct a night sky viewing after the mysterious moon program. YPP

SUNDAY, October 29, 2023
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
11:00 a.m. “Stained Glass” Amphibian Craft
Join seasonal naturalists for this educational craft while learning about amphibians of West Virginia. Free. YPP

1:30 p.m. Prehistoric Amber/copal Craft
Join the recreation assistant 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 YPP

MONDAY, October 30, 2023
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

All programs are free unless noted. Since 1978, the Harold Walters Nature Center at Blackwater Falls State Park has been educating & facilitating environmental education through the park’s vast natural resources by offering a variety of free to low cost programs designed to assist visitors to learn more about the natural world. Naturalist staff may also be available to conduct programs for school groups and organized groups at the park or nearby community Call 304-259-5511 for more information.

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