Mid-September at Cacapon State Park invites visitors to enjoy the weather and activities September 16-19, 2022. While autumn is welcoming a color explosion, the park enjoys Monarch butterfly migration, Pet-A-Palooza, clouds and bird watching. Join us.

FRIDAY, September 16, 2022
10:00AM
Ridge Trail Hike
Enjoy the view along this 1.5 mile moderate hike. Learn about park history and geology too.

1:30PM
Our WV Owl Pals
Discover the variety owls by sight and sound! What do they eat? Find out by dissecting on owl pellet

6:30PM
Irish Road Bowling
Come out for a funIrish tradition established as an official West Virginia sport (WVIRB.com), rolling a cannon ball on a designed course.

7:30PM
Badminton
Fun for the whole family. Park at the tennis court parking lot. Free.

SATURDAY, September 17, 2022
4th Annual Pet-A-Palooza

9:00AM
Bark in the Park
Join the park naturalist for a pet friendly hike. Learn about leave no trace principles and other park rules so your furry friend can earn their certificate for being part of B.A.R.K in the Park. Nature Center.

10:00AM – 1:00PM
Swim with Your Pet
Enjoy the afternoon by taking a swim with your furry friend at the beach! (No life guard on duty). Pets must be on a leash. Entrance fee to the event will be by monetary donation to local Humane Society OR other helpful items like: Purina Pro Plan dog & puppy chow, Canned dog food, Cat food: dry or wet. Blankets, trash bags, bleach, paper towels; dawn dish detergent Entrance area will be at picnic area beach access where donations will be accepted by local Girl Scout Troop 15045. *Pre-made tie dye pet bandanas available for donation to the park foundation.

1:00PM
Monarch Migration
Learn all about the importance of a monarch way station by watching a video & taking a guided tour at the nature center. Discover the monarch caterpillars and their chrysalis. Followed by a trip to one of the park’s many wildflower meadows known as our pollinator zones to discover adult monarchs on their long migration to Mexico. Monarch tagging will be demonstrated.

Helpful sites to watch the migration and to log in your own sightings!
Monarchwatch.org
Monarchjointventure.org
Journeynorth.org

SUNDAY, September 18
9:30AM
Beginner Birding Walk
Learn how to identify Cacapon’s common birds and woodpeckers by sight and sound. Binoculars provided. Meet at Lodge.

1:30PM
Weed Warriors – Save the Park
Meet our seasonal naturalist, Allen Miller to help save the park from invasive plants! Help pull and cut oriental bittersweet vines. Loppers provided. Bring sturdy gloves.

MONDAY, September 19, 2022
10:00AM
Tai Chi
This class will help increase balance, flexibility, and focus on connection to mind, body, & spirit. Location near nature center.

10:00AM
Nature Journaling
Join park naturalists for a stroll in nature to inspire a drawing, poem or story!

1:30PM
Our WV Clouds
Look up! What type of cloud do you see? Join seasonal naturalist to learn about some common clouds.

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! Nature Center Open daily 9:30AM-4:30PM. All programs start at the nature center unless noted.

Valerie Chaney, CIG and Allen Miller are park naturalists at Cacapon Resort. For additional information about this Monarch Program or Cacapon’s pollinator zones, email valerie.l.chaney@wv.gov.