September Surprises: Blackwater Falls

September at Blackwater Falls State Park starts the surprise of fall colors of the deciduous forest. Discover these nature-based activities, September 2-3, 2023.

SATURDAY, September 2, 2023
The Nature Center Open from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. Balsam Fir Trail
Join the naturalist for this stroll through a northern hardwood forest. About 70 minutes. 2 miles. YPP

11:00 a.m. Twisted tie Dye
Join the staff to create your own Blackwater Falls souvenir tie dye craft. Adult Size shirts $10.00, Youth size shirts $8.00. sizes limited.

11:30 a.m. Amphibians & “Stained Glass” Craft
Beverly welcomes you to this educational film and craft. About 40 minutes. Any age welcomed. Free. YPP

12:00 Park Campfire
Join the seasonal naturalist for a traditional campfire program with singing, storytelling, flint and steel fun, s’mores and more. YPP

1:30 p.m. Microscopy Fun
Join the staff to explore the use of a microscope. Recommended for 8+ years of age. Microscopes may need to be shared. About 1 hour. YPP

2:00 p.m. Paracord Critter Fun
Join the recreation assistant to create her choice of critter constructed of paracord. This activity is recommended for 8+ years of age. Craft fee: $1.00

3:00 p.m. Meet our Turtles
Join the naturalist as she introduces you to our nature center turtle residents. How did they come to live at Blackwater Falls? How can you help the dwindling turtle populations? About 1 hour. Includes a kid friendly craft. YPP

SUNDAY, September 3, 2023
The Nature Center is open from 10:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

10:30 a.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

12:30 p.m. Owls of West Virginia
Kenny invites you to his program on owls found in The Mountain State of West Virginia. Learn
some owl calls and more in this family friendly activity. Includes an owl pellet activity. YPP

2:00 p.m. Rainbow Art
Join the recreation assistant to use shaving cream and watercolor to create a work of art for your wall or create a card. Do you know how a rainbow forms? What colors mix to make other colors? Craft fee: $1.00. YPP

3:30 p.m. Butterflies and “stained glass” Wings Craft
Join the seasonal naturalist to hear about our state butterfly, the Monarch, and perhaps some other butterflies found in the area. Optional: Afterwards, use cardboard, utility knife and colorful paper to create child sized butterfly wings. Limited space available. Preregistration recommended. Craft fee: $5.00 YPP

Want to STARGAZE on your own?
Blackwater Falls as a permit process for folks to Stargaze After Hours Get the permit in the Harold Walters Nature Center during normal business hours.

The designated stargazing locations at Blackwater Falls are at two locations:
1 Harold Walters Nature Center Parking Lot
2. Pendleton Point Overlook Parking Lot

Roaming the park during quiet hours when the park is closed (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) is discouraged. But stargazing is possible with the permit at the two designated locations that are super areas with very dark skies.

The permit lets park security know you’ve registered. As a reminder sleeping/camping at locations is not permitted. Individuals must actively be stargazing and remain near their parked vehicle.

Reserve lodging:

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