The variety of scheduled activities for August 26-27, 2023 at Blackwater Falls State Park is open to the public and for all ages. Activities are hosted at the nature center unless indicated otherwise. The Nature Center is open Sunday – Friday from 10:30AM – 5:00PM and Saturday from 10:00AM-7:00PM unless noted. The boathouse is open 10:30AM – 5:00PM Wednesday – Sunday until Labor Day and closed on Monday and Tuesday, except on a holiday.

SATURDAY, August 26, 2023
Activity Room/Store of the Nature Center closed to the public until 1 p.m. just for today.
The nature exhibit room is open and restrooms are open.

11:00 a.m. “STAINED GLASS” AMPHIBIAN CRAFT
Join volunteer, Beverly, on the side porch of Nature Center for this educational craft. 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

2:00 p.m. WILDFLOWER STROLL
Let’s go on a walk along our pollinator garden and trails to Pendleton Lake Dam exploring wildflowers. About 1 hour. YPP

3:00 p.m. T is for TREE
Join staff for this kid friendly program. Children use fun activities to explore our natural and built environments. This activity is geared toward our young learners, but all ages are welcome! About 30 minutes. YPP

5:00 p.m. RAMBLIN’ RANGER
Join the naturalist in Blackwater Falls Lodge Lobby to answer questions you may have about the
park, check out his display and activities. We’ll be here for about 2 hours. Drop in and visit. YPP

SUNDAY, August 27, 2023
9:30 a.m. BEGINNERS BIRD WALK
Join the seasonal naturalist for a stroll around the area looking and listening for feathered friends. About 1 hour. Binoculars are helpful but not necessary. Bring a pair of binoculars or borrow a pair from us. YPP

11:00 a.m. Let’s play SNOOKBALL/PICKLEBALL
Join the staff to learn what snookball /pickleball is and how to play. About 1 hour.

1:30 p.m. OWLS OF WEST VIRGINIA
Join the seasonal naturalist for a program on some owls found in The Mountain State. Learn
some owl calls and more in this family friendly activity. Includes an owl pellet activity. 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. Pre-registration recommended. Craft fee: $5.00 YPP

Learn more about Blackwater Falls State Park activities and events by email blackwaterfallssp@wv.gov.

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