This weekend at Blackwater Falls State Park is packed with activities ranging from the Astrophotography Weekend (find it posted separately) to guest naturalist hike and Pickleball. Take advantage of these programs July 14 – 16, 2023 that begin at the nature center unless posted otherwise.

FRIDAY, July 14, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND
Click here for all the details.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
11:00 a.m. Nature Walk – Special Guest Naturalist
Join Friends of Blackwater in association with Blackwater Falls State Park where you can join visiting naturalist, Aaron Graham, and Blackwater Falls staff out in the field to observe birds, butterflies and potentially salamanders and other fauna in addition to taking a look at the current blooming wildflowers. Plan on a short walk so wear appropriate hiking attire. About 1 hour. YPP

11:30 a.m. The Bee Movie & Craft
Our recreation gal invites you to string beads to create a bracelet as a memory of your visit to Blackwater Falls. Supplies limited to first come basis. Craft fee: $2.00. YPP

4:00 p.m. Mushrooms of West Virginia
Kenny Noland does outstanding presentations and this one is about some mushrooms found in the state of West Virginia. He covers do’s and don’ts and fact vs fiction about mushrooms. About 1 hour. YPP

7:00 p.m. Campfire
It’s a traditional park campfire with singing of songs, telling stories and roasting marshmallows. Come on. Have fun around the campfire.About 1 hour. YPP

SATURDAY, July 15, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For the Love of Bears!
10:30 a.m. Amazing Bears Nature Film
A free movie about bears from the mighty grizzly to the sloth bear. Among the biggest land mammals on the planet, bears need a lot of resources to survive and must use all of their skills, brawn and brains to get what they need-whether foraging for food, defending themselves or raising cubs. Find out what it takes to be a bear! About 1 hour. YPP

11:30 a.m. Can you Survive being a black bear?
Find out in this fun game (weather permitting) with a recreation assistant on the fenced basketball court. About 20 minutes. Fun family game-young children may need assistance with reading, but it’s an all age, all out fun facts about black bears! YPP

1:00 p.m. Surprise Craft Time
Find out what craft the recreation assistant has for today. Craft fee: up to$3.00

3:00 p.m. Feature Movie
Join the recreation assistant for everyone’s favorite pic-a-nic basket-stealing bear movie. About 80 minutes. Rated PG.

SUNDAY, July 16, 2023
Nature Center: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. Stories in the Sky & Crafts
Join the fun and learn about some constellations in the night sky. Afterwards, create some fun astronomy themed crafts for FREE. YPP

1:30 p.m. Pickle Ball
Join the staff to try and play the fastest-growing sport in the US, Pickleball, rising in popularity over the past couple years. Pickleball is played on the old tennis court with a net in the middle. Some describe it as playing ping pong but standing on the table, Similar to tennis but served underhand and less running. The ball is light – it’s the weight of a whiffle ball. The paddle is similar to a racquetball paddle, but about twice that size. About 1 hour

2:30 p.m. Celestial Wind Chime
Join the recreation assistant to paint a celestial wind chime. Supplies limited to first come.

Learn more about Blackwater Falls State Park when you attend activities. For more information email blackwaterfallssp@wv.gov.

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