Things with wings dominate activities at Holly River State Park from July 20 to 23, 2023. And it is National Moth Week and on four evenings Holly River has a moth watch. Join Master Naturalist Jane Birdsong for these nature based activities and traditional recreational pursuits of archery and hiking when visiting Holly River.

THURSDAY, July 20, 2023
2 pm – FIREFLIES – WHAT MAKES THEM GLOW?
Learn about their evolutionary history and how to take part in a firefly census. Naturalist Jane will be in the Windy Gap Schoolyard (we’ll use the Balli Shelter if it’s rainy.) Did you know there are more than 20 different species of fireflies in West Virginia? Let’s find out which ones make their home at Holly River.

4 pm – ARCHERY
Learn to hold a bow, load arrows, target shoot & long shots. Look for the naturalist at the archery range in the game field across from the office.

9:30 pm – MOTH NIGHT @ Campground 1 Look for the illuminated white sheet, as we hope to attract some of the largest & most interesting night flying insects.

FRIDAY, July 21, 2023
10 am – HIKE SALT LICK TRAIL
Hike with naturalist Jane. (1.2 miles/1hr) Meet on the office porch before 10, or at the trailhead by cabins at 10:10. An easy hike except for the short uphill climb. Wear sturdy shoes. Hiking sticks are useful.

2 pm – BIRD MIGRATION CHALLENGE
Experience the hazards birds must face as You play an interactive game in Windy Gap Schoolyard. Each “bird” follows a path to reach the next rest stop. Will you make it to your summer home?

4 pm – ARCHERY
Learn to hold a bow, load arrows, target shoot & long shots. Look for the naturalist at the archery range in the game field across from the office.

9:30 pm – MOTH NIGHT @ Campground 2
Look for the illuminated white sheet, as we hope to attract some of the largest & most interesting night flying insects.

SATURDAY, July 22, 2023
10 am – HOW TO MEASURE TREES
Naturalist Jane will demonstrate, then give You the opportunity to practice measuring circumference and use triangulation geometry to measure the height of trees. Maybe we can locate some really big trees OR maybe when you go home you can measure your trees to see if you have a state record! Meet on the Holly River State Park office porch.

4 pm – ARCHERY
Learn to hold a bow, load arrows, target shoot & long shots. Look for Jane the naturalist at the archery range in the game field across from the office.

9:30 pm – MOTH NIGHT @ Campground 3
Look for the illuminated white sheet, as we hope to attract some of the largest & most interesting night flying insects.

SUNDAY, July 23, 2023
10 am – TREE ID WALK
Meet Naturalist Jane on the office porch picnic table. We’ll stroll around the building and identify all the trees by leaf & bark. Make leaf rubbings of your favorites to take home.

4 pm – ARCHERY
Learn to hold a bow, load arrows, target shoot & long shots. Look for the naturalist at the archery range in the game field across from the office.

9:30 pm – MOTH NIGHT @ Campground 4
Look for the illuminated white sheet, as we hope to attract some of the largest & most interesting night flying insects.

YPP – Young People for Parks centers on environmental activities that encourage youth of ages 6 – 15 to get outdoors and explore nature. All these programs are FREE & open to the public . Ask the naturalist how to earn a YPP reward.

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