Family Turtle Tracking with Dogs

Family Turtle Tracking with Dogs - Ages 8+
Friday, June 1, 8 am - 10 am

Sign up for a fast-paced, fun morning exploring the woods with our turtle tracking dogs. Specially trained Boykin spaniels will lead you up and down steep hills and through the mud in search of box turtles in Lake Raleigh Woods. The program will run rain or shine and in hot, muggy conditions. Children and youth must be accompanied by a parent/adult. One adult per two children ages 8-11. Closed-toe shoes are required. Absolutely NO Crocs or sandals. Long pants and bug spray are highly recommended. Register at least one week before the program. To register call (919) 707-0209 or visit the event link and register online. http://216.27.39.101/Apps/CentennialEdPrograms/Centennial_General_Pub_Programs.asp?region=5


Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education
NC State University's Centennial Campus
1751 Varsity DR
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 707-0209

Don't Fry Day & Beautiful Butterflies

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as Don’t Fry Day. The Council’s goal is to encourage sun safety awareness by reminding everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors on Don’t Fry Day and every day.

Check out the link below for more information and resources, including posters, stickers, coloring pages, and other activities.

http://skincancerprevention.org/node/282

As you travel this holiday weekend be sure to check out the Environmental Education Centers near your destination! You can find organizations and events near you by going to www.eenorthcarolina.org.

In fact, here's something we think you will really enjoy!

Beautiful Butterflies at Lake Crabtree County Park
Saturday, May 26, 9 am - 11 am

What’s the difference between a butterfly and a moth? Where do caterpillars come from? What is metamorphosis anyway? Come join park staff and hike around the Old Beech Nature Trail to discover the answers and other fascinating facts while looking for these “Beautiful Butterflies.” Preregistration is required. Please download a copy of our Registration Form from our event link. http://www.wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree/programs/default.htm

Admission: $3/person or $5/family
Phone: (919) 460-3390
Lake Crabtree County Park
1400 Aviation Parkway
Morrisville, NC 27560

Beachcomber Holiday!

Saturday, May 26, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Sea Shells program at Hammocks Beach State Park

Spending this holiday weekend at the beach? Join the rangers at Hammocks Beach State Park to learn the art of beachcombing then spend the rest of the holiday searching for sea shells along the shore! Learn how to distinguish a conch from a whelk and where to find the best sand dollars.

Park rangers will talk about the natural history & identification of some of the sea shells people most frequently collect during their visit to Bear Island.

This program is given on Bear Island. Take the ferry over and meet at the Bath House.
For more information on Hammocks Beach State Park, visit: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/habe/main.php

Hammocks Beach State Park
1572 Hammocks Beach Road
Swansboro, NC 28584
Phone: (910) 326-4881

Solar-Powered Art

Saturday, May 26, 1 pm - 2 pm
Historic Yates Mill County Park

The forecast calls for a bright, sunshiny Saturday at Historic Yates Mill County Park! Harness the power of the sun to create one of a kind art with real historical artifacts from the Yates Mill collection, flowers, leaves, acorns and other natural objects. Ages 6 & up.

Admission: $5/family or $3/person
Phone: (919) 856-6675

To learn more about Historic Yates Mill Park, visit: www.wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill

Historic Yates Mill County Park
4620 Lake Wheeler Road
Raleigh, NC 27603

Celebrate World Turtle Day!

May 23 is World Turtle Day! Celebrate by participating in some turtle programs or by pretending to be a turtle. Imagine how it would be to carry your house on your back. What things would you want to take with you wherever you traveled? There are two turtle programs this week in NC!

Come to Crowder District Park to explore the kinds of stories and legends that exist about turtles that come from many cultures from around the world, meet a live turtle up close, and make a turtle craft. Then take a walk to Crowder's pond to search out the kinds of turtles that live locally within the park. Ages 6-9. Registration is required.

Wednesday, May 23, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Admission: $4/child

Crowder District Park
near the intersection of Ten Ten Road and Holly Springs Road
4709 Ten Ten Road
Apex, NC 27539
Phone: (919) 662-2850
http://www.wakegov.com/parks/crowder/

Then come on out to Hammocks Beach State Park for a box turtle program  This program will be given at the Ferry Waiting Station on the Mainland near the Visitor Center.

Did you know this turtle is North Carolina’s State Reptile? Join a ranger to learn about this reptile that crosses our paths on a daily basis in an effort to discover their natural history as well as their secretive habits.

Friday, May 25, 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Hammocks Beach State Park
1572 Hammocks Beach Road
Swansboro, NC 28584
Phone: (910) 326-4881
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/habe/main.php

Nature Journaling

Come experience and reflect on nature by joining park staff in a nature journaling program!

Saturday, May 26, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Raven Rock State Park

A Nature journal is a place to grow your thoughts, feelings, ideas, activities, observations, and relationship with the natural world. Come learn the techniques of keeping a nature journal.  Participants will hike the 2.5 mile Raven Rock Loop Trail and stop at different locations to write or draw in their journals.

Suitable for ages 7 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please register by calling 910-893-4888 for this exciting and fun nature journaling program. Class is limited to 15 participants.

Raven Rock State Park
3009 Raven Rock Road
Lillington, NC 27546

Kayak Tour at Lake Rim Park

Friday, May 25, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Lake Rim Park Kayak Tour

A lake tour is perfect for those trying kayaking for the first time and seasoned paddlers looking to relax on the water. All the equipment and basic instruction for beginners is provided.

Suitable for children 10+ with a participating adult

Fee: $15, $5 if you bring your own boat

Please register by Thursday, May 24.

Lake Rim Park
2214 Tar Kiln Drive
Fayetteville, NC United States 28304
Phone: (910) 424-6134
For more information on Lake Rim Park, visit: http://www.fcpr.us/recreation_centers_/lake_rim.aspx