Take Your Family to a State Park for a First Day Hike!

Start the New Year right with a hike at one of the our state parks.  State parks in North Carolina are creating a new tradition for New Year’s Day, offering First Day Hikes on trails across the state.

First Day Hikes guided by rangers and volunteers will be held at 27 state parks. All state parks and state recreation areas will be open on the holiday with cold-weather recreation opportunities as well as warm visitor centers with exhibit halls presenting cultural and natural history.

Detailed information about scheduled hikes in North Carolina’s state parks can be found under “Education” on the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation website, http://www.ncparks.gov/ or by going to http://www.americasstateparks.org/

First Day Hikes are being promoted in North Carolina in concert with a national effort by America’s State Parks and the National Association of State Park Directors. News about hiking opportunities in all 50 states along with tips on winter hiking can be found on the America’s State Parks website, www.americasstateparks.org. The effort promotes a healthy lifestyle as well as appreciation of natural resources.

Day Trip to Hanging Rock State Park

Looking for something to do with the kids during the school break?

Join us on a day trip from Durham to Hangling Rock State Park.
Thursday, Dec 29, 2011 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
At the park we will hike, learn about the geology of the area and investigate the overall environment. We will see waterfalls, cliffs, and unique mountain plant life. Come on this fun trip during school break.

Ages 10-14. Group size is limited to 12 people. We provide transportation; participants must provide their own lunch, snack, water.

Meet at the Environmental Education Center (old blacksmith shop). Call (919) 471-1623 for more information and to register. Admission: cost is $13 for city of Durham residents and $18 for non- city residents.

Opening Day of our weekly roadside stand, IFFS Young Farmer Market

Saturday, May 21st, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle's Farm at 4505 Tryon Rd, near Dover Farm & Tryon

THIS SATURDAY, May 21st, is Opening Day of our weekly roadside stand, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle's Young Farmer Market from 9am-1pm.

Please come out and bring the family to visit the farm, get some u-pick peas, buy delicious fresh produce, meet the apprentices, and enjoy a fun farm Saturday!

For more information visit the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle's website.

Camp Out-door-rageous

It is a wild world out there, but you can hike confidently through it with your out-door-rageous skills learned at our week-long coed camp.

Participants, ages 13-17, will learn activities such as fishing and cooking your catch, using a map and compass, building a primitive fire and survival shelter, knot tying, live trapping, identifying animal signs and archery. At week’s end, participants will compete in "Amazing Race" style competitions using their new outdoor skills.

Upon acceptance, a $45 deposit is required, which will be fully refunded upon meeting attendance requirements. Day camp only. No transportation, accommodations or food provided. Contact Ann May for more information and application forms. APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 20

Contact Ann May at (919) 707-0207 or by emailing ann.may@ncwildlife.org

Three Free Awesome Events at Lake Waccamaw State Park this Weekend!!

Turtles Alive - Saturday, May 21st at 3:00 pm- Live turtle show by Kellie Lewis from the NC Museum of Forestry.

Backyard Movie Night in the Picnic Area- Saturday, May 21st at 8:30 pm- Showing How Animals Do That- "Uncovering Nature's Most Confounding Secrets"

Celebrate Safe Boating Week- Afternoon Canoe Trip- Sunday, May 22nd at 3:00 pm - Must sign up for this event. Call for details.

For more information contact the Lake Waccamaw State Park

Fishing, families, and fun. That’s what we can all look forward to with the grand opening of Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head!

Mark your calendars now for Saturday, May 21, at 11 a.m., when the new state-of-the-art, 1000-foot long fishing pier and pier house will be christened and wide open to the public.

Be sure to arrive early, however, as the event features a unique jump start with the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team who will soar to a landing on the beach beginning at 10:45 a.m.
Following an hour-long dedication ceremony, the new state-owned and operated facility will open its doors for free fishing for everyone for the rest of the day and night.

No tickets are required for the event, but parking will be at a premium so look for satellite parking with shuttle service at the Town of Nags Head and the grassy field south of the Dunes Restaurant.

Get ready for lots of family fun and solid conservation education in a perfect outdoor classroom setting—on the beach and over the waves! Upon reopening in May 2011, Jennette’s Pier will offer a wide variety of classes, camps, sleepovers, and get-wet adventures in keeping with the Aquariums’ mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.

A full schedule of activities is currently being planned for the summer of 2011, including school and scout programs, invertebrate labs, plankton studies, science camps, marine mammal studies, sea turtle nighttreks, fishing workshops, surfing lessons, and many others. Some programs and activities will be free, whileothers will require pre-registration and fees. Parents, teachers, and group leaders: Be sure to check backon this page for updates as the calendar of events is constructed.

For more information visit http://www.jennettespier.net/programs

Carrboro Farmers' Market Introduces the First Ever “Year Round food: Community canning series” Benefiting LOCAL hunger relief

Carrboro Farmers’ Market and Chef Sheri Castle will be opening the Wednesday afternoon market with the new “Year Round Food: Community Canning Series” on Wednesday, May 25th.

The Year Round Food: Community Canning Series is a series of monthly workshops led by local food experts dedicated to putting up local food all year round. The classes will cost $10 sliding scale and are open to the community. All proceeds from the series will be donated to local hunger relief agencies in the area.

For the opening event, Sheri Castle will teach how to make those late season strawberries into year round seasonal preserve. “There are tons of ways you can make local fruit stretch even farther,” said Chef Sheri Castle, “Before the strawberries disappear for the season, I’ll teach how to make a simple preserves that will go great on top of biscuits, pound cake, sundaes, or local cheese.”

“We are very excited to begin this series at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, and to have local southern food expert, Sheri Castle, kick it off with homemade local preserves,” says Sarah Blacklin, Market Manager, “Our goal at the Market is to empower our community around local food, starting with education in the home kitchen and support of local hunger relief agencies that make fresh, healthy food available to those in need. We feel canning is a great way to stretch your food dollars while simultaneously exchanging skills and knowledge about local food preservation. All the proceeds from Sheri’s class will go to benefit the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service.”

This series is made possible at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market from grant support from BALL Jar Company and the Farmers’ Market Coalition.

Located at the Carrboro Town Commons, adjacent to Town Hall at 301 West Main Street, the Market serves the Carrboro community and Triangle area with two weekly markets.

The Market is open Saturday mornings year round, from 7am to noon and Wednesday afternoons, 3:30p to 6:30p, from April 13 through late November. For more information visit http://www.carrborofarmersmarket.com/

TurtleFest!

Saturday, May 14, 2011 9 AM to 4 PM
Annual Turtle Festival at Bass Lake Park and Retreat Center, Holly Springs

Join us for a day of celebrating and learning all about turtles! Visit lots of interactive exhibits, meet biologists, herpetologists, and wildlife rehabilitators, and lots of live turtles, make crafts, enter the annual art contest and play games. ALL FREE!

For more information call 919-557-2496 or visit
http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/dept/park/basslake/programs.asp

Nature Games

Saturday, May 14, 2011 1 PM to 1:45 PM
Pullen Park Community Center

Get wild with us! We’ll play a variety of exciting and interactive games that will help us learn more about nature. At Pullen Park Community Center, Saturday May 14 from 1:00 pm-1:45 pm.
Ages 6-12; fee $2 per participant.

Please pre-register four days in advance at http://reclink.raleighnc.gov/ or any at community center. For more information call Nature Programs at 919-831-6856.

Sea Turtles Natural History

Saturday, May 14, 2011 10 AM to 11 AM
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
Ages 14+.

This program presents the various life strategies of sea turtles who visit North Carolina coastal waters. Discover what turtles nest on our beaches and the efforts by local volunteers to help conserve these threatened and endangered reptiles.

For reservations, book online or call 252.453.0221 ex. 1.

Admission: free
Event Phone: 252-453-0221

Strawberry Jamboree at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market

Saturday, May 14th beginning at 8:00am
Carrboro Farmers' Market, Carrboro NC

Taste free samples of field fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream, on top of a Market sweet breads and cakes!

Market strawberry vendors are teaming up with Market bakers and food artisans to give our customers a little taste of spring in the Piedmont.

To help you navigate your options, the Market will highlight our strawberry and baker booths at Market, and for those of you that want to make a weekend trip out to the farms, the Market will provide information on where to find local pick-your-own opportunities.

Look forward to strawberry recipes and tips available in the gazebo. Event starts at 8am and will run until the berries runs out!
For more information, visit the Carrboro Farmers' Market website.

May Fishing Fun Day

Harris Lake County Park
Saturday, May 14, 10 AM to 1 PM

Don’t let the big one get away! Bring the whole family out for games, fun and most of all – fishing! All ages and abilities are invited to fish with a rod of your own or borrow one of ours.

Learn about our Tackle Loaner Program as well as our adaptive fishing equipment for folks who have limited mobility. Enjoy the great views and the wonderful fishing to be found on the pier or on the shores of beautiful Harris Lake. Bait will be provided while supplies last. Come prepared to get hooked on fishing! Admission is FREE.

Contact:
Phone: (919) 387-4342
http://www.wakegov.com/parks/harrislake/events/default.htm

Why Kids Need Recess and Exercise

By Denene Millner

(Parenting.com) -- More and more researchers, educators, and parents are realizing that not only is playground time good for kids-it is crucial.
Here's why it just may be the fourth "R" in school, and what you can do to make sure your child gets a healthy dose of downtime.


To read the full story go here.

Center for the Environment To Host National Youth Environmental Summit

Catawba College Center for the Environment

High school students from around the country will converge at the Catawba College Center for the Environment this summer for the National Youth Environmental Summit, "Redesigning Our Future." The college expects 200 rising high school juniors and seniors to attend, where they will work with sustainability designers, scientists and engineers from the Rocky Mountain Institute of Colorado will collaborate with the Center and Catawba professors on the summit.

The Catawba College news notes:

Scheduled for July 20-24, 2011, with follow-up activities through May 2012, the summit will emphasize whole systems thinking, helping students become collaborative leaders and effective communicators. Summit leaders will provide knowledge and analytical skills that will help the participants return to their schools and communities empowered to have a tangible impact. One of the distinctive elements of the summit is that it will involve multiple disciplines. Students will explore the concept of environmental leadership through the perspective of their own skills and interest in the arts, humanities, education, history, business, science and technology. They will learn how essential elements of these varied disciplines — creativity, expression, innovation, observation, experimentation and teamwork — are critical to their effectiveness as environmental leaders."This summit has an ambitious goal, but it is one that is within our reach," says Center Executive Director John Wear. "We want these young leaders to develop their considerable talents so they can make the world a better place. And that will involve nothing less than redesigning our future."The cost for participants is $200, which includes tuition, meals, lodging, activities and materials. Limited scholarship assistance is available so participants should apply early.The N.C. Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs is a promoting partner on the Environmental Summit, and encourages rising high school juniors and seniors in North Carolina students to apply.

The deadline to apply is June 1. More details on the conference, the application and scholarships are available on the Center for the Environment website.

16 Tips for Wildlife Gardening with Kids

From National Wildlife Federation
by Kelly L. Senser

One of the best things you may ever cultivate in your yard is a gardener; share your love of nature with a child.

WHEN WE MOVED TO OUR HOME in northern Virginia, my husband and I got right to work creating our wildlife garden—replacing yards of turf with a native plant bed. We expected our then two-year-old daughter (right) to play about us as we labored, but she dug right in—literally. For each mat of sod we pulled up, her little hands yanked a clump. For each shovelful of compost we emptied into our wheelbarrow, she added a scoop. All day long we marveled at her determination to keep pace.

Families Benefit from Gardening Together -“Children want to do what their parents and grandparents are doing,” says Claudia Neely, a gardening enthusiast whose three kids helped to create a wildlife habitat in the family’s Pittsburgh backyard. Being a good role model requires dedication on the part of green-thumbed adults, but there are inherent rewards in providing kids with positive outdoor experiences. “More than just plants grow out of helping a child tend a garden,” says Judy Sedbrook, a Denver-based master gardener with the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. “Gardening gives children a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, and it enables them to learn about the environment.”

For the full story and list of 16 tips, go here.

Discovering Magic in the Garden

The North Carolina Botanical Garden invites families and children to their 8^th Annual “Discovering Magic in the Garden” celebration on Saturday, April 30 at 2-4 p.m.

Celebrate the wonders of nature by planting a magical seed, discovering life in the ponds, meeting plants that “eat” insects, building a gnome home or a fairy house, searching for garden sweets, going on a scavenger hunt, and more!  A local storyteller will close this enchanting event by sharing fun and interactive garden tales.

Children (and their grown-ups) are invited to wear their most magical costume, so don your favorite cape or fairy wings and join us in the Garden!

The North Carolina Botanical Garden is located off of the US 15-501/NC 54 bypass (Fordham Blvd.) in Chapel Hill.
The fee for the event is $10 per family (cash or check).

For more information or to pre-register, please call 919-962-0522.  Walk-ins welcome

Park Review: Blue Jay Point County Park

Maybe you've never been to Blue Jay Point County Park, but there's a good chance your kids have been there.

The 236-acre Wake County park sits along the shores of Falls Lake and is a popular spot for school field trips, serving about 60,000 school children a year, says D'Nise Hefner, assistant park manager in charge of educational programs. Read more in the WRAL GoAskMom Blog by Sarah Lindenfeld Hall.

Join us at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education for a day of OUTDOORS fun!

Outdoors Day!
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, Currituck Heritage Park

Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 10 AM to 3 PM

Join us for a day of outdoor fun! Entire event goes 10:00 am until 3:00 pm, individual activities will vary. Drop by and experience the outdoors through various activities such as fishing, archery, turkey and duck calling, laser shot, nature hikes, and much much more!Visit our different stations and learn all kinds of OUTDOOR SKILLS. Activities will include:

· Fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and archery
· Nature walks and photography
· Deer, Turkeys, and Bears…Oh my!· Learn how to talk turkey…and duck
· Go birding and learn about owls
· Play the Laser Shot hunting simulator and much, much, more!

Celebrate EARTH DAY by picking up trash and learn how to get a free T-shirt.

All programs are free and all ages are welcomed! We will also have raffles for prizes throughout the day.

For more information go online at www.ncwildlife.org or call 252-453-0221 and talk to Chet Clark or Sharon Meade.

What's better than spending a day at the beach, filled with exciting and fun activities?!

Raleigh student received President’s Environmental Youth Award on Saturday

A Raleigh high school student was awarded the President's Environmental Youth Award Saturday as part of the Planet Earth Celebration near the State Capitol.

(From left: Brian Bockhahn, State Park Ranger at Falls Lake State Recreation Area; recipient Kyle Kittelberger,
and Stan Meiburg, Deputy Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA)

Kyle Kittelberger, a student at Ravenscroft School, was honored for his project at Sandling Beach at Falls Lake State Recreation Area. The project included the construction of an 80-foot wetland boardwalk and wildlife observation deck. This is a HUGE honor. Congratulations Kyle!

For more information about the award and Kyle's project go here.

Planet Earth Celebration

Saturday, April 16, 2011 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Downtown Raleigh, NC
In & around the Museum of Natural Sciences RAIN OR SHINE! IT'S FREE - BRING YOUR OLD ELECTRONICS
Join us for the 4th Annual Planet Earth Celebration, downtown Raleigh’s premier sustainability festival showcasing all the ways to love the Earth – from repurposed art and music to expert advice on sustainable living.

Throughout the day you can:

• Connect with over 100 local organizations making North Carolina and the Piedmont one of the greenest places to live
• Shop consciously at the Green Bazaar and the Burt’s Bees Tent Sale
• Create earth-friendly art and music with the Scrap Exchange and the Trash March
• Enjoy delicious local eats and live music
• Discover innovative & inspired ways of living

Map and Directions

See what Activities & Exhibitors we have in store!!

Viva Verde Earth Fest

Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 10 AM to 2 PM

North Cabarrus Park, Kannapolis, NC

Citizens of Cabarrus County and the surrounding area come together to celebrate Earth Day with live music, learning, unique recycling opportunities, plant & book swaps, children's activities and MORE!

There will be more than 75 vendors on display with information, products and activities; including face painting, book swaps, crafts, food and more! There’s lots to do for the entire family, including children’s activities, geocaching (or high-tech treasure hunting with GPS devices), disc golf tournaments, music and entertainment.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and celebrate Earth Day and learn new and interesting ways to protect our environment so it’s healthy and enjoyable for years and generations to come!

For more information about Viva Verde go to: http://www.vivaverdeearthfest.wordpress.com/

16th Annual Piedmont Farm Tour

April 16-17 from 1:00-5:00 pm on both days! A wonderful event for families!

Come learn about the Triangle's local and organic farm & food scene. Meet local farmers & tour their farms! With 6 new farms and 40 farms in all, the 2011 Piedmont Farm Tour has something for everyone!

Just a few of the unique treats in store on this year’s tour: Cooking demonstrations, pick-your-own strawberries, wine tastings, ride a Mulch mobile, watch fiber being spun into yarn, learn how they make goat cheese, and much more! We are pleased to add to the tour this year, beautiful Lindale Organic Dairy, a 5th generation farm, an exciting new permaculture-style farm up in Hillsborough - Ever Laughter Farm, and Cozi Farm, which is raising animals near downtown Saxapahaw! And, Suki Roth will be opening up her Herb Haven! These farms, plus lots of your favorites, will make a great tour!

For more information and to buy your tour tickets, visit: carolinafarmstewards.org/pft2011.shtml

Let's G.O.! North Carolina

From the Mountains to the Sea..Let's G.O. NC! Let's Go Outside Rally and march at the North Carolina Zoo on April 9 to kick off a month of events in North Carolina. Event will include a rally with special speakers; reading of the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights!; kick-off of Zoo Trex program; March from Africa to North America on the Zoo's connector trail. Fun and Prizes for participants! Families, youth groups, educators, and organizations are all encouraged to join us on this day!! All other groups wishing to make their Let's Go ! events part of the NCCCAN! promotions of Let's G.O. should register on this site and we will add you to the NCCAN! list of activities that are part of this month-long celebration. Visit the NCCAN! website for more info www.ncchildrenandnature.org

Spring Extravaganza at Prairie RidgeProgram

Family Program Apr. 9th, 9 am -12 pm Prairie Ridge, Raleigh Free

Celebrate the season at Prairie Ridge. Spring is here, so let's get outdoors! Go on a Spring Scavenger Hunt using maps and clues to find signs of Spring Participate in our Kite Flying Festival — Bring your own kite or make one to take home. Enjoy Story Time at 10:30 in our outdoor amphitheater.

Decorate yourself at the Outdoor Classroom and join the 11:30 Parade of the Roaming Gnomes and Prairie Fairies. Participants will also have ample opportunities to learn about local wildlife and how to attract a variety of animals to their own yards. Trails are natural with uneven surfaces and some small hills. Off-road strollers are welcome.

For more information please contact Brian Hahn 919.733.7450 x674, or brian.hahn@ncdenr.gov.

Ultimate Food Fight Erupts as Feds Recook School Lunch Rules

From Education Week Published Online: April 5, 2011 By Nirvi Shah

Across the country, school cafeteria managers, farm lobbyists, food companies, celebrity chefs, students, and parents have started the ultimate food fight. The skirmish is over the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts, prompted by the recent passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, to rewrite the rules about meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. At stake is what will and won’t be offered in the breakfasts and lunches schools serve millions of children every weekday. “It’s not your grandmother’s school lunch anymore,” Nancy Rice, the head of the School Nutrition Association, said at one of the advocacy group’s gatherings last month.

Read the full story.

Turtles for Tots

Saturday, Apr 9, 2011 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM Ages 3-5, fee $3

Turtles are terrific! Learn about these interesting reptiles including where they live, what they eat, and how they protect themselves. We will read a story and take a walk to look for turtles.

Please pre-register four days in advance online at http://reclink.raleighnc.gov/. For more information call Nature Programs at 919-831-6856.

Elements of a Child-Friendly Garden

From Simple Kids blog By Catherine Way of Adventures with Kids March 30, 2011

There are many physical and mental health benefits to children in spending time outdoors.

One easy way to increase the amount of time your child spends outdoors is to make your garden an appealing outdoor play space.

What do children want in an outdoor play space? Children prefer natural playspaces that have plenty of opportunities for exploration, challenge, interaction and learning.

There are many ways that you can add child-friendly elements to both big and small gardens. Visit Simple Kids for the full story and to find out what elements you can add to your garden to make it a space where you child loves to be....

Chef Smith Wins Iron Carrot Award at Lunch In!

Chef Jason Smith of 18 Seaboard was awarded the Iron Carrot at Lunch In, an Iron Chef-style competition held at Underwood Elementary School on March 31 for his winning healthy lunch creation featuring rutabaga, the secret ingredient.
Sponsored by Advocates for Health in Action, Lunch In is designed to raise awareness and engage the community to advocate for fresh and healthy school lunches in Wake County. “It was great to see so many kids and their families enjoying healthy, local food—especially rutabaga!” said Laura Aiken, AHA director. “For some, this was their first experience with rutabaga, a locally grown vegetable. Educating children and their families about healthy eating, the foods available to them locally in Wake County and how we can work together to get more local foods into schools is what Lunch In is all about.”

Read the full story at Advocates for Health in Action.

Children & Nature Awareness Month

Friday, Apr 1, 2011 until Saturday, Apr 30, 2011

Today kicks-off Children & Nature Awareness Month! The Children and Nature Network want to encourage families to get outside! The network provides inspriation, ideas, and tips for families interested in starting their own nature clubs.

Visit the Children and Nature Network website to read more about families who have started their own nature clubs.

(Photo courtesy of Haw River State Park, NC)

Haw River State Park Summer Camps

2011 Summer Day Camps, Adventure Camp and Grandparent Camps
Haw River State Park, Browns Summit

Come to Haw River State Park for summer fun and adventure!  The Summit Environmental Education Staff at Haw River will be leading participants in many amazing park adventures.  Each week will have a theme in which programming will focus.  The Day Camps will be for children who will be rising 2nd – 6th graders.  For the first time ever, we will be offering an Adventure Camp for rising 7th - 8th graders.  Our Grand Camps will be for grandparents who would like to come to summer camp with a grandchild or two, or for children who would like to bring their grandparents to camp.  These are our only residential camps.

Download our Summer Day Camp Registration Form and/or the Grand Camp Registration Form and send them in by mail.  A $40 non-refundable deposit will be due upon registration to secure a space for each participant. Go to the Haw River State Park website for more information. 

Playing outdoors can supply a world of benefits

October 12, 2010By Julie Deardorff, Tribune Newspapers

Want to nurture a healthy, motivated student? Send your child outside for a daily dose of nature, say advocates of the No Child Left Inside movement.

Once the school year starts, kids tend to hibernate indoors, but studies suggest that giving children access to green spaces, sunlight and fresh air can do everything from reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to improve mood and academic performance. Spending time in nature makes us feel more alive, according to research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology; some say this vitality can translate into increased motivation and capacity for learning.

Each day, try giving kids one hour of unstructured play in the natural world, suggests the National Wildlife Federation, an advocacy group. For children who live in areas where unsupervised outdoor play isn't safe or accessible, a "green" hour can take place in a park, backyard, even on a porch. Go here for the rest of the story and for tips to encourage outdoor play.

Family Hike

Saturday, Apr 2, 2011 9 AM to 1 PM
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE), Tryon, NC
Free Event

This is an event for the whole family. Come explore our the plants in our woods. Children will create a navigator's necklace with a compass as they explore the woods and learn tree identification.

Check out other programs at FENCE.

Meet the Animals

Friday, Apr 1, 1 PM to 2 PM
Ages 5-12, fee $3
Brier Creek Community Center, Raleigh

Looking for something fun to do during Teacher Workday? Come meet some animals up close! Possible visitors include: snakes, lizards and insects. Learn about these animals and the ones living in this park.

Please pre-register four days in advance online at http://reclink.raleighnc.gov/ For more information call Nature Programs at 919-831-6856.

UNCW students write about their field trip for research

By Lindsay Key, Graduate student, Creative Writing
From the StarNews Online
Published: Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 10:12 a.m.

For a budding biologist, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime: an almost fully-funded trip to study the tropical ecosystems of Bermuda, one of Earth’s most mysterious places.

This spring break, eight University of North Carolina Wilmington students – Ashley Whitt, Heather Page, Jennifer Idol, Rachel Dixon, Renee Fucella, Zachary Siders, Robert McNeil and Laura Flessner – participated in “Field Methods in Tropical Marine Biology,” taught by biology faculty members Sean Lema and Alison Taylor.

The 10-day course, hosted by the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, is part of an exchange program with the University of Southampton’s School of Ocean and Earth Science in the United Kingdom, with students and faculty from both institutions involved.

Student teams explored the island’s rich variety of habitats, including coral reef, seagrass and mangrove communities. Each student was expected to identify a research topic, collect and analyze data, and present findings orally and in written form.
Read the Full Story

7 Pictures to Capture at the Children’s Museum

From Adventuroo
by Melissa on March 21, 2011

Where can your kids make a mess, giggle endlessly and expend all their energy with little to no effort on your part? Children’s museums, of course!

There are few things more fun than watching your kid go wild at places like this. Bringing a camera is a must so you can capture them doing what they do best- exploring, learning and laughing.

So, what kinds of shots should you try to get at a children’s museum? Here are seven to get you started: (Read the rest of the story)

Coalition Aims to Make "Go Outside and Play" a State Policy

From: Be Out There
National Wildlife Federation

The simple notion that you need to dedicate a week to encourage kids to go outside and play would have seemed preposterous just a decade ago. Yet with the proliferation of video games, smart phones, and enticing TV series, coupled with parents becoming increasingly fearful of threats real and perceived, kids are now staying inside in record numbers.

The North Carolina Children and Nature Coalition, a collection of groups that share an interest in health, development and education of young people, is determined to change our culture, embrace and value time spent outside while connecting with nature. Based in Asheboro, North Carolina, the group is working to gain support from the State Legislature to endorse their campaign by passing a "Children's Bill of Rights." The proposal, which requires no funding or policy changes, aims to protect a variety of opportunities that every North Carolina child should have including activities such as "camping under the stars, learning to swim, riding a bike."

The Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights will be discussed at the coalition's annual conference March 23rd. Read More About the North Carolina Children's Bill of Rights

Kayak Tour at Lake Rim Park

Saturday, Mar 26, 2011 2 PM to 4 PM
Location:Lake Rim Park, Fayetteville
Ages 10 and up with a participating adult

Lake tours are 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. We recommend beginners participate in a lake tour before going on a kayak river trip.

Registration deadline is the business day before the tour Admission: $15, $5 w/own boat
Parking fee: None
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation

Bird Banding at Prairie Ridge

Saturday, Mar 26, 2011 7:30 AM to 11 AM
Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Raleigh
Children of all ages are welcome to attend.

Join us for a bird banding demonstration (weather permitting). We will be capturing songbirds and putting numbered aluminum bands on them. We will explain, and demonstrate, the process.

Bring your cameras for some good close-up shots of hand-held songbirds. Some folks will be permitted to release birds.

Space limited to 30. Dress for weather and wet grass on paths. Held jointly with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.

Discovery Club - All About Amphibians

Saturday, Mar 26, 2011
2 PM to 4 PM
Ages 5 and up.

Little River Regional Park
Rougemont, NC 27572

Find out about frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as we explore the vernal pools of the park. On our trek we will search for some of the park’s special residents. Wear shoes that can get a little muddy.

Cost: $5.00 per family.
Pre-registration required. Registration deadline: 3/24/11.
Phone: 919-732-5505

UNCW grad student wins acclaim for nature blog

By Lindsay Key, Graduate student, Creative Writing
From the StarNews Online
Published: Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 11:10 p.m.
Anne-Marie Hodge, a UNC Wilmington biology graduate student, is receiving national attention for her scientific research as well as her science communication skills. As part of a prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, Hodge studies carnivores in the Ecuadorean jungle at UNC Wilmington and Francis Marion University's new biological research station.

Meanwhile, she manages a blog titled "Endless Forms" for the Nature network, a social networking group affiliated with Nature magazine. Focusing on emerging data in the fields of ecology, biology and wildlife conservation, Hodge gets blog ideas from scientific journals, magazines and newspaper articles. She started her first blog as a freshman at Auburn University.
"I would read an exciting science news story or journal article and then want to talk about it, so it was a way for me to do that and to get to know other people interested in similar topics," Hodge says.

Her blog attracted the attention of Bora Zivkovic, senior blog editor at Scientific American.

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Photo courtesy of UNCW

Earth Day Celebration in Greensboro

Kathleen Clay Library in Price Park
April 2nd, 1 – 5 p.m.

Join us for a fun free event for families. Enjoy hayrides, face painting, nature crafts, hands-on activities, nature/environmental exhibits, bounce house, gardening displays, alternative vehicles, entertainment by the Latin Rios, eco-art, alternative energy displays, nature photo contest and more!

Contact Melanie Buckingham for more information: 336-373-2923 or email at
melanie.buckingham@greensboro-nc.gov
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/

Merchants Millpond Camping/Paddle Adventure

Friday, Mar 25, 2011 until Saturday, Mar 26, 2011 1 PM to 6 PM
Hosted by Museum of Natural Sciences
For ages 14+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)

We will paddle through the millpond by moonlight on Friday before retiring to our campsite, then paddle by daylight on Saturday, making our way up Bennett’s Creek, through the “enchanted forest” of gnarly cypress and gum trees decorated with Spanish moss and mistletoe.

Registration required. Print, fill out and mail the Museum’s Registration Form along with payment. For more information contact Debbie Huston at 919.733.7450 x555 or debbie.huston@ncdenr.gov.

Admission: $50 ($40 for Friends of Museum; includes transportation, canoe rental and campsite fees)
Parking fee: Free
Event Phone: 919-733-7450

Meet the Animals

Friday, Mar 25, 2011 1 PM to 2 PM
Location:Marsh Creek Community Center
Raleigh, NC

Looking for something fun to do during Teacher Workday? Come meet some animals up close! Possible visitors include: snakes, lizards and insects. Learn about these animals and the ones living in this park.

Ages 5-12, fee $3. Please pre-register four days in advance online at http://reclink.raleighnc.gov/.
For more information call Nature Programs at 919-831-6856