Wilderness Adventure Trek at Tremont

Wilderness Adventure Trek at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
June 25-30, 2012*

Spend a week away from parents? Sure! But spend it among black bears, towering trees, rattlesnakes and barred owls while backpacking on steep mountain trails? Oh, yeah! Come to feel at home in the wilderness. Sleep in the woods, swim in a mountain stream, kick back around the campfire, and make valuable new friends. As you climb a mountain carrying everything you need to survive for 4 days and 3 nights on your back – all under your own power - you will understand what backpacking is all about. You won’t be able to wait until next year for another exciting adventure. Maybe you’ll bring along a friend. Learn the skills necessary for planning and enjoying a safe, successful backpacking trip. A three-night backpack gives participants the chance to put these skills into practice, experience a true wilderness and make friends to last a lifetime. Camp lasts from Monday afternoon to Saturday morning.

Cost: $545
Ages: 13 - 17

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.gsmit.org/WildernessAdventureTrek.html

*If you are interested in this camp, please return the medical form as soon as possible.

Discovery Camp at Tremont

Discovery Camp at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Three sessions:
June 11-16*
June 25-30*
July 9-14

Discovery Camp is full of firsts for many kids. Each one is an exciting discovery. It’s a place to explore nature while getting down and dirty with the forests, rivers, and critters that make these mountains home.

Search for salamanders, collect insects, experience the awesome power of a waterfall, hike through wilderness, cool off in the swimming hole and laugh with your new friends around the campfire. This is the place where you will discover just how exciting nature can be at a summer camp like no other. Camp lasts Monday afternoon to Saturday morning.

Cost: $498
Ages: 9-12

For more information and to register, visit: http://www.gsmit.org/discoverycamp.html

*If you are interested in June camps, please return the medical form as soon as possible!

Making Tracks

Tiny Trekkers - Making Tracks
Monday, June 4, 10am to 11am
Little River Regional Park in Rougemont

Become a Tiny Trekker and explore animal footprints. Learn to identify the tracks of some animals common to our area and find out how animals move on four, two, and even no legs!

Tiny Trekkers is designed for children ages 2-4 years accompanied by an adult.

Registration available online: https://server3.co.orange.nc.us

Admission: $2.00 per child

Little River Regional Park
301 Little River Park Way
Rougemont, NC 27572
Phone: (919) 732-5505

For more information on Little River Regional Park, visit: http://www.co.orange.nc.us/deapr/parks/little_river_regional_park.asp

Science Saturday - Bugs!

Science Saturday - Bugs in Your Yard! How Plant Diversity Can Affect Insect Diversity
Saturday, June 2, 11 am
NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Science Saturdays are a series of lectures (on the first Saturday of each month at 11am) targeted at middle- and high-school students. Researchers and scientists from all over the state will come and discuss their field and their research. Participants will have ample opportunity to interact with the researcher and explore different career opportunities. Free and open to the public.

NC Museum of Natural Sciences
11 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: (919) 733-7450 x 502

For more information, visit: www.naturalsciences.org

National Trails Day Activities in NC

June 2nd is National Trails Day! What better way to experience all that NC has to offer than by participating in a Trails Day hike, trail dedication, or volunteering for trail maintenance! We've included two Trails Day events in this post, but you can find all the events in NC by visiting http://www.americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx.

National Trails Day Hike at Lake Waccamaw State Park
Saturday, June 2, 6pm - 7pm

Meet a ranger at the Visitor Center for a hike around Lake Waccamaw State Park!

1866 State Park Dr.
Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450
Phone: (910) 646-4748
For more information on Lake Waccamaw SP, visit: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/lawa/main.php

"On the Move" Family Wellness Day at Chimney Rock State Park
Saturday, June 2, 11am - 3pm

For decades Chimney Rock has promoted hiking as a great way to stay fit and connect with nature. Join park staff for the 2nd annual Family Wellness Day as they encourage adults and children to get “On the Move” at Chimney Rock and learn how to establish a healthier exercise routine and diet. In conjunction with National Trails Day, they will have guided hikes, health screenings, and lots of information on healthy living from many community partners.

Highway 64/74A
Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Phone: (828) 625-9611
For more information, visit: http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/events/month_view.php?&monthYear=2012&month=06#E478

June Preview - Summer Camps Galore!

June is Great Outdoors Month

June is National Rivers Month

Saturday, June 2, is National Trails Day

June is going to be a busy month in the great outdoors of North Carolina! From the mountains to the coast, events are planned to celebrate Great Outdoors Month, National Rivers Month, and National Trails Day (June 2). There are many great camps scheduled for this month and next that will encourage children to learn about the wildlife and environment all over the North State!

This week Eco-Smart Parent will focus on some of those camps (like the one below!) and events. You can find more listings by visiting the NC Office of Environmental Education website and searching the calendar: www.eenorthcarolina.org.

Tiny Trailblazers Camp at Lake Rim Park
All sessions run Tuesday - Thursday, 9am-12pm
Session I: June 12-14
Session II: June 26-28
Session III: July 24-26
Cost: $20/child

Dinosaurs are the main theme of this camp. Campers will discover dinosaurs through activities like story time, games, crafts, and fossil digs. This camp is sutable for 5-8 year olds.

2214 Tar Kiln Drive
Fayetteville, NC United States 28304
Phone: (910) 424-6134

For more information, visit: http://www.fcpr.us/outdoor_programs/lake_rim_park.aspx

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 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

Nature's Babies

Spring has sprung and babies have been born! Get up close to the spring arrivals at the Charlotte Nature Museum. Spend the day learning what different animals need to survive and thrive. Programming includes crafts, puppet shows and storytelling.

Saturday, May 19, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Charlotte Nature Museum

1658 Sterling Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28209

Adjacent to Freedom Park in the Myer's Park neighborhood

Phone: (704) 372-6261 ext 605 or (800) 935-0553 ext 605

Admission is free with Museum admission

For more information on the Charlotte Nature Museum, visit: http://www.charlottenaturemuseum.org/

Beachy Butterflies

Hatchling Hikers: A Preschool Nature Series at Hammocks Beach State Park
Tuesday, May 22, 10:00 am - 10:30 am

Come join a ranger at Hammocks Beach State Park to learn about butterflies. There will be a story, dedicated craft time, and a short hike. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Preschool & day care groups are welcomed.

Pre-registration is required
Admission: FREE!
Phone: 910.326.4881

Hammocks Beach State Park
1572 Hammocks Beach Road
Swansboro, NC 28584

To learn more about the park, visit: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/habe/main.php

Celebrate Wetlands!

Wetland Month Open House at Walnut Creek Wetland Center - Sunday, May 20
10:30 am - 7:00 pm

Come celebrate wetland month at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center where you can watch a demonstration, create a craft, complete the scavenger hunt on the deck, and explore the greenway trail with your family before heading home.

Walnut Creek Wetland Center
950 Peterson Street
Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: 919-831-1960
To visit the Wetland Center's website go to: http://www.raleighnc.gov/home/content/PRecRecreation/Articles/WalnutCreekWetlandCenter.html

American Wetlands Month
May is a time when the Environmental Protection Agency and its partners in federal, state, tribal, local, non-profit and private sector organizations celebrate the vital importance of wetlands to the nation's ecological, economic and social health.

It is also a great opportunity to discover and teach others about the important role that wetlands play in our environment and the significant benefits they provide – improved water quality, increased water storage and supply, reduced flood and storm surge risk, and critical habitat for plants and wildlife. Here are some ways you can celebrate wetlands:

1. Learn about wetlands. This is a great time to better understand what a wetland is, where wetlands can be found and the importance of wetlands. Activities may include reading and studying about wetland areas, drawing maps or illustrations of wetlands and identifying native species found in wetlands.

2. Explore a wetland near you. Unless you live in the most extreme climate zones, there is a good chance a scenic wetland exists nearby for you to visit and explore during American Wetlands Month and throughout the year. To find a wetland near you, consult your local parks department, state natural resource agency, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

For more information visit: http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/outreach/index.cfm

National Kids to Parks Day

Saturday, May 19

The National Park Trust wants everyone to have an American park experience and is inviting every family in America to visit a national, state or local park and play outdoors on May 19, 2012.

The vision is simply to remind adults to take a child in their lives to a park – where they can hike a trail, visit a national historic site, or even canoe on a river. American adults live busy and pressure-filled lives – why not give them a reason to take the time to connect a child with an American treasure – a park?
North Carolina: Lineberger Park in Gastonia, NC is hosting special activities for this year's celebration. You can get complete details here: http://www.kidstoparks.org/component/rsevents/event/154-gastonia-kids-to-parks-day?Itemid=138

You can take a free train ride and get your picture taken with Buddy Bison!

Visit the National Park Trust's website to make your pledge to visit a park! http://www.kidstoparks.org/ Then check out all the great activities they have in store!

Family Twilight Hike

Saturday, May 19, 8 pm - 9:30 pm

Many animals are active right around sunset or shortly after. Take a walk with a park naturalist to explore the woods and fields at this special time. Look for deer, foxes, coyotes, owls, moths and lightning bugs. If it rains, an indoor activity related to nocturnal animals and spooky nature stories are planned. Children must be at least four years old to participate. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Annie Louise Wilkerson MD Nature Preserve Park
11408 Raven Ridge Road
Raleigh, NC United States 27614

Admission: $2/person
Register on RecLink at www.raleighnc.gov or you can call the park in advance at (919) 996-6764

Explore the Universe

Astronomy Days at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Saturday, May 19, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, May 20, 12 pm - 5 pm

Come out to the Museum of Natural Sciences this weekend for a celebration of the final frontier!

The Museum partners with NASA and the Raleigh Astronomy Club to help you see the big picture — the Universe!

Activities:

• Visit the museum’s new Astronomy Lab in the new wing!
• World Wide Telescope in the museum’s new Visualization Lab
• Scale of the Universe
• Astrophotography
• Take your picture in a space suit
• Rockets on Display
• Modeling the Cosmos
• Your Age and Weight on other Planets
• Face Painting
• Moon Bounce
• Make and Launch a Bottle Rocket
• Thermal Imaging
• Microgravity Research Team
• Astronomical Arthropods
• Bringing Back the Night Sky
• How Craters are Formed
  …and More!

For more information visit http://naturalsciences.org/programs-events/astronomy-days-0.

Make Recycled Totes out of Coffee Bags this Saturday!

Check out the "Recycled Totes--Coffee Bags"  workshop for teens and adults at Blue Jay Point County Park!

This Saturday, May 12
2–3:30 p.m.
Raleigh, NC
Free Teen and Adult Event

Add a green element to your wardrobe by making a reusable lunch tote!  Join D’Nise Hefner from Blue Jay Point to learn how to transform empty, mylar-lined coffee bags  into an attractive and useful small tote/lunchbag. Add a “green” element to your wardrobe while you think about the environmental ins and outs of coffee drinking!


Note:  All supplies for a single tote will be supplied, but you may bring
your favorite two coffee bags and a roll of duct tape to use for personal style.
The workshop is FREE but preregistration is required by calling 919-870-4330.

Wonderful World of Amphibians

Amphibians Program for ages 8-10
Tuesday, May 15, 3 pm - 5 pm
Admission: Free!

Enter the hopping, calling, metamorphosing world of amphibians. If you have ever wondered what the differences between amphibians and reptiles are, then this is the class for you. Please come dressed for the weather with closed toe shoes and long pants. For ages 8-10. Registration is required. For registration info email centennialcampus@ncwildlife.org or call 919-707-0209.

To view a listing of the Center's programs for the general public visit this site: 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

For information and directions visit: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Centennial.aspx

Children & Nature

Check out this infographic released by the National Environmental Education Foundation. It includes great facts about how being active in nature makes kids healthier!

Follow this link for a printable version: http://www.neefusa.org/health/infographic

Gnomes and Fairies Spotted at Prairie Ridge!

Saturday, May 12, 9:00 am
Gnomes and Fairies Spring Up at Prairie Ridge Ecostation!

This light-hearted event encourages young children to spend time outdoors. This is a FREE family event. No registration. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Go on a Spring Scavenger Hunt to find signs of spring 
• Participate in our Kite Flying Festival — Bring your own kite or make one to take home
• Enjoy Balloon Animals and Bubbles
• Build Gnome Homes and Fairy Houses as we construct a little village
• Listen to Story Time at 10:30 in our amphitheater
• Decorate yourself at the Outdoor Classroom and join the 11:30 Parade of the Prairie Fairies and Roaming Gnomes
• Welcome a “Moon Tree” to Prairie Ridge (See http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/moon_tree.html)

Prairie Ridge Ecostation is the field station of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Visitor information can be found at: http://naturalsciences.org/visitor-info/directions-parking#prairie

Mother's Day Celebration at Noah's Landing

Noah's Landing Mother's Day Celebration
Saturday, May 12, 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday, May 13, 1 pm to 5 pm
Admission: $8/person | Moms visit half price
Phone: (910) 897-6624
Noah's Landing
1489 Live Oak Road
Coats, NC United States 27521

Spend Mother's Day with more than 60 different moms!
Treat your mom to a day of learning at Noah’s Landing, a non-profit children’s zoo located 45 minutes west of Raleigh, and introduce her to the zoo moms. She’ll get half-priced admission and the rest of the family can enjoy special kid-friendly activities and more than 60 species.
Details online at: http://noahslanding2x2.com/Mothers.html

Mother's Day Walk at Mason Farm

Mother's Day Nature Hike at Mason Farm

Sunday, May 13, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

North Carolina Botanical Garden
100 Old Mason Farm Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Phone: (919) 962-0522

Admission: $10 ($5 NCBG members)

Take your mother for a turn around the Mason Farm Biological Reserve’s “old farm trail,” which travels through some 260 years of cultural and natural history. Naturalist Ed Harrison will point out wildflowers and discuss how the Garden’s intense management of both field and forest benefits local biological diversity conservation. Meeting place will be confirmed at registration.

For more information on this hike and others from the NC Botanical Garden, visit the website at http://ncbg.unc.edu/nature-hikes/.

Simple Living Festival at Dan Nicholas Park Nature Center

This Saturday, May 5
10 am to 6 pm
Admission is Free!

The festival will feature animal programs, trail walks, bear feedings, childrens games, music, food and much more!

More more information about the event, call 704-216-7833 or 704-216-7819 or visit http://www.dannicholas.net/

Haw River Festival this Weekend!

Haw River Festival
Saturday, May 5 from 4-9 p.m.
Saxapahaw, NC

Featuring live music, kayak raffle, silent auction, hands-on river monitoring for all ages, Haw River T-shirts, guided canoe rides for kids, environmental info, farmer’s market and food trucks!
Sponsored by the Haw River Assembly ~ celebrating 30 years of work protecting the Haw River.

Directions: http://www.rivermillvillage.com/

Visit http://www.hawriver.org/ for more information or Contact Donna Myers at donna@hawriver.org or 919-542-5790.

Zip-line rides, nature activities and more at Camp Agapé!

Families and friends are invited to Camp Agapé, May 6, 2012 for a free sampling of zip-line rides (get your free pinwheel – Wheeeee!), games, nature activities, archery demonstrations, tours of the facilities, food and more! There's so much to do and so much to see! 

Take part in the basket raffle – including a free camp week!
The camp will also be dedicating the Yount Meeting Room and the Agapé Zip-Line.
Activities begin at 1:30 p.m. and last until 4:30 p.m.
Dedication begins at 3:30 p.m.

For directions and information about Camp Agapé visit http://www.agapecenterforee.org/