Outdoor Happenings over the Holiday

Source: http://niagarastreet.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/bday-1024x532.jpg

Here are some ideas for getting outdoors over the Thanksgiving holiday and working off some of that stuffing!

 

1. Visit a state park. North Carolina State Parks are open all week, including Thursday!  Lake James State Park, near Morganton, has family events on Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday at 10am, join ranger Nora Coffey for crafts and story time all about the Wild Turkey.  On Thursday, at 9am join ranger Jaime Cameron for a nature hike on the Fox Den Loop Trail.  Take a look at plants, animals, and other natural features along the hike. Complete Details and Registration

 

For more state park events and to find a state park near you, visit: http://ncparks.gov/Education/events.php

 

2. Nature photography.  On Saturday, the 24th, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is having a nature photography course for kids from 3pm-4pm.  Complete Details and Registration.

 

Source: http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/PhotoZone/

If you don't live near the Outer Banks, you can still explore the outdoors with your kids through the lens of a camera.  Early morning and late afternoon before sunset, are the best times to capture good outdoor photos.  When the sun is low on the horizon, your pictures will pop! But if it is a cloudy day, these are the best days for taking photos and you can go out anytime. National Geographic has some nature photo tips for kids here.

 

3. Create a backyard habitat. As the temperature drops and many plants go dormant, wildlife has less options for food, especially in areas where much of the natural habitat has been replaced by houses and manicured lawns. Reduce your home's footprint by providing acceptable habitat for wildlife in your own yard! On Sunday the 25th, from 3pm-4pm, Lake James State Park is having a class on Landscaping for Wildlife. Emphasis will be on planting native vegetation that provides habitat for wildlife to rest, refuel, and raise their young.

 

If you can't make it to the class or want to start earlier in the week, the National Wildlife Federation has great tips on their website for how to create a wildlife friendly garden here.

 

4. Visit an EE Center near you. The North Carolina Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, keeps a directory of Environmental Education Centers across the state.  They are searchable by map, zip code, and alphabetically.  Find a center near you and then visit their website to learn about their hours and what they have to offer. Visit the directory here.