Parks & Recreation Department

Play More with DPR and Participate In An Environmental Activity!

For information on any program or to pre-register, please contact Chris Shepard or Jessica Finelt at (919) 471-1623 and press option 2 or e-mail christopher.shepard@durhamnc.gov.

 

Join us for fun, hands-on environmental programs in our beautiful natural areas. From constellations to winter forest we will explore the natural world around us. We’ll also offer a monthly night hike, plus one constellation program, giving you an opportunity to experience the fascinating world of nature at night. These programs are open to the general public, all ages, and many are FREE.

August

Starry, Starry, Night: Friday, Aug. 21, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a program about the summer constellations. The summer skies are perfect for viewing the stars and we will utilize the open views up at Lake Michie. Registration required.

Fishin’ Frenzy: Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. This program gives children ages 5-12 a chance to learn to fish. We provide poles and bait, parents you provide the company. The cost is $2 per child, every child must be accompanied by an adult. Call (919) 471-1623 (option 2) to register as we have limited equipment.

September

Fishin’ Frenzy: Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. This program gives children ages 5-12 a chance to learn to fish. We provide poles and bait, parents you provide the company. The cost is $2 per child, every child must be accompanied by an adult. Call (919) 471-1623 (option 2) to register as we have limited equipment.

Night Hike: Friday, Sept. 11, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Explore the wondrous world of nature at night on this hike through the woods along the Eno River. Registration required.

Early Morning Forest: Saturday, Sept. 12, from 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. at West Point on the Eno. Experience the wonders of the forest as it wakes up. Early morning is a great time to hear and see wildlife so come out and join us as we see the natural world come alive.

Animal Tracks: Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Join us on this hike through the forest as we take in the beauty of the woods in fall and look for signs of animals along the way. From footprints to burrows we will look for signs of animals.

Fall Foraging: Sunday, Sept. 13, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Explore and search for fall herbs, nuts, berries, and fruit in the forest.

Moonlight Paddle: Friday, Sept. 25, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a wonderful night paddle on Lake Michie. We will listen for night sounds as we explore the beautifully illuminated lake. Only canoes and kayaks are allowed on this trip. Please make sure to register and let us know if you need space on a city boat. Cost is $3(CR) or $5(NCR) per person.

October

Night Hike: Friday, Oct. 9, from 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come join us as we explore the forest in the beauty of night. Registration required.

Spider’s Web: Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Join us as we explore the intriguing world of spiders. We will learn about what makes spiders unique and then stroll through the park in search of spiders and webs.

Nature Night for Kids: Friday, Oct. 16, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at West Point Park. Parents, this is your chance for an evening out while your children have fun exploring nature at night. We’ll explore the park at night, play some nature games, and other fun activities. For children ages 5-9. Limited spaces available. Cost is $10 per child. Call (919) 471-1623 (option2) to register.

Fall Plants: Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Join us on a walk through the forest as we view and learn about the numerous fall plants and flowers in the area.

Seeds of Life: Sunday, Oct. 18, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come join us on this fascinating expedition in the world of seeds. We will learn about seed shapes, structure, and importance.

Fungus Among Us: Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1 p.m. 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come out and discover all the different types of mushrooms at the park. If you have an identification book, please bring it.

November

Nature Night for Kids: Friday, Nov. 6, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at West Point Park. Parents, this is your chance for an evening out while your children have fun exploring nature at night. We’ll explore the park at night, play some nature games, and other fun activities. For children ages 5-9. Limited spaces available. Cost is $10 per child. Call (919) 471-1623 (option 2) to register.

Discovering Deer: Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. We’ll look for evidence of deer throughout the park and we will talk about how deer survive in an urban area.

Winter Life: Sunday, Nov. 8, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Join us for hike through the forest to look for and discuss animal and plant life in winter. See how animals and plants survive as they go through the coldest time of the year.

NC Bears: Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Join us on this hike through the forest as we learn about the lives of black bears in North Carolina.

Starry, Starry, Night: Friday, Nov. 20, from 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a program about the winter constellations. The winter skies are perfect for viewing the stars and we will utilize the open views up at Lake Michie. Registration required.

Moonlight Paddle: Saturday, Nov. 21, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a wonderful night paddle on Lake Michie. We will listen for night sounds as we explore the beautifully illuminated lake. Only canoes and kayaks are allowed on this trip. Please make sure to register and let us know if you need space on a city boat. Cost is $3(CR) or $5(NCR) per person.

December

Night Hike: Friday, Dec. 4, from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come learn about the winter solstice as we explore the forest in the crisp, cool night air of winter.

Bare But Beautiful: Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Join us as we learn how to identify trees by bark, twigs, and shape ... everything but the leaves! Some interesting historical uses of trees will also be discussed.

Moonlight Paddle: Saturday, Dec. 12, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a wonderful night paddle on Lake Michie. We will listen for night sounds as we explore the beautifully illuminated lake. Only canoes and kayaks are allowed on this trip. Please make sure to register and let us know if you need space on a city boat. Cost is $3(CR) or $5(NCR) per person.

Day Trip to Hanging Rock: Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. for ages 10-14. We will go on a day trip from Durham to Hanging Rock State Park. Once 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 join us on this fun trip during a school break. Group size is limited to 12 people and the cost for the trip is $10 per person. We will provide transportation; participants must provide their own lunch. We will meet at West Point on the Eno. Call (919) 471-1623 (option 2) for more information or to register.

January

Starry, Starry Night: Friday, Jan. 8, from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a program about the winter constellations. The winter skies are perfect for viewing the stars and we will utilize the open views up at Lake Michie.

Winter Forest Hike Saturday, Jan. 9, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come on this hike through the forest as we see how different things are in the winter time. Winter is a great time of year to look for animal trails and to learn about ways to identify trees without their leaves.

Beaver Life: Saturday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Join us as we explore the forest for signs of beaver activity and their lodges. We will learn about how beaver have adapted to succeed in their watery world.

Moonlight Paddle: Friday, Jan. 22, from 7 p.m. 9 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a wonderful night paddle on Lake Michie. We will listen for night sounds as we explore the beautifully illuminated lake. Only canoes and kayaks are allowed on this trip. Please make sure to register and let us know if you need space on a city boat. Cost is $3(CR) or $5(NCR) per person.

 

Preschool Classes

September

Tuesday, September 15 and 29, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, September 15 and 29, from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Thursday, September 10 and 24 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

October

Tuesday, October 13 and 27, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, October 13 and 27, from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Thursday, October 8 and 22, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

November

Tuesday, November 10 and 24, from 10 a.m. 11 a.m.
Tuesday, November 10 and 24, from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Thursday, November 5 and 19, from 10 a.m. 11 a.m.

December

Tuesday, December 8 and 22, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, December 8 and 22, from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Thursday, December 3 and 17, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

The preschool classes are for children ages 3-5 and all classes are held at the Environmental Education Center at West Point.

The cost for a session of classes is $25(CR) and $30(NCR). You can choose which session you prefer, Tuesday or Thursday. Cost for an individual class is $4(CR) and $6(NCR) per child per class.

Call (919) 471-1623 (option 2) for information.

Meeting Locations

Lake Michie Boathouse: Take a right on Bahama Rd, off of 501 N, follow until the lake. The Boathouse is on the right, the first driveway after crossing the lake.

West Point on the Eno Park: 5101 North Roxboro Road. All West Point programs meet at the Environmental Education Center.