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.
September
The Wonders of Lake Michie at Sunset
Friday, Sept. 16, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse
Join us as we enjoy the beauty of Lake Michie at sunset by boat. Experience the transition from day to night while on a relaxing paddle. Only canoes or kayaks are allowed on this trip. Register and let us know if you need space in a city boat.
$3(CRPC), $4(CRNPC), $4(NCRPC), $5(NCRNPC)
Puddle Discovery
Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. – noon at West Point on the Eno
Do you ever wonder how frogs and salamanders survive during the egg and larval stage? Vernal pools are temporary bodies of water that form in winter and spring from rain and snow melt. Because these pools lack predatory fish, the frogs, toads and salamanders use them to breed in and lay eggs. Let’s explore this type of wetland.
Night Hike
Saturday, Sept. 17, 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. We will listen for animals and enjoy the beauty of the woods at night.
Fishin’ Frenzy
Sunday, Sept. 18 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Lake Michie Recreation Area
This is a program for children to get a chance to learn to fish. We provide poles and bait, parents provide the company. For ages 5-12. You must preregister.
$2(CRPC), $3(CRNPC), $3(NCRPC), $4(NCRNPC)
Critter Crawl
Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. – noon at West Point on the Eno
First we’ll learn a little about the aquatic critters that live in the Neuse River watershed and their importance. Then it’s time to get wet as we catch, examine, and try to identify the different aquatic life that we find.
Fall Forage
Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno
Join us on a hike through the woods by the Eno. Explore and search for fall herbs, nuts, berries, and fruit from the forest. We will learn about the uses past and present of these forest plants.
Fall Nature Camp
Sept. 26-30, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at West Point on the Eno
We will be offering a one week version of our popular half day summer camp. The camp is for ages 5-12 and runs. You must pre-register by Sept. 22, limit of 20 children.
$45(CRPC), $50(CRNPC), $55(NCRPC), $60(NCRNPC)
October
Intersession Trips
Join us on these nature explorations on some of the more beautiful waterways in Durham. For ages 10-14. Trips run from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. We meet at West Point and you must pre-register.
Tuesday, Oct. 4: Canoe Trip Lake Michie, Durham Co.
Wednesday, Oct. 5: Canoe Trip Eno River, Durham Co.
Thursday, Oct. 6: Canoe Trip Lower Flat River, Durham Co.
$12(CRPC), $13(CRNPC), $17(NCRPC), $18(NCRNPC)
Night Hike
Friday, Oct. 14, 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.
Fishin’ Frenzy
Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. – noon at the Lake Michie Recreation Area
This is a program for children to get a chance to learn to fish. We provide poles and bait, parents provide the company. For ages 5-12. You must preregister.
$2(CRPC), $3(CRNPC), $3(NCRPC), $4(NCRNPC)
Native Discovery
Saturday, Oct. 22, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Leigh Farm Park
Learn how Native Americans and early settlers made shelter and fire. Join us as we build our own shelter big enough to hold four people. All ages are welcome.
The Wonders of Lake Michie by Moonlight
Saturday, Oct. 22, from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse
Join us on a night paddle on Lake Michie. We will listen for night sounds as we explore the lake at night. Only canoes and kayaks allowed. Register and let us know if you need space on a city boat.
Cost is $3(CRPC), $4(CRNPC), $4(NCRNPC), $5(NCRNPC)
Fall Color Walk
Sunday, Oct. 30, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno
Join us to learn more about the trees at West Point and find out how leaves change color. Wear comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather.
Fungus Among Us
Sunday, Oct. 30, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 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
Discovering Deer
Saturday, Nov. 5, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno
We’ll look for evidence of deer throughout the park and learn about how deer survive in an urban environment.
Starry, Starry, Night
Saturday, Nov. 5, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse
Join us for a program about the fall constellations. The autumn skies are perfect for viewing the stars and we will utilize the open views up at Lake Michie. Registration required.
N.C. Bears
Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. – noon 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.
Wonders of Lake Michie by Moonlight
Friday, Nov. 18, 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. Make sure to register and let us know if you need space on a city boat.
$3(CRPC), $4(CRNPC), $4(NCRPC), $5(NCRNPC)
History of Spruce Pine Lodge
Sunday, Nov. 20, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Spruce Pine Lodge
Ever wonder if someone lived in Spruce Pine Lodge? Join us on a hike around the property, together we will explore the history of the surrounding area through the natural landscape.
Tracks and Scat
Sunday, Nov. 20, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at West Point on the Eno
Come join us on this hike through the forest as we take in the beauty of nature and look for signs of animals. From footprints to burrows to scat we will search for signs of animal life in the forest.
December
Night Hike
Friday, Dec. 2, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at West Point on the Eno
Come join us on a night hike in the beautiful winter forest.
Winter Forest Hike
Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. – noon at West Point on the Eno
Come on this hike through the forest as we see how different the landscape looks in the winter time. Winter is a great time to look for animal trails and to learn about ways to identify trees without their leaves.
Discovering Deer
Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. – noon at West Point on the Eno
We’ll look for evidence of deer throughout the park and learn about how deer survive in an urban environment.
Winter Preparations
Sunday, Dec. 18, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at West Point on the Eno
Explore how the natural world has prepared for the onset of winter. We will see how both animals and plants have prepared for the cold winter months.
Day Trip to Hanging Rock
Thursday, Dec. 29, from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. meet at West Point on the Eno
Join us on a day trip from Durham to Hanging Rock State Park. 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. This program is for ages 10-14. Come on this fun trip during a school break. Group size limited to 12 people. We provide transportation; participants must provide their own lunch. Call or e-mail for information or to register.
$12(CRPC), $13(CRNPC), $17(NCRPC), $18(NCRNPC)
January
Bare but Beautiful
Saturday, Jan. 7, from 1 p.m. – 3 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.
Beaver Life
Sunday, Jan. 15, from 3 p.m. – 5 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.
Wonders of Lake Michie at Moonlight
Friday, Jan. 20, 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. Make sure to register and let us know if you need space on a city boat.
$3(CRPC), $4(CRNPC), $4(NCRPC), $5(NCRNPC)
Eno Explorations
Join us for a two day per week after care program at West Point on the Eno. The program is based inside our rustic Environmental Education Center. We may assist children with their homework, but the main focus of this program is exploration and education about the wonders of nature at West Point.
Sessions start September 13 and run Tuesdays and Thursdays through November.
Hours: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Registration is by the week. Call or e-mail for information. $12(CRPC), $13(CRNPC), $17(NCRPC), $18(NCRNPC).
Preschool Classes
September: Tuesday, September 20, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
October: Tuesday, October 4 and 18, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
November: Tuesday, November 1 and 15, 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.
Cost per child per class is $4(CRPC), $5(CRNPC), $5(NCRPC), $7(NCRNPC).
Call (919) 471-1623(option 2) for information.
Special Programs: We can develop and lead programs for groups, such as home school groups, scouts, and clubs. Programs can be run in any City park and the first program is free.
Playmore Card: Discounts will be given to people with a valid Playmore Card.
Home School Programs
If you have a home school group that wants to learn about gardening/farming, plants, animals, or even some of the skills from the pioneer or Native American past, we are the people to talk to. We can schedule a one-time class or a series of classes for your home school group.
We offer programs about aquatic life, forest flora and fauna. We also can focus on primitive skills or programs teaching students to read the land to find old roads, trails, and building sites. In addition to doing land based programs we offer canoe trips in the area where we use the water to get to great natural areas such as the Eno River, the Flat River, or Lake Michie. We are able to meet the learning needs and wants of your group.
Our programs are flexible and can be scheduled in blocks from one to eight hours. We run most of our programs at West Point on the Eno, but programs can be scheduled at any of Durham’s parks.
The cost per child is $2.75 per hour (CR) or $3.75 per hour (NCR). If you have a PlayMore card, you will receive a discount.
For information about what we can do for your group, contact Chris Shepard by e-mail or at (919) 471-1623, ext. 27402.
Meeting Locations
Lake Michie Boathouse: Take a right on Bahama Road, off of 501 N, follow until the lake. The Boathouse is on the right, the first driveway after crossing the lake.
Leigh Farm Park: 370 Leigh Farm Rd., Durham. Just off Hwy 54 near I-40.
West Point on the Eno Park: 5101 N Roxboro Rd. All West Point programs meet at the Environmental Education Center.
Durham Environmental Education Learning Opportunity (DEELO)
The Durham Environmental Education Learning Opportunity (DEELO), "Why Water?" provides a series of hands-on activities for your learning space and the outdoor setting of Sandy Creek Park. This curriculum was established to bridge a gap between the Durham city parks and the Durham Public Schools. We found this to be a perfect opportunity to bring sixth to eighth grade Durham youth outside the classroom and learn the standard science requirements in different way. Sandy Creek Park was targeted for this curriculum because of a plethora of educational opportunities for the youth such as, restored wetlands, habitat restoration projects, and an abundance of wildlife. This type of programming will act as a vehicle in guiding youth to discover, explore, and enjoy the natural world through creative and challenging experiential opportunities that contribute to their physical, emotional, and social health.
The environmental education unit provides private programs for the on-site portion of the DEELO at Sandy Creek Park. For information about the DEELO and what the curriculum can offer you, please contact us at 471-1623, opt. 2 or e-mail Jessica Finelt.
Introduction to Durham Environmental Education Learning Opportunities
Durham Environmental Education Learning Pre-Visit Activities
Durham Environmental Education Learning On-Site Activities
Durham Environmental Education Learning Post-Visit Activities
Durham Environmental Education Learning Vocabulary
Durham Environmental Education Learning References