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.

 

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

 

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.

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.

 

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.