Parks & Recreation Department

Nature in the City, Spring/Summer 2008

Join us for some fun, hands-on environmental programs in some of our beautiful parks. From amphibians to canoeing we will explore the natural world around us. We'll also offer a monthly night hike or constellation program, giving you an opportunity to experience the fascinating world of nature at night. These programs are open to the general public, are for all ages, and most are free.

New this year is our Environmental Education Center at West Point on the Eno. This classroom space will be the new meeting location for all of our programs at West Point Park. Look for the blue signs to lead you to the center and parking for the center.

Special Programs: We can develop and lead programs for groups, such as scouts, home schools, and clubs. Programs can be run in any City park and the programs are free. Call for more information.

For more information on any program or to pre-register, please contact Chris Shepard or Jessica Finelt at (919) 620-8154 or email christopher.shepard@durhamnc.gov

February

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

March

Fungus Among Us: Saturday, March 1, from 1 - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. As the spring nears, mushrooms are beginning to pop up. Come out and discover all the different types of mushrooms at the park. If you have an identification book, please bring it.

Night Hike: Friday, March 21, from 8 - 10 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come join us as we explore the forest in the beauty of night.

Parents Night Out: Friday, March 28, from 6 - 9 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. 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 games, and watch a nature movie. For children ages 5-9. Limited spaces. Cost is $10 per child. Call to register.

Discovering Deer: Saturday, March 29, from 3 - 5 p.m., at West Point on the Eno. We'll explore the park looking for evidence of deer as we learn how they survive in this urban area.

Intersession Nature Caravan Camp: March 17-21 at Forest Hills Park and 24-28 at West Point on the Eno, from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. We will be offering a two-week version of our popular summer camp. The camp is for ages 5-12. You must pre-register by March 12, limit of 25 children per week. Cost is $25(CR) and $30(NCR) per child for the week. Call 620-8154 for information.

April

Spring Break Trips: Trips are for ages 10-14, cost is $10/day (CR) or $12/day (NCR). You must pre-register.
Monday, March 31, West Point on the Eno.
Tuesday, April 1, Paddle Trip at Lake Michie.
Wednesday, April 2, Paddle Trip Flat River.
Thursday, April 3, White Pines Natural Area.
Friday, April 4, Carolina Beach State Park.
Trips run from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. each day.

Spring Forage: Saturday, April 5, from 1 - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno Park. Explore and search for spring herbs, nuts, berries, and fruit in the forest.

Amphibian Adventure: Friday, April 18, from 7 - 9 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Let's explore the world of amphibians. We'll learn about the different types of amphibians living in the area and explore wetlands where we'll look for and try to identify them. Wear clothing appropriate for walking in damp areas and bring a flashlight.

The Wonders of Lake Michie: Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us as we explore Lake Michie by boat. We'll paddle up to where the Flat River enters the lake and learn about local geology, and plant and animal life. We only have a few city boats, so please bring your own boat if possible. Only canoes or 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) and $5(NCR) per person.

May

Amphibian Adventure: Saturday, May 3, from 1 - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Let's explore the world of amphibians. We'll learn about the different types of amphibians living in the area and explore wetlands where we'll look for and try to identify them. Wear clothing appropriate for walking in damp areas.

Parents Night Out: Friday, May 9, from 6 - 9 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. 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 games, and watch a nature movie. For children ages 5-9. Limited spaces. Cost is $10 per child. Call to register.

Night Hike: Saturday, May 10, from 9 - 11 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come join us as we explore the forest in the beauty of night.

Fishin' Frenzy: Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. This program gives children a chance to learn to fish. We provide poles and bait, parents you provide the company. For ages 5-12. The cost is $2 per child and every child must be accompanied by an adult. Please call 620-8154 to register.

June

Starry, Starry Night: Friday, June 6, from 9 - 11 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a program about the summer constellations. The summer skies are great for viewing the stars and we will utilize the open views up at Lake Michie.

Nature Caravan Summer Camp: The Nature Caravan is a half day nature camp that runs from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. It is a hands-on outdoor camp that is based in different City Parks. The camp is for children ages 5-12 and the cost is $25(CR) and $30(NCR). At the camp we explore the natural areas in the park, play nature based games, and do nature art. Registration starts March 29. For more information on this camp please call Chris Shepard at (919) 620-8154. The schedule is as follows, both parks will be operating at the same time:
June 10-27: Sandy Creek and Whippoorwill Parks.
June 30-July 18: Indian Trails and Northgate Parks.
July 21-August 8: West Point on the Eno and Forest Hills Parks.

July

Night Hike: Friday, July 18, from 9 - 11 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come on this hike as we explore the forest at night. We will listen for animals and enjoy the beauty of the woods at night.

August

Mountain Explorations: Sunday, August 10 through Friday, August 15. Join us on a fun camping trip to Stone Mountain State Park in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. We will hike, explore streams, play in waterfalls, and camp under the stars. The program is only for ages 10-14 and space is limited. Cost of the trip is $200(CR) and $225(NCR). Call (919) 620-8154 for more information.

Preschool Classes

February: Saturday, February 2 and 9, from 10 - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, February 5 and 19, from 1 - 2 p.m.
Thursday, February 14 and 28, from 10 - 11 a.m.

March: Saturday, March 1 and 8, from 10 - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, March 4 and 18, from 1 - 2 p.m.
Thursday, March 13 and 27, from 10 - 11 a.m.

April: Saturday, April 5 and 19, from 10 - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, April 1 and 15, from 1 - 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 10 and 24, from 10 - 11 a.m.

May: Saturday, May 3 and 24, from 10 - 11 a.m.
Tuesday, May 6 and 20, from 1 - 2 p.m.
Thursday, May 1 and 15, from 10 - 11 a.m.

These classes are for children 3-5 years old and all classes will be held at the Environmental Education Center at West Point on the Eno Park.

Cost is $25(CR) and $30(NCR) per child for a whole session. You can choose which session you prefer, Saturday, Tuesday, or Thursday.

Cost for individual classes is $4(CR) and $5(NCR) per child per class.

For more information or to register please call Chris Shepard or Jessica Finelt at (919) 620-8154 or e-mail christopher.shepard@durhamnc.gov

Meeting Locations for Programs:

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.

Spruce Pine Lodge: On Bahama Rd just before Lake Michie, take a left at the sign. Meet in the parking lot by the picnic shelter.

West Point on the Eno Park: 5101 N Roxboro Rd. We meet at the Environmental Education Center. Once you have entered the park, look for the blue signs to lead you to the parking area and then to the center.