Summer Event Highlights
Nature Explores Camp- Wild North Carolina Date: June 28th
This outdoor camp is designed for nature exploration. Campers will satisfy their curiosity with animal searches, creek tours, forest expeditions, and woodland observations. Activities will also include games, swimming, mini-experiments, arts, and field trips.
Stream Critter Search Date: July 3rd
With nets, wet shoes, and a fun spirit we will search out and catch the fish, insects, and other animals living in our local streams and maybe the park lake.
Adventure Camp Date: July 5th-July 9th
Discover water ecology while learning to kayak, become skilled at shelter building as you learn about animal homes, and explore th elives nocturnal animals during an overnight camp-out.
Drawing Live Animals with Linda M. Feltner Date: July 11th
Youth aged twelve to fourteen, come join in the fun of drawing animals from life with Linda M. Feltner, a nationally known instructor in wildlife drawing. In a classroom setting, you will have a special opportunity to study and explore the art of drawing live lizards, turtles and other animals.
Family Turtle Tracking Class Date: July 23
Biologists put radio transmitters on animals and use radio telemetry to track them. You’ll be surprised by what you learn. Come prepared to walk off road and try to find our transmitters that have box turtles under them. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Limit: 20 people.
Birds of Prey Date: July 31st
Join a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm and learn about some of the birds of prey found in the South Mountains. You will learn about the distinguishing characteristics of these animals, and find out why they are called birds of prey.
Summer Break: Farm and Forest Camp Date: August 2-6
Explore the world of wildlife on an old historic farm. This camp is a weeklong adventure in living history and the natural world. Experience life on a working farm from the 1800’s. In the mornings, we will go on a wildlife adventure, learning from the plants and the animals that live in the wild. In the afternoons, we will go back in time and experience the way people have interacted with the land through the history at Leigh Farm Park. This will be a unique experience featuring old games, chores such as gardening, churning butter, explorations in the forest, rollicking adventures on the farm and more.
What’s the Buzz about Honeybees? Date: August 12
Meet park staff at the David Varnedoe picnic shelter to observe honeybees and learn more about the fascinating life of one of our most important pollinators. All ages; Free
Nature Uncovered Date: August 18
Learn about smaller critters often found in your own backyard! We’ll look under logs, dig in the dirt, roll over rocks and search among the shrubs for these interesting creatures. Some finds could include earth worms, beetles, slugs, ants, and other small specimens. Pre-registration is required four days prior to program. For more information, contact Nature programs at 919-831-6640.
Tree Camp for Adults Date: Every Saturday
Tree Camp is a land-based, environmental education program for adults, taught by Durham native and naturalist Riverdave Owen, where you will have the opportunity to become familar with all 100 species of trees that are native to the Piedmont region of central North Carolina.
View full calendar for all outdoor opportunities!
Spring Event Highlights
Eggstravaganza Date: April 3
Meet zoo keepers and watch animals hunt for treats. Check out website for specific exhibit hunting adventures and times.
The North Carolina Botanical Garden is offering the following programs for children & families in April.
Pre-registration is required for all programs.
Please call 919-962-0522 to register or for more details. You can also visit their website: www.ncbg.unc.edu.
Blazing-Stars: After-School Nature Club (6-sessions)
Calling all young nature enthusiasts! Join us for this after-school series designed for children interested in learning more about nature first-hand. We’ll explore habitats, trek the trails, discover native plants and animals, play games, conduct experiments, and create nature-inspired art projects. Each class will focus on a different nature topic. This program offers an exciting complement to your child’s education and an opportunity to experience and enjoy the outdoors. Group is limited to 12.
Ages: Kindergarten-1st grade
Dates: Tuesdays, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11
Time: 3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
Fee: $80 ($70 NCBG members)
Botanical Sweet Peas: “Pond Walk”
What lives in a pond? Share a morning of discovery with your growing “sweet pea” exploring the animals and plants that call ponds home through a nature walk, stories, and craft. Pre-registration required. No strollers or non-registered siblings, please.
Ages: 2 ½ – under 4, with parent
Date: Wednesday, April 7
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Fee: $10 per child/adult pair ($5 NCBG members)
Bluets: Preschoolers Exploring Nature (6-sessions)
Learning comes naturally for 4 and 5 year-olds during this fun-filled series that encourages exploration and fosters a sense of wonder for the natural world. This spring, preschoolers will learn about amphibians, soils, growing plants, pollinators, and more through hands-on activities, nature walks, stories, crafts, and group play. Two instructors will guide activities, and the group will be limited to 10 participants. Snack provided.
Ages: 4 & 5 year-olds
Dates: Wednesdays, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Fee: $100 ($90 NCBG members)
Feast of the Beast Date: April 10
Meet the keepers and learn about animal diets and appetites. Check out the website for specific keeper talks and times.
Earth Day Celebration Dates: April 17th and 18th 10am to 3pm both days
Join zoo exhibitors for fun activities to celebrate the wild world we all call home.
Family Fun Day Date: April 17th
Join kidZone Play Leaders for an adventure in mud…Build a family of gnomes to protect the Earth. Check out www.nczoo.org/kidzone for more information.
Family Workshop: Worm Worlds – Intro to Vermicomposting
Long thin slimy ones, short fat juicy ones! In honor of Earth Day, explore the wonderful world of worms and learn how these amazing creatures can recycle your food scraps into garden treasure. Make your own worm bin to take home. All supplies included, even the worms!
Date: Saturday, April 24
Ages: Family (5-10 with parent)
Time: 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Fee: $25 ($20 NCBG members)
Creature Comforts Date: April 24th
Join zoo keepers to learn about animal enrichment and why it is important for animals in captivity. Check out the website for specific keeper talks and times.
Botanical Sweet Peas: “Spring is Sprouting”
Spring has sprung! Share a morning of discovery with your “sweet pea” exploring seeds, parts of a plant, and what they need to grow through a nature walk, stories, and then plant a seed to take home. Pre-registration required. No strollers or non-registered siblings, please.
Ages: 2 ½ – under 4, with parent
Date: Wednesday, April 28
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Fee: $10 per child/adult pair ($5 NCBG members)