Leisure Ledger September - December 2023

TACO Week: Bug Hunt Ages: 5-12. How can you identify an insect? What makes a spider a spider? Test your skills as a bug-catcher as we learn how to use nets and jars to get a closer look at some of the smaller critters in the park! Annie Louise Wilkerson, M.D. Nature Preserve Sept 26 Tu 3:30-5:00pm Ages: 3-6. Why are birds colorful? Can you sing like a bird? Make paper-tube binoculars and take a walk to spy on our bird biddies in the forest and field. Adults must accompany their children. Annie Louise Wilkerson, M.D. Nature Preserve Sept 27 W 10:30am-12:00pm All ages. Get outside and explorer the trails at Forest Ridge Park! Join one of our experienced naturalists to gain information on flora, fauna, or just enjoy hiking as part of a group. These hikes are designed for the whole family. Routes and topics will be tailored to accommodate the group. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Pre-registration is recommended although not required. Forest Ridge Park Sept 27 W 3:30-5:00pm Ages 7-12. This program is great for youth new to fishing. We will go over casting techniques, setting up your rod and reel, and what fish are found in the lake. Then of course we will spend time fishing in the lake. Come see if you can hook one and reel it in. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are not required to accompany child(ren). This program is designed to give parent(s)/guardian(s) time to enjoy the park while the child(ren) enjoys the program. Lake Johnson Waterfront Center Sept 26 W 6:30-8:00pm Activity Code: LJORTACO-002 TACO Week: Pond Explorers Ages: 5-12 yrs. Love exploring creeks and ponds? Use dip nets, buckets, and your hands to find out what lives in the water at Lake Wheeler! We'll get wet as we search for amazing critters in Simpkins Pond, and learn what they can tell us about the health of the water. Please wear rain boots or water shoes if you have them. Pre-registration is required. Children must be accompanied by adults. Lake Wheler Park Sept 28 Thu 10:30am-12:00pm Activity Code: LWORTACOPOND Activity Code: AWNPTACOBUGHUNT TACO Week: Bird Buddies Activity Code: AWNPTACOBIRDBUD TACO Week: Family Hike Activity Code: FRORTACOHIKE-004 TACO Week: Kids Fishing

chance to focus on journey and movement in natural spaces by engaging all your senses on a hike in a familiar place. In this FREE TACO program, kids will learn how to notice the world around them, take ownership over their outdoor spaces, and feel empowered to engage the world around them responsibly. Bare feet are optional! Come dressed to spend the program outdoors. Walnut Creek Wetland Park Sept 30 Sa 10:30am-12:00pm Activity Code: WCNPTACOSENSORY Garden and Orchard Scavenger Hunt Ages: 3+. This scavenger hunt is a part of "Take A Child Outside" (TACO) Week! Visit Marsh Creek Community Center to receive your official scavenger hunt materials and head out to the Garden and Orchard to find everything listed. Registration is required for this event (on-site registration available). Be sure to wear clothing that can get dirty! Marsh Creek Community Center Sept 25-29 M-F Dawn to Dusk Activity Code: MCCCTACOSCVHNT Grab a Backpack! Can’t join a group program? Explore nature sites across the city on your own at any time. Check out Self-Guided Explorer Kits at these locations to borrow all the gear you need for nature study and play. Walnut Creek Wetland Park – Birds, amphibians, trees, bugs, loaner: nets, binoculars, boots Durant Nature Preserve – Aquatics, insects, birds, nature art, wildlife tracking Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve – Nature backpacks, art kit, sandbox kit, fort building kit, Center – Nature backpacks, art everywhere, loaner fishing poles (no bait) Lake Wheeler – Nature backpacks, loaner fishing poles (no bait) Forest Ridge Park – Nature backpacks, loaner fishing kit (no bait) woodland village backpack Lake Johnson Woodland

TACO Week: Fall Flowers and Flyers Ages: 5+. Join us for an outdoor walking program to learn about the flowers of fall, admire their beauty and diversity, and see how protecting fall flowers supports many animals around us. Annie Louise Wilkerson, M.D. Nature Preserve Sept 28 Thu 3:30-5:00pm Activity Code: AWNPTACOFLOWER TACO Week: Nature Play Day Ages: All Ages. Join us to make time for playing in nature. Children of all ages, as well as the young at heart, are welcome to join us for nature inspired imaginative play. We’ll provide the materials and guidance to get you started on a playful adventure. No registration is required; drop in any time between 10am and 12pm to join the fun! Adults must accompany their children. Annie Louise Wilkerson, M.D. Nature Preserve Sept 29 F 10:00am-12:00pm Activity Code: AWNPTACOPLAYDAY TACO Week: Outdoor Cooking Ages: 5+. Skip the kitchen for a night of family fun and skill-building as you work together to prepare and eat a delicious dinner over the campfire. Practice building a fire, cooking with coals, and assembling a meal sure to please the whole crew. Children must be accompanied by adults. Children and adults must register and pay program fee. Durant Nature Preserve – Course Fee: $15 Sept 29 F 6-:00-7:30pm Activity Code DUNPTACOCOOK TACO Week: Jr. Kids Fishing Ages: 4-6. This program is for younger children who have never fished before but would like to try. We will practice with some casting games and then spend some time fishing in the lake. Your child will leave with stickers and fishing themed coloring pages. We will teach them that fishing is fun, join us today. Adult(s) must accompany child(ren), adult(s) attend free Activity Code: LJORTACO-003 TACO Week: Twilight Walk Ages: 5+. Take a walk with a park naturalist to explore the woods and fields at this special time of day. Look for deer, coyotes, and owls. This program is designed for families with young children. Adults must accompany children. Annie Louise Wilkerson, M.D. Nature Preserve Sept 30 Sa 6:30-8:00pm and do not need to register. Lake Johnson Waterfront Center Sept 30 Sa 10:00-11:30am

Activity Code: AWNPTACOTWILIGHT TACO Week: Sensory Hike

Ages: 6-13. Sometimes we all need to take a moment to look at the world with a different perspective. Give yourself a

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Leisure Ledger September-December 2023 | parks.raleighnc.gov