April - June Program Directory

Spring 2016 Programs at
Blue Jay Point County Park
Pre-registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted.
Online registration ends 3 days before most programs. Call (919) 870-4330 to check on
space availability/ability to register less than 3 days in advance.
New!
Register and Pay ONLINE for Public Programs!
http://www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/public
Family Wildlife Series
Most Family Wildlife Series programs are open to all ages, with information and activities most appropriate for ages 5
and up. $5/family or $3/person unless otherwise noted. “Kids not required”—unaccompanied adults are welcome in
our family programs! Pre-registration IS required unless otherwise noted.
For Great Family Fun in April, check out
Songbird Celebration!
Saturday, April 23, 11a.m.-3 p.m.
A free family festival for all ages!
See the special “Songbird Celebration” page 4
in this Program Directory for details!
Compost Carnival
Bluebird Bonanza
Saturday, May 28 2-3:30pm
Enjoy some activities and go on a short hike to learn about the
special connection between these cheerful-looking birds and the
Bluebirds Trails that brought bluebird population numbers back
from the brink. All ages welcome but not stroller friendly.
Saturday, June 11 2-3pm
One of the Laws of Ecology is that “everything has to go
somewhere”. Learn “the rotten truth” about the components
needed to reduce organic matter to the nutrients needed to make
good soil. You’ll have a great time while you are doing it!
One Small Pond
June Bugs, Japanese Beetles &
Just Plain Bugs
Monday, May 30 10-11am (Memorial Day!)
Blue Jay’s pond is teeming with life! Get up close and
personal with amphibians and aquatic macro invertebrates
as you learn about the producers, consumers and
decomposers that keep the food chain
going in this tiny pond.
Family program for ages 5
and up, please.
Saturday, June 18 10-11a.m.
Munching machines or tiny predators from paradise?
Learn about backyard insects, both native
and exotic, and how
they can work for you and
against you.
Teen and Adult Volunteers Needed
for our upcoming Songbird Celebration Family Festival
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Help us celebrate International Migratory Bird Day and the return of our feathered friends.
Opportunities include running game booths, bird-themed activities and craft tables.
You may now register ONLINE for these Volunteer Opportunities at
www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/Pages/volunteer
There is a choice of 4 different volunteer shifts!
All volunteers must pre-register and bring a completed and signed
Volunteer Service and Release Form (available at the link above) to sign in.
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Register and Pay ONLINE for Public Programs!
http://www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/public
New!
Pre-registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. Online registration ends 3 days before a program.
Call (919) 870-4330 to check on space availability/ability to register less than 3 days in advance.
Nature Peekers
A new monthly program series for very young children ages 18mo – 3 yrs
(and their grownups!) where we listen to a story, practice developmentally
appropriate skills, interact with other youngsters and enjoy nature OUTSIDE
if possible (and indoors if needed). $2 per child/ per 30 min. program.
Who’s Awake in Springtime
Tuesday, April 12, 10:30-11a.m.
Ready for spring yet? Well animals are and some of them are
now waking up after their long winter rest. Let’s discover
Who’s Awake in Springtime by Phillis Gershator & Mim Green
and see what life we can find around the park!
Over in the Meadow
Tuesday, May 17, 10:30-11a.m.
We’ll go explore and search for meadow creatures as
we read Over in the Meadow by Jane Cabrera.
Join us as we walk and look for any animals
that may cross our path.
Turtle Splash
Tuesday, June 14, 10:30-11a.m.
Splish, splash! Who is that swimming in the pond? Come count
turtles, learn about what makes them special and even look
at a live turtle with Turtle Splash! by Cathryn Falwell.
Nature Stories
Theme related stories and activities for parent and child aged 3 - 5 years.
$4/child/program
Green Thumbs
Wednesday, May 11 1 – 2 p.m. or Saturday, May 14 10 - 11a.m.
Let’s learn about seeds and other “garden” things.
Plant seeds to begin your own garden at home.
Nature
Play Days
Parents or grandparents with young children are
invited to come to Blue Jay for a monthly
thematic Nature Play Day. The focus will be on
free play, which means having self-guided
activities with no start and end time and flow
from kids’ creativity. Education staff will be on
hand to answer questions and provide guidance.
Activities are planned for 3-7 year olds, but
younger children are welcome to attend.
Meet in the Natural Play Area—follow the
wooden signs from the playground parking lot.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
A Nature Play Day at Blue Jay is a free walk-up
activity from 10a.m.-Noon and requires
no pre-registration!
In case of questionable weather, please call the
Blue Jay Center at (919) 870-4330 or check our
Facebook page for Nature Play Day
status updates!
Tuesday, May 3 10-Noon Theme: Movement
Tuesday, June 21 10-Noon Theme: Art
Millipede Mania
Wednesday, June 8 1-2 p.m. or Saturday, June 11 10-11a.m.
Millipedes, centipedes and pillbugs too. Come discover the down
and under world of multiple marching feet. Count them
and feel them tickle. Make a roll up craft of your own.
For Great Nature Stories Fun in April, check out
Songbird Celebration!
Saturday, April 23, 11a.m.-3 p.m.
A free family festival for all ages!
See the special “Songbird Celebration” page 4
in this Program Directory for details!
Get monthly program reminders by
subscribing to the
Blue Jay Flyer e-newsletter
(go to the bottom of our homepage).
Get weekly program reminders by
“liking” us on Facebook!
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New!
Register and Pay ONLINE for Public Programs!
http://www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/public
Adult Workshops
Register for these adult workshops ONLINE (under Public
Programs on Blue Jay’s website) Be SURE to include your
mobile phone number in case of weather emergency
or instructor illness.
Advanced WILD: Bears
Saturday, May 7, 2016
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to learn about
Being Bear Aware. Learn how to set up a campsite with
bears in mind, and how to live well with black bears. Study
distribution of bear populations in NC. Learn where, when
and why bear hunting is practiced in NC, and review basic
black bear biology. Through K-12 activities designed for
educators in formal and non-formal settings, we will explore
the life-cycles and adaptations of this charismatic species.
4 hours of Criteria II, no additional hours available. Bring a
bag lunch and drink.
Aquatic WILD
Saturday, August 13,
9a.m.- 4 p.m.
Facilitated by NC Wildlife Resources educator Cecilia King,
this 6-hour workshop introduces participants to the free
Aquatic WILD K–12 educator guide. The workshop is similar
to the N.C. WILD Basic workshop, except there is a focus on
aquatics. The N.C. WILD Aquatic workshops are open to all
interested educators, including classroom teachers,
environmental educators, resource agency staff, park
personnel, college students and faculty, and youth leaders.
Bring a bag lunch. This 6-hour workshop counts as a
Criteria I workshop in the NC Environmental Education
Certification Program.
2016 Summer Mini-Camps
Bird Bonanza
June 13, 15, and 17 9 a.m.-Noon or 1-4 p.m.
For 6 - 8’s. Fee: $36 ( track 1, traditional, homeschool)
Learn to identify birds by sight and sound, and find out how to
make your backyard into a wildlife sanctuary. Get to know
other junior bird enthusiasts while hiking, playing games, and
doing crafts during a week that is truly “for the birds”.
Eco-Kids Animal Babies
June 20, 22, & 24 9 – 11 a.m. or 1 – 3 p.m.
For 4-5’s Fee: $25 (track 1, traditional, homeschool)
Animal babies come in many forms, from the cute fox kit to
the interesting larvae of dragonflies. Come learn about the
similarities and differences of the many different animal
babies.
Blue Jay Explorers
June 27, 29, and July 1 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
For 9-12’s Fee: $72 (traditional, homeschool)
From the sun and stars to Global Positioning Systems (GPS’s)
join us as we progress through time to learn how explorers
have used tools to find their way through our world. We will
use these tools to become skilled in such activities as letterboxing and geocaching while we explore the wilds of Blue
Jay Point County Park.
Eco-Kids Aquatic Adventures (Track 4, Traditional)
July 11, 13, & 15 9 – 11a.m. or 1 – 3 p.m.
For 4-5 ‘s Fee: $25 (track 4, traditional, homeschool).
Frogs and newts and water bugs—oh my! Meet many kinds of
aquatic critters as we explore Blue Jay Point’s pond, streams,
and shores of Falls Lake. We’ll also spend time learning about
all things aquatic through crafts, stories, snacks, and more!
Critter Capers
July 18, 20 & 22 9 a.m.-Noon or 1 -4 p.m.
For 6 -8’s Fee: $36 (track 4, traditional, homeschool)
Have a blast while exploring the fields, forests, and streams at
Blue Jay Point. We’ll learn about mammals, insects, reptiles
and amphibians as we hike, do crafts, and play games.
Did you know that Blue Jay is on FB?
Get reminders of upcoming programs, alerts
of weather-related closures, cool natural
history happening, updates on park closing
times and more. All you have to do is “like”
us! We’d also love it if you’d tag us in your
favorite Blue Jay pictures!
Eco-Kids Incredible Insects
August 8, 10, & 12 1 – 3 p.m.
For 4-5’s Fee: $25 (track 3, traditional, homeschool)
Ladybugs, butterflies, and dragonflies are just some of the
amazing insects that live all around us. How are they alike?
How are they different? Come explore Blue Jay Point
habitats as we seek them out. Listen to creepy-crawly stories;
make some critter crafts; and enjoy yummy buggy snacks.
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Blue Jay Point County Park’s
Songbird Celebration
Saturday, April 23, 2016 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
(with some “early bird” hikes!)
Bring your family to a FREE Songbird Celebration at Blue Jay Point County Park in recognition of International Migratory Bird Day 2016
which highlights the importance of international efforts to conserve birds through agreements, laws, treaties, and collaborations. This year also
marks the Centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty, a landmark agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico to protect our shared
migratory birds. Come see how we incorporate that theme as you enjoy bird-related activities throughout the park! A great outing for
individual, families, scouts and other youth groups. Food concessions will be available on site, or you can pack a picnic lunch! For more
information about how the day works or to volunteer—this is an excellent opportunity for scout groups or teens needing community
service hours—contact us using info at the bottom of this page. All volunteers must register in advance!
All Songbird Celebration classes, hikes and activities are free!
NEW! Register ONLINE for the following free classes and
hikes— type “SC:” in the Activity search box. Remaining
spaces will be available at the SC Information Tent .
The following Songbird Celebration activities are drop-in come and go as you please, and join the fun!
10 a.m.-1 p.m.—Shade-grown Coffee Hour on the EE Center porch
For adults and teens only—
Enjoy a cup of coffee on us - find out why “shade-grown” is better for birds.
Adult Bird Hike: 8:30-10 a.m. (new longer hike!)
Join NC State Park I & E Specialist Brian Bockhahn on a hike to locate spring
migrants through bird song and observation. Enjoy a cup of shade-grown
coffee when you get back!
For preteens and teens (ages 11-15)—
10 a.m.-3 p.m.—”Flat Bird” Trail around Blue Jay’s Sparkleberry Loop—
For the younger set—practice using simple binoculars as you answer questions.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.— The Migration Game For middle elementary and
up—a fun and active way to learn about migratory birds and the challenges
faced on their migrations. Up on the Open Play Field.
Blue Jay Jenga: 1:15-2 p.m.
Play a bird-themed version of the classic tumbling tower game while
simultaneously learning bird calls, using field guides, discussing ethical
dilemmas, working as a team to solve puzzles and more!
For kids (ages 6-12) —
EGGstravaganza 11 - 11:30 a.m. or 12:30-1 p.m.
Learn about egg sizes, colors, and shapes before designing your own egg
“protective packaging” and participating in an “Egg Drop”! Will you win the
“Scrambled Egg Award”?
For preschoolers (and parent)—
Nature Stories “Two Blue Jays” 11-11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-Noon
Come listen to a story about Blue Jays (our favorite!) building a nest, hatching
eggs, and raising babies. Color an egg sequencing card to take home!
11 a.m.-1 p.m.—Raptor Presentation Come by for a close-up look at one
of Master Falconer Bill Davis’s big beautiful birds of prey and learn about how
raptors “earn a living”!
11 a.m.-3 p.m.—Bird-themed displays, games, and activities for all
ages in the Blue Jay Garden.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.—CLAWS Inc. Visit amazing birds of prey and learn about
the great rescue, rehab and education work done by this local organization.
11:30-Noon and 1:30-2 p.m. —-Bird Olympics
Try out some familiar field day type games with a bird twist—egg tosses, eggand-spoon races and the ever popular shade-grown coffee sack race!
Noon-12:30 p.m. and 2:00-2:30 p.m. —-Birdhouse Walk
Like a cakewalk, except for birdhouses and bird-themed prizes! For all ages!
Nature Stories “Woodpecker Forest” Noon-12:30 p.m. or 12:30-1p.m.
Join us to hear about a family of Woodpeckers finding a nesting site and
raising young in the northern woods. Make your own puppets to act out the
story.
Special Challenge for 2016!
In keeping with this year’s theme
For families of all ages—
“Spread Your Wings for Bird Conservation”
Family Bird Hike: 10-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.
Start your family on the track of a lifetime hobby by taking a trek around Blue
Jay with NC State Park Ranger Brian Bockhahn in search of our springtime
bird residents!
Osprey Hike: 10-11a.m. or 11a.m.-Noon
Join a park ranger from the US Army Corps of Engineers for a short hike down
the Sandy Point Trail to observe a man-made osprey nesting platform and this
year’s avian inhabitants.
we have a special challenge for Songbird participants! Pick up
a Songbird Celebration Migration Pass at the Information Tent on the
front walk to the Education Center. Complete a series of fun walk-up
activities, attend any organized class or hike throughout the day and then
turn in your completed Migration Pass at the Information Tent to
receive an official Songbird Celebration embroidered patch,
or other small prize of your choice.
Wake Audubon Family Bird Hikes: Noon-12:45 p.m. or 1-1:45 p.m.
Join members of Wake Audubon for a family bird hike around Blue Jay. Be
sure to stop by the Wake Audubon booth for great information and a peek at
their bird related merchandise!
Wake Audubon Bluebird Hike: 2-2:45 p.m.
Learn about how the Eastern Bluebird populations have been brought back
from the brink by Citizen Science efforts like those at Blue Jay as you scope
out the Bluebird Trail and take a peek into a nest box or two.
3200 Pleasant Union Church Road
Raleigh, NC 27614
Scout Leaders, Y-Dads
and Families take note!
This flyer is available for download on our
website under “Calendar of Events”—
http://www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay
(919) 870-4330
bluejaypoint@wakegov.com
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