While holiday
chaos makes hibernation a tempting option, winter is the perfect time to get
outside and explore nature. Check out a sampling of the events offered by Wake
County Parks, Recreation and Open Space in December – they’re sure to become a
few of your favorite things.
Christmas
at Oak View Farm
Dec. 2–21
Historic Oak View County Park
This holiday
tradition features free guided tours for organized groups and the general
public that focus on historical periods in the farm’s history. Advance
registration is required. For more details, please visit wakegov.com/ChristmasOV. Historic Oak View
County Park is located at 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh.
Wildlife
in Winter
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Harris Lake County Park
What happens to our wildlife during the
winter? They have a variety of adaptations to help them get through the cold
months. Explore some of their techniques then take a walk to search for our
winter residents! This program is for all ages, and preregistration is required. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Harris Lake
County Park is located at 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill.
Birding with
Vernon
Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30–10 a.m.
Lake Crabtree County Park
Join our bird enthusiast for an easy walk
while you look and listen for our feathered friends. Registration is not required. Meet
at the Waterwise Garden (first parking lot on the right). Lake Crabtree County
Park is located at 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville.
Geminids
Meteor Shower Watch
Saturday, Dec. 14, 6:30–8 p.m.
American Tobacco Trail
Local astronomers will help us observe the
Geminids Meteor Shower and other phenomena in the night sky—and as a bonus, we
may see or hear some of our nocturnal wildlife. Bring a chair or a blanket.
There is no special equipment needed, but you may bring your own viewing
instrument if you have one. This program is for all ages, and preregistration is required. Meet at the New Hill parking area at the
picnic table near the restrooms located at 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road,
Apex.
Natural
Explorations: Winter Wonders Walk
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2–3 p.m.
Historic Yates Mill County Park
Winter is coming! Take a walk with a
naturalist to explore the seasonal changes that can be observed in nature,
discover how various kinds of wildlife prepare for the cold and look for animal
tracks and other wildlife signs. Make sure to dress in layers. This program is
for all ages, and preregistration is required. Historic Yates Mill County Park is located at
4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh.
Family
Wildlife Series: Fossil
Fundamentals
Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2–3 p.m.
Blue Jay Point County Park
What is a fossil and where do you find
them? Your family can start your very own collection as you explore the
basics of fossils. Preregistration is required for all participants. Blue Jay Point County
Park is located at 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh.
Walk in the Woods
Monday,
Dec. 30, 3–4 p.m.
Crowder County Park
Take a walk in the woods, discover the
animals and plants that call our park home, and help collect data for our
Natural Resources Inventory Database and other citizen science projects. All
experience levels are welcome. This free program is for all ages, and registration
is not required. Meet at the Park Office. Crowder County Park is
located at 4709 Ten Ten Road, Apex.
To see a full list of upcoming programs and events, visit wakegov.com/parks.
Reminder
Our Park Locator makes it easy to explore all the parks and
preserves in Wake County! Filter results by activity or location and get
customized directions.
About Wake County Parks,
Recreation and Open Space
Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space
strives to provide outdoor recreation and educational opportunities while
promoting environmental and cultural stewardship through a managed system of
parks and open spaces. In 2018, more than 1.3 million people visited Wake County’s
10 parks and nature preserves.
To learn more about Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space,
follow us on Twitter and Instagram at
@WakeGovParks. You can also check out each of our parks on Facebook.