​On-site and Outreach Group Programs

Lake Crabtree offers a wide variety of environmental education programs for public and private schools, Scouts, birthday parties and other organized groups. Programs are available at the park or off-site (outreach). All programs are specific to the piedmont region of North Carolina. Please allow at least two weeks advance notice to schedule a program for your group.

Call 919-460-2723 or email colleen.bockhahn@wakegov.com for more information or to request a program date. You can also begin the reservation process by filling out a Group Program Request Form and choosing a topic from our Group Program List. If you have questions about a program topic that is not listed, please ask our staff – we will do our best to accommodate your group.

Most programs given on-site are $25/hour per staff member (fishing and canoe programs are $40/hour per staff member). Outreach programs are $40/hour per staff member. Group size per staff member will be limited to 15–30 depending on the program requested and age of the participants. Programs for pre-K groups are available to groups of 15 or fewer.

For the public:
Whether you are a child or an adult, Lake Crabtree has a program for you! All scheduled programs have space limitations and, therefore, require registration prior to the program. Please download a copy of our Registration Form or call 919-460-3355 to receive one by mail or fax, or for more information.

• Family Programs
• Storytime for Tots
• Homeschool and Track-Out Programs
• Special Events

Family Programs
(Don't let the name fool you...adults are welcome and children are not required.)

Preregistration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted.

Birding with Vernon
1st Saturday of each month (unless otherwise stated), 8:30–10 a.m.
June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7
FREE; No preregistration required.
Meet at the Waterwise Garden (first parking lot on right).
Join our bird enthusiast, Vernon, for an easy walk while looking and listening for our feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats.

Crabtree Casters
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month (unless otherwise stated), 6:30–8 p.m.
June 5 & 19
FREE
Meet at the Boat Rental Dock.
Whether you already enjoy fishing or would like to learn how to fish, this program is for you! Join park staff for an informal fishing experience for the whole family. Bring your own poles or borrow one of ours through the Tackle Loaner Program. Bait and basic instruction are provided. All participants 16 years and older must have a valid NC fishing license to participate. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Turtle Power
Sunday, May 26, 1–3 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
Meet at the Beech Shelter.
Turtles are the oldest existing group of reptiles, having been around longer than lizards, snakes or crocodiles. This ancient order still survives today due to some amazing adaptations. We'll learn about turtles and go in search of wild turtles in their natural habitat.

Year of the Snake
Saturday, June 8, 1–3 p.m.
FREE (In honor of NC PARC's Year of the Snake)
Meet at the White Oak Shelter.
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2013 is the Year of the Snake. Come celebrate with us by exploring the beauty of snakes and getting the truth behind some popular snake myths. Enjoy a visit with the calm park snake, Corny, while we talk about how the only good snake is a live snake.

Summer Tree ID
Sunday, June 9, 1–3 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
Meet at the White Oak Shelter.
Always wondered what the trees in your yard are, but can't tell the difference between an oak and a pine? Then this is the program for you! We'll learn how to use a dichotomous key then walk around the park to practice identifying some common species.

Sunset Canoe Trip
Friday, June 14, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
$5/person or $10/canoe (Max. 2 adults, 1 child per canoe)
Meet at the Boat Rental Facility.
Join park staff for a canoe tour of Lake Crabtree. Learn basic paddling techniques, look for birds and other wildlife along the shore, and see the park from a new perspective. All paddling and safety equipment is provided by the park. Ages 7 to adult.

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Storytime for Tots
Discover nature, beginning with a story, followed by outdoor, hands-on nature exploration. Each program will end with a fun activity or craft to take home. Come prepared to actively participate with your child. First Wednesday of each month. Programs run from 1–2 p.m. at the Beech Shelter. Cost is $4 per child, or sign up for three programs for $10. Preregistration is required. Ages 2–5.

All Pupa'd Out
by David Kirk
Wednesday, June 5, 1–2 p.m.
Miss Spider is back and, along with her insect friends, takes in a newborn caterpillar. Share in one of nature's most magical moments as Cookie the caterpillar undergoes an amazing transformation. After the story, we'll learn more about caterpillars and butterflies and visit our butterfly garden.

I Love Bugs
by Philemon Sturges
Wednesday, July 3, 1–2 p.m.
Come explore the amazing world of bugs! You'll meet bugs that crawl, fly, hop, burrow and more. After the story we'll go on a bug safari and make a bug to take home.
 
The Barn Owls
by Tony Johnston
Wednesday, August 7, 1–2 p.m.
Learn all about the mysterious Barn Owl and its habits. We'll also learn about the other owls that call North Carolina home and how to identify them. Participants will see owl feathers and pellets up close, and make an owl puppet.
 
An Earthworm's Life
by John Himmelman
Wednesday, September 4, 1–2 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why earthworms come out after it rains? Or how they get around with no legs? We'll learn all about earthworms and why they are so important to us. Participants will meet real earthworms and perform experiments with them. We'll also peek into our worm bin to see worms at work.