Storytime for Tots
Discover nature, beginning with a story, followed by outdoor, hands-on nature exploration. The 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 10-11 a.m. at the White Oak shelter. Cost is $4 per child. Preregistration is required.
“Raccoon at Clear Creek Road” by Carolyn B. Otto
Wednesday, September 2, 10-11 a.m.
Learn all about the life and behaviors of one of our mysterious mammals. Discover what makes mammals unique by touching and seeing skulls, furs, and other items. Make a raccoon mask and look for mammal evidence on a hike.
“Animals in Camouflage” by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes
Wednesday, October 7, 10-11 a.m.
Learn all about how and why animals use camouflage in this “hide and seek” style book. Discover which animals at Lake Crabtree use camouflage and see how many critters you can find on the hide and seek hike!
“Bunny’s Noisy Book” by Margaret Wise Brown
Wednesday, November 4, 10-11 a.m.
One sunny morning, in a bright and busy meadow, Little Bunny wakes up. What does he hear? Be ready to make lots of noise and learn about the sounds of wildlife at Lake Crabtree. Make a wildlife noisemaker to take home with you. What animal will it sound like?
Homeschool and Track Out Programs
These programs are geared toward homeschool students, but are open to tracked-out students, as well. Cost is $8 per child. Each lesson is two hours and meets at the Beech shelter. These programs are open to students ages 5-12.
Fishing Frenzy
Monday, September 14, 10 a.m.-noon
Learn how to fish using equipment from the park’s Tackle Loaner Program. We’ll learn more about the biology and habitat of the fish of Lake Crabtree, and how to be a responsible fisherman. Discover why fishing at Lake Crabtree is catch and release only, and how you can help improve water quality.
Raptor Round Up
Monday, October 5, 1-3 p.m.
Discover the amazing features of birds of prey. Learn how to identify our common hawks and owls. You’ll get to touch feathers, talons and skulls, and dissect an owl pellet. Learn about the feeding habits and habitats of these amazing birds through a variety of activities and games.
Wild About Water!
Tuesday, November 10, 1-3 p.m.
What is the water cycle and why is it important? How can you conserve water every day? What are the properties of water that make it so unique? Answer these questions and more while getting wet and having fun!
Kids' Day Off
These programs are offered on teacher workdays (or holidays) and are open to all kids ages 5 to 12. Cost is $12 per child. Each session lasts three hours and meets at the Beech shelter. Preregistration is required. Please make sure your child has a water bottle and wears closed-toe shoes.
Tracks and Scat
Monday, September 28, 1-3 p.m.
Learn how to identify several different animal tracks and discover what other signs and clues to look for when you hike. Find out what “scat” is, and what it can tell you about an animal. Make an animal track to take home, and then go on a hike to test your new skills. **The fee for this program is waived in honor of Take A Child Outside Week (September 24-30, 2009).
Family Programs
September
Crabtree Casters
Wednesday, September 2, 6:30-8 p.m.
Meet at the Boat Rental parking lot.
Join us after work for an evening of fishing and fun. Bring your own fishing pole or borrow one of ours through our Tackle Loaner Program. Bring the kids and we’ll help them learn to cast a line as well. Bait is provided by the park. FREE!
Birding with Vernon
Saturday, September 5, 8:30 a.m.
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. Meet at the Waterwise Garden in the first gravel parking lot on the right No preregistration required. FREE!
Crabtree Casters
Wednesday, September 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
Meet at the Boat Rental parking lot.
Join us after work for an evening of fishing and fun. Bring your own fishing pole or borrow one of ours through our Tackle Loaner Program. Bring the kids and we’ll help them learn to cast a line as well. Bait is provided by the park. FREE!
Canoeing Lake Crabtree
Saturday, September 19, 9-11 a.m.
$5 per adult or $10 per canoe (a canoe can hold 3 people maximum)
Meet at the Boat Rental building.
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. If time allows, we’ll explore Crabtree Creek and look for signs of beaver and other lake residents.
Get Your Bearings
Sunday, September 20, 1-3 p.m.
$3 per person/$5 per family
Meet at the Beech shelter.
Leave your GPS at home and learn how to find your way using a compass and a map. You’ll learn all the basics of orienteering including reading bearings, topo maps, and more. Use your new skills on a treasure hunt around the park.
October
Birding with Vernon
Saturday, October 3, 8:30 a.m.
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. Meet at the Waterwise Garden in the first gravel parking lot on the right No preregistration required. FREE!
Canoeing Lake Crabtree
Sunday, October 25, 1-3 p.m.
$5 per adult or $10 per canoe (a canoe can hold 3 people maximum)
Meet at the Boat Rental building.
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. If time allows, we’ll explore Crabtree Creek, and look for signs of beaver and other lake residents.
November
Birding with Vernon
Saturday, November 7, 8:30 a.m.
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. Meet at the Waterwise Garden in the first gravel parking lot on the right No preregistration required. FREE!
Canoeing Lake Crabtree
Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
$5 per adult or $10 per canoe (a canoe can hold 3 people maximum)
Meet at the Boat Rental building.
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. If time allows, we’ll explore Crabtree Creek, and look for signs of beaver and other lake residents.
Amazing Owls
Sunday, November 15, 1-3 p.m.
$3 per person/$5 per family
Meet at the White Oak shelter.
Fun for the whole family! Learn about the unique adaptations of owls and find out which species call Lake Crabtree home. Discover what an “owl pellet” is, and see what’s hiding inside. You’ll learn how to identify common owls by their calls and learn about their habitats and food webs.
December
Birding with Vernon
Saturday, December 5, 8:30 a.m.
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. Meet at the Waterwise Garden in the first gravel parking lot on the right No preregistration required. FREE!