Programs

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.

Programs given on-site are $25/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 program. Please download a copy of our Registration Form or call 919-460-3390 to receive one by mail or fax, or for more information.

Storytime for Tots

Discover nature, beginning with a story, followed by outdoor, hands-on nature exploration. 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 Beech Shelter. Cost is $4 per child, or sign up for all three for $10. Preregistration is required.

“Eaglet’s World” by Evelyn Minshull
Wednesday, March 7, 10–11 a.m.
Eaglet’s world starts out cozy and safe, but little by little he is faced with challenges and the scary world beyond his nest. See how he changes and grows throughout the book. After the story we’ll walk to the lake to look for eagles and learn more about these amazing birds of prey.

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. Preregistration is required. Each lesson is two hours and meets at the Beech Shelter *(Unless otherwise noted). These programs are open to students ages 5–12.

Life in a Log
Monday, March 26, 1–3 p.m.
Trees play an important role in a variety of habitats, whether they are alive or dead. We’ll focus on the importance of fallen logs and standing dead trees in the environment, and the various animals that depend on them for survival. By exploring trees in the park, participants will get an up-close look at insects, birds, and other tree-dwelling animals. We’ll also discuss the role of decomposers in a forest ecosystem.

Family Programs

Preregistration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted.

Birding with Vernon
1st Saturday of each month, 8:30 a.m.
January 7, February 4, March 3
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.

Eagle Count
Wednesday, January 18, 7–8:30 a.m.
FREE
Meet at the Manager’s Office.
Join park staff in collecting data for the state and national count of Bald Eagles. Participants will be allowed in the park before we open, and will be staged at various locations around the lake. No prior experience required. Enjoy a light breakfast and shade-grown coffee after the count.

Night Hike
Friday, March 30, 7–9 p.m.
$3/person or $5/family
Meet at the Amphitheater.
Explore the park after dark! Learn about night vision, and how diurnal (active during the day) and nocturnal animals use their senses. Discover what animals are active after dark, and enjoy the unique experience of hiking in the park after hours. Bring your flashlight and a sense of adventure!

Special Events

14th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an annual, 4-day event that gives birdwatchers of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to gather data to help scientists determine current bird populations. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or someone who would like to learn more about our local birds, the GBBC is for you! The following events and programs are FREE in celebration of the Great Backyard Bird Count:

Bird Expo
Stop by the Manager’s Office.
Join park staff and volunteers for a variety of activities, crafts and information booths about birds and bird conservation. Make bird feeders out of reusable materials, tour our wildlife garden for ideas on attracting birds to your yard or workplace, go on one of our bird walks to help count birds in the park, and much more! Stop by the manager’s office during the hours below to take part in the fun. No preregistration required.

Saturday, February 18, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sunday, February 19, noon–5 p.m.

GBBC Bird Walks
Meet at the Waterwise Garden (1st parking lot).
Help park staff and volunteers collect data for Lake Crabtree’s “backyard” bird list. These walks are great for experts and beginners alike! Share your birdwatching knowledge with others, learn how to identify common birds in our area, and meet other bird enthusiasts. All walks will be led by park staff and volunteers who are eager to share their love of birds. Bring your own binoculars and field guides or borrow them from the park. No preregistration required.
Walks start at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the following days:

Friday, February 17
Saturday, February 18
Sunday, February 19
Monday, February 20

Big Sweep
Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m.–noon
Meet at the Boat Rental Complex (tower).
Join volunteers around the globe and help clean the world’s waterways. Teams will pick up trash along the shore of Lake Crabtree and its connecting creeks. Gloves, bags and other supplies are provided by the park. We’ll raffle off prizes and learn why it’s important to educate others about litter. Individuals and groups are welcome. Call 919-460-2723 to sign up or for more information. Make a difference in your community!

Educational Adult Workshops

No Workshops scheduled at this time.