If
you would like to give back a little to the park join us for this program to
work on trail maintenance. Meet at
the Crowders Mountain State Park
Programs for November 2011
All
Programs typically last one to one and a half hours.
All
Programs are appropriate for children unless otherwise stated.
Auxiliary
aids require a seven day advanced notice.
Questions?
Call: 704.853.5375
White-tailed
Deer – King of the Forest
Saturday, November 5 – 5:00PM
By
far the largest animal in the forests of Crowders Mountain State Park the
white-tailed deer is a majestic member of our wildlife community.
This time of year is rutting season and the males have grown their
antlers to challenge each other. A
ranger will share with you many of the interesting facts about deer and may
include a short hike to see some of their tacks, rubs, scrapes, and other signs.
Meet at the visitor center, come rain or shine.
Fur,
Fangs, & Feathers Festival
Saturday, Nov. 12 – 10:00AM to 3:00PM
Our
most fantastic event of the year! Join
us for nature games and programs, make your own nature art print, build a
birdhouse, and buy a grilled hot dog lunch to support Friends of Crowders
Mountain. There will be arts and
crafts, gems, and other items for sale from local vendors.
See primitive fire building and knife sharpening skills’
demonstrations. The Crowders
Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue will teach you how to escape from
the “Smokehouse,” let you explore their rescue vehicles, and a special
vehicle will be on display from the Gastonia Police Department.
There will be free ranger-led programs, live music, and live animals from
the Carolina Raptor Center and The Schiele Museum of Natural History!
New this year is Catawba Indian dancing!
Come rain or shine; the Festival is free and open to all to enjoy a
beautiful fall day at the park with family and friends.
Volunteer
Trail Workday
Saturday, November 19 – 9:00am to 12:00pm
If
you would like to give back a little to the park join us for this program to
work on trail maintenance. Meet at
the visitor center lobby. Wear
hiking or work appropriate footwear and clothes, and bring gloves if you have
them. We will provide tools,
drinking water, and snacks. This
program is cancelled if it rains, the temperature is 92 degrees F or more, or if
other weather factors prevent working on the trails.
If in doubt call: Ranger Clawson at 704.853.5375.
Turkey
Day Turkey Talk
Saturday, November 19 – 9:00AM
Thanksgiving
Day is coming, gobble, gobble, and its fun to learn about the wild turkey…the
bird that started the tradition! A majestic and fascinating bird, the wild
turkey has a complex social structure, interesting breeding behaviors, and is a
common resident in our area. This program will fill you up on their interesting
natural history, and will be held rain or shine at the Visitor Center.
Programs
for December 2011
All
Programs typically last one to one and a half hours.
All
Programs are appropriate for children unless otherwise stated.
Auxiliary
aids require a seven day advanced notice.
Questions?
Call: 704.853.5375
Volunteer
Trail Workday
Saturday, December 3 – 9:00AM to
12:00PM
If
you would like to give back a little to the park join us for this program to
work on trail maintenance. Meet at
the
Off-Trail
Hike
Saturday, December 3 – 3:00 to 5:00PM
For
a change of pace come explore seldom visited areas of the Park while getting off
the official trails. This program is
best suited for older children and adults who do not mind a few spider webs, the
occasional briar patch, and moderate to difficult terrain.
Wear hiking or good walking shoes, and clothes appropriate for the
weather. Bring drinking water.
Meet at the
Star
Gazing at the Boulders
Saturday, December 10 – 6:30PM
Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences and arose from
people’s attempt to make sense of the vastness of the night sky.
Join a ranger to identify common constellations and hear the lore and
stories related to them. Meet at the
blanket.
Program is cancelled if it rains OR if it is cloudy.
Nature’s
Christmas Crafts
Saturday, December 17 – 2:00 PM
Join
a ranger to learn how to decorate for Christmas using nature’s ornaments!
Each person will be making an ornament, and are some are suitable for
attracting wildlife. All materials
will be provided, children must be accompanied by an adult, and be sure to come
rain or shine. Meet at the Visitor
Cente
