Winter 2017-18 Programs at Blue Jay Point County Park

Pre-registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. Online registration ends 3 days before a program. Call (919) 870-4330 to check on

space availability/ability to register less than 3 days in advance.

Bird Olympics Monday, February 19, 10-11 a.m.

We’ve decided that “counting is for the birds” this year and want to celebrate the Great Backyard Bird Count by playing fun and

active outdoor games to learn about bird behavior. Join Blue Jay staff for a rollicking good time! Many games and activities will be

best suited for ages 5 and up, though we will have some fun things especially for the wee ones. This program is FREE in honor of the

Great Backyard Bird Count, but pre-registration is required. (Traditional Calendar Teacher Workday)

Going on a Bear Hunt Saturday, March 24, 2-3 p.m.

Don’t be afraid! Bring your favorite stuffed bear to Blue Jay for an interactive hike using all five senses to learn about Black Bears.

Enjoy part scavenger hunt, part adventure, and a whole lot of fun. This Family Program is for ages 5 and up.

Eye of Newt Thursday, March 29 2—3 p.m.

Join Blue Jay staff as we delve into the watery world of a special kind of salamander, the Eastern Red-Spotted Newt.

Join us for a story, game, and dip-netting for newts In our study pond.

(Traditional Calendar Spring Break!)

Family Wildlife Series

Family Program fee structure: $1/participant unless otherwise noted and everyone present must be registered. Children under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult. (Don’t forget—“kids are not required”—

unaccompanied adults are always welcome in our family programs!) Pre-registration is required unless otherwise stated.

Winter Wonders Saturday, January 15, 1-2:30 p.m.

Join Blue Jay staff as we look for signs of winter animal activity on this frosty afternoon hike. Create your own animal-themed

snowflake to take home! All participants must be independently mobile or in child backpacks. No strollers please!

Stamping Around Blue Jay Saturday, January 29, 2-3:30 p.m.

Ever wondered what letterboxing is? Well now is your chance to learn all about it and give it a try--we might even find our special

BJP letterbox. Letterboxing is a bit like geocaching, but uses puzzle solving and your brain instead of technology! Bundle up for this

mostly outside program.

“Habitat Olympics”Winter Open House Saturday, February 3, 1-4p.m.

Many participants in Blue Jay’s school programs can tell you all about the components of “habitat”—food, water, shelter, space and air—things all animals (including us) need to live and grow.

Join us as we celebrate Habitat and all its parts through Olympic-themed activities—something for all ages!

See more info on page 6. No pre-registration is required.

Nature at Night Friday, February 9, 6-7 p.m.

Put on your best “sneaking feet” for a nighttime hike down to the lake. Learn what critters are active at night and how we know!

This Family Program is for ages 5 and up.

Register and Pay ONLINE for Public Programs! http://www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/public

Recycle your holiday tree to mulch trails at Wake County Parks. Drop off your undecorated holiday

trees at one of the following parks:

Blue Jay Point County Park 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh

Harris Lake County Park 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill Lake Crabtree County Park

1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville

Trees may be dropped off December 26—January 28

More info: www.wakegov.com/recycling/division/Pages/happytrails.aspx 1

Nature Stories

Theme-related stories and activities for parent and child aged 3 - 5 years and their grownups! $4/child/program. Nature

Stories is a great way for us to get to know each other before Eco-Kids Summer Mini-camps! (now enrolling—see page 3)

Just Chillin’ Wednesday, January 17 1 – 2 p.m. Have a “snowy” blast with snow stories and snowflake crafts! Who knows—maybe there really WILL be snow outside!

Oh Deer! Wednesday, February 21 1-2 p.m.

Listen to a special story about these large mammals and play a game to learn how Whitetail Deer communicate.

Looking at Logs Wednesday, March 14 1 – 2 p.m. Think about logs as being critter condos! Listen to a story that explores the world of a fallen log and complete a simple craft to take home.

Get monthly program reminders by subscribing to the Blue Jay Flyer e-newsletter (go to the bottom of Blue Jay’s homepage).

Get weekly program reminders by “liking” us on Facebook!

Nature Peekers

A monthly program series for very young children ages 18mo – 3 yrs (and their grownups!) where we listen to a story, practice developmentally appropriate skills, interact with other youngsters and enjoy nature OUTSIDE if possible (and indoors if needed). $2 per child/ per 30 min. program.

Snowballs Tuesday, January 16, 10:30-11a.m.

When it’s snowing, there’s only one thing to do: Pull on some mittens and head outside. Snowballs by Lois

Ehlert, a seasonal classic, is just perfect for winter!

From Head to Toe

Tuesday, Feb 6, 10:30-11a.m. Giraffes can bend their necks, monkeys can wave their hands, and donkeys can kick their legs. And so can you! The animals of From Head to Toe by Eric Carle invite young readers to copy their antics as they play.

Is Your Mama a Llama? Tuesday, March 27, 10:30-11a.m.

Help Lloyd the Llama discovers what kind of animal his mama really is as he asks his other animal friends for help in this

delightful book Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino.

It’s Not Too Late!

Openings are still available for Scout Saturday Programs— Monthly themed programs especially for Scout groups are available on selected Saturdays. Some programs are “requirement oriented” while others are “background oriented” enabling scout groups to continue work on their own. Programs last 1 hour and cost $25 for a

group of up to 15 Scouts. Additional service projects and learning opportunities under leader guidance are frequently available in conjunction with a specific Scout Saturday program so you can make an afternoon out of it!

Advance registration required--call (919) 870-4330 for space availability and specific topics covered for your particular scout group.

January 9 Geology February 20 Geology

March 12 Wildlife May 14 Forestry

Program times are 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.

Register and Pay ONLINE for Public Programs! http://www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/public

Pre-registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. Online registration ends 3 days before a program. Call (919) 870-4330 to check on space availability/ability to register less than 3 days in advance.

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Save the Date for

Songbird Celebration Saturday, April 28, 2018

11 a.m.—3 p.m.

Songbird Celebration is an annual special event

celebrating the return of migratory songbirds and in honor

of International Migratory Bird Day. It is a FREE festival

for bird lovers of all ages, and a great outing for families,

Scouts and other youth groups. Enjoy bird-related activities

throughout the park, including games and crafts, preschool

storytimes, bird hikes for adults and kids, learning stations

and more!

2018 Summer Mini-Camps

Eco-Kids Animal Babies

June 11, 13, & 15 9 – 11 a.m. or 1 – 3 p.m. For 4-5’s Fee: $25 (track 1, traditional, homeschool) Animal babies come in many forms, from the cute fox kit to the interesting larvae of dragonflies. Come learn about the similarities and differences of the many

different animal babies. Terrific Trees

June 18, 20 and 22 9 a.m.-1p.m.

For 6 - 8’s. Fee: $48 ( track 1, traditional, homeschool) Join other junior foresters as we delve into the world of trees

from roots to canopy, make recycled paper, print leafy bandanas, and explore the surrounding forest.

There’s an Owl in the Shower June 25, 27, and 29 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (with an optional Owl Prowl

on Wed June 27 from 8:30-9:30 p.m.) For 9-12’s Fee: $72 (track 1, traditional, homeschool) Campers will explore owl ecology, field guide use, endangered species, comparisons of ecosystems, environ-mental ethics, and more while enjoying hikes, games, and crafts. Campers are expected to read There’s an Owl in the Shower (another great book by My Side of the Mountain au-thor Jean Craighead George prior to attending camp. Loaner books will be available for check-out upon registration.

Eco-Kids Aquatic Adventures

July 9, 11, & 13 9 – 11a.m. or 1 – 3 p.m. For 4-5 ‘s Fee: $25 (track 4, traditional, homeschool).

Frogs and newts and water bugs—oh my! Meet many kinds of aquatic critters as we explore Blue Jay Point’s pond, streams,

and shores of Falls Lake. We’ll also spend time learning about all things aquatic through crafts, stories, snacks, and more!

Wild About Water

July 16, 18 & 20 9 a.m.-Noon or 1 -4 p.m.

For 6 -8’s Fee: $36 (track 4, traditional, homeschool) Cool off and drink the same water that dinosaurs drank! Water captures our fancy this week as we explore the water cycle through land-based water games, get acquainted with the Blue Jay pond and the pretty slick critters that live there, focus on fish and our local aquatic food webs, and conduct fun water experiments with this all-important liquid.

Eco-Kids Incredible Insects

August 6, 8 & 10 1 – 3 p.m.

For 4-5’s Fee: $25 (track 3, traditional, homeschool) Ladybugs, butterflies, and dragonflies are just some of the

amazing insects that live all around us. How are they alike? How are they different? Come explore Blue Jay Point

habitats as we seek them out. Listen to creepy-crawly stories; make some critter crafts; and enjoy yummy buggy snacks.

Blue Jay’s Winter Open House

Habitat Olympics!

Saturday, February 3, 2018 1p.m. - 4p.m.

Many participants in Blue Jay’s school programs can tell

you all about the components of “habitat”—food, water,

shelter, space and air—things all animals (including us)

need to live and grow. Join us as we celebrate Habitat and

all its parts through Olympic-themed activities—something

for all ages! Try your hand at the Big Air Stacking

Challenge, Olympic Speed Weeding, and the Olympic Ring

Stamp-ede. Learn about the importance of water quality

and some nearby unique aquatic environments. Take part

in the Olympic Amphibian Anthem or go on a StoryWalk™,

and play a game to learn how you can improve water

quality. Help improve shelter for people by becoming a

Blanketeer to help us make blankets to donate to Project

Linus. Bring shelf stable food items between January 15

and February 15 to help us meet the goal of a 200 lbs food

donation for Food Bank of NC. Talk to our agency exhibitors

about important things that can improve OUR habitat.

Warm up by the Olympic Cauldron while enjoying hot

cocoa and cookies. This is a great FREE winter Saturday

outing with a combination of indoor and outdoor activities

for families, scout groups, and adults.

No pre-registration is required.

Register and Pay ONLINE for Public Programs! http://www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/public

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Adult Workshops Register for these adult workshops ONLINE (under Public Programs on Blue Jay’s website) Be SURE to include your

mobile phone number in case of weather emergency or instructor illness.

Introduction to Trail Cameras Thursday, January 18, 2018

9 a.m.—1 p.m. This workshop will introduce participants to trail cameras and their many uses for exploring and monitoring wildlife populations. Participants will learn how to program and deploy a variety of popular trail cameras, as well as how

to download and interpret trail camera photos. The workshop will also explore citizen science opportunities such as the Candid Critters program, and discuss the use

of trail cameras in research conducted by NC Wildlife Resources Commission staff. This workshop will be held

at Blue Jay Point County Park and is eligible for 4 hours of Criteria II or III credit towards the NC Environmental

Education Certification, and school teachers receive 0.4 CEU credits. Free, but pre-registration is required

Flying WILD Thursday April 5, 2018

9 a.m.—4 p.m. Flying WILD professional development workshops are

designed with urban/suburban educators in mind. Each training session provides formal and non-formal teachers of K-12 students with a comprehensive overview of Flying WILD: An Educator's Guide to Celebrating Birds, as well

as practical hands-on training in its implementation. Workshop facilitators also share information about

migratory birds and their conservation needs and help participants become networked into the bird

conservation community in their community. Each participating educator receives a complimentary copy of Flying WILD: An Educator's Guide to Celebrating Birds

and a certificate indicating 6-hours of professional development training upon completion of the workshop. This workshop is approved for Criteria I credit in the NC EE Certification program. Bring a bag lunch and drink. Adult Workshop, FREE but preregistration required.

S e r i o u s S k i l l s

f o r A d u l t s

Whether you are an outdoor buff wanting to hone your skills, or a dabbler that would just like to try something new, come hang

with the Blue Jay staff and work on some Serious Skills!

Letterboxing 101 Saturday, January 27

9—Noon

Letterboxing is an intriguing pastime combining artistic ability with delightful "treasure-hunts" in parks, cities,

historical areas and more around the world. Participants seek out hidden letterboxes by cracking codes and following clues; this 160 year old game is

actually the precursor to geocaching! We’ll spend a few hours getting acquainted with the in’s and out’s of

letterboxing, try carving your own stamp and find a few letterboxes right here at Blue Jay! This workshop has

been approved for Criteria II or III credit for participants in the NC EE Certification program.

$15/person includes logbook and stamp

Winter Tree ID Saturday, February 24

9 a.m.-Noon

Learn how to identify trees in the winter. Demystify buds, leaf scars and bud scales! You will learn hands-on

techniques to help you identify trees while in the classroom and then take off into the woods to practice

skills. 3 hours Fee: $15 includes two tree ID books. Criteria II or III, or CE credit is available for participants

in the NC EE Certification Program.

Winter 2017-18 Programs continued Blue Jay Point County Park

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Blue Jay Point County Park 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd. Raleigh, NC 27614

Blue Jay Point has several opportunities for teen volunteers interested in gaining Community Service Credit, completing school requirements, learning more about environmental education or simply being good stewards. If you like people

and nature check out these . . . Adults are welcome too!

**All Volunteers MUST pre-register and bring a completed

Volunteer Service Agreement and Release Form**

Register at bluejaypoint@wakegov.com Volunteer Forms are available at www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay

Questions? Call (919) 870-4330

Craft Materials Preparation Workdays

Saturday, February 10, 2018 Volunteer shift 2 p.m.—4 p.m.

Saturday, March 3, 2018 Volunteer shift 2 p.m.—4 p.m.

Help prepare crafts and materials for upcoming summer camps, family festivals and

educational programs.

Winter Open House Saturday, February 3, 2018 Volunteer shift: 12:30 p.m.—4:30 p.m.

“Habitat Olympics” is the theme for this year’s Winter Open House. Family festival.

Help with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and crafts. Must have excellent

people skills!

Songbird Celebration Family Festival

Saturday, April 28, 2018 Choice of volunteer shifts—

10 a.m.—4 p.m. 10a.m.—1p.m.

1 p.m.—4 p.m. 3p.m.—5p.m. (event clean-up)

Help us celebrate International Migratory Bird Day and the return of our feathered

friends. Opportunities include running game booths, activities and craft tables.

Register ONLINE for these Volunteer Opportunities at

www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/Pages/volunteer.aspx

Summer Camp Helpers

Volunteer for as little as one 3 day mini-camp—contact us for more info.

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Join us as we celebrate Habitat and all its parts— Food, Water, Shelter, Space and Air

This year, let’s provide food for others! Bring in nutritional, non-perishable food for donation to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. Please check www.foodbankcenc.org or

www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/events for a list of most-needed items (and things not to bring).

We will collect food donations from January 15—February 15 for delivery to FBCENC.

Do the Olympic Ring Stampede Participate in Olympic Speed Weeding

“Give back” with a Food Bank donation

Help make blankets for Project Linus!

Go on a StoryWalk™

See Live Animals

Talk to experts on habitat topics!

Be part of the Olympic Amphibian Anthem Try your hand at the Big Air Stacking Challenge

Make a hydroponic planter in Freestyle Gardening

Learn about exciting local aquatic habitats

Enjoy Hot Cocoa & Cookies

Winter Open HouseWinter Open HouseWinter Open House

Join us for theJoin us for the

Blue Jay Point County ParkBlue Jay Point County Park

Habitat Habitat OlympicsOlympics

Saturday, February 3, 2018

1— 4 p.m.

Fun for all ages, rain or shine!

3200 Pleasant Union Church Road Raleigh, NC 27614 (919) 870-4330 bluejaypoint@wakegov.com

A printable Winter Open House flyer is available at www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/events 6