Spirit Masks, Turkey Talk and More at North Bend State Park Events scheduled through July 6, 2012

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – If anyone needs an “excuse” to visit North Bend State Park, the diverse outdoor activities planned for early July are reason enough. 

“It’s all about getting families outdoors and staying active,” said Ken Zebo, North Bend State Park naturalist and activities coordinator.  “If the programs we offer at North Bend impact a life because something is learned or a topic creates a lifelong interest, then it’s all good.”

Activities include hikes, plant pounding (transferring plant pigments onto paper), herp hunts, cornhole, Wild about Wild Turkeys and ghost story hikes.  Special programs include Geology Rocks with Geologist Ken Ashton, Stepping Stones Band and W.Va. Snakes with Jim Fregonara.  

North Bend also offers a youth program called Young People for Parks (YPP).  Many YPP activities allow youth to earn a patch and certificate. “Youth 6-16 are invited to participate in a minimum of three nature-based learning activities,” Zebo said.  Adults are also welcome on YPP activities. “Nature is wondrous regardless of age.”

All activities are free and open to the public.  North Bend State Park lodge is offering 35 percent off room rates July 1 – 5.  North Bend State Park is located in Ritchie County near Cairo, W.Va. and Harrisville W.Va.  For information about park accommodations, hiking trails, lake and fishing, camping and the North Bend Rail Trail, visit www.northbendsp.com or call 304-643-2931.

Schedule of Events for North Bend State Park, June 27 – July 5, 2012

Wednesday, June 27

• 11:30 a.m. – Nature Center Open – 11:30a.m. – 1:30p.m. – Come inside for a chance to meet some of our wildlife friends. Take a look around and marvel at the mysteries of nature.
• 2 p.m. – Origami – Learn the Japanese art of folding paper and transform a flat sheet into a work of art. Make an animal to decorate and take home. Meet at the Nature Center. (1 hour)
• 3:30 p.m. – Herp Hunt – Hunt for our reptile friends and learn about the differences between reptiles and amphibians. We’ll hike to spot them in the wild. Meet at the Nature Center. (1 hour) YPP event
• 5 p.m. – Volleyball Game – Enjoy a game of volleyball on our sand court. Bring your friends. We will meet at the volleyball court by the amphitheater. (1 hour)

Thursday, June 28

• 10:30 a.m. – Nature Center Open – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• 1 p.m. – Animal Craft – Learn how to make your own animals by reusing items around your house. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Materials provided. We will meet at the Nature Center. (1 hour)
• 3 p.m. – Skulls and Skins – Turn the animal kingdom inside out and outside in. Explore skeletons, skulls and pelts of our local animal residents. Meet at the Nature Center. (1 hour) YPP event
• 4:30 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt – Become a nature super sleuth as you hunt for items in this nature-friendly scavenger hunt. We will meet at the Nature Center. (1 hour) YPP event

Friday, June 29

• 1:30 p.m. – Nature Center Open – 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• 4 p.m. – Hibbs Cemetery Hike – Learn some West Virginia flora and fauna as you hike the trail to Hibbs Cemetery. Constant grade and great views. Meet at River Run Campground. (1 hour) YPP event
• 5:30 p.m. –Cornhole – Challenge your friends and the park staff to an exciting game of cornhole. We will meet at the Nature Center. (1 hour)
• 7:30 p.m. – Geology Rocks! (Presentation) – Join Ken Ashton, a geologist with the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey, and find out what rocks make up the Mountain State. Meet at the Lodge Conference Room. (1 hour) YPP event

Saturday, June 30

• 10 a.m. – Geology Rocks! (Hike) – Join Ken Ashton, a geologist with the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey, and find out what rocks make up the Mountain State. We will meet at the Overlook Trail trailhead, across from Cabin 1. (1 hour, 1.2 miles) YPP event
• Noon – Nature Center Open – Noon – 2 p.m.
  
• 2 p.m. – Creeping, Crawling Crayfish – Experience the miniature world of crayfish in our creeks and streams. See if you can catch one and take a peek! Meet at the Nature Center. (1 hour) YPP event
• 3:30 p.m. – Fishing Derby – Bring your own poles and we’ll supply the bait. Certificates will be given to lucky anglers. We will meet at the pond by River Run Campground. (1 hour) YPP event

Monday, July 2

• 9:30 a.m. – Nature Center Open – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Noon – Orienteering – Learn how to find your way in the woods using a map and a compass.  Materials and tools provided.  We will meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP event
• 1:30 p.m. – Spirit Animal Masks – Learn what your spirit animal is and make a mask to show it off!  Explore Native Americans and the link with spirit animals.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour)  YPP event
• 3 p.m. – Southern Railroad Trail Hike – Follow the old Harrisville Southern Railroad grade that now connects River Run Campground to the base of the dam.  Learn about the wildlife and vegetation along the way.  We will meet at River Run Campground.  (1 hour, 1.5 miles) YPP event

Tuesday, July 3

• 9 a.m. – Nature Center Open – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• 11:30 a.m. – Tree Walk – Take a walk with the park naturalist and learn about some of the native trees of West Virginia.  This trail is paved and easy to walk.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP event
• 1 p.m. – Wild about Wild Turkeys – Come talk turkey with the park naturalist and learn about these unique birds that inhabit our forests.  A great program for kids and adults of all ages.  We will meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP event
• 2:30 p.m. – Whiffle-ball Game – Round up your friends and come out to play America’s favorite backyard game!  We will meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP event

Wednesday, July 4

• 9:30 a.m. – Bird Walk – Join the park naturalist in taking a closer look into the world of birds.  Binoculars and field guides are recommended but not required.  Meet at the lodge.  (1 hour) YPP event
• 11 a.m. – Venom and Poison – Learn what not to touch in the woods.  Join the park naturalist in learning how to identify dangerous plants and animals.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP event
• 1:30 p.m. – Nature Center Open – 1:30 pm – 3:30 p.m.
• 3:30p.m. – Sand Art – Use your imagination to create a beautiful work of art out of sand.  Sketch out your picture, trace it with glue and sprinkle it with sand.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour)

Thursday, July 5

• 10 a.m. – Hibbs Cemetery Hike
• 11:30 a.m. – Herp Hunt – Join the hunt for our reptile friends!  Learn about the differences between amphibians and reptiles, frogs and toads, and turtles and tortoises.  We will take a hike to spot them in the wild and maybe handle a few.  We will meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP event
• 1 p.m. – Nature Center Open – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• 3 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt
• 5:30 p.m. – Irish Road Bowling – You don’t have to be Irish or a bowler to enjoy this sport.  Come check out the most popular game at West Virginia State Parks!  No experience or equipment necessary.  Closed-toe shoes are required.  We will meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour)

Friday, July 6

• 10:30 a.m. – Creeping, Crawling Crayfish
• Noon – Nature Center Open – Noon – 2 p.m.
• 2:30 p.m. – Cornhole
• 5 p.m. – Tunnel 13 Hike – Experience the great outdoors with a slice of history mixed in. The trail is less than 1 mile long, flat, and easy to walk on. You will see an oil / gas well, Tunnel 13, and wildlife and vegetation along the trail.  We will meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP event
• 7:30 p.m. – Stepping Stone Band – Celebrate our country’s independence with this local group of talented musicians.  Listen to top 40 hits, country and soft rock favorites under the stars.  Stepping Stone will be performing at the amphitheater.  (2 hours)