North Bend State Park Events scheduled through July 14, 2012

            CAIRO, W.Va. – North Bend State Park is open following the strong storms of recent weeks. Fun family activities are underway through the week of July 10-14. 

            Activities include hikes, plant pounding (transferring plant pigments onto paper), Spirit Animal Masks, herp hunts (amphibians and reptiles), crafts, and Irish Road Bowing.  Special programs include Mountain Dancing with Lou Maiuri and West Virginia 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 ages 6 to 16 are invited to participate in a minimum of three nature-based learning activities,” said North Bend Park Naturalist Ken Zebo.  “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 is located in Ritchie County near Cairo and Harrisville.  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, July 10 - 17, 2012

Tuesday, July 10

9:30–11:30 a.m. – Nature Center Open   Come inside for a chance to meet some of our wildlife friends.  Take a look around and marvel at the mysteries of nature.

12 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

1:30 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

3:30 p.m. – Creeping, Crawling Crayfish    Experience the miniature world of crayfish in our local creeks and streams.  See if you can catch one and sneak a peek!  Be ready to get wet!  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP

Wednesday, July 11

9:30 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.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP

12 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

2–4 p.m. – Nature Center Open   

4 p.m. – Skulls and Skins    Turn the animal kingdom inside out and outside in.  Explore the skeletons, skulls, and pelts that make up our local animal residents.  Meet at the Nature Center. (1 hour)  YPP

5:30 p.m. – Volleyball Game   Enjoy a game of volleyball on our sand court.  Bring your friends.  Meet at the Volleyball Court by the Amphitheatre.  (1 hour)

Thursday, July 12

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Nature Center Open     

2:30 p.m. – Irish Road Bowling   Check out the most popular game at West Virginia State Parks!  No experience or equipment necessary.  Closed toe shoes are required.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour)

4 p.m. – Hawaiian Lei Craft    Get in touch with your inner islander and make a flowered lei just like one from the Aloha state.  Synthetic flowers and all materials provided.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) 

5 p.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 on.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP

6:30 p.m. – Nature Center Movie   “Planet Earth” showing at the Nature Center.  (45 min.)

Friday, July 13

1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Nature Center Open              

3:30 p.m. – Plant Pounding    Find your perfect plant and preserve it on cloth.  You can make a wall hanging or frame your creation.  Materials provided.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP

5 p.m. – Tunnel 13 Hike    Experience the great outdoors with a spice 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.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP

7:30 p.m. – Snakes Alive!   Join Jim Fregonara of the Division of Natural Resources and take a closer look into the amazing world of snakes.  He will bring several West Virginia snakes to look at and learn about!  Get an up close look at these fascinating and sometimes misunderstood creatures.  All ages welcome.  Jim will be presenting in the Lodge Conference Room.  (1 hour) YPP

Saturday, July 14

10:30 a.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

12:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Nature Center Open            

3 p.m. – Creek Critters    Put on your water shoes and be ready to get wet!  Take a look at the small world of critters that inhabit our local creeks and streams.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP

4:30 p.m. – Orienteering    Learn how to find your way in the woods through using a map and a compass.  Materials and tools provided.  We will meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) YPP

5:30 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) YPP

7:30 p.m. – Dancin’ with Lou   Mountain Dancer Lou Maiuri is once again touring West Virginia State Parks promoting the timeless tradition of Mountain Dance.  All ages are encouraged to come to this fun, interactive and entertaining square dance performance.  (1 ½ - 2 hours)