Mid-summer activities at North Bend State Park July 16-21

            CAIRO, W.Va. – Midway into the summer, participation in outdoor activities might begin to wilt under the temperatures, but it’s the opposite situation at North Bend State Park.  “We are seeing more and more people attending nature programs,” said Ken Zebo, park naturalist.  Zebo’s activities encourage all ages to learn about the outdoors and area history at North Bend State Park and in Ritchie County.  Summer activities at North Bend are open to the public and without charge.

            Here’s what’s happening at North Bend State Park, July 16-21.  Watch the park’s website at www.northbendsp.com/activities.html for frequent postings of things to do.

            All programs will start on time, and will not be canceled due to rain. Lightning, however, will cancel an activity.  Children under 6 must bring an adult with them to participate in activities.  Please wear proper attire to participate in programs.

Monday, July 16

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)
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)
1:30 – 3:30 p.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.
3:30 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt – Become a nature super sleuth as you hunt for items in this nature-friendly scavenger hunt.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour)

Tuesday, July 17

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.  – Nature Center Open
11:30 a.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)
2 p.m. – Herp Hunt – Join the hunt for our reptile friends and learn about the differences between amphibians and reptiles.  Hike to spot them in the wild!  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour)
3:30 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)

Wednesday, July 18

10:30 a.m. – Spirit Animal Masks - Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour) 
12 - 2 p.m. – Nature Center Open
2:30 p.m. – Orienteering – Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour)
4 p.m. – Wild About Wild Turkeys – Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour)
5:30 p.m. – Tunnel 13 Hike – Experience the great outdoors with a spice of history mixed in. The trail is flat and easy to walk on.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour, 1 mile)

Thursday, July 19

10 a.m. – Creek Critters – Put on your water shoes and 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)
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Nature Center Open
2 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)
3:30 p.m. – Cornhole – Challenge your friends and the park staff to an exciting game of cornhole.  We will have a tournament if participation allows.  Meet at the Nature Center.  (1 hour)
5 p.m. – Southern Railroad Trail Hike – Follow the Southern Railroad Grade that now connects River Run Campground to the dam. Meet at River Run Campground.  (1 hour, 1.5 miles)

Friday, July 20

North Bend hosts the 34th Annual International Sports Jamboree.  This event engages physically challenged youth in the field of recreation. It has created opportunities through the sponsorship and commitment of dedicated volunteers.
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 2 – 4:30 p.m. – Nature Center Open

Saturday, July 21

North Bend hosts the 34th Annual International Sports Jamboree. 
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 2 – 4:30 p.m. – Nature Center Open