Contact: Debbie Davies, White Clay Creek State Park, phone:
 

White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center Announces Fall Programs

For more information, contact Debbie Davies at the Nature Center, 302-368-6900. White Clay Creek State Park is located off Route 896, three miles northwest of Newark.
All programs take place at the Nature Center unless otherwise noted. Park entrance fees are in effect until Oct. 31.

Hawk Count at Carpenter Recreation Area
Dates: Fridays, Sept. 2 – Nov. 18
Time: 1 -3 p.m.
Hawks can appear at White Clay Creek State Park at any time of year, but in fall the sky fills with migrating hawks making long-distance trips between their breeding grounds and winter residences. To learn more about becoming a member of the park’s volunteer hawk watch team, call the Nature Center at 302-368-6560 or drop by the Carpenter Recreation Area on a Friday afternoon. To learn more about hawk watching in the park, visit www.destateparks.com. 

Hawk Identification Workshop
Dates: Saturday, Sept. 10
Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
Cost: $6
Have you ever wondered what the large bird soaring overhead was? Along with other resident and migratory birds, hawks, eagles and vultures fly above us. In this class you will learn the basics of identifying these and other raptors in flight. We will begin with an instruction period using silhouettes, taxidermy and slides to learn the differences between the major hawk groups. Afterward, we will search for these majestic creatures from one of the park’s hilltops. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with advanced notice. Otherwise, please bring your own. You will also need to bring a brown-bag lunch and beverage. There is a program fee of $6 per person which must be paid at the time of registration. Call the park office to register, 302 368-6900.

Nature Nuggets
Dates: Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, and Feb. 20
Time: 10:30 am
Cost: $3
Back by popular demand, this discovery program for young children explores a different nature topic each month and includes a special craft or activity that will intrigue your child. This program is recommended for children ages 3 to 5 years. A guardian must accompany each child. Group size is limited, so participants must pre-register. The program cost is $3 per child. Call the park office to register, 302, 368-6900.

Junior Explorers (ages 6-9) 1 – 2 p.m., $4 per class plus material fee, if needed
Senior Explorers (ages 9-15) 2:30-4 p.m., $4.50 per class plus material fee, if needed
Selected Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept.14
Explore the wonders of the natural world and science with hands-on experiences both at the nature center and out in the park. Topics include beavers, owls, weather, micro studies, geology and much more! This program corresponds to home school curriculums and fills quickly. Advanced registration is required. A MINIMUM OF 12 STUDENTS IS REQUIRED FOR EACH CLASS. Prices vary according to the program. Call the Park Office for a detailed description.

The Majestic Monarch Watch
Monarch populations have been struggling in recent years. Learn about the survival of this fascinating butterfly and how you can help monitor local populations. To get involved, call the Nature Center at 302-368-6560.

Autumn Hayrides through White Clay Creek State Park
Friday – Sunday Evenings in October
Call the Park Office at 302-368-6900 for available times.
Bundle up with friends and family while enjoying an old-fashioned ride through golden, autumn fields. Afterward, spend quality time around a blazing fire. The hayride is approximately 50 minutes long followed by an hour at the campfire. Groups must provide their own refreshments. Hayrides are for group rentals only (unless listed as Public Hayrides below). The cost is $75 per wagon, which accommodates a group of 25 (or 30 with a fairly even mix of adults and children).

Women’s Beginner Mountain Bike Clinic
Call in September for dates.
Join Lauri Webber of Independent Fabrication for this mountain bike clinic for women. We will cover basic bike maintenance, self-sufficiency on the trail, trail etiquette; basic skills and we will ride the local trail system. This program is limited to five women. Participants must come equipped with a mountain bike in good working order, closed-toe shoes, good-fitting helmet, water, snack, and clothing suitable for riding on trails. Cost is $35 per person. Call the park office to register, 302-368-6900.


Monday Evening Craft Sessions at the Judge Morris Estate
Time: 6:30 p.m.
The program fee for each session is $25 (except in December), which covers registration, instruction and all materials needed to complete the project. Please register by calling the Park Office at 302-368-6900 no later than the Thursday preceding the program.
Sept. 12 –Ceramic Ladybug
Oct. 3—Dried Herb and Wildflower Wreath
Nov. 7—Holiday Cards and Gift Tags
Dec. 5—Williamsburg-Style Decorations (FREE SESSION) Turn natural materials into ornaments, wreaths, etc. for the Judge Morris Estate. All crafts will be used to decorate the house. Although you will not be taking your craft home, you can use the know-how you’ve gained to decorate your ‘estate’ for the holidays.
Jan. 9—Scrapbooking
Feb. 6—Romantic Valentines
March 6—Bead Jewelry

For more information, contact Debbie Davies at White Clay Creek State Park,
425 Wedgewood Road, Newark, DE 19711. Phone: 302- 368-6900
Fax: 302-368-6901

 

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