Contact: Deborah Davies, White Clay Creek State Park, phone: (302) 368-6900
or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902

White Clay Creek State Park Announces January Programs

The air might be cold outside this January, but White Clay Creek State Park will be hosting plenty of events to keep park-goers warm, from hot chocolate hikes to animal parties for the younger set.

The park is located at 425 Wedgewood Road in Newark. All programs take place at the White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center unless otherwise noted. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. Park entrance fees are not charged from Nov. 1 through April 30. For more information or to register for park programs, call the park office at 302-368-6900.

Here are more details about the park’s January offerings:

• Full Moon Fridays: Hot Chocolate Hike – 7 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 5, Feb. 2
As evening cools the air and darkens the sky, snuggle up on the arm of a loved one for these enchanting full moon hikes and experience the magic of Mother Nature. Howling winds, rustling leaves and the distant calls of mating owls are among the sounds to listen for. Don’t forget your scarf, hat, and mittens. Meet at the Nature Center. Cost is $2 per person, including hot chocolate.

• Animal Parties! – 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, Possum Party for ages 8 and younger
In January we will celebrate those crazy marsupials and learn how mama possum carries her babies in a pouch just like her relative the kangaroo. Participants will have fun playing games, making a craft and eating a yummy snack as they learn about mammals of the park. Registration is required, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Cost $4 per child in advance or $6 at the door, adults free.

• Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Instructor Workshop – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs (HOF-NOD) is an education program that teaches basic life skills along with fishing techniques. Participants in this workshop learn to fish safely and how to train others, as well as learning important life skills such as decision making, problem solving, patience and camaraderie. Through fishing, a life-long activity, they gain self-esteem and responsibility for themselves, family, friends and community. Come learn how you can volunteer or start a HOF-NOD program of your own.

• White-tailed Deer of White Clay Creek – 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Join the park ranger for a look into the natural history of one of White Clay Creek State Park’s most graceful residents, the white-tailed deer. Learn how the park manages the deer population, hear about the park’s hunting season or just indulge your interest in these magnificent creatures. Meet at the Nature Center. The program is free, with pre-registration required.

• Sunday Morning Sunrise Hike – 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Take in the amber hues of the warming winter sun rising over the forested hills of the Judge Morris Estate. Meet at Judge Morris Estate. Pre-registration required.
 

-30-