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 February Programs

Learn about fly fishing, get acquainted with mystery minerals, take a hike to see ruins, celebrate the humble groundhog, escape to the jungle or solve a murder mystery at the mansion – these are some of the fun and exciting activities you can join at White Clay Creek State Park this February.

The park is located at 425 Wedgewood Road in Newark. All programs take place at the White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center and 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 February offerings:

• Full Moon Fridays: Hot Chocolate Hike – 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2
As evening cools the air and darkens the sky, experience the magic of Mother Nature while you snuggle up on the arm of a loved one for these enchanting full moon hikes. Whistling winds, rustling leaves and the distant calls of mating owls are among the sounds we will be listening for. Don’t forget your scarf, hat and mittens. Tasty hot chocolate will help keep you warm. Meet at the Nature Center. Cost is $2 per person. Call the park office to pre-register.

• Animal Parties: Groundhog Party – 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
It’s time to celebrate Delaware’s only true hibernator, our beloved burrow builder, the groundhog. Parents, if your kids went wild over our summer “hatch” day parties, they will love the winter animal parties, which include playing games, making a craft and eating a yummy snack as they learn about the park’s resident mammals. Registration is required, so be sure to reserve early. Recommended for children ages 8 and younger. Cost is $4 per child in advance and $6 at the door, adults free. Call the park office to pre-register.

• Introduction to Fly Fishing Workshops – 7 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 5 and 12
A free program led by members of the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, this workshop will consist of two evenings this winter. Attend both or just one evening for an introduction to the sport of fly fishing, including necessary equipment and fly tying, or to polish your skills. Bring any equipment you have. Meet at the Judge Morris Estate. Call the park office to pre-register.

• Mystery at the Mansion – 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10
An interactive evening of murder mystery at the Judge Morris Estate, “Who Put the Eccentric on Ice?” takes guests back in time to 1953 – and the unthinkable has happened. The most popular of private eyes, the famous Neron Volt, was murdered at his country estate. Gasp! Who could have committed such a deplorable crime? To figure out the “who” in this whodunit, put on your detective cap and join us after your dinner plans for a fun and thrilling evening, coffee and dessert refreshments. Pre-registration is required by calling the park office. Tickets are $15 per person.

• Mystery Minerals – 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
Ever wonder what makes up a rock? Minerals! Come in from the cold and explore the mysterious world of minerals! By collecting mineral “clues” such as magnetism, color and fluorescence, you can learn how to identify them. Call the park office to pre-register.

• Jungle Escape Camp – 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, for ages 7 to 11
Here’s a chance to escape to the jungle like some of our local songbirds do each winter. For this one-day camp we have converted the nature center into a rainforest getaway that is sure to get your mind off the winter chill. Play activities that are typically reserved for warm weather and learn about life in the rainforest. Please pre-register by calling the park office. Cost is $35.

• Park Ruins Hike – 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24
White Clay Creek State Park is rich in history. Join the park naturalist on this exciting hike to examine some ruins along the beautiful trails. Please call for meeting location.
 

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