Wildlife Weekend

12th Annual Wildlife Weekend

The 12th annual Wildlife Weekend was held October 16 - 17, 2009 at Steele Creek Park. The emphasis this year was on getting kids out of doors and educating them about nature and nature activities.

The programs offered were for all ages all interest levels, and all nature knowledge levels. There was something for everyone.

We started the weekend off with announcement of the winners of the annual Wildlife Weekend Photo Contest. (See sidebar for a link to the winners and their photos.)

The keynote speaker on Friday evening was one of our own local naturalists who has devoted his life to educating the children in our area about nature and the great outdoors. Marty Silver, Park Ranger at Warriors Path State Park is the expert on local native flora and fauna. He presents programs in the local school systems, at his park, and to local organizations throughout the year. His topic for wildlife weekend was educating kids about nature by getting them outdoors through activities that are fun and educational. His approach was very hands on, he had kids and adults on the floor, participating in games, and all the while teaching everyone about nature. For the parents who were there, he gave some great ideas to use with their kids at home in their own backyards. It was truly an entertaining and educational lesson in getting everyone outdoors, in the importance of taking care of nature and our home planet, and in how to enjoy it more.

Marty's presentation was followed by a fascinating, hands-on presentation on snakes by naturalist Jacob Young from Roan Mountain State park. In addition to helping folks recognize what amazing animals snakes are, he provided reassurance and guidance on what to do (and what not to do!) when encountering these greatly misunderstood reptiles in the wild.

The weather was great for the weekend. Saturday's activities began with an early morning bird walk led by Rick Knight. It's true that the early bird gets the worm and the early hikers get to see the birds! The walks continued throughout the day including ones focused on local flora and fauna (led by Marty Silver), mushrooms (led by Gabrielle Zeiger), and an out of the box way to experience nature (presented by Ken Turner).

Presentations were also given at the lodge throughout the day. Christina Turbeyfield from Bays Mountain Park brought birds of prey to view and informed those present of their habitats, quirks, and preferences. J.R. Arnold from the Greenville's Clyde Austin 4-H Center brought a fossil exhibit and presented information about fossils and what is happening locally with paleontology. Brad Jones, naturalist from Winged Deer Park in Johnson City, gave a timely slide presentation on fall colors.

By far the most fun however was the children's activities offered all afternoon in the lodge. Animal origami caught the interest of a number of young people and Gay Teagarden presided over the making of critters, creatures, and creative designs using natural materials collected from the woods, backyards, and the great out of doors. The finished products ranged from recognizable creatures to imagination gone wild critters.

The weekend was a fun, relaxing, educational event enjoyed by all that attended. We hope that you will join us next fall for our 13th Annual Wildlife Weekend. Check the website later this spring for dates and times. The emphasis will again be on getting kids outdoors, and we hope even more adults will join them out there. There will be speakers, exhibits, the photo contest, walks, and additional kids activities - all designed to educate and provide ways to conserve nature and our natural resources.