February 2017
Check out what is happening in the parks!
Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count programs at Harris Lake County Park and the American Tobacco Trail February 17-20, 2017
In this issue:

T ree Work at Harris Lake closes areas of park
Great Backyard Bird Count
New Programs in February
Disc Golf Course event date closure
Save the Date for Longleaf Festival
Tree Work at Harris Lake closes the day use area of the park
Beginning Monday February 6 through Friday February 17, the "Day Use" area of Harris Lake will be closed  for the removal of trees. The Day Use area includes the playground, shelters, restroom, picnic area, fishing pier and car top boat launch. Visitors are not permitted to enter this area for safety reasons while the tree work is going on. 

These areas will be open for the weekend of February 11-12.
 
The Disc Golf Course and Fishing Pond will remain open and the mountain bike trails will be accessible from the mountain bike parking lot only.

Thank you for your cooperation and we apologize for the inconvenience.  
If you have questions, call 919-387-4342.
Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count (“GBBC”) is celebrating 20 years this year from February 17-20, 2017. Bird watchers of all ages are encouraged to count birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds
are across the globe.
GBBC Programs at Harris Lake County Park &
the American Tobacco Trail:

Friday, February 17
 Bird Walk along the ATT(New Hill)
8 - 10 a.m.  Free for all ages 

Introduction to Bird Watching and GBBC
at Harris Lake County Park
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.  Free for all ages
This will take place at the park office if tree work is not complete.

Saturday, February 18
Bird Walk at Harris Lake County Park
10 a.m. - noon   Free for all ages 

Sunday, February 19
GBBC Evening Adventure
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.; $1/person
All ages; registration required

Monday, February 20
Majestic Eagles Program
10 - 11 a.m.;    $1/person 
 Ages 5 and up; registration required

Bird Walk at Harris Lake County Park
10 - 11 a.m;   Free for all ages

Bird Fun Activities
12 – 3 p.m.; Free for all ages 
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Lots of fun hands-on activities about birds:
crafts, scavenger hunt, bird walk, games, and more!  
Bring a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon with the birds.

Link for additional information and registration

New February Programs:
We have added two new programs in February:

Heart Healthy Hike
on the American Tobacco Trail
Friday, February 10
3-4 p.m.; Free for all ages

To celebrate Heart Health Awareness Month, 
meet at the New Hill Parking area for a hike along the trail as you enjoy the trail’s history and natural surroundings.  At the end, a representative from Wake County Human Resources will share some heart healthy tips and enter all participants in a drawing for a door prize. 


Winter Bird Walk at Harris Lake County Park
Saturday, February 25
9–11 a.m.; Free for ages 14 and up

Join local birding expert Lucas Bobay on a leisurely walk through different habitats at the park in search of winter birds with a focus on waterfowl. This is a great opportunity to observe species which are not found in our area year-round. 

  Register for the bird walk here
The Buckhorn Disc Golf Course at Harris Lake County Park will be
closed to the public on
Saturday, February 11 - Sunday, February 12 for the Buckhorn Disc Golf Tournament.
Thanks for your cooperation - come visit us another day.
Harris Lake County Park and the American Tobacco Trail
  919-387-4342 (HLCP)    919-387-2117 (ATT)    919-387-4349 (Fax)
 email: harris.lake@wakegov.com website: www.wakegov.com/parks
  8th Annual Longleaf Festival

Saturday, May 20, 2017  
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Plan to come for a Fun, Free, Family-friendly Event.
Over 25 organizations, agencies, and groups will be on site with educational and fun information and activities.
Take a wagon ride to our 60-acre Longleaf Forest, see live animals and much more!