Explorer Newsletter l Issue 4 l July 2023

We're halfway through the Year of the Trail! Can you believe it?

July 1 marked the midpoint of North Carolina's Year of the Trail celebration, and we've loved being along for the ride. We're scheduled to participate on Saturday, August 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 pm at Ashe County Farmer’s Market in downtown West Jefferson and in September at Swansboro and Prairie Ridge Ecostation. Sign up for events happening all weekend (August 4-6) in West Jefferson.

It's fun to be part of a team that travels around the state with a goal of increasing participation in outdoor recreation activities - whether your passion is hiking, paddling or mountain biking, there is a trail or an event for you in the Great Trails State.

Summer Trail Bucket List

PARTNER HIGHLIGHT: Sylvan Heights Bird Park

The Deke Clark Whooping Crane Exhibit is open at Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Under the direction of Mike Lubbock, the park participates in many research projects about endangered species around the world.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is a Coastal partner on the NC Science Trail, offering visitors the chance to view, interact, and learn about more than 2,000 avian species, including some of the world’s most endangered waterfowl and other birds.

On May 5th, 2023, Sylvan Heights dedicated a new exhibit for endangered Whooping Cranes to pilot and conservationist Deke Clark. Clark volunteered for Operation Migration, which worked to restore wild whooping cranes to their historic natural migration range by using ultralight to mimic the bird flight patterns. Clark flew with whooping cranes in an ultralight along the Eastern migration range, having much success with his efforts.

READ the full blog post.

Curious Minds Inquire: Dyeing Eggs

Dyeing eggs is a fun part of Spring activities around our house, but egg dyeing can be fun anytime of year. If you want to dye eggs as well, you may find you’re wondering why egg dyeing works the way it does, if there are other ways to dye eggs, or how to improve your egg dyeing skills.

Dye Eggs with Kids of All Ages

SENSORY FRIENDLY OFFERINGS AROUND THE SCIENCE TRAIL

Does your family need sensory friendly opportunities for science exploration? The NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has many locations that offer quiet days, sensory backpacks, and quiet areas for their guests. NCDNCR is committed to creating an inclusive environment for neurodiverse visitors. From aquariums to state parks, there are plenty of sensory-friendly activities and locations to enjoy in North Carolina. We encourage visitors to take advantage of these offerings and enjoy all that North Carolina has to offer.

For more information, read the NCDNCR blog post here.

More Animal Babies

BORN: July 10, 2023

TWO(!) FLAMINGO CHICKS AT SYLVAN HEIGHTS BIRD PARK

Flamingo chick alert! Not just one, but TWO American Flamingos hatched on July 10 at the Multinational Aviary at Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Guests can catch a great view of the chicks from the deck behind the Visitor Center, which overlooks the flamingos’ island in the aviary. In a few days, the chicks will leave their nest mounds and begin exploring the island. Parent flamingos will continue to feed and protect their chicks for around 2 months.

WATCH THE VIDEO

BORN: JULY 1, 2023

SECOND CHIMP BORN AT NORTH CAROLINA ZOO

Surprise! There is another baby chimp at the NC Zoo! This sweet little girl was born to first-time mom, Genie, on July 1. She gave birth overnight in her indoor quarters, so the keepers had quite the surprise the next morning!

Her baby does not have a name yet, but NC Zoo Society members will get the chance to vote for her name from a list of names selected by keepers. Genie and her baby are healthy and doing well. Join the NC Science Trail as we watch NC's two new chimp babies grow and develop together.

NEW CHIMP VIDEO

BORN: JUNE 19, 2020

HAIRY ARMADILLOS AT GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER

We know, we know; these guys were born three years ago, but the screaming hairy armadillos are just too stinking cute to ignore. And who doesn't want to see something called a screaming hairy armadillo? These "hairy 'dillos" born to armadillo mom, Rizzo, in 2020 are thriving and tappy, tapping around at Greensboro Science Center. Even though they look like babies they actually reach maturity at 9 months and can start having their own babies! Watch here to raise your seratonin levels.

WATCH THE ARMADILLOS

South Mountains State Park has so many stories to tell – it’s a little difficult to decide where to start.

Do we talk about the geology of this slightly separate mountain chain, which exists primarily due to excessive erosion that has occurred between these peaks and those of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Maybe we should talk about ancient Native American trade routes that ran through this rich and bountiful forested area with both edible and medicinal plants. Or should we go in a completely different direction? Perhaps one that you weren’t expecting.

Alright, let’s talk about bootlegging.

Discover Your Ecological Address at EENC

You know what street you live on and what town you live in, but do you know where you live ecologically? Your ecological address can tell you much about your place in the world, whether your street address places you in the middle of a city, on a rural road in the country, or somewhere in between. There are nine components of your ecological address: River Basin, Soil, Wetlands, Air, Energy Topography, Groundwater, Biodiversity and Climate. The characteristics of each component help determine the effects your actions have on your environment. The Environmental Educators of NC have put together an instruction sheet to guide you through the process of uncovering your ecological address.

Learn more about your EcoAddress

Snorkle Trail Events

in August

Enjoy more launch events from the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a series of curated snorkel sites nestled in the mountain rivers of North Carolina. Bring your own gear or rent it from a local outfitter.

Learn MORE.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

QUEEN BRANCH PRESERVE

MAINSPRING CONSERVATION TRUST

LITTLE TENNESSEE RIVER

NC 28 and Queen Branch Rd,

1-2 pm - FREE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

MARION GREENWAY

CATAWBA RIVER

Sam Phillips Drive

2 pm - 3 pm - FREE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6

STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, EAST PRONG ROARING RIVER

Parking lot on Stone Mountain Rd, 1/2 mile north of Longbottom Rd

1 pm -3 pm - FREE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8

EAST LAPORTE RIVER ACCESS PARK TUCKASEGEE RIVER

State Rte 107, Cullowhee, NC

1 pm -3 pm - FREE

News and Notes from our Trail Partners

Play Moth Bingo with Trail Partner, Science Across NC during NC Moth Week, July 22-30. Want an in-person experience? Head out to Prairie Ridge Ecostation for Moth-ing for Science program on Saturday, July 22 from 8:30 pm-midnight. Tons of other Moth Week resources are available on the website here.

This August, enjoy Sunset on the Ridge at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. Climb the ridge and capture the beauty of the sun setting over the Roanoke Sound. Staff will be roving along the western ridges, ready to share insights with you about the park. More information.

Head to Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh on July 27 for Garden Gourmet. Your kids will mix, measure, chop, and dice fruits and vegetables straight from the garden! Create a delicious veggie snack with fresh colorful vegetables and tasty toppings! When little hands prepare food, they are taught essential math and science skills while simultaneously expanding their palates. Free with regular admission. More Info here.

Stop by after work and canoe with a Ranger at South Mountains State Park on Tuesday, July 18, 6-7:30 pm. Join a park ranger for a paddle around the Clear Creek Reservoir. Learn about the area's natural and cultural history in a scenic setting. See the park from a different angle — from a boat! Registration is required. To register.

Enjoy the StoryWalk Project at three State Parks this summer.

The StoryWalk is open to all visitors during park hours. The books are written for young children but can be enjoyed by all ages. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont.

Walk the Upper Cascades Trail at Hanging Rock State Park and read "Over and Under the Pond." Follow the story pages and trail to read about what lies over and under the pond.

"Over and Under the Pond" was written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. Published by Chronicle Books in 2017.

Take a walk and read "Butterflies Are Pretty... Gross!" by Rosemary Mosco at Pilot Mountain State Park and the Charles H. Stone Memorial Library. Begin at the visitor center and walk the Fiddlehead Trail, marked with orange squares. Follow the pages and the signs.

"Butterfliles Are Pretty... Gross!" was written by Rosemary Mosco and illustrated by Jacob Souva. Published by Tundra Books (Penguin Random House) in 2021.

Hike along the Alder Trail at Lake Norman State Park and read "Nesting Neighbors" by Jennifer Patrick. This story follows a family as they watch robins hatch and grow!

"Nesting Neighbors" was written by Jennifer Patrick. It was illustrated by Yip Jar Design. Published by Storybook Genius Publishing in 2019.

Last chance for Marvel after Hours at Discovery Place-Science in Charlotte, August 10-12, 5-9 pm. Get tickets here.

Parting Shot from The Bug House in Washington, NC

Really interesting post today from the NC Estuarium about Washington's “The Bug House” Laboratory. Started in 1923 by four boys who had an interest in collecting bug specimens, it grew to be one of the largest private museums in the country at the time. WWII put an end to the museum & lab, but the town of Washington turned it into a recreation center and park for the city until 1981.

100 years later, the City of Washington has turned the original Bug House location into a new city park that is “bug themed” to celebrate the centennial of this historic spot in Washington.