LAKE CRABTREE CONNECTION

April 2026

We want to hear from YOU!


Think about your last visit to Lake Crabtree. What did you do? Did something stand out? Could something have been improved? We want to know!


Your feedback will help us make Lake Crabtree County Park and all of Wake County’s parks and preserves better. Fill out our short survey today: www.wake.gov/parksurvey



Yellow-and-black Eastern Tiger Swallowtail sips nectar from pink milkweed flower

Our current closing time 8 p.m. However, our closing times will adjust mid-April. Starting Monday, April 13th the Park will close at 8:30 p.m.



Please keep in mind the lake closes 30 minutes prior to the park gates.


Bathrooms are locked 15 minutes prior to park gates.


There are no holiday closures in the month of April.

April Park Programs

Homeschool/ Track Out:

Bird Adaptations

Wednesday, April 8th, from 1 - 3 p.m.

In this program, students will explore how birds are specially adapted for survival. We will investigate beak shapes, feet, feathers, and behaviors, and connect these adaptations to feeding, movement, and habitat. Through hands-on activities and outdoor observation, students will learn how form helps birds thrive in different environments.


Birding with Vernon

Saturday, April 11th, from 8:30-10 a.m.

Birding with Vernon has a substitute! Join our bird enthusiast, Dave, for an easy walk while looking and listening for our feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. Bring your own binoculars and field guides if you have them. Beginners and experienced birdwatchers are welcome! Ages 8 and up.


Families in Nature:

Stories Celebrating Diversity

Thursday, April 16th, from 4 - 5 p.m.

Join us to celebrate all the Earth provides us and ways we can protect our planet. We will have a craft that centers ways we can reuse everyday items.


Nature Nerds:

City Nature Challenge

Friday, April 24th, from 1 - 2 p.m.

Join us as we hunt for signs of salamanders and frogs, peeking under coverboards and investigating vernal pools for egg masses. We’ll practice identifying common species and see what other critters turn up along the way.



Intro to Kayaking

TWO SESSIONS!

Wednesday April 15th, OR Tuesday, April 28th,

from 6 - 8 p.m.

Kayaking is an exciting water sport where you sit in a kayak and paddle your way through the water. Join our instructors as they introduce you to kayaking terminology, teach paddle techniques, and give you hands-on practice. Be prepared get wet and have a blast!


Demo Garden Celebration

Saturday, April 18th,

from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We humbly invite you and your family to come out and spend the day learning about our native plants and pollinators, and also celebrating our amazing volunteers who have kept this garden thriving. Lawn games will be available on the Open Play field, as well! Register through EventBrite website.



Open Paddle

TWO SESSIONS!

Saturday, April 25th

from 10 a.m. - Noon, OR

1 - 3 p.m.

Extend your paddling season! Join us for a spring Open Paddle session using the Lake Crabtree boat rental fleet.

Register here to reserve a boat to explore Lake Crabtree together or with a group during this Open Paddle session. Lake Crabtree County Park will supply each group of registered participants with a boat, paddles, and life jackets.

Did You Know?

A Celebration of Art and Nature

Paint the Parks


Artists wanted! Celebrate 50 years of Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space by painting your favorite view of Lake Crabtree! Your artwork could be part of a traveling exhibition this summer and fall.


Learn more about the En Plein Air celebration and sign up for a spot on our website.

The Month Ahead

Crabtree Nature Crafts



Visit the manager's office for a free craft! This month, celebrate he season with this adorable spring peeper puppet. This construction paper craft tests scissor skills and encourages pretend play. Look for the table at the pad by the Manager's Office parking lot on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) from 10am - Noon.

Weather permitting.

April StoryWalk

The Home Builders



Join us for story of family and community in this month's StoryWalk. “The Home Builders” by Varsha Bajaj follows various animal families as they create safe and nurturing homes in the natural world. Enjoy a walk on Old Beech Nature Trail and look for some animal homes.


Picture This!


For April’s “Picture This,” we set up a little game of I Spy. One of these pieces of debris is actually a well-camouflaged moth! Upload an edited photo with a red circle captioned "gotcha!" on the Lake Crabtree County Park Facebook page when you find it!


Do you remember last month's picture this? Check out the last newsletter (for real!) or the Lake Crabtree County Park Facebook for a reminder.


Tubifex worms are tiny red wigglers that live deep in the muddy bottoms of North Carolina wetlands, where they wave their tails in the water like little snorkels to help them breathe. As they squirm and burrow through the muck, they clean up decaying plants and keep the soil healthy, making them small but mighty helpers in the wetland world!


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