Trail map changes coming to a park near you!

Look out for updates to the multi-use trails in Lake Crabtree County Park. Our staff has been working hard to update trail blazes and our maps to make it clearer to follow and understand. Blaze colors and trail names have been updated so you will notice this on your next hike or mountain bike adventure!

Updated Park Hours

Beginning on Monday, March 4th, Lake Crabtree County Park will close at 7 p.m. Then on Sunday, March 10th we will begin closing at 8 p.m. in line with Daylight Saving Time. Remember that the lake closes 30 minutes before the park gates close, so please be off the water by that time.

Volunteer to Cleanup our Lake Shore

Our Spring Big Sweep is back! Join us on Saturday, April 6th from 9 am - Noon to help clean up around Lake Crabtree. Individuals, families, and groups can register to participate in this event. Anyone under the age of 18 (including high school students) must be accompanied by an adult. Gloves and bags will be provided. This is a great help to your local park and a nice way to get some volunteer hours. For more information and to register go HERE!

Join us at the Pollinator Festival!

Lake Crabtree is excited to host the Pollinator Festival, in honor of National Pollinator Week on Saturday, June 29th from 10 am - 2 pm. This event is FREE and features games, crafts, and opportunities to learn from local environmental experts. Also there will be two tasty food trucks to enjoy while you learn and have fun. Show up any time during the window from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Fun for all ages!

Crabtree Nature Crafts



Next time you bring the kids out to the park to enjoy the playgrounds and trails, be sure to stop by the Manager's Office for a free craft! Look for signs posted at the restrooms and playgrounds indicating that the craft is available that day (generally Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon). 

Each month we will feature a different craft and theme. This month's feature is a terrific turtle craft!

Have Fun Photographers!



Our Instagram contest is all new in 2024! When you’re out at our parks or preserves and take a fantastic photo, share it on Instagram and tag @WakeGovParks for your chance to win a custom water bottle! We’ll pick a new winner each month. In addition to the prize, we’ll also feature your photo on our socials.

Good luck, and happy snapping!

UPCOMING PARK PROGRAMS 

Come out to Lake Crabtree and discover more about the natural world while exploring the park. Click the links (program titles) for more details and to register. Spaces are limited, so register today! Full programs are not always listed in the newsletter, but we encourage you to join the waitlist. For the full listing of all programs visit our website. All public programs are FREE!

April program registration will open on March 1st at 10:00 a.m.!

Lake Crabtree also offers group programs! If your group is interested in booking a program, fill out the group program request form HERE.

Storytime for Tots: Planting a Rainbow

Wednesday, March 6th from 10-11 a.m.

Delve into the enchanting world of colors and plants with our Storytime for Tots program featuring Lois Ehlert's book, Planting a Rainbow. Together, we will explore the wonders of nature's color spectrum while discovering the joy of gardening, fostering creativity, and nurturing a deeper connection to the environment. Ages 18 months to 5 years old.

Introduction to Kayaking Session 1

Sunday, March 24th from 10 a.m. - Noon

Introduction to Kayaking Session 2

Sunday, March 24th from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Experience the thrill of kayaking – where you can effortlessly glide across the water's surface. 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! Ages 14 and up.

Lawn Games and Leisure Sports: Horseshoes

Thursday, March 28th from 6-7:30 p.m.

Lawn games and leisure sports are a wonderful way to appreciate the longer days and warm weather. They are approachable for many age ranges and skill levels and are a fun addition to any picnic or family game night! Expand your repertoire of outdoor activities as we explore, strategize, and play leisure sports together. Join us each session to learn the rules, history, and etiquette of a new lawn game.

This week we will be learning the game of horseshoes. Horseshoe pitching is a classic lawn sport with courts available here at Lake Crabtree. Come discover one of the only times that “close counts.” Ages 6 and up.

Birding with Vernon

Saturday, April 6th from 8:30-10 a.m.

(registration to open March 1 at 10 a.m.)

Join our bird enthusiast, Vernon, 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.

WILD SIDE: The Ants Go Marching

In the intricate tapestry of North Carolina's ecosystems, ants emerge as tiny but mighty architects of their habitats, playing essential roles in soil health, nutrient cycling, and seed dispersal. From the bustling colonies of carpenter ants to the industrious foraging trails of pavement ants, these fascinating insects exhibit remarkable social structures and behaviors that have captivated scientists and observers alike. However, amidst this bustling world of native ant species, a formidable invader has emerged, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance of North Carolina's ecosystems.

The invasive red imported fire ant has established itself as a fierce competitor in North Carolina's landscape. This is not simply one species, the term fire ant is used to describe many of the 200 species of Solenopsis ants as well as several other species of weaver ants in the genus Oeceophylla and due to their similar coloration and painful bites they are collectively called fire ants despite not being closely related. With aggressive behavior and potent venom, fire ants outcompete native ant species for resources and disrupt the intricate web of interactions upon which local ecosystems depend. Their presence has led to declines in native ant populations, which in turn affects the abundance of other species, from small invertebrates to ground-nesting birds. Moreover, fire ant stings pose a significant threat to human health, with allergic reactions and painful welts being common consequences of encounters with these invasive pests.

Efforts to control the spread of fire ants and mitigate their impact on North Carolina's ecosystems are ongoing, with integrated pest management strategies and public awareness campaigns playing crucial roles in the fight against these invaders. By understanding the complex dynamics between native ants and invasive species like fire ants, researchers and conservationists strive to preserve the diversity and resilience of North Carolina's natural landscapes. As we navigate the intricate world of ants in North Carolina, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of safeguarding the delicate balance of our ecosystems.