Are you looking for something fun to do? Check out the Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve at 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary. They programs for children, tweens, teens, and families. If you are interest a program, DON’T WAIT! Please register early. Early registration allows the center time to plan appropriately. Often times they are able to accommodate those on waiting lists by adding additional spots in the class or adding additional classes. Classes that do not meet their minimum enrollment are generally cancelled, you could make the difference. For your safety and comfort, we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes (like sneakers or hiking boots) to programs at the Stevens Nature Center. Please no sandals or crocs.
To register for events, go to Welcome to EZ-REG, the Town of Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources' registration service.
Home Website: www.townofcary.org
Check Here for the 2011 Event Calendar
Location: Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary 919-387-5980
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Tales and Trails, All Ages with Parents
Experience nature in a whole new way as you and your family listen to and become a part of tales on the trails at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. Each session will focus on a specific nature concept. Programs take place outdoors. A slightly shorter program will take place in the event of rain. Cost: $20(R) $28(N) Fee covers the entire family!
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Wonderful Winter Wildlife 01/9 1:30-3pm; Feeling Froggy! 02/20 1:30-3pm; F:ssil Fun 03/20 1:30-3pm; Tales After Dark 04/3 7-8:30pm; Spring Has Sprung! 05/22 1:30-3pm
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Wee Walkers, Ages 1 and up with parent.
Bring your ‘wee ones’ out to the preserve for a relaxing morning stroll to enjoy and experience local nature. Little ones will delight in their discoveries of the shapes, colors, textures, sounds, and smells of nature as we focus on a specific concept in each class. Come rain or shine, a slightly shorter program will be provided in the case of rain. Fee applies to each child. Cost: $8(R) $10(N)
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Winter Wonders 01/7,10; Prickly or Tickly 01/19,28; Big or Small 02/9,18; Soft as a Feather 03/4, 23; Springtime Sounds 04/6, 11; Hoppy and Happy 05/11, 20. All dates are from 10:00-11:00am.
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Nature Nuts, Ages 3-5. You and your preschooler will go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery! We will start each session with a book about our topic and then follow it up with a brief investigative walk and a simple craft inspired by the theme of the class. Cost: $11(R) $14(N)
Program Title, Dates, & Times: Life Under Logs 01/15, 22; Foxes 01/29, 02/7; Rabbits 02/12, 19; Frogs 03/7, 19; Hummingbirds 03/26, 04/2; Butterflies and Bees 04/9, 16; Lizards 05/7, 16. All dates are from 10:00-11:00am.
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Nature Fun for 4 & 5’s, Ages 4-5.
2 Classes - Children will develop their awareness of the environment around them as they dive into the world of nature through outdoor explorations, games, stories and crafts in a safe and nurturing environment. Who knew learning could be so much fun?! Cost: $28(R) $36(N)
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Hip Hop, Rabbits and Squirrels 01/4, 6 1pm-3pm; Wildlife Exlplorers 02/7-9 1-3pm; Fossils are Fun! 02/15-17 10am-12pm; Seeking Salamanders 03/15-17 10am-12pm; Frogs and Pollywogs 04/12-14 10am-12am; Insects are Amazing! 05/3-5 10am-12pm.
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Curiosity Club, Ages 5-8.
Children will embrace science and nature at the Stevens Nature Center while developing skills and knowledge to satisfy their curiosity about the natural world around them. In these introductory nature programs, children will learn about nature through hands-on explorations in the preserve along with fun activities and crafts. Cost: $12(R) $16(N)
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Life Beneath Logs 01/8 10am-12pm; Nature After Dark 01/29 5:30-7:30pm; Salamander Commander 02/06 2-4pm; Wildlife Tracking 02/26 10am-12pm; Wetland Wildlife 03/13 2-4pm; Dinosaur Discovery 03/27 2-4pm; Tadpole Trackers 04/17 2-4pm; Crawling Creatures 05/01 2-4pm; Stream Searching 05/15 2-4pm.
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Family Programs, Ages: 6-17
Outdoor explorations of nature can strengthen family bonds while building awareness and appreciation of your natural surroundings. Spend some quality time experiencing the fun of nature
at Hemlock Bluffs with your family. Cost: $8(R) $10(N) The fee for this series applies to each participant age 6-17 (no younger siblings) or to each adult couple without an accompanying child.
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Wildlife in Winter! 02/12 3-4:30pm; Salamander Safari 03/19 4-5:30pm; Seriously Seeking Springtime! 04/30 3:30-5pm
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Volunteer Workdays-Trail Maintenance, Ages 6 and Up with Parents
If you’re looking for a volunteer experience, community service, or conservation project for yourself or your group, join forces with the Stevens Nature Center staff to assist with preserve maintenance and improvements. Assist staff in ongoing trail and preserve projects. Bring work gloves and wheelbarrows if you have them. Cost: FREE/Volunteer
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Jan 9 -2-4pm; Feb 27 2-4pm; Mar 12 10am-12pm; Apr 17 1-3pm; May 1 1-3pm
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Eco-Explorers, Ages 7-10.
Children will expand their knowledge of nature and build their observation skills in these hands-on explorations of nature and ecology. Through outdoor investigations, projects and field activities, children will gain a better understanding of the world around them in an environment that encourages their sense of wonder, creativity and critical thinking. Cost: $12(R) $16(N)
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Rock Hounds 01/15 2-4pm; Cool Coyotes 01/30 2-4pm; Salamanders are Cool! 02/12 2-4pm; Prowling for Owls 03/5 6-8pm; Fantastic Frogs 03/19 2-4pm; Bird Adventures 04/3 3-5pm; Insect Safari 04/9 2-4pm; Searching for Reptiles 04/30 1-3pm; Swift Creek Exploration 05/8 2-4pm.
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Night Out in Nature, Ages 8-11
Kids spend a night out in nature making memories and new friends. Our adventures will encourage the understanding and appreciation of the natural world at night. This old fashioned camp-style program includes sing-a-longs, stories, night hikes and campfire snacks. Each program has a different nature topic. Cost: $19(R) $24(N) 1 class
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Nature Nights 01/21; 02/18; 03/18; 04/22; 05/27
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Young Ecologists, Ages 10-13
Participants will build self-esteem and make new friends while expanding their knowledge and appreciation of the environment. Each session is primarily a field excursion with a classroom session relevant to a specific nature topic. Equipment provided. Cost: $12(R) $16(N)
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Salamander Survey 01/23 2pm-4pm; Wildlife Nest Box Census 02/06 3pm-5pm; As Day Turns to Nights 03/12 5pm-7pm. Cost: $19(R) $24(N)
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Hemlock Nature Quest, Ages 13-18
These workshops are designed to expand teens’ knowledge of local nature through hands-on field explorations, with occasional classroom investigations. Participants will also gain experience with scientific study, methods and ethics. Cost: $12(R) $16(N) 1 class
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Winter Wildlife Survey 01/16 2pm-4pm; H2O Away We Go! 02/19 2pm-4pm; Hemlock Bluffs After Dark 6pm-8pm; Amphibians in Action 04/10 4pm-6pm
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Night Out in Nature, Ages 11-14
Join us for this “trail mix” of fun for teens! We’ll do a brief service project, scavenger hunt and finish with a campfire and campfire snacks! All dates are from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm. Cost: $19(R) $24(N) 1 class
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Trail Mix 04/15; 05/13
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Yoga in Nauture, Ages 16 and Up
Through the combination of nature and yoga we can nurture the mind, body and spirit while strengthening our appreciation of the natural world around us. Each session will take place completely outdoors and will include a 30 minute nature walk and a 60 minute flow yoga class. All levels are welcome! Participants should wear comfortable clothes and closed toed shoes for walking and should bring a mat and a towel or blanket. Cost: $12(R) $16(N)
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Yoga in Nauture 04/30; 05/14; 05/21
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs: Adult Nature Programs, Ages 16 and UP
Stretch your legs, clear your mind, and experience nature at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. You’ll continue your lifelong learning through informative and educational nature walks that are focused on seasonal plant and wildlife activity. Involves some walking on uneven ground including steps. Cost: $6(R) $8(N) 1 class
Program Titles, Dates, & Times: Winter Birds Made Easy 01/22 10am-11:30am; Spingtime Comes Early 02/26 2pm-3:30pm; Wildflowers of the Bluffs 03/13 2pm-3:30pm; Wildflowers of the Bluffs Part 2 03/13 2pm-3:30pm; Birding by Ear 04/30 9am-10:30am; Birding by Ear Part 2 05/7 9am-10:30am; Birds and Buds 05/21 10am-11:30am