Outdoor Recreation

NEW YEAR SUNRISE HIKE

We’ll hike in the brisk morning air to the sounds of birds chirping as we watch the sun rise. Hike while taking in the most peaceful time of the brandnew year. This hike will be on unpaved trails, not suitable for strollers. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and youth under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Preregistration is required for all participants. No Cost WEST POINT ON THE ENO 16098 Jan 8 Sa 6:30am-7:30am

FOURTH FRIDAY FIRE

There may be nothing better than sitting next to a warm, crackling campfire. Durham Parks and Recreation Outdoor Recreation invites you to join us for a Fourth Friday Fire. Learn about the wonder of nature from knowledgeable staff while sitting by the fire. Free and open to all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). No preregistration required No Cost WEST POINT ON THE ENO 16105 Jan 28 F 7pm-9pm 16106 Feb 25 F 7pm-9pm 16107 Mar 25 F 7pm-9pm 16108 Apr 22 F 7pm-9pm

WINTER WILDLIFE HIKE

Winter can be a wonderful time to view and encounter wildlife. Join us for a crisp forest hike as we discuss how plants and animals survive the winter through their amazing adaptations. We will also keep an eye out for signs of hibernation during this year’s resting season as we trek through tranquil trails on the Eno. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and youth under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Preregistration is required for all participants. No Cost WEST POINT ON THE ENO 16099 Feb 12 Sa 9am-10am

MIDNIGHT FULL MOON HIKE: SNOW MOON

Have you ever wanted to hike under the magical glow of the Snow Moon? This is your chance to experience hiking in a new light, as the park comes alive with nocturnal animals awakening to the majestic Snow Moon. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and preregistration is required for all participants. No Cost WEST POINT ON THE ENO 16100 Feb 16 W 11:30pm-12:30am

BOTANY BAR CRAWL

Join Durham Parks and Recreation and one of our local breweries or distilleries to learn how plants are used in the creation of adult beverages. We’ll venture outdoors for a lesson in the botany behind our favorite drinks before returning to the brewery or distillery for a tour and tasting highlighting the science behind the libations. Additional fee for facility tours and sampling may apply. Adults 21 years of age and older. Age: 21 and up CR Fee: $6 NCR Fee: $11 16101 Mar 12 Sa 2pm-4pm

WEST POINT WORK DAY

Be a part of a restoration project at the West Point on the Eno Environmental Education Pavilion. Learn about this fragile ecosystem while gaining valuable skills. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and youth under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Preregistration is required for all participants. Age: 10 and up No Cost WEST POINT ON THE ENO 16113 Mar 19 Sa 9am-12pm OUTDOOR RECREATION

Hike with us during the vernal equinox as we look for the signs of spring’s return. We will search for the early blooming of flowers and the movement and rising of winter hibernators. You will learn why days are about to get longer and hotter and why we call this time the equinox. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and youth under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Preregistration is required for all participants. No Cost WEST POINT ON THE ENO 16109 Mar 20 Su 6am-7am

NEW MOON PADDLE

Come enjoy the new lunar cycle with a New Moon Paddle on Lake Michie. Enjoy peace and serenity as you paddle through the darkest night with the brightest stars. DPR Outdoor Recreation will provide the equipment; you bring weatherappropriate clothing and closed toed shoes. Preregistration required for all participants. Age: 18 and up CR Fee: $8 NCR Fee: $13 LAKE MICHIE BOATING AREA 16103 Apr 1 F 9:30pm-11:30pm

SUNSET FAMILY PADDLE

Savor a sunset on Lake Michie with this Sunset Paddle. We will paddle canoes and kayaks after closing and enjoy the peaceful sunset over the lake. DPR Outdoor Recreation will provide the equipment; you bring weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Preregistration is required for all participants. Age: 7 and up CR Fee: $8 NCR Fee: $13 LAKE MICHIE BOATING AREA 16102 Apr 1 F 6:30pm-8:30pm We have taken the fun of a nighttime paddle and the challenge of a nighttime scavenger hunt and combined them for a truly unique experience. You will navigate around the lake looking for clues using a GPS device or your own phone and a flashlight. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed toed shoes. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Preregistraiton is required for all participants. Age: 7 and up CR Fee: $8 NCR Fee: $13 LAKE MICHIE BOATING AREA 16104 Apr 30 Sa 9pm-11pm

MUDDY BOOTS

Adventure in nature with your preschooler at the West Point on the Eno Environmental Education Pavilion. We’ll read a nature-themed book, then take a walk on the wild side to find the nature right outside our door. Children must be accompanied by a parent, and of course, wear boots or sneakers that can get a little dirty! Parents must accompany children. Preregistration is required. Age: 1-4 CR Fee: $1.50 NCR Fee: $6.50 WEST POINT ON THE ENO 16087 Jan 11 T 10am-11am 16088 Jan 25 T 10am-11am 16089 Feb 8 T 10am-11am 16090 Feb 22 T 10am-11am 16091 Mar 8 T 10am-11am 16092 Mar 22 T 10am-11am 16093 Apr 5 T 10am-11am 16094 Apr 26 T 10am-11am 16095 May 10 T 10am-11am 16096 May 24 T 10am-11am A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes completely through the earth’s dark shadow, or umbra. During this type of eclipse, the moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood-red color. Join us as we watch the moon slowly become covered in the earth’s shadow. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and youth under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Preregistration is required for all participants. No Cost WEST POINT ON THE ENO 16112 May 16 M 10pm-4am

ETA AQUARID METEOR SHOWER

The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower is a meteor shower associated with Halley's Comet. Join us in the meadow at the West Point on the Eno Environmental Education Pavilion as we watch the spectacle. Bring your own blankets or chairs and dress for the weather. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and youth under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Preregistration is required for all participants. All Ages No Cost WEST POINT ON THE ENO 16110 May 7 Sa 12am-2am

Durham Parks and Recreation Recreation Advisory Commission (RAC)

The RAC meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at the Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) administration office. The mission of the Recreation Advisory Commission is to advocate for DPR and the Durham Community. For more information regarding the RAC, contact Lynda Merritt at 919-560-4355, ext. 27233.

Lesley Stracks-Mullem, Chair Cedric Burke, Vice-Chair Kokou Nayo, Member Rebecca Reyes, Mayor Appointee Marcella Scurlock-Jones, Member Karthik Sundaramoorthy, Member Eric Tullis, Member Frank White, Member Lynda Merritt, City Staff

Selected by the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association as recipients of the “Distinguished Recreation Board Award”