Join us for some fun activities during the month of May to celebrate one of Harris Lake County Park’s unique ecosystems, the Longleaf Pine forest! View the descriptions below for more information.
Schedule
May 4–27 | StoryWalk®: Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter
May’s StoryWalk® at Harris Lake County Park will feature Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa, the amazing true story of Wangari Maathai, who led a community movement in her homeland of Kenya that inspired a tree planting across the continent of Africa! StoryWalk® panels will be placed near some of our special trees at the park, with information about what makes them unique.
May 5, 2–3 p.m. | Treemendous Trees
Have you ever wondered how different parts of a tree function or tried identifying a tree without using your sense of sight? Join us for some fun activities as we explore the wonderful world of trees and thank them for the many good things they provide for us and the environment! For all ages. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
May 8, 7–8 p.m. | Longleaf Forest Friends
As part of our Longleaf Celebration, we will take a look at the animals that live in the Longleaf forest! Reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds of all kinds make their homes in the forest, and through fun activities we will discover the ways they use this habitat's special features for food and shelter. See some of these animals up close with our taxidermy mounts. For all ages. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.
May 18, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Longleaf Ramble Event and Wagon Tours
Join us for a special event as we honor all things Longleaf Pine!
- Visit with the N.C. Forest Service to play “Longleaf Jenga” and receive a free Longleaf Pine seedling while supplies last.
- See reptiles and amphibians up close and touch a snake with the N.C. Herpetological Society and N.C. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
- Learn about leaf litter critters with Dragonfly Nature Programs.
- Explore and purchase native trees and shrubs to add to your home landscape with Carolina Habitats.
- Visit with Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve to learn about the world's oldest living Longleaf Pine found right here in NC
- Sit down with Wake County Public Libraries for a craft and special storytime at 11:00 a.m.
- Enjoy Longleaf-themed games and crafts.
- Indulge in free Howling Cow ice cream and Luigi's Italian ice (while supplies last).
- Take a guided wagon tour to our beautiful Longleaf Restoration Area. Pre-registration is required for the wagon tours due to limited seating (register below).
Extend your fun by bringing a picnic lunch and spending your day at the park! It’s free for all ages! This event will take place at the Loblolly Shelter and on the open playfield.
Virtual Storytime: “Longneedle” by Anne Marshall Runyon
Take a journey into the past through the eyes of Longneedle, a Longleaf Pine who sprouts in 1696. As Longneedle grows, she sees the extraordinary diversity of plants and animals that depend on her and her forest. Through the magical illustrations of Anne Runyon, learn about the history of North Carolina's Coastal Plain, from its landscape to its people.