Blue Jay Point Public Programs

An instructor and family dip netting at the Blue Jay Study Pond
The Study Pond features in many of our public programs.

Blue Jay Point County Park offers programs covering history, nature and recreational topics. Public programs are open for registration to the general public.

March 2025 Update:
We've got some exciting news that we're in the process of park updates and construction planning. This will impact our ability to offer regularly scheduled public programs for at least the late spring and summer.

Please keep checking back here as we'll add in programs where we can but it will be more sporadic that typical. You can also sign up for our monthly e-newsletter that tells you what's happening in the park and programming that's going on and follow us on Facebook for updates.

We'll also be offering some fun programs at Green Hills County Park in the mean time!

Nature Peekers

Preschool aged kids making a dinosaur skeleton out of cardboard tubes on the brick patio in front of the Education Center
Cardboards tubes make great dinosaur bones!

A monthly program series for very young children, ages 18 months–3 years (and their grown-ups!), where we listen to a story, practice developmentally appropriate skills, interact with other youngsters and enjoy nature outside whenever possible. Preregistration is required for these free, 30-minute programs. Walk-ups are not guaranteed a spot.

Who’s Awake in Springtime
Tuesday, April 1, 10:30–11 a.m.
Ready for spring yet? Well animals are and some of them are now waking up after their long winter rest. Let’s discover "Who’s Awake for Springtime," by Phillis Gershator & Mim Green, and see what life we can find around the park!

Over in the Meadow
Tuesday, May 6, 10:30-11 a.m.
We’ll go explore and search for meadow creatures as we read Over in the Meadow by Jane Cabrera. Join us as we walk and observe any animals that may cross our path.  

 

Nature Stories

Kids looking for small living things under a rotten log
You can find an amazing secret world under a rotting log.

Nature Stories is a 1-hour program for children ages 3–6, with a participating parent/adult, and includes a combination of inside time and outside nature exploration. Preregistration is required for these free, 1-hour programs. Walk-ups are not guaranteed a spot.

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
Wednesday, March 19, 1–2 p.m.
As the seasons change, spring weather is often unpredictable. Sometimes the cold north winds roar like a lion, other times the breezes are as gentle as a lamb. Come join us for a windy day story and craft.

Family Wildlife Series

Animal pictures made out of colorful fall leaves
Animal inspired leaf collages

Family Wildlife Series (FWS) programs are usually open to all ages, although information and activities are most appropriate for ages 5 years and up. Occasionally there will be a FWS program with a higher age limit – if so, it will be indicated in the description. All members of the family in attendance must be registered to attend the program – if you are unable to register a family member, either the size limit of the class has been reached, or that child does not meet the age limit to attend. Don't forget, kids are not required to attend – individual adults are welcome!

Preregistration is required for all Family Wildlife Series Programs unless otherwise stated. Walk-ups are not guaranteed a spot.

Sun Printing (at Green Hills County Park)
Monday, April 7, 2–3 p.m.
Use the rays of the sun and natural materials to create a work of art. Drop by and check out our hands-on craft any time from 2–3 p.m. Great way to get out and have fun in the sun. No registration needed!

Bat-topia!
Saturday, May 10, 10–11 a.m.

Bat-topia!
Saturday, May 24, 10-11 a.m.

Bat-topia!
Sunday, June 22, 10-11 a.m.
Bats often seen as mysterious and nocturnal but they’re ever so critical for our environment. Discover why bats are important, learn about threats to bats and what families can do to help. Learn the ins and outs of building bat houses and gardens, then craft your own bat house model and take home some bat-friendly garden seeds!

This program will be presented by Girl Scouts as part of a Gold Award project.

Hooray, Herpetology! (at Green Hills County Park)
Wednesday, June 25, 10-11 a.m.
Herp-a-who? What do you know about the fascinating world of herpetology? Want to learn more about our scaly, slithery, cold-blooded friends? Drop by for some great hands-on activities to learn more about the wild world of reptiles and amphibians! No registration needed.

 

Serious Skills for Adults

Adult workshop participant looking for spiders and small insects in a beat sheet
ID'ing spiders caught in a beat sheet.

Whether you are an outdoor buff wanting to hone your skills, or a dabbler who would just like to try something new, come hang with the Blue Jay staff and work on some Serious Skills! Criteria II or III or CEU credit may be available for participants in the NC EE Certification Program, depending on the session. Preregistration is required for all SSA sessions. SSA session topics run the gamut from Field ID workshops to Eco-Crafts and Upcycling! Preregistration is required.

Creek Exploration (at Green Hills County Park)
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.–noon
Creek exploring isn’t just for kids! Leave no stone unturned as we investigate Abbotts Creek to look for exciting wildlife and plants that call this creek their home. We’ll figure out what are indicators for a healthy aquatic ecosystem and learn how to check water quality using easy, scientific tools. Come prepared for mucking about for this fun creek day! For ages 16 & up. Counts towards NCEE Criteria II or III.

Educator Workshops

Adult workshop participants participating in a small group discussion inside a classroom in the Blue Jay Center for Environmental Education
Educator Workshops combine group discussion with field skills.

Blue Jay Point offers a variety of educator programs, including a number of workshops for NC Environmental Education Certification or CEU credits.

If you don't see any Educator Workshops listed then check out our Serious Skills of Adults for some great opportunities for Criteria II and III or Continuing Education hours.

Become a Junior Park Explorer!

Junior Park Explorer graphic

Do you like to explore parks and preserves? Do you like winning prizes? Our Junior Park Explorers program is for you! Learn more here.