Beat cabin fever and learn, too
Published: Sun, Jan. 27, 2008 12:00AM
Modified Sun, Jan. 27, 2008 01:49AM
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closeLisa Tolley loves the No Child Left Inside movement launched last year in Connecticut to get kids outdoors. In fact, she likes to take it a step further.
"We try to focus on adults, too," Tolley says. By "we" she means the 185 environmental education centers statewide that, among other responsibilities, play a key role in bringing the outdoors to the masses. (Or is it the other way around?)
Tolley is director of the state Office of Environmental Education, which serves as a clearinghouse for the centers. They range from public facilities such as Eno River State Park and Blue Jay Point County Park to nonprofits such as the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.
Need some exhibit A's?
Here's a sampling of what environmental education centers are offering next weekend. Events are free unless otherwise indicated.
8:30 a.m.
Birding with Vernon
Check out the winter aviary scene around the wetlands of Lake Crabtree County Park (1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville). 460-2723.
Groundhog Tracks and Signs
Honor the groundhog with a two-hour session at Historic Yates Mill County Park (4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh) about how it came to predict weather. $5, pre-registration required. 856-6675.
Winter Tree ID
A ranger shows you how to tell a tree by its bark (and other things). Eno River State Park, preregistration required, 383-1686.
From Field to Forest
Did you know that the 5,500 wooded acres that make up Umstead State Park were once mostly farmland? This two-mile hike shows you what happens 80 years or so after. 571-4170 to preregister.
Run with a Ranger
A 4-mile run through the J.C. Cooper Campground at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, "stopping along the way to enjoy several points of interest." Running shoes and apparel required. On Feb. 9, the park sponsors the anti-Run with a Ranger: Coffee with a Ranger: "a roaring fire, coffee, doughnuts and interesting conversation." (252) 438-7791.
Wildlife by Canoe
You've seen Umstead by foot, now see it by boat on this hour-and-a-half program. Canoes, paddles and life jackets provided; you bring binoculars and basic canoe skills, which are required. 571-4170 to register.
1:30 p.m.
Home Sweet Home
Ever wonder where a squirrel calls home? Or a raccoon or an owl? These and other mysteries explored at Umstead. (Recommended for kids 4 and older with parents). 571-4170 to register.
Eno River Association Winter Hike series
Every Sunday at 2 p.m., a naturalist leads a 3- to 4-mile hike along a different stretch of the Eno. All originate in the Fews Ford area at the end of Cole Mill Road. 620-9099.
More Health & Science
In February, the centers will offer a combined 116 programs to the public. And many of those programs offer ample reason for us to get off our duffs during a time of year when cocooning under a blanket on a comfy couch may hold more appeal than bundling up for a brisk walk in the woods.
Tolley thinks the topics themselves should be enough to get you happily donning fleece and lacing up the hiking boots.
"We have winter tree ID programs at Blue Jay Point. There are bird walks and there's a snowflakes and ice crystals program at Historic Yates Millpond," she says. "Stuff you can't see at other times of the year."
If that's not enough, Tolley says the seductive way the programs are pitched can be enticing.
"I like to see how they promote workshops in the winter," Tolley says. "They throw in hot chocolate and stuff to soften the blow."
Besides, she says, studies show you'll go crazy if you don't get outside.
"You get cabin fever being shut up indoors all winter. Get out. Get some fresh air."
joe.miller@newsobserver.com or (919) 812-8450
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