Update below - Three Wildlife Events at Occoneechee park that now have dates and are in final stages of planning. These events are leveraging various community and wildlife organizations to offer inspiring educational presentations and exhibits for our local community. We are meeting again on April 12th to discuss purchases needed plus advertising plans. More details to come so stay tuned.
Pollinators in the Park!
Date: Sunday, June 25 (Rain Date July 23)
Time: Noon – 3:00
Place: Occoneechee State Park Picnic Area (Large and Small Shelters required plus need two foldable tables per exhibitor)
This event is hosted by the Friends of Occoneechee State Park (FOOSP) to celebrate National Pollinator Week 2023. Southern Piedmont Master Naturalists will be participating as an exhibitor in the event, along with many other participating groups such as the Halifax Beekeepers Association, Virginia Museum of Natural History,
Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension, and Southside (Halifax County) Master Gardeners. Enjoy a fun-filled day at beautiful Occoneechee State Park and experience the joys of butterflies, bees, flowers, honey, and more!
Animal Scat and Tracks
Date: Saturday, August 26. (No rain date arranged)
Time: 10:00 -- 2:00
Place: Splash Park Area at Occoneechee SP (One canopy/chair required for DWR; USACE brings their own)
Many animals live in Occoneechee State Park, even though you may not always see them. Come and learn how you can get started identifying tracks, scat, and other animal signs. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Rangers will be on hand to get you
started. This event will be located at the Splash Park, or in the event of rain or other bad weather, relocated to the Visitor Center.
Raptors & Rehab
September 23, 2023 (Rain Date Sept 30)
1:00-3:00 pm
Picnic Shelter Near Playground (Large Shelter required, two large foldable tables per exhibitor)
The Friends of Occoneechee State Park are sponsoring an exciting afternoon featuring raptors (birds of prey) and animal rehabilitation. World renowned master falconer, licensed raptor specialist, and conservationist Rodney Stotts will be on hand to introduce the colorful history surrounding the sport of falconry, and visitors will experience what it is like to hold a live hawk or falcon. The Alliance of Wild Animal
Rehabilitators Educators (AWARE) will bring their rescued and rehabilitated wild animals and explain the important role that every animal plays in our ecosystems and the importance of saving wild spaces to coexist with wildlife. This program is for adults and children of all ages and is sure to be thrilling and enlightening.