The new year brings new opportunities to take the kids out to local parks to explore, learn and have some fun. There are a variety of events scheduled at Clark Park and Lake Rim Park to interest all ages.

Clark Park

www.fcpr.us/parks-trails/parks/clark-park or 910-433-1579
Clark Park and its Nature Center join the Cape Fear River Trail and Moses Mathis “Bicycle Man” playground/trailhead to form a complex suited to hours of enjoyment and education. It remains a natural woodland area dedicated to preserving the environment, educating the public on North Carolina plants and wildlife, and providing a place to passively commune with nature. The Nature Center features exhibits and free viewing of live animals. You can walk an outdoor storybook on the trail near the playground.
Visitors can picnic overlooking the woods and one of the highest waterfalls in the coastal plain. For those interested in walking or jogging, the park has its own set of unpaved trails. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome on trails as long as you clean up after them.
Clark Park Nature Center offers nature and recreation programming for educators, groups, individuals and families. Programs meet at the Nature Center unless otherwise noted. You must pre-register for all programs. Register early; space is limited in most programs. If enrollment is low, programs are canceled.
For more program information follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fcprnature. Clark Park is located at 631 Sherman Drive. The Center hours are Nov.- Feb.: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March-Oct.: Mon.-Fri. 8a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trail Hours are 8 a.m. until dusk.
Free programs scheduled for January and early February are listed below.

Animal Feedings!

Alligators chomping, snakes swallowing, and turtles snapping, come see what is for dinner at the nature center. All ages; Wed.: 4 p.m.

Mystery Animal Identification

Do you know the clues to identifying local animals by their tracks? Help the rangers look for tracks around the park to identify what animals call Clark Park home. Make a track of your own to take home. Call or register online. All ages; Tues., Jan. 3: 3 to 4 p.m.

Nature Story Time

You and your child are invited to Clark Park for an interactive story time with the Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center. The story will be followed by themed crafts and activities. Call or register online. 6-under yrs. with adult; Tues., Jan. 10: Frogs; 1 to 2 p.m.

Winter Magic Nature Potions

It’s Brew a Potion Day so let nature be inspiration to brew up a special potion in the Loblolly Garden. Bring a jar and your imagination, nature will supply the rest! Call or register online. Age 10 and under; Thurs., Jan. 19: 11 a.m. until noon.

Dung Beetle Derby

Scarabs, tumblebugs, dung beetles. It’s a dirty job but somebody in the animal world has to do it! This special group of beetles is nature’s cleanup crew. After learning about their unique lifestyles, participants can make a craft tumblebug and participate in a “Dung Beetle Derby” for prizes. Call or register online. All ages; Fri., Jan. 27: 3:30 to 5 p.m.

National Draw a Dinosaur Day

Learn about dinosaurs, play with some and draw a dinosaur! All supplies provided, just bring your creativity. Call or register online. All ages; Mon., Jan. 30: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Groundhog’s Big Day!

Will the groundhog see his shadow? How did this tradition get started? Just what is a groundhog? Come to Clark Park to discover this unique underground creature through games, stories, and a craft. Call or register online. All ages; Wed., Feb. 1: 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Lake Rim Park

www.fcpr.us/parks-trails/parks/lake-rim-park or 910-433-1018
Whether you want to take a stroll on the one-mile border trail through the wetlands to Bones Creek, play a game of soccer with friends, or have a family picnic, Lake Rim Park offers something for everyone. An assortment of outdoor amenities, including picnic areas, horseshoe pits, walking trails, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, athletic fields, natural areas, and children’s playgrounds are available to enjoy.
All facilities are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis unless they are reserved. To find out how you can reserve a picnic shelter or athletic field for your special event contact the park office. Well-behaved, furry family members are welcome to enjoy a walk around the park too, but they must be on a leash and under your control at all times.
Lake Rim Park is located at 2214 Tar Kiln Drive. Park winter hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park summer hours are 7 a.m. until dusk. Office hours are Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free programs scheduled for January and early February are listed below.

Feel the Soil

Bring an empty two-liter bottle to help explore our local soils. Find out why the place we call home is known as the Sandhills. Call or register online at register.fcpr.us. All ages; Fri., Jan. 13: 4 to 5 p.m.

Stars and Constellations

Winter nights are the premier time to view the night sky. Learn about our constellations, other celestial objects and the folklore behind them. Bring telescopes and binoculars if you have them. This program occurs after park operating hours. Please arrive promptly at 6 p.m. so staff can let you in the gate. Dress for the weather. Call or register online at register.fcpr.us. All ages; Fri., Jan. 20: 6 to 8 p.m.

Here’s to the Land of the Longleaf Pine

The pine tree is North Carolina’s State Tree. While it wasn’t officially designated as such, most people believe that the honor was reserved for the longleaf pine specifically. Find out what makes this tree so important to our state's history and to the nature of the Southeast. Call or register online at register.fcpr.us. All ages; Tues., Jan. 31: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Fruit or Vegetable Munch and Learn
Munch and learn as you look inside food to discover what parts of the plant makes it a fruit or a vegetable. Call or register online at register.fcpr.us. All ages; Mon., Feb. 6: 3 to 4 p.m.

Bird Walk

Take a walk around Lake Rim Park to see which of our feathered friends are flitting about while counting birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the park office. Call or register online at register.fcpr.us, space is limited. Adults and mature children ages 8+; Fri., Feb. 17: 3:30 to 5 p.m.