• By Kelli Cox
• Posted Thursday, June 16, 2011

Tuesdays at Tanglewood

On Tuesday, June 21st, Tanglewood will begin its new summer series: Tuesdays at Tanglewood. The programs will feature a variety of nature activities and will be free to the public after the $2 per car Tanglewood Park entrance fee. These programs will be take place every Tuesday beginning June 19th through August 16th at 9:00 am. All but one of the programs will last one hour.

Participants should bring their own sunscreen, insect repellent and water bottle and wear comfortable hiking clothes and shoes. The programs are designed for all ages, but children ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The Tuesdays at Tanglewood program schedule is:

JUNE

21 – Summer Birds of Tanglewood: Welcome the first day of summer by taking a bird walk with an expert from the Forsyth Audubon Society. Find out which of our feathered friends are permanent residents and which will migrate to warmer climates in the fall. You’ll discover what makes Tanglewood such an appealing location for the wide range of birds that use the park. Bring binoculars and field guides if available. Meet at Shelter # 2 at 9:00 a.m.

28 – Animal Signs: Follow a trail of animal signs to discover some of the animals that make the park their home and learn about the habitat components necessary for their survival. Meet at Shelter # 2 at 9:00 a.m.

JULY

5 – Native Americans of the Yadkin River Basin: Get ready for the Strong Sun Pow Wow (July 8-10) by learning about the native nations that inhabited the Piedmont Triad for thousands of years prior to European settlement. Examine local artifact replicas and take a nature walk to find out how these advanced cultures enjoyed a life of abundance from the wealth of our surrounding natural resources. Meet at Shelter # 2 at 9:00 a.m.

12 – Stinging Insects: Often objects of contempt and fear, the bees, wasps and hornets of the insect world possess fascinating adaptations that contribute to complex social orders. Learn about these insects in a safe setting, examine the interesting structures they build and get tips for avoiding painful encounters. Meet at Shelter # 2 at 9:00 a.m.

19 – Stream Dwellers: Put on a pair of old sneakers or aqua shoes and explore the critters that live in Tanglewood’s streams. Find out which inhabitants indicate good water quality and what area residents can do to ensure the survival of these important stream dwellers. (Bring a pair of “dry” shoes to put on after the program). Meet in the lobby of the Park Administration/Nature Education Building on Nature Trail Drive at 9:00 a.m.

26 - Flying Jewels: Hummingbirds of Tanglewood Park: Learn about the beautiful hummingbirds that inhabit North Carolina and Tanglewood Park. Find out how to attract these intriguing animals to your own lawn or garden with properly maintained feeders and nectar-rich flowers. Meet in the lobby of the Park Administration/Nature Education Building on Nature Trail Drive at 9:00 a.m.

August

2 – Slithery But NOT Slimy: The Snakes of Tanglewood: View a Power Point presentation of the park’s common snake residents. Hear common myths dispelled and learn about the essential roles that snakes play in ecosystems. Get tips for identifying and avoiding encounters with venomous residents. We’ll end the presentation with an opportunity to meet Cornelius the Corn Snake (bring a camera for photo opportunities). Meet in Walnut Hall at 9:00 a.m.

9 – Fishing Clinic: Find out what kinds of fish inhabit the lakes and ponds of Tanglewood and how to catch them. An instructor from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will be on hand for this 3-hour workshop (9:00am – noon) to demonstrate proper baiting, casting, and catch and release techniques. Use fishing gear provided or bring your own. Bring your own snacks, drinks and/or picnic lunch. Spaces limited and preregistration required. E-mail smithpb@forsyth.cc or call 703-6439 for registration info. Meet at Shelter #3 adjacent to Skilpot Lake at 9:00 a.m.

16 – Bring Back the Monarchs: Learn about the Monarch Butterfly and its amazing migration journey. Become part of a nationwide network to support Monarchs by providing their habitat requirements in your own backyard. Find out the best places to witness the Monarch migration as they make their way to wintering grounds in Mexico. Meet in the lobby of the Park Administration/Nature Education Building on Nature Trail Drive at 9:00 a.m.