“Wings of Wonder”
Watoga State Park is pleased to welcome the Three Rivers Avian Center to the Activities Building at 7:00 p.m. as
Irish Road Bowling – Kanawha State Forest
Irish Road Bowling consists of a ball made of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. sized "bowl" with an underhand motion over a 1 to 2 mile country road and see how far it goes! Scored like golf, the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line wins. Irish Road Bowling is similar to fast pitch softball, except with a running start. It's also like bowling if you had enough room to run 10 or 15 yards. Irish Road Bowling is ideal for young athletes or seniors who are looking to enjoy a scenic walk on a country road, combined with an ancient and exciting, but not overly strenuous, sport! Located just seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, Kanawha State Forest is in close proximity to the heavily populated Kanawha Valley and is a recreational haven. The 9,300-acre forest is noted among naturalists for its diverse wildflower and bird populations. Rich cove forest sites provide nesting habitat for 19 species of wood warblers, a feature which draws birders from as far away as Canada. The forest offers some of West Virginia’s best special hikes in winter, spring and fall. Team Registration, 12:30 p.m. Saturday 1:30 pm: Bowling Begins. Contact Kanawha State Forest at 304-558-3500, email kanawhasf@wv.gov, or call Road Master Stephen Wallington 304-638-3224 for more information.
WV Irish Road Bowling
WV Irish Road Bowling is a sport that has been played in West Virginia since 1995, but the roots go farther back to the American Civil War when soldiers from Ireland played. The Irish have been playing the sport since the 1600s. About Irish Road Bowling consists of a ball made out of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. sized "bowl" with an underhand motion over a 1 to 2 mile country road and see how far it goes! Team events are played with teams of 3 or 4 bowlers. Scored like golf, the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line wins. Registration: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Cost: $5 Contact Stephen Wallington (KSF Road Master) 304-638-3224 for more information.
Birds of Prey – Wings of Wonder
Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC) will present "Birds of Prey - Wings of Wonder" program at 1:00pm at the swimming pool building. Feature live raptors, attendees will see birds up close and learn about habits and habitats of these magnificent creatures. The program is open to the public at no charge and lasts about one hour with time for questions and answers. Free to attend.
Birds of Prey – Wings of Wonder
Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC) will present "Birds of Prey - Wings of Wonder" program at 1:00pm at the swimming pool building. Feature live raptors, attendees will see birds up close and learn about habits and habitats of these magnificent creatures. The program is open to the public at no charge and lasts about one hour with time for questions and answers. Free to attend. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1842676562659514??ti=ia
Margaret Denison Fall Nature Walks
Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall! Choose from a series of guided hikes on a variety of topics led by knowledgeable naturalists. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase following the hikes. Registration begins at 8:30am at the swimming pool parking lot. Hikes will begin at 9am. The fee is $5 for adults and $2 for children to participate. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1885761125026247??ti=ia
Osbra Eye Memorial Wildflower Walks
Hit the trails at Kanawha State Forest for the annual Osbra Eye Memorial Wildflower Walks. One of WV's premiere spring wildflower walks! Multiple hike and leaders. See wildflowers and trees in bloom and learn about the general ecology, insects, and herpetology of the forest. Event includes a Variety of Walks, including Wildflowers, Medicinal/Edible Plants, Trees, Beginning and Advanced Birding. (Be sure to bring a camera & binoculars!). There is also the option of a driving tour. Register at 8:30 a.m. at the swimming pool area. Adults $5; Students under 16, $2. Hot dogs, soft drinks, and cookies for sale. Door prizes, raffle. Walks 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
2017 Kanawha State Forest Mountain Bike Festival Presented by Star USA Federal Credit Union
Join us at the 2017 Kanawha State Forest Mountain Bike Festival, a showcase of the very best trails in Southern West Virginia. Four days of family fun in the dirt! Riding, racing, food, music and more! Scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 26-29, 2017, the festival will include free camping, exciting racing, live music from The Fort Hillbillies, a women’s skills clinic, local food and amazing singletrack. For up to the minute information, visit our Facebook page at fb.me/KSFMTBFEST. Tweet us @ksfmtbfest / #ksfmtbfest. Email us at ksfmtbfest@gmail.com. Directions, parking and course details will be finalized and posted soon here and at www.ksfmtbfest.com. KSF MTB Fest is hosting the 31st Annual Black Bear 40k Mountain Bike Race, long billed as the “Scariest Race in the World,” where cross-country racers will find themselves hitting some of the steepest, most technical terrain in West Virginia. The race is part of the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA) race series. ***Top expert male and female XC racer guaranteed $500 payout*** EQUAL PAYOUT FOR FOR MALE AND FEMALE EXPERTS! Need more? Race Short Track and Enduro! The notorious Black Bear Enduro is the third stop in the growing WV Enduro Series. Like the XC race, EQUAL PAYOUT FOR FOR MALE AND FEMALE EXPERTS! Race all three! The fastest expert riders, man and woman, in all three disciplines (STXC, XC & Enduro) win big! Brought to you by the Star USA Federal Credit Union, Kanawha State Forest, West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA), WV Enduro Series, Maple Creative (MCWV), BrickStreet Insurance, The Wine Shop, Charleston Bicycle Center, John's Cyclery, Pro Mountain Outfitters, New River Bikes, Tear Jerkers, Inc. and the B&B MTB Crew.
Irish Road Bowling – Kanawha State Forest
An iron and steel small cannonball, called a “bowl” is hurled down a 1.2 mile country lane, fewest throws to the finish line wins, similar to golf. Throws can roll 250 or even 300 yards. Irish Road Bowling can be traced back to the 1600s. One story is that Dutch soldiers brought it when William of Orange came to Ireland in 1689. Another legend says that Irish patriots robbed English cannonballs and rolled them down a country lane by the light of a full moon. Faugh a Ballach! Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Team registration at 12:30 p.m. Located just seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, Kanawha State Forest is in close proximity to the heavily populated Kanawha Valley and is a recreational haven. For more information regarding the State Forest – Kanawha State Forest 304-558-3500. For info WVIRBA - Road Master Stephen Wallington 304-638-3224.
Birding Around the Sun
Observe seasonal changes in bird behavior, from singing and nesting to migration. Learn about birding, bird ecology, and why birds are important parts of the natural environment. This hike will take place on Pigeon Roost/Ridge Roads/Black Bear. Difficult, 4 miles. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before the hike. Dress according to hike difficulty and weather. Bring water, a snack, and binoculars if you have them. Contact Sara Miller, Naturalist, 304-558-3500
Birding Around the Sun
Observe seasonal changes in bird behavior, from singing and nesting to migration. Learn about birding, bird ecology, and why birds are important parts of the natural environment. This hike will take place at Range Road and Ellison Pond. Easy to moderate. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before the hike. Dress according to hike difficulty and weather. Bring water, a snack, and binoculars if you have them. Contact Sara Miller, Naturalist, 304-558-3500.
Birding Around the Sun (Easy Hike)
Hike and explore Kanawha State Forest through the seasons with Saturday bird hikes. On these Saturday hikes you will learn about changes in bird behavior, from singing to nesting to migration. Spotted Salamander Trail, .25 miles. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before we embark. Dress according to hike difficulty and weather. Bring water, a snack and binoculars if you have them. Contact: Naturalist Sara Miller, 304-558-3500.
Night Hike by the Full Moon
We may wander through winter's silence broken by a coyote chorus or an owl calling, a snow falling in a hushed forest, or maybe moonlight shining on sparkling snow. We'll also invite stories of winter wildlife encounters and provide some interpretation for flora and fauna winter survival. Meet at Shelter #5 at 6:30 p.m. Dress according to weather; we could be hiking through snow. Hot chocolate will be waiting upon your return. Please bring a light source. KSF Naturalist Sara Miller, 304-558-3500
Birding Around the Sun
Hike and explore Kanawha State Forest through the seasons with Saturday bird hikes. CCC Snipe Trail and Shrewsbury Hollow. Easy with moderate sections. 2 miles. Observe changes in bird behavior, from singing and nesting to migration. Learn about birding, bird ecology, and why birds are important parts of the natural environment. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before departure. Hike locations will be on a rotating schedule, and hike routes will be of varying levels of difficulty. Dress according to hike difficulty and weather. Bring water, a snack, and binoculars. (A few pairs of binoculars are available to borrow.) For questions, contact Naturalist Sara Miller at 304-558-3500. Details can also be found on the Kanawha State Forest Foundation's Facebook page.
Great Backyard Bird Count – Kanawha State Forest
Take part with over 100,000 birders from over 130 countries to observe and count bird species, contributing to a massive amout of data used to track "the health of bird populations on a global scale." gbbc.birdcount.org/2016-gbbc-summary/ - It's a nationwide community of birders! Meet at the Kanawha State Forest Nature Center at 2 p.m. We plan to have a feeder count followed by a bird hike. Data collected from the day will be submitted to eBird. Free to the public. Three pairs of binoculars are available for borrow. Join us!
Kanawha State Forest – FIRST DAY HIKE
Start the New Year right with a hike at your local State Forest! Meet in the Pool Parking area at 2 p.m. Bring your hiking shoes. All are welcome. Free to the public. Bundle up for whatever nature brings today! Enjoy the outdoors.
Rock the Park
A family friendly event with classic car cruise-in and outdoor concert. There will be also be arts and crafts and local food vendors.