Explore nature and connect with your Apex neighbors at Explore S’more!

Come join Outdoor Recreation staff and a New Hope Bird Alliance member on this birdwatch outing during Durham’s pride month! The birdwatch outing is open to all levels of birdwatching experience. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, as supplies are limited. Preregistration is required for all participants. Meet at the picnic shelter. Ages: 13 yrs +,

Experience the forest in the moonlight, enjoying the reflection of the moon on the Eno River, and listening to the sounds of nature. Children must be accompanied by an adult for this program. Pre-registration is required. Ages: 6 yrs +,

Active Adult SOAR Trip - Day on Falls Lake

Saturday, September 26 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free and open to all Join us for our annual Fall Plant Sale to find new southeastern native plants for your garden! We grow the southeastern native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, trees, vines, ferns, and carnivorous plants for sale right here in our nursery. Proceeds support our research in plant conservation and propagation. We’ll update this description with a list of plant species when that’s available! MEMBERS’ SALE NCBG Foundation Members enjoy a 10% discount on plants and the opportunity to sign up for an early access sale on Friday, September 25. WHY NATIVE PLANTS? Gardening with native plants restores lost connections between plants and wildlife. And since they’re adapted to the soils, climates, diseases, and predators of our region, native plants may require fewer pesticides and expensive management practices and be more likely to thrive in a garden. Learn more on our Resources for Gardeners page > WHY FALL? Fall is the best time to plant North Carolina’s wonderful native perennials, shrubs, trees, ferns, and grasses: it gives plant times to establish their root systems prior to the growing season.

Extend your paddling season! Join us for a Fall Open Paddle session using the Lake Crabtree boat rental fleet. Register here to reserve a boat to explore Lake Crabtree together or with a group during this Open Paddle session. Lake Crabtree County Park will supply each group of registered participants with a boat, paddles, and life jackets. Rules & Restrictions for Open Paddle Registration is required. No walk-ups allowed. You may register yourself and/or your household members (ages 3+) for a boat. You’ll provide the names and ages of 2-3 participants during registration. Each boat must have at least one person over the age of 16. Minors (ages 3–17) must paddle with a participating adult. All boats must be returned at the end of the timeslot. Late arrivals still return boats at the scheduled end time. Life vests are required at all times. No swimming or alcohol. Expect to get wet; leave valuables in your car and bring a change of clothes. Paddling requires basic mobility and balance to safely enter, exit, and maneuver boats. ADA-accessible launch facilities are available. Schedule: Sep 27, 2026 Sunday from 10am to Noon Duration: 2 hours Ages: 18 yrs +,

Golden Years Club Open House -Lake Lynn Club

Ages: 4-5 Date: Wednesdays, September 30 – November 4 (6-sessions) Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Fee: $172 ($154 Household & above Members) Let curiosity lead the way! In this playful, nature-based drop-off program, preschoolers will discover the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, seasonal crafts, storytelling, and play. Led by our youth education staff, each week explores a new theme inspired by seasonal happenings in the Garden—designed to foster joyful connection with the natural world. A healthy snack is included. Group limited to 10. REGISTER HERE

Do you want to help scientists research and protect local species? Or simply enjoy seeing tree frogs in your back yard? Join us for a behind the scenes look into the wildlife monitoring projects at Beech Bluff. We’ll explore how these efforts provide habitat for reptiles, amphibians, and birds, how to safely collect data that supports conservation efforts, and ways for you to get involved at home! Portions of this program will take place off-trail. All ages welcome but recommended for ages 6+. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Schedule: Oct 1, 2026 Thursday from 5:30pm to 7pm Duration: 1 hour 30 mins Ages: All ages,

Join our bird enthusiast, Vernon, for an easy walk while looking and listening for our feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. Bring your own binoculars and field guides apps if you have them. Beginners and experienced birdwatchers are welcome! This program involves navigating on both paved and natural surface trails. Participants should be comfortable moving at a slow pace for up to 1 mile and may birdwatch either by ear or by sight using binoculars. If needed, please complete the ADA Modification Request Form during the registration process so we can best support your participation. Minors must attend with a registered adult, and all participants must pre-register. Schedule: Oct 3, 2026 Saturday from 8:30am to 10am Duration: 1 hour 30 mins Ages: 8 yrs +,

It's time to get out on the trails with your pup! Join us for a nature walk along the Eno River where you and your dog can meet new friends. The hike will stop along the river for dogs that want to cool off. Dogs are required to be on a non-retractable leash at all times. Participant registration is required. Ages: Age at least 10 yrs but less than 99 yrs,

Are you a budding artist? Come join us at Beech Bluff County Park and experience making art from and inspired by nature! Throughout the week, we will experiment with natural dyes, making paper, creative writing, and other fun arts and crafts projects. We will also enjoy everything else Beech Bluff has to offer, such as hanging out in the gardens with the Agriculture Team, seeing artifacts that tell the park’s story, playing games, and exploring outside in nature. Drop off begins at 8:30, and all campers must be picked up by 5:30pm. Campers bring their own lunch, snacks, and water bottle. This camp is open to participants ages 6 - 9 years old. Schedule: From Oct 7, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026 Each Wednesday from 8:30am to 5:30pm Each Thursday from 8:30am to 5:30pm Each Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm Duration: 9 hours Ages: Age at least 6 yrs but less than 10 yrs,

Join us for an afternoon at scenic Little River Lake. This hidden gem in northern Durham County is the perfect place to have an adventure or just relax and enjoy nature. Choose between either fishing or kayaking as your outdoor activity before enjoying dinner and s'mores by the campfire. Ages: 50 yrs +,

Dates: 10/8/2026 · Ages: 10

Come along with Outdoor Recreation staff and a member of New Hope Bird Alliance as we lead a bird outing and birdwatch at a city park. This is a 3-part series. Each bird outing takes place on a Friday and will occur at a different city park every week. The birdwatching series is open to all levels of birdwatching experience. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, as supplies is limited. Preregistration is required for all participants. Ages: 16 yrs +,

Expand your knowledge of our local flora and fauna by exploring a different area of the park each month. Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things each month. Help collect data for our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist while increasing your own identification skills. This month we will go on a spider hunt! How many different kinds of spiders can we find and ID in our time together? This program takes place outdoors and may include walking distances of up to one mile on both paved and natural paths. Please dress for the weather, including sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Participants may request program modifications during the registration process. Schedule: Oct 9, 2026 Friday from 1pm to 2pm Duration: 1 hour Ages: 10 yrs +,

Adventure in nature with your preschooler at the park. We'll read a nature-themed book, then take a walk on the wild side to find the nature right outside our door. Children must be accompanied by a parent, and of course, wear boots or sneakers that can get a little dirty! Parents must accompany children. Pre-registration is required. Please note this program is weather dependent. Ages: Age at least 1 yr but less than 6 yrs,

Embark on an outdoor adventure designed for curious kids. We’ll dive deeper into nature with hands-on activities, explore the park’s trails, and discover the wildlife and plants that call it home. Each session includes an engaging nature-focused project and time to investigate the world around us. Children should come ready to explore and wear shoes that can get a little dirty. Preregistration is required. Ages: Age at least 5 yrs but less than 8y 11m,