Group Programming at Walnut Creek Wetland Park

Group programs are considered private programming and can be booked by one individual on behalf of the group (schools, professionals, clubs, etc.). There is a standard rate for this style of programming of $50 per hour with a one-time administrative fee of $1. Group Programs should be booked a minimum of four weeks in advance for adequate staffing.

Programs are taught in a combination of our classrooms, creeks, open green spaces, and our natural and paved trail systems. Programs can be tailored to accommodate group needs and additional support services can be requested through the City’s Specialized Recreation and Inclusion Services. 

Standardized Programs

Walnut Creek Wetland Parks offers standardized programs that are in alignment with the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI) standards for science and social studies. These programs are designed to accommodate school field trips but are appropriate for all groups within their designed age range.

Wetland Birds: This classroom program is designed for school groups ages Kindergarten through 2nd grade. In this program, students will learn all about birds: what makes a bird different from other animals, how birds communicate, and where/how birds can be observed. Program length is 60 minutes and can accommodate up to 25 students and 4 adults for a total of $51 per session. Schools wishing to serve entire grade levels can be accommodated.
Associated DPI Standards
K.L.1.1; K.L.1.2; 1.L.1.1; 1.L.1.2; 1.L.1.3 & 2.L.2.2

Looking to extend your experience? There is a 30-minute guided bird walk that can be added to the program for an additional $25 charge or groups may borrow a class set of binoculars [as available] and lead an independent hike on our trails for no extra fee.

Discovering Wetlands: This classroom program is designed for school groups ages 4th through 6th grade. In this program, students will learn all about wetland ecology: understanding the interdependence of plants and animals within their ecosystem, the flow of energy through wetland ecosystems, and the impacts of change that enable animals (including humans) to survive in their ecosystem. Program length is 60 minutes and can accommodate up to 25 students and 4 adults for a total of $51 per session. Schools wishing to serve entire grade levels can be accommodated.
Associated DPI Standards
4.L.1.1; 4.L.1.2; 5.L.2.1; 5.L.2.3 & 6.L.2.3 

Looking to extend your experience? There is a 30-minute guided wetland walk that can be added to the program for an additional $25 charge, or groups may borrow a class set of scavenger hunt sheets [as available] and lead an independent hike for no extra fee.

Norman Builds a Park: This classroom program is designed for school groups of 3rd and 4th grade. Norman Builds a Park tells the childhood story of Dr. Norman Camp, an inquisitive young scientist from Southeast Raleigh who dreamed of a safe place for children to learn and play in the wetland and grew up to make it happen! In this program students will learn about the founding of Walnut Creek Wetland Park as it relates to the life of Dr. Norman Camp and how a community group created positive change in the face of environmental injustices. Program length is 90 minutes and can accommodate up to 25 students and 4 adults for a total of $76 per session. Schools wishing to serve entire grade levels can be accommodated.
Associated DPI Standards
Science: LS.3.3, ESS 4.3.1, ESS 4.3.2
Social Studies: 3.B.1.1, 3.B.1.2, 3 C&G 1.3, 3.H.1.1, 3.H.1.2, 3.G.1.1, 4 C&G 1.2, 4.H.1.1

Looking to extend your experience? Follow us on a 60-minute guided art walk as we use trash grabbers along the way to clean up our park just like Norman did! Learn about local Black artists and how their environment has inspired their creations. This experience can be added to the program for an additional $50 charge, or groups may borrow a grabber and a park map from our front desk and lead an independent art walk for no extra fee.
Additional Art, Social Studies, and Phys Ed Standards: 3. CX.1.2, PE.3.MS.1.3, 4.CX.1.5, 4.B.1.1, PE.4.MS.1.3

Creek Crawl: This classroom program is designed for school groups ages 7th through high school students. In this program, students learn about urban stream ecology and conduct a simulated stream bioassessment. Students are given opportunities to learn biological and chemical monitoring techniques and macroinvertebrate identification in the classroom setting before participating in the monitoring of Little Rock Creek. Program length is 2 hours and can accommodate up to 20 students and 4 adults for a total of $101.00 per session. This program can be adapted entirely indoors in the event of inclement weather. Boots and other equipment are provided. Schools wishing to serve entire grade levels can be accommodated.
Associated DPI Standards
7.G.1.3, 8.E.1.3, 8.E.1.4, Bio.2.2.1 & EEn.2.4.2

Looking to extend your experience? You’ve got your boots on, let us get your bags and gloves! All litter ends up in our streams. What better way to wrap up a lesson on water quality than to participate in a short creek clean-up? Many schools require service work as a part of their curriculum. Let’s us tell you about the historical and cultural impacts of garbage at this site before leading you through a short park cleanup.

Nature Programs

Walnut Creek Wetland Park offers a library of programs designed to accommodate non-traditional group visits such as homeschools, daycares, church programs, summer camps and professional groups. To accommodate a fluctuation of group needs, these programs are flexible in design and meant for anyone over the age of 8 years old. Participants are broken up into age blocks with a class participation cap of 25. Younger siblings who do not meet the age threshold do not count as program participants. At a run time of 90 –120 minutes with program fees of $76 - $101 per session, these programs offer more immersive experiences in the outdoors.

Reptiles & Amphibians: Come discover the difference between reptiles and amphibians by meeting the ones that call the Wetland Center their home! Say hello to our resident snakes and Mr. T, the box turtle. Afterwards, we’ll get to discover what’s outside and search for them in their natural habitat. Come ready to get dirty! Age ranges requested in advance for content level. Boots are available on request. 

Fungi:Is it a plant? Is it an animal? Nope! It’s fungi! Mushrooms and fungi are used in all sorts of things, like cooking and medicine. We’ll learn all about safe ways to engage with wild mushrooms as we explore the diverse and wacky world of mushrooms and other fungi through this program. Come prepared to spend time in the outdoors. Age ranges requested in advance for content level. Boots are available on request. 

Wetland Mammals: Have you ever wondered what makes an animal a mammal? In this program we’ll learn about the animals that lurk in our wetlands. Come check out our trail cam footage, feel animal pelts, and search for signs of mammals in their natural habitat. Come prepared to spend time on our trails. Age ranges requested in advance for content level. Boots are available on request. 

Seasonal Tree Identification: Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem, but they tend to look different from season to season. Learn how to use your senses along with some basic identification techniques to reveal a tree's identity no matter what season. Come prepared to spend time on our trails. Age ranges requested in advance for content level. Boots are available on request.

Birthday Parties

For budding naturalists or kids who just enjoy being outside, there's no better place for a birthday party than Walnut Creek Wetland Park! We offer several nature-themed birthday party packages as an add-on to facility rentals. Party packages run an hour long and require a three-hour minimum rental. Party add-ons and chosen themes should be booked a minimum of four weeks in advance for adequate staffing. Our birthday party packages can accommodate up to 15 children with adult's present and are ideal for children ages 3 through 8 years old. Fees associated with this style of program cost $30, plus applicable room rental fees.

Relevant Rental Forms

• A comprehensive guide to renting at Walnut Creek Wetland Park
• Birthday Party Request Forms can be completed and sent to Mark.Steffen@raleighnc.gov / WC.WetlandCenter@raleighnc.gov