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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 group 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 $51.00 per session.
- 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 for no extra fee.
- Associated DPI Standards
- Discovering Wetlands: This classroom program is designed for school group 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 effects 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 $51.00 per session.
- 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.
- Associated DPI Standards
- Norman Builds a Park: tells the childhood story of Dr. Norman Camp. An inquisitive young scientist from Rochester Heights, right here in Raleigh, who had the dream to build Walnut Creek Wetland Park and made it happen! This curriculum is currently under revision to align with DPI standards for science and social studies. Please check back with us in the 2025 New Year to book this program. In the meantime, check our drop-in services to see how you can read the story of Norman Camp.
- 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.
- 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 you 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.
- Associated DPI Standards
Nature Programs
Walnut Creek Wetland Parks offers a library of programs that are offered by all our instructors year-round. These programs are 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 7 years old. At a run time of a minimum of two hours, these programs offer immersive experiences.
These programs are currently under revision to better fit the flexible model. Please check back with us in the 2025 New Year to book these programs.
- Plant and Fungi
- Reptiles and Amphibians
- Wetland Mammals
- Seasonal Tree Identification
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 20 children with adults present and are ideal for children ages 3 through 8 years old. Fees associated with this style of program cost $30.
Themes Available
- Swamp Soiree: Trek through the wonders of our wetlands!
- Bugs & Slugs: Learn about the things that live beneath our feet!
- Birdie Birthday: Spot birds with us year-round!
- Slimy, Scaly Friends: Learn about reptiles and amphibians!
Relevant Rental Forms
Drop In Services
Walnut Creek Park offers a variety of unstaffed, free services for friends or families who want to drop in for a wetland experience! Available staff can provide an oral history of the park, give guided building tours, provide trail maps, and answer questions related to the park. We can also provide groups of patrons with scavenger hunt card in English or Spanish. Calling in advance for groups larger than six is recommended.
- Gear Closet: front desk staff can assist you in borrowing dip nets, rain boots or waders in a variety of sizes and catch basins for independent creek exploration. Additionally, we offer field guides and binoculars for patrons interested in birding from our deck or around the park. Other gear you could engage with include our ecoExplorer Backpacks, checkers or chess pieces for our game table in our food forest, and trail maps.
- Meet Our Animal Ambassadors: Walnut Creek Wetland Park currently hosts four animal ambassadors: an Eastern King Snake, a Black Rat Snake, an Eastern Box Turtle, and a Cope’s Grey Tree Frog. Available staff can assist in introductions and provide related education on individual ambassador species.
- Norman Builds a Park: is a 3-foot tall storybook installation that tells the childhood story of Dr. Norman Camp. An inquisitive young scientist from Rochester Heights, right here in Raleigh, who had the dream to build Walnut Creek Wetland Park and made it happen! Located right off our Center’s trails, passing patrons are welcome to read and interact with the children’s book in hopes of inspiring new neighborhood stewards of the land.
- Free Library: the Education Center lobby hosts a variety of books on nature-related topics for all reading levels, including a carpeted area for children’s story time and a library exchange box outside of the lobby door.
- Sensory Bags: these bags are designed for people who are interested in engaging in nature while having their sensory needs met and accommodated for. These bags, designed and provided by the Raleigh Parks Specialized Recreation and Inclusion Services (SRIS) division, contain headphones, marble sliders, a pop-it device, stretchy string, sunglasses, a slinky, a sand timer and communication cards.
- Craft Table: the Education Center lobby hosts a free crafting table that follows the Center’s monthly nature theme! Make seasonal crafts, free draw or complete puzzles and board games in this area.
- Leisure Areas: Walnut Creek Wetland Park offers accessible leisure areas perfect for groups lunching in the park. We have rocking chairs on our deck, picnic tables and electric charging stations in our parking lots, and seating near both of our art installations on the north and south end of the park.