Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/13/21 - 08/15/21
All Day
Category(ies) No Categories
We want to invite you to come on an adventure with us and discover all of the nature that Fayetteville has to offer. We are celebrating what makes Fayetteville so wild with a nature festival from August 13th through the 15th. From educational programs designed specifically for youngsters and adults to guided hikes in the New River Gorge along with adventure activities. Fayetteville’s Wild Weekend will offer a variety of activities and workshops for all ages and interests. Come and celebrate the features, creatures, and culture that make Fayetteville the unique place that it is. Stay tuned for schedule updates as more events are finalized. Enjoy activities from nature paddle boarding tours to salamander talks. We will have a nature market and educational booths set up at the Fayetteville Convention and Visitors Bureau. If you would like information on booth space or on the event email us at [email protected] or call 304-574-1500.
Roy Moose presenting on the Snakes of WV
Three Rivers Avian Center Birds of Prey Presentation
Three Rivers Avian Center
Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird presented by Katie Fallon
Katie Fallon is the author of Vulture and Cerulean Blues. We are thrilled to have her join us at this year’s Wild Weekend Nature Festival to discuss vultures!
“Vultures are often overlooked, underappreciated, and unloved, despite the vital role they play in healthy ecosystems. Worldwide, vultures are more likely to be threatened or endangered than any other group of raptor, but in the United States Turkey and Black Vultures may be increasing in number. Based on Katie Fallon’s recent book, this fun presentation will discuss the life and times of the noble Turkey Vulture, including its feeding, nesting, and roosting habits, migratory behaviors, and common misconceptions.” KatieFallon.com
WVDEP’s Youth Environmental Program and West Virginia State University 4-H Present a Half-Day Nature Camp
Join WVDEP’s Youth Environmental Program and West Virginia State University 4-H for a half-day Nature Camp on Friday, August 13, 2021, from 1-4pm at the Fayetteville Visitor Center. This hands-on camp will explore the wonders of nature. This free program is for campers in grades 3rd-5th and we encourage you to register early because spaces are limited.
If you cannot make it out for the entire afternoon, stop by anytime between 1-4pm to pick up a grab-and-go kit for your child to enjoy anywhere (children of all ages are welcome to grab a to-go kit). The grab-and-go kits are available while supplies last.
Registration is required if you plan for your child to participate in-person. Please register by Friday, August 6. Register here: https://4hcouncil.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3yP2UVAZQqFd4Ds
If you have any questions, please contact Sara Prior @ [email protected] or Tiffany Ward at [email protected]
Turtle Talk
Tree ID Hike lead by Chance Raso with the National Park Service
Foraging Hike with Mitchell Dech
Yoga Taking in the Spectacular Views of the New River Gorge with New River Yoga
Guided Hikes
Kanawha Falls Stand Up Paddle Board Tour
Enjoy this group SUP as part of Fayetteville Wild weekend. Choose between a 1-hour sampler or 2 Hour to Stand Up Paddleboarding tour where you can learn the basics of SUP and explore the beautiful Kanawha Falls up close!
Fayetteville’s Wild Weekend Nature Festival Schedule:
Friday
10am-5pm Pop-up Nature Center at Fayetteville Visitor Center
1pm-4pm Kids Camp Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection at the Fayetteville Visitor Center (Register) The in-person Nature Camp scheduled for Friday, August 13 has been canceled. Take home kits will be available for pick up from the Fayetteville Visitor Center starting at 1:00pm on Friday. These kits are available to the public and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. If you signed up for the in-person camp, a take-home kit will be reserved, and you can pick it up anytime during the Wild Weekend event.
7pm Birds of Prey Presentation with Three Rivers Avian at the Fayetteville Visitor Center
Saturday
9am Yoga with New River Yoga at Adventures on the Gorge pool deck ( $10)
9am Mushroom Hike lead by Amy McLaughlin and Shawn Means (Register)
10am-5pm Pop-up Nature Center at the Fayetteville Visitor Center
11am Snakes of WV with Roy Moose at the Fayetteville Visitor Center
12:30pm Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird with Katie Fallon at The Fayetteville Visitor Center
2pm Tree ID Hike with Chase Raso at the Burnwood Trail
2pm-5pm Nature Market -Vendors Fayetteville Visitor Center
Sunday
9am Yoga with New River Yoga at Adventures on the Gorge pool deck ($10)
9am Foraging Hike with Mitchell Dech Wolf Creek Birding Center Enter Wolf Creek Park via Nick Rahall Greenway; pass Bridge Brew Works; turn left down gravel road, turn right into the parking lot for Wolf Creek Trail Parking) (Register $10)
10am-3pm Pop-up Nature Center at the Fayetteville Visitor Center
12pm Mountain Biking Races at Arrowhead Bike Farm Brapps then Tapps Event (R $)
1pm Fayetteville Wild Weekend 1 Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Sampler at Kanawha Falls (Register $)
2:40pm Fayetteville Wild Weekend 2 Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour (Register $)
Register = Please registered to reserve your spot
($) = small fee required to participate with this activity
Stay tuned as we update the schedule with more events!
