Little River Hosts State-wide Star Party April 5th

State-wide Star Party 

Little River Regional Park and Natural Area will be a part of North Carolina’s first statewide star party, a signature event of the North Carolina Science Festival. Astronomy clubs, state and local parks, planetariums and nature centers will all host public skywatching sessions at dozens of sites across North Carolina on Friday, April 5, 2013.

Participants coming to Little River's Star Party are also invited to take a walk through the planets. A scale model of our solar system will be on display along one of the park's trails. The distance from the Sun to Pluto becomes an easy walk that is less than a half mile.

Citizen Science: GLOBE at Night
 

There will be an opportunity to participate in scientific research by collecting data for the GLOBE at Night worldwide citizen science project. (This research is perfect for children as well as adults.) Count the stars you can see with your unaided eyes in the constellation Leo the Lion. The data collected will help document the darkness of the night sky over North Carolina.

About the NC Science Festival

North Carolina Science Festival is a two-week-long, 500-mile-wide celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Across the state, North Carolinians participate in science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits, performances and other activities, hosted by all kinds of community organizations - schools, colleges and universities, parks, libraries, museums and businesses.
 
NCSF was founded in 2010 by UNC-Chapel Hill's Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and is the first statewide science festival in the U.S. Morehead continues to produce the Festival in partnership with many sponsors and event hosts. The 2013 Festival is scheduled for April 5-21, and Time Warner Cable is the 2013 Fesitval Champion.
 
Learn more at www.ncsciencefestival.org. 

Big Donation from Little River Trail Run

The 2013 Little River Trail Run generated an all time record donation from the Trailheads. A check for $8,000 was presented to park staff on February 11th. This was the eighth annual running of the trails and with this year's check the total amount donated to the park over the years exceeds $40,000.

Among other items, the park plans to use some of the money to purchase a zero-turn mower to replace its current mower which is over 8 years old. They will also be able to get a trailer for hauling larger peices of equipment.



Park staff are presented with the donation check from the 2013 Little River Trail Run. Pictured (r to l): Mike DiFabio, Layna Mosley, Dave Elam, and Michelle Pesavento

The Trailheads also presented a check for $1,000 to the Triangle Offroad Cyclists (TORC), the local mountain bike club that helps maintain the mountain bike trails at Little River.



 

 In addition to the monetary donations, the Trailheads also purchased carbon offsets from two different companies. Over the years, the equivalent of 23,000 trees have been planted with the offsets that have been purchased.



By the Numbers: January 2013

One of the features of our print newsletter was publishing some of the statistics that we keep track of here in the park like rainfall amounts, average temperature and the number of visitors. So in keeping with that tradition we begin 2013 with the numbers for January:

Total number of visitors: 3,439

Total rainfall amount: 4.475 inches

Average daily highs: 51.81 degrees

Average daily lows: 34.23 degrees

Mountain bike trails open: 58% of the month

Little River Becomes Smoke-Free in 2013

Starting with the New Year, smokers will have to snuff their butts while in the park. The Orange County Board of Health and the County Commisioners voted last year to adopt a smoke-free public places ordinance which prohibits smoking on county owned property including sidewalks and parks.

So enjoy the fresh, clean air while visiting the park and leave your smokes in the car.

The following is a press release issued by the Orange County Public Information Office about the new rule:

ORANGE COUNTY IMPLEMENTS FIRST PHASE: SMOKE-FREE PUBLIC PLACES RULE

ORANGE COUNTY, NC (January 1, 2013)–Orange County’s Smoke-Free Public Places Rule goes into effect today, beginning with a six-month “soft” implementation period. 

During this period the focus will be on the following aspects: cessation efforts; planning with a focus on education; educating the public about the Rule; and identifying additional funding for cessation support and signage. 

“We need everyone’s help to ensure the implementation goes as smoothly as possible, resulting in a successful outcome,” said Orange County Health Director, Dr. Colleen Bridger.

To ensure a unified and common sense approach, the Orange County Health Department is establishing a Smoke-Free Public Places Implementation Advisory Committee with multiple workgroups focused on: cessation; public education; signage, and enforcement.

The workgroups will be made up of representatives from the County and municipal planning and public works departments, public schools, Prevention Partners, the UNC School of Medicine Nicotine Dependence Program, American Cancer Society, students from Tobacco. Reality. Unfiltered. (TRU), and Orange County’s Parks and Recreation division. Representatives from the Chambers of Commerce have also been invited. Meetings with the police chiefs and Orange County Sheriff’s Department are already underway.

The first phase of public education will promote cessation services, available through the NC Quitline, a free cessation resource for NC residents. In addition, the Health Department, along with partners such as UNC Family Medicine will take a lead role establishing additional ways to help people quit including in person classes and counseling. These resources will be promoted as they become available.

Each town and county manager has been invited to a Smoking Cessation Resources Lunch & Learn event to be held in mid-January, where county/town managers and HR Directors will learn ways to help their employees quit smoking.

Smoke-Free Public Places Background

The Smoke-Free Public Places Rule applies to property owned by Orange County and the municipal governments, including parks and sidewalks. Smoking would also not be allowed on private property where the public is invited. The UNC campus and other state governed facilities will continue operating under their existing smoking ordinances and will not be affected by this new rule.

Beginning on July 1, 2013, a $25 fine may be issued to violators, but the emphasis is being placed on awareness of the consequences of secondhand smoke and reversing people’s behavior in an effort to improve the County’s overall quality of life.

The idea of a smoke-free public places ordinance in Orange County originated two years ago when a group of County high schools students approached the Board of Health, requesting they consider adopting such a rule. After an extensive public education and input period, the Rule was brought to a Board of Health vote following a public hearing on October 24, 2012, and passed 10-1. On November 20, 2012, the Board of Orange County Commissioners approved the Rule with a majority vote.

To view the Rule, learn about existing cessation resources, and learn more about the dangers of secondhand smoke, please visit http://orangecountync.gov/health/smoke-freepublicplaces.asp

Last Star Gazing of 2012 This Friday

This Friday will be the last time to enjoy star gazing at Little River Park for 2012 (or perhaps the very last time for star gazing if the Mayans are correct!). On December 14th from 6-8pm the folks from Morehead Planetarium will bring out some high-powered telescopes for Little River Under the Stars. The telescopes will be set up for viewing in the play meadow with a guided tour of the night sky by Planetarium staff shortly after dark.

Highlights of this sky watching seesion will be the planet Jupiter and the Geminid meteor shower. Though the meteor shower peaks late on Thursday night, we should still be able to see some "shooting stars" on Friday evening. A new moon will also make night sky viewing conditions good.

Feel free to bring a couple of camp chairs or a blanket, binoculars or your own telescope and a snack. Remember if you bring a flashlight, use a red colored lens to help everyone keep their night vision. Please call the park office at 919-732-5505 after 4pm if the weather looks cloudy.

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This program was made possible through the generous donations of the Trailheads through proceeds from the Little River Trail Runs.

Staff Corner: Mike DiFabio

     In this edition of the staff corner we focus on Park Manager Mike DiFabio.  Mike started with the park in January of 2005 shortly after the park officially opened its doors to the public.  He started as a part-time employee working on the weekends, which fit well in his stay-at-home dad status.  In November of 2005, Mike became the park’s manager and has held the position ever since. 

        When time permits he enjoys hiking the park trails and secretly enjoys walking off trail through the woods.  Mike is also an avid bird watcher.  He is knowledgeable about the habitats, migration patterns and other habits of most if not all of the species of birds that call the park home. 

Mike DiFabio, Little River

Regional Park Manager, at the start

 of the bird trail

He encourages all visitors who come to Little River to enjoy themselves, explore and appreciate their natural surroundings.

 

Park Programs Announced for 2013

Park Programs and Speical Events - January through April 2013

Tiny Trekkers (age 2-4) Tiny Trekkers is a series of programs designed for young children ages 2 to 4 years old accompanied by an adult. Trekkers learn about nature through stories, activities, crafts and games.

Getting Wild
When: Monday, January 7th, 10am-11am

           Tuesday, January 8th, 10am-11am

Where: Park Office

Cost: $2.00 per participant

Description:  Trekkers explore the differences between wild and tame animals and learn about the wildlife living around us. We’ll have a story and an animal parade!

"Fur, Feathers, Skins and Scales"

Fur, Feathers, Skins & Scales

When: Monday, February 4th, 10am-11am

          Tuesday, February 5th, 10am-11am

Where: Park Office

Cost: $2.00 per participant

Description:  Trekkers learn about the different ways animals are covered through touch and observation. There will be a story, games and an animal craft.

Tiny Tadpoles
When:  Monday, March 4th, 10am-11am
            Tuesday, March 5th, 10am-11am
Where: Park Office
Cost: $2.00 per participant
Description: It is tadpole time at the park. Trekkers will look for tadpoles in our office pond, learn about life cycles and take home a tadpole craft.

Dirty Hands, Muddy Feets
When: Monday, April 8th, 10am-11am
           Tuesday, April 9th, 10am-11am
Where: Large Shelter
Cost: $2.00 per participant
Description: Trekkers learn about plants and how they grow. We’ll dig in the dirt, spread some seeds and plant some flowers. Please dress to get messy.

Discovery Club (ages 5 and Up)
Discovery Club programs are geared toward children ages 5 & up accompanied by an adult. Programs focus on learning about nature and science through hands-on activities and exploration.

 

"Bird Box Building"

Bird Box Building 

Date: February 23

Time: 2:00pm –3:30pm

Location: Large Shelter

Cost: $5.00 per box

Description: Spring is just around the corner and the birds will be looking for a place to build a nest. Build a nest box for your home to help attract bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens to your own backyard.  

Herp Hunt

Date: March 23

Time:  6:00pm – 7:30pm

Location:  Large Shelter

Cost:  $5.00 per family/couple/individual

Description:  Crickets, leopards, peepers, and spadefoots are just a few of the critters we’ll be on the hunt for at the park. We’ll listen for their calls and search the puddles and pools for frog spawn, tadpoles and newts. Wear shoes that can get a little muddy.

Black Light Bugs
Date: April 27
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Large Shelter
Cost: $5.00 per family/couple/individual
Description: Learn how to make moth goo, ant trails and funnel traps as we lure all types of night critters with lights set up around the play meadow. Beetles, moths and maybe some toads will make an appearance.

Special Events/Programs

New Year’s Day Bird Count
Date: January 1st
Time: 10:00am-11:30am                          Location: Park Office
Description:  Come count the birds at Little River. Join staff as we tally the diverse species of birds found around the park. Last years participants saw a Bald Eagle!
 
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Date: February 15-18, 2013
Location: Park Office
Description: Participate in this National event here at the park or in your own backyard. Pick up instructions, field guides and data sheets from the Park office. Spend as little as 15 minutes counting birds, leave checklists for us to tally or submit the information at home. Free and no registration required.

Volunteer Work Day
Date: March 16, 2013
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Location: Park Office
Description: “Get Ready for Spring” Has the spring planting bug caught you already? We’ll be preparing the planting beds, putting in some trees and shrubs and digging transplants out of the butterfly garden. Give us a hand and go home with a native plant.

Attracting Wildlife to Your Yard
Date:  April 22, 2013
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: Large Shelter
Description:  This hands-on workshop will introduce you to some of the wildlife in our area and how to create a habitat for them in your backyard or even on your balcony. Once you have created your wildlife habitat, you can apply to be a part of NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat program. The workshop is free but space is limited so pre-registration is required.

Environmental Education at Little River
Little River Regional Park offers a variety of nature programs for all ages. Regularly scheduled programs and special events are listed above. For more information, call the park office: (919) 732-5505 or register online: https://server3.co.orange.nc.us/.  Pre-registration is required and closes three days prior to the program date.