Celebrate National Lands Day with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences by participating in the 3rd annual Triangle Volksmarch on June 4, 2016. The Triangle Volksmarch is a free 5.6-mile self-paced walk along the Capital Greenway between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., open to all ages. Enjoy the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ very own Prairie Ridge Ecostation by participating in eBird, a nationwide birding databased launched by Cornell University. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to use binoculars, identify different bird species and share their observations with scientists. The Ecostation will also host food trucks for the event. Grab a passport and map at any of the event locations and visit the stamp stations for fun activities. Participants will be able to receive a Volksmarch patch at the Triangle Volksmarch after party.
Events throughout the day include:
- 10 a.m.-Noon — Decorate a Walking Stick. Free sticks available while supplies last. NC Museum of Art Amphitheater.
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Citizen Science. Help biologists do real science experiments. Prairie Ridge EcoStation.
- 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Chirba Chirba Dumpling food truck will be at Prairie Ridge Ecostation.
- Noon-2 p.m. Forestry Festival. See live demonstrations and meet Smokey the Bear. Schenck Forest.
- 1-3 p.m. — Box Turtle Survival Skills with Park Rangers. Experience the park through the eyes of a 100-year old turtle. William B. Umstead State Park, Reedy Creek Entrance.
- 4-7 p.m. — Triangle Volksmarch after party. Celebrate a day of hiking/walking with local food, fun, family and friends at Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Cameron Village.
The Ecostation
Prairie Ridge includes 45 acres of Piedmont prairie, forest, ponds, a stream and sustainable building features integrated with a wildlife-friendly landscape. The Ecostation furthers the Museum's mission of enhancing public understanding and appreciation of the natural environment by providing an outdoor space for research and learning while acting as a model for renewable and sustainable energy.