Nature Nia: Nature Programs

New Hope Audubon Nature Programs

Kate has visited area schools for many years sharing her love of birds with the children of Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties. With the support of the New Hope Audubon Society, she brings one hour programs to grades 1 - 6, tailoring each for the particular group. Using collected nests, eggs and feathers she presents this hands-on program with heartfelt enthusiasm about the natural world. "My passion is to 'plant seeds' in children , so that they see the magic in the real world, the beautiful outdoors that is right out their window." Kate believes that the connection to the natural world can heal a wounded spirit, because it has healed hers.

Youth Nature Programs

Kate leads several hikes offered through the Carrboro Recreation and Parks Department:

Nature Detectives:
Children find all the clues in the natural world to open the door to a new way of being in the world. Hiking the creek, climbing the trails, listening and looking for signs of wildlife with Environmental Educator Kate Finlayson brings children to their true nature! You must pre-register for this hike by visiting the Carrboro Recreation and Parks Dept., 100 N. Greensboro Street Carrboro, NC or by mailing them a registration form with an enclosed check (to download the form you'll need Adobe Reader installed on your computer). For additional information, call 919-918-7364.

AGES: 6 - 10
WHEN: Saturday Oct 4, 2008 9:00 - 11:00 am
FEE: $12.00
LOCATION: Meet at Wilson Park Shelter in Carrboro
INSTRUCTOR: Kate Finlayson

Golden Trail Series

Kate also leads several hikes offered through the Carrboro Recreation and Parks Department for adults:

This adult oriented walking group gets you out and about on local trails. The company of others, the gains from a little physical endeavor and the joys of being in a natural environment are possible rewards. A small fee helps cover accompanying staff costs. Transportation from a center point is offered. Binoculars are always encouraged. Water is always a must bring! As with any exercise, your physician's recommendation for your participation is encouraged. Please feel free to call Dana Hughs at (919) 918-7372 to find out more specific trail difficulty information so that you can make a good choice. Pre-register for all hikes by visiting the Carrboro Recreation and Parks Dept., 100 N. Greensboro Street Carrboro, NC or by mailing them a registration form with an enclosed check (to download the form you'll need Adobe Reader installed on your computer).

Harris Lake:
Join naturalist Kate Finlayson as she leads you on an adventure through a variety of forest habitats, around old farm ponds and along the shores of beautiful Harris Lake. We will search for eagles, osprey and other water birds. Bring water and binoculars if you have them.

AGES: 18 & older
WHEN: Tuesday Sept 25, 2008 8:30 am - 12:20 pm
FEE: $4.00
LOCATION: Carrboro Town Hall Parking Lot

Fall Colors at Hemlock Bluffs:
Observe the wonderful array of fall colors at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. Along the way we will stop at the elevated observation platforms which allow for good treetop-level birding. Be sure to bring a lunch for the picnic area. Also, bring binoculars if you like close up views of the animals and plants we will find.

AGES: 18 & older
WHEN: Tuesday Oct 21, 2008 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
FEE: $4.00
LOCATION: Carrboro Town Hall Parking Lot

Battle Branch Chapel Hill:
Join Naturalist Kate Finlayson and hike the Battle Branch Trail in Chapel Hill. This is a 1.5 mile trail made of natural surface through upland forest area with moderate slopes. Be sure to bring a lunch and if you like binoculars. We should be able to observe lots of winter migrants' including Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, White-throated Sparrow and Junco and if we are lucky, the resident Barred Owls.

AGES: 18 & older
WHEN: Friday Nov 21, 2008 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
FEE: $4.00
LOCATION: Carrboro Town Hall Parking Lot

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Kate offers a variety of outreach programs through the state science museum in Raleigh. She travels with live animal programs such as "Terrific Turtles" and "Tropical Connections", as well as "Birds of a Feather" and "Bat Mania" with no live animals. To find out additional programs that are offered at the museum , visit the Museum's Website or call Martha at 919-733-1450 ext. 521.