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: April 10, 2010, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
FEE: $12.00
LOCATION: Meet at Wilson Park Shelter in Carrboro

 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 Hughes 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.

Ebenezer Point, Jordan Lake and Allen & Son BBQ

Tuesday, March 16, 10 AM-2 PM

Ebenezer Point is the best spot in the Triangle to find rare winter birds. We will hike both the Old Oak Trail and the Ebenezer Church Trail and will discover a commanding view of the heart of Jordan Lake. Late migrant ducks are possible to see, as well as loons, grebes and gulls so remember to bring your binoculars and dress warmly. Audubon guide Kate Finlayson will supply a spotting scope as well. We will warm up afterwards at Allen & Son BBQ for lunch, Dutch treat.

Penny's Bend April Fool's Wildflower Hike

Thursday, April 1, 9 AM-1 PM

Welcome the spring with a rejuvenating walk through Penny's Bend Nature Preserve. This 84 acre preserve is a peninsula, bounded on three sides by a bend in the Eno River. Penny's Bend is managed by the NC Botanical Gardens and supports rare plant species, a distinctive forest and human sculpted open space. We will look for all the early spring wildflowers, including trout lilies, Bloodroot, and hepatica. Bring a snack and binoculars!

Birds of Spring

Friday, May 7, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Our Birding outing to Mason Farm with Audubon Guide Kate Finlayson has become a tradition. Many avian travelers will just be back from the tropics and we hope to see colorful indigo buntings, summer tanagers, and prairie warblers. This hike is relatively flat and is estimated at 1.5 miles. Bring your Binoculars! Van departs from Carrboro Town Hall at 8:30 am and returns at 12:30 noon.