January-March 2018 Programs at Please register for programs at Historic Yates Mill. Call the park office at (919) 856-6675, or go to our website at www.wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill for registration or for more information on our programs. Register ONLINE for programs: https://apm.activecommunities.com/wakeparks Public Mill Tours A variety of tour types are available. Funds raised through tours go to the non-profit Yates Mill Associates (www.yatesmill.org) and support the mill s maintenance and operations. For all ages; fee: $5/ Adult, $4/Senior (ages 60+), and $3/Child (ages 7-16). Free for ages 6 & under. Adult accompaniment is required for all children. Saturdays at the Old Mill Tours Saturdays, March 3, 10, 24 & 31; 1:00 3:00 p.m. Want to get inside Historic Yates Mill? Join us for a halfhour tour (starting at 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30 or 3 p.m.) to view the main power drive and milling machinery while exploring the mill's history and aspects of its preservation. Preregistration is encouraged. Mill Heritage and Local History Tours Sundays, March 4, 11 & 25; 2:00-3:00 p.m. Discover Historic Yates Mill a place of business, community, and exciting local history! Watch a brief slideshow, then explore the inner workings of the mill itself and witness the power of water as it turns the milling machinery. Preregistration is encouraged. History Detective Mill Tour Monday, March 5; 11:00 a.m. Noon Do you have what it takes to be a History Detective? Come to Yates Mill and find out! Solve puzzles, hunt for clues, and investigate the mystery of milling with real historical artifacts inside the only remaining water-powered gristmill in Wake County. Registration is required. Bundle this tour with the Field School program on artifacts taking place from 10:00-11:00 a.m. for the ultimate learning experience. Organized groups may request weekday mill tours. These tours can be bundled with a variety of educational programs. For details, please go to our Group Programs webpage. Historic Trades The Postman Saturday, March 17; 1:00 4:00 p.m. For centuries mail has connected people around the globe. Check out this tabletop exhibit to learn about the history of the United States Postal Service (the second oldest federal department in the United States) and the origins of the postage stamp. Look at a copy of an 1890s postcard featuring Yates Mill, then design your own postcard. For all ages; fee: FREE! Registration is not required. Corn Milling Demonstrations Yates Mill s corn grinding operation is demonstrated on the third weekend of each month, March-November, and can be viewed by taking a half-hour tour with a costumed guide. Costumed Corn Grinding Tours Saturday, March 17; 10:00 a.m. Noon and 1:00 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 18; 1:00 4:00 p.m. It`s 1863 at Yates Mill, and the yard is alive with activity! Step back in time with our 19 th -century costumed interpreters and watch the millstones at work grinding corn into meal. Tour fee: $5/Adult, $4/Senior (ages 60 & over), $3/Child (ages 7-16), Children ages 6 & under are free. Preregistration is encouraged. Tours are not available between Noon-1:00 p.m. and the last tour of the day begins at 3:40 pm. Tickets are available at the Mill. Yates Mill merchandise is for sale during corn grinding weekends, while cornmeal & postcards are available daily in the park center. Join us for Country Dancing in the mill yard on Saturday, March 17, at Noon and 4 p.m. Adult Workshop Tree Bark & Buds Saturday, January 27; 1:30-3:00 p.m. Though the trees have lost their leaves, you can still learn to identify them by recognizing their bark and buds. After reviewing a short presentation on winter tree identification, we will hike out into the woods and practice keying out trees by their winter characteristics. Handouts provided. For ages 14 & up; fee: $6/Person. Registration is required. Yates by Night Signs of Spring Friday, March 30; 7:00-8:00 p.m. Go on a night hike with a park naturalist to test your sensory skills after dark. We ll hike past the pond's edge and through forests, wetlands, and fields to discover what happens in these habitats at night. The air will be crisp and the land will be alive with night sounds. Come prepared for a fun and engaging spring nighttime adventure! For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); fee: $1/Person. Registration is required.
Quarter Year Programs at Special Events 12th Annual Mill as Muse Community Art & Photography Contests Thursday, February 1; entries due before 5:00 p.m. Share your artistic creations by entering the 12 th annual art and photography contests. Contest rules are available online and at the park. The contests include youth and adult categories with mill, nature, and people in the park as subjects. Entries due: Thursday, February 1 before 5 p.m. Mill as Muse Award Ceremony & Reception Friday, February 9; 6:00-7:30 p.m. Yates Mill has been a source of artistic inspiration for over two centuries and continues to be the subject of numerous works of art. Help us to celebrate the opening of the 12 th annual community art and photography exhibit, applaud the art and photography contest winners, and meet some of the artists. For all ages; fee: FREE. Light refreshments will be served. Registration not required. NC State University s Farm Animal Days Wednesday Friday, March 21 23; 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. This event gives children a chance to see and touch farm animals and learn about agriculture; tractors will be on display and there will be a Yates Mill exhibit. The event is designed for school field trips but families and individuals are welcome to attend. The event takes place at NC State University's Beef Educational Unit at 4505 Mid Pines Rd. Details: visit www.cals.ncsu.edu/farmanimaldays. Discovery Tables FREE! Registration is not required. For all ages! Head to the park center exhibit hall. New Years Celebrations Around the World Tuesday, January 2; 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. In America we celebrate the new year on January 1, but did you know that in China they celebrate the new year later in the year? Learn about New Year s traditions around the world and make a Chinese New Year s lantern to take home. Wizened Woodchucks & Weather Predictors Friday, February 2; 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. How did people predict the weather before The Weather Channel, and can animals really help? Come to the visitor center and check out some at-home weather equipment you can make with recycled and natural materials, and put our colonial "weather proverbs" to the test. National Birds Monday, February 19; 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Is it true that Turkey and Eagle once faced off to see who would be our national bird? Find out the answer and discover the natural characteristics that made each bird a contender. Celebrate Presidents Day and the Great Backyard Bird Count in one fell swoop! Learn about the use of birds in national symbols and make your own bird-themed Great Seal to take home. A Side of History The Legends of Saint Valentine Saturday, February 10; 11:00 a.m. Noon Every February 14, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, in the name of St. Valentine. Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England. Then create a Valentine's Day card to give to a special someone. For all ages; fee: $1/Person. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Volunteer Interest Session Saturday, February 10; 2:00 3:00 p.m. Do you like history, the environment, agriculture and/or the arts? Consider volunteering at Yates Mill! Join us anytime during the program time to gather information about the exciting ways you can lend a hand. Registration is not required. Call our volunteer coordinator at (919) 856-5378 for details. The Vernal Equinox Tuesday, March 20; 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. The Vernal Equinox signals the beginning of Spring. Mark the change of seasons by exploring fun facts about this special time of year. Find out about how and why the equinox occurs, and also learn about seasonal folklore and related historical traditions. Seasons on a Farm Plowing and Planting Sunday, March 18; 1:00 5:00 p.m. For almost 200 years, farmers brought their wheat and corn to what is now Yates Mill to have their grains ground into flour and meal. Stop by the Yates Mill visitor center to see a tabletop display about what tasks 19th-century farmers and their families would be doing each month as part of their life on a farm. In March, learn how farmers plowed the fields and planted crops in the 1800s; see sample farm artifacts; and plant a seed in a newspaper pot to take home. FREE! Registration is not required.
January-March 2018 Programs at The Great Backyard Bird Count A Year of Birding at Yates Mill Pond Friday Monday, February 16 19; 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. View a free slideshow of the birds of Yates Mill Pond. Over 150 photographs of birds are featured in the show, along with a few cool mammals. This slideshow, which has accompanying music, was put together a few years ago by photographer Paula Page. Build a Bluebird House Friday, February 16; 2:00-4:00 p.m. Learn about the history of the Eastern Bluebird and how you can attract them to your yard. Hike with us along our bluebird trail to check the boxes and prepare them for the coming season. Then make your own nest box to take home. For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); fee: $12/Box. There are ten boxes available. Preregistration is required. Breakfast with the Birds Saturday, February 17; 9:00 10:30 a.m. Enjoy doughnuts with a cup of shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee or hot chocolate for the kids, before leisurely walking the trails with a park naturalist to identify and count the birds. Please bring a reusable mug for each member of your family. For all ages; fee: FREE. Registration is required for all participants, and children must have adult accompaniment. Afternoon Backyard Bird Count Sunday, February 18; 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join a park naturalist on a one-mile hike around Yates Mill Pond and help to identify and count the birds that we see along the way. Learn how to identify backyard birds by sight, sound, and other signs. For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); FREE. Preregistration is not required. Natural Explorations For all ages; fee: FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Rock Hounds Park Tour Sunday, January 7; 11:00 a.m. Noon On "Old Rock Day," come explore the rocks of Yates Mill, including those found naturally in the park and others that were brought there for mill work purposes. Take a hike to the mill dam to discover its geologic foundation and explore how rocks have been used in milling grains for thousands of years. Animals in Winter Sunday, February 25; 2:00 3:00 p.m. Winter days find many animals curled up in their dens. They sleep warmly, awakening in spring ready to enjoy the renewed Earth. Discover how animals prepare for cold weather and which ones hibernate during the winter months. Play some fun games and take a short hike around the pond to look for signs of wintering animals. Welcome Spring! Tuesday, March 20; 2:00 3:00 p.m. Celebrate the coming of Spring by going on a sensory hike around the millpond with a park naturalist. While exploring park wildlife, learn about the history, cultural traditions, and science associated with the Vernal Equinox. Follow Us! Keep up with all of the park s events and happenings! www.facebook.com/ yatesmill /wakegovparks @wakegovparks #YatesMill Mill as Muse Creative Art Session Sunday, January 28; 1:00 4:00 p.m. Explore your artistic side by creating a work of art to take home or to enter into the Mill as Muse art contest. A variety of inspirational arts and crafts materials will be provided, and a brief slide show will be shown featuring artistic creations related to Yates Mill. Come anytime during the program time. For all ages; fee: $1/Person. Registration is required for all participants, and children must have adult accompaniment. Art in the Park Colorful Valentines Monday-Wednesday, February 12-14; 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Join us in the park center for some Valentine s Day arts and crafts! Create valentines for your friends, make some love bugs, and take home your own valentine tree. For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); fee: FREE. Registration is not required. Artsy Owls Saturday, March 24; 11:00 a.m. Noon Do you love owls? If so, join us to learn all about them! Discover these amazing raptors' adaptations and why they are important to the ecosystem. We will be practicing our different owl calls and learning all about these fascinating birds. Create a Snowy Owl craft and a set of owl wings to take home. For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); fee: FREE. Registration is required.
Quarter Year Programs at Recreational Adventures Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. A Poppin Good Time! Friday, January 19; 3:00 4:00 p.m. Celebrate National Popcorn Day at Yates Mill! Learn about different varieties of corn and what gives popcorn that unique POP. Take part in a creative popcorn-themed craft and enjoy some freshpopped popcorn. For all ages; fee: $1/Person. Weather Wisdom Friday, February 2; 11:00 a.m. Noon The changing weather is probably the most easily observed part of the natural world and is experienced by everyone on a daily basis. Explore the four weather factors, observe the clouds, and learn about extreme weather patterns. Then test your knowledge and forecast the weather! For ages 7 & up; fee: $1/Person. In Search of Leprechauns Friday, March 16; 11:00 a.m. Noon The mischievous leprechauns have been playing tricks at Yates Mill. Listen to Irish music, read leprechaun stories, and build your own leprechaun trap to help us catch these clever creatures. Be sure to wear green! For ages 6 & up; fee: $1/Person. Field School for Kids Registration is required. These are drop-off programs for kids ages 7-14, but adults are welcome to stay. Birds of a Feather Friday, January 5; 10:00 a.m. Noon Birds come in many shapes, sizes and colors, and have many neat behaviors. On National Bird Day, explore the birds found around the millpond and their diverse habitats through several fun activities. Discover how to effectively use binoculars to spot birds in the landscape and to identify them by their seasonal calls. Fee: $8/Child. Animal Adaptations Monday, February 26; 10:30 a.m. Noon How do animals survive and thrive in the wild? Study the behaviors and body parts that make animals successful. Examine animal mounts, skulls, tracks, scat, and more in our science classroom and observe animals in action on an around-the-pond hike. Fee: $6/Child. Artifact Discovery Monday, March 5; 10:00 11:00 a.m. Go back in time to the 18th century. Compare life then and now using pictures, artifacts, historic reproductions, and modern objects. Discover the purposes of several unusual objects from yesteryear. Fee: $4/Child. Bundle this program with the History Detective Mill Tour from 11:00 a.m.-noon for the ultimate learning experience. The Lorax Speaks for the Trees Friday, January 12; 11:00 a.m. Noon Join us as we read this Dr. Seuss classic about an enterprising villain who greedily chops down Truffula Trees. Despite the warnings of the Lorax, the trees disappear. But luckily a single Truffula Tree seed was saved and a caring child becomes our last chance for a clean, green future. Create a craft out of recyclable materials and learn what you can do to help clean up our planet! Park Tales For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); fee: FREE. Preregistration is encouraged. Maximum number of participants: 40. Hedgehugs Wednesday, Feb. 14; 11:00 a.m. Noon Horace and Hattie are hedgehogs, and the best of friends. Together, they make daisy chains, splash in puddles, and have tea parties. But there is one thing they can't do hug! They are too spiky. They try different ways of hugging. But will they find a hug that feels right? Join us for this adorable story about friendship by Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper. Then create some fun Valentine s Day crafts to take home! The Little Wood Duck Friday, March 9; 11:00 a.m. Noon The Wood Ducks are nesting, and hatchlings are on the way! Join us for an endearing story about a little duck that was born slightly different from his siblings. Little Wood Duck is laughed at by other animals, but he embraces his uniqueness and uses it to save the day! This heartwarming story teaches the importance of sensitivity and individuality. Learn about Wood Ducks and take a short hike to look at their habitats. Then make a fun duck craft!