with Mary Sonis, Naturalist, Photographer, Writer Location: In-Person at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, Reeves Auditorium Free; preregistration required Join local naturalist and wildlife photographer Mary Sonis for a visual journey into the remarkable wildlife of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Through stunning photographs and engaging stories, explore the rich biodiversity supported by native plant habitats. From songbirds and pollinators to elusive mammals, discover the fascinating creatures that call the Garden home. Blending humor, keen observation, and natural history, Mary invites you to see familiar landscapes with fresh eyes and reminds us that extraordinary wildlife can be found right in our own backyards. REGISTER HERE

Join us for a captivating nature storytime celebrating diversity in the great outdoors! Our storytime features a book that highlights the beauty of nature and the richness of different cultures and backgrounds. Our story time will support an appreciation for nature and embrace the beauty of our diverse world. Through engaging stories and interactive activities, we'll discover how nature connects us all and learn about the importance of unity and respect for one another. Come explore many wonders and celebrate the joy of storytelling with us in this special nature-inspired gathering for all ages! Children must be registered and accompanied by an adult. Schedule: Sep 17, 2026 Thursday from 4pm to 5pm Duration: 1 hour Ages: 2 yrs +,

Join park staff for a peaceful evening paddle on Lake Crabtree! As the sun sets, we’ll explore Bird Island, Briar Creek, and other scenic corners of the lake while keeping an eye out for herons, beavers, turtles, and more. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up, but an adult will need to register. Register in advance to reserve a canoe for two or three people on this guided tour. Lake Crabtree County Park will provide the canoe, paddles, and life jackets for each registered group. Just bring your sense of adventure and enjoy the evening on the water. Rules & Restrictions for the Sunset Canoe Tour Registration is required. No walk-ups allowed. You may register yourself and your household members (ages 8+) for a boat. You’ll provide the names and ages of 2-3 participants during registration. Each boat must have at least one person over the age of 18, and the optional third person must be under the age of 12. Expect to get wet; leave valuables in your car and bring a change of clothes. Paddling requires basic mobility and balance to safely enter, exit, and maneuver boats. ADA-accessible launch facilities are available. Schedule: Sep 17, 2026 Thursday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Duration: 2 hours Ages: 18 yrs +,

Ages: 3-7 with participating adult Fee: $5 per child (No fee for Members and families receiving SNAP benefits) Flit, flutter, fly… it’s monarch time! Discover the amazing journey monarch butterflies make each year through stories and songs. Then, we’ll explore the gardens in search of hungry caterpillars, butterflies, and the plants they love to eat. Nature Tales is a monthly storytime series led by our youth education staff that invites young children and their caregivers to explore the natural world through stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Each program features a nature-inspired theme, followed by a guided exploration of the Garden where families can discover the wonders of the living world together. This program takes place in our beautiful new Wilkinson Outdoor Classroom! REGISTER HERE

Expand your knowledge of our local flora and fauna by exploring a different area of the park each month. Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things each month. Help collect data for our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist while increasing your own identification skills. This month we will be focusing on the animals that live along the lakeshore. We will be exploring both on land and in the lake. Bring waders, rubber boots, or other shoes that can get wet and help us collect aquatic species! This program takes place outdoors. Please dress for the weather, including sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Participants may request program modifications during the registration process. Schedule: Sep 18, 2026 Friday from 1pm to 2pm Duration: 1 hour Ages: 8 yrs +,

Ages: 3-7 with participating adult Fee: $5 per child (No fee for Members and families receiving SNAP benefits) Flit, flutter, fly… it’s monarch time! Discover the amazing journey monarch butterflies make each year through stories and songs. Then, we’ll explore the gardens in search of hungry caterpillars, butterflies, and the plants they love to eat. Nature Tales is a monthly storytime series led by our youth education staff that invites young children and their caregivers to explore the natural world through stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Each program features a nature-inspired theme, followed by a guided exploration of the Garden where families can discover the wonders of the living world together. This program takes place in our beautiful new Wilkinson Outdoor Classroom! REGISTER HERE

Active Adult SOAR Trip - Day on Falls Lake

September 24 to 30 is international Take a Child Outside Week! Join us for a guided nature walk where children and their adults can explore together, practice getting curious, and learn about the natural world. Arrive at the park office ready for the outdoors by bringing a water bottle and wearing walking shoes. Best for ages 5 to 10. Registration is required for everyone, and children must have adult accompaniment. FREE. Schedule: Sep 26, 2026 Saturday from 10am to 11am Duration: 1 hour Ages: All ages,

In celebration of Take a Child Outside (TACO) Week, learn about the animals that come out as the sun goes down. We will hike along the trail to look and listen for owls, amphibians, insects, and more. Discover the adaptations necessary for these creatures to survive and thrive in the dark. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle and flashlight. All participants (children and adults) must be registered. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area at the upper picnic table (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, Apex). Schedule: Sep 26, 2026 Saturday from 7pm to 8:30pm Duration: 1 hour 30 mins Ages: All ages,