June 22-24: Firefly Catch and Release, Movie in the Park, Purple Martin Banding and International SUNday
There’s a fun variety of things to do in the Triangle this weekend: Catch and release fireflies at Crowder County Park in Apex, take in the movie “Marmaduke” at Durham Central Park, watch park staff band purple marlins and learn all about them at Prairie Ridge Ecostation in Raleigh, and learn all about the sun at a program celebrating the summer solstice at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.
Firefly Frenzy
Sign up for an evening of old-fashioned summer fun at Crowder County Park in Apex as you catch and release lightning bugs. Find out what gives them that special glow through hands-on discovery, games and more. This activity takes place on June 22, 7:30-8:30 p.m., and is appropriate for all ages. Registration is required and the fee is $1 per participant. Meet at the Heron Shelter.
photo courtesy of crowder county park
Rock the Park Movie Series FREE
Bring the whole family over to Durham Central Park June 23 to watch “Marmaduke.” The movie is free, and food vendors will be available if you need to purchase meals or snacks. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The event runs 8:30-10:30 p.m.
photo courtesy of durham central park
Purple Martin Banding Demonstration FREE
Amateur ornithologists will enjoy watching the pros at Prairie Ridge Ecostation weigh, measure and band purple martin chicks. Attendees will learn how banding works and why it’s done, and get to see baby purple martins up close. This activity is suitable for all ages and takes place June 23, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in the Purple Martin nest area at Prairie Ridge Ecostation. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear sunscreen, since you’ll be standing in the sun. Wear closed-toed shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle. No preregistration is necessary.
photo courtesy of prairie ridge ecostation
International SUNday FREE
Learn more about our amazing star, the sun, at a fascinating event at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences June 24, noon-3:30 p.m. You’ll safely view the sun through a solar telescope, hear about unusual space weather and current solar research, and more. International SUNday is held annually on the Sunday nearest to the summer solstice, which is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the entire year, marking the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. Check out the schedule of events here.
image courtesy of the north carolina museum of natural sciences
