Explore the great outdoors here in St. Albans City Park at the 9th Annual “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” Nature Hike at St. Albans City Park on April 15, 2023. This free event is designed for families and offers a chance to take a self-guided tour of the park’s nature trails, learn about the effects of wind, fire, and soil on the environment, and witness the beauty of spring wildflowers, birds, and animals.

This year, the event theme is “Water, Water, Everywhere” These topics are at the forefront of all that we are experiencing locally and worldwide.
Sell-guided hikes are assisted by professional botanists, naturalists, and Master Naturalists from around West Virginia that volunteer their time. Guided hikes will be available upon request.

WV Division of Forestry and the St. Albans Fire Department will present programs about fire safety and the effects of water/fire in the environment. A fire truck and emergency vehicle will be on site for participants to see and learn about.

The National Weather Service Hydrologists will present fun and informative information about the effects of precipitation and the lack of precipitation on our environment.

WV DEP Community Outreach and Water Resources will provide displays and hands-on exhibits to illustrate the importance of clean water and stormwater runoff problems and solutions as well as the effects of industry on our streams and rivers. The biologist will also take kids on a stream stomp to locate and identify aquatic insects and animals.

The St. Albans Branch of the Kanawha County Library provide activities, and a Story Walk for the children and their parents. Kids are invited to play in the Foam Garage!

The St. Albans Stormwater Program (MS4 Program) provides rain barrels and hands-on information for folks that are interested in purchasing and building their own rain barrel. Information will also be available about keeping unnecessary pollutants out of stormwater.

The Three Rivers Avian Center will provide its newest program called “Hoot and Holler-WV Owls”. This program will begin at 11:30.

The West Virginia State University Extension invites participants to plant seedlings around the park. This is a free hands-on opportunity for everyone. Led by Liz Moss, Urban Forestry Extension Agent with the WVSU Extension Agency, this is a great way to learn about planting young trees and their importance.

Commemorative tee shirts will be available for sale. Lots of special gifts and prizes will be awarded and provided by our many supportive sponsors.

Take A Walk on The Wild Side Nature Hike Schedule

• 9:00 am – 11:30 am Registration-Hikes are self-guided. Once registered, hikers can walk the trail at their own pace.
• 9:00 – Noon: Rain barrel kits may be purchased from the St. Albans Stormwater Program Coordinator. Scavenger hunt, Stream Stomp with Garrett, hands-on displays, special door prizes, fun hikes, snacks/food.
• Story Walk with the St. Albans Branch of the Kanawha County Library
• 11:30 am – Noon: “Hoot and Holler-West Virginia Owls” by the Three Rivers Avian Center of Brooks, WV. See our native owls up close and personal and learn about their habits and conservation efforts for these beautiful birds.
• Noon – 2:00 pm: Tree planting with Liz Moss of the WVSU Extension Service.

Make a plan to join us on April 15, 2023, for a morning filled with adventure, education, and fun. See you there!

Take A Walk on The Wild Side Volunteer coordinator: Debbie Keener-304-415-1223, St. Albans Parks and Recreation Department Program Coordinator: Scott Tweedy-304-533-4872
Office # 304-722-4625.  Stay up to date by following the St. Albans WV Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook or visiting https://www.saparkswv.com.