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.

West Point on the Eno

Thursday, June 10, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM (cost: $4)
Town Hall Parking Lot

West Point on the Eno, a natural and historic city park, is located along a two-mile stretch of the Eno River in Durham. The 388 acres of woods, waters, and wildlife have changed little in the centuries since this area was the home of the Shocco and Eno Indians. This scenic park is home to the West Point Mill and other historic buildings (air conditioned) which we will be touring as well as established trails along the river. These trails contain some rocky terrain with variety of ferns, flowers and shrubs indigenous to the mountains. Please bring a lunch to enjoy!

NC Botanical Gardens

Thursday, July 8, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM (cost: $4)
Town Hall Parking Lot

Enjoy the beauty of the 600 acre North Carolina Botanical Garden with hikes along the Meeting of the Waters Creek and up into the Oak-Hickory trail where
the lacy green tree canopy provides cool shade for a thoroughly pleasant woods walk. We will check out the beautiful new Education Center (in air conditioned comfort) which includes art exhibits and a gift shop and visit the Display Gardens where a variety of NC plants can be found as well as an herb garden, horticultural therapy demonstration gardens, carnivorous plant displays, and the historic Paul Green Cabin. Bring binoculars and a snack!