Fall is in full swing here at The Parklands. Leaves are changing color, animals are preparing for winter, the days are getting shorter, and the air is just a little bit cooler. You can feel, see, smell, and hear this seasonal change all around you. From the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet, to the striking red and orange colors of maple and sycamore leaves, there is something to awaken all of your senses during fall at The Parklands.

We encourage you and your family to come out and explore the park during one of the most amazing times in the Northern Hemisphere as our Eastern Deciduous Forest lights up the sky with vibrant yellows, reds, and orange. We also invite you to reflect on what The Parklands has meant to you over the past year. Whether it was a family event, a summer camp experience, school field trip, or a quiet walk in the woods, The Parklands provides many incredible benefits to you and our community. However, we could not do this without the support of Members.

On October 28 from 1:00-4:00 pm, we invite you and your family to come out to the Creekside Center in Beckley Creek Park or the Cliffside Center in Broad Run Park for a day of family fun in the autumn sun! Parklands Interpretive rangers will be at each location giving out special, fall scavenger hunt sheets, which can be completed while exploring any of our trails. This hunt is suited for 3-12 year olds and promises to engage all your senses as you explore the park in the crisp autumn air. The scavenger hunt is free for anyone who would like to participate so, make sure to bring all your senses and your curiosity for a fantastic fall day in The Parklands! 

CLICK HERE to download the Autumn Scavenger Hunt worksheet to complete on your next visit to The Parklands!

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About the Author

As Director of Education, Curtis Carman oversees The Parklands Outdoor Classroom, promoting STEAM-based education through engaging, hands-on learning both outdoors and inside the classroom. Each year, his team of Education Specialists, Interpretive Rangers and Camp Counselors guide nearly 20,000 participants of all ages through school field trips, camps, Parklands Explorer, Junior Explorer and Wednesday Wonders. Prior to his promotion to Education Director in May of 2018, Curtis first joined The Parklands team as an Interpretive Ranger and led the department as Education Coordinator for three years. A native of Louisville and a graduate of Ballard High School, Curtis returned to his hometown after having worked as an environmental educator in Maine and Colorado at Acadia and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Curtis also served as Membership Manager at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Curtis enjoys hiking, biking, camping and kayaking.