October 1, 2009

“It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since Catawba County began a parks system with the opening of Riverbend Park,” said Blair Rayfield, Catawba County Parks Manager. “Our passive parks are both an important part of conserving open space and our environment, and a way to give our citizens some great places to go to get into the outdoors and enjoy nature. Riverbend Park has expanded since its opening with a very popular dog park and an educational classroom building. And we’ve added Baker’s Mountain and St. Stephens Parks to the system, with long range discussions and planning for additional park space. It’s very appropriate that we celebrate the first ten years of our park system with this set of special Saturdays!”

The special events will kick off with the grand opening of the newest park in the system, St. Stephens Park, from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon on October 10. The park has been open since December 2008, and is located at 2247 36th Ave NE, behind Clyde Campbell Elementary School off Kool Park Road at the dead end of 36th Ave NE in Hickory.

“The festivities at St. Stephens Park will begin with Nick Sipes, who completed the Dog Park at the park as an Eagle Scout project, and Boy Scout Troop #1 presenting the colors to begin an opening ceremony,” Rayfield said. “The Humane Society of Catawba County will host an animal adoption program along with a rabies clinic, offering both one and three-year vaccinations for $8 each. Pet owners must bring a rabies certificate in order for their pet to receive the three-year booster shot. The Humane Society will also offer micro chipping for $20. Cash and checks will be accepted. Vicky Comer, a certified wildlife rehabilitator, will bring animals out for a “touch and learn” session, including a Southern Flying Squirrel, Prairie Dog, and ‘Surfer-dude”, the blonde Gray Squirrel.”

St. Stephens Park features a 1/3 mile loop trail, picnic shelter, outdoor concrete sitting and picnic area, children’s playground, horseshoe pits, a bird feeding observation area, a one-acre fenced dog park and educational meeting room.

The tenth anniversary of Riverbend Park will be celebrated on Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. until after dusk. The park is located off Highway 16 North at the Alexander-Catawba County line.

“We will be starting the day at 9 am with a bird walk led by Ranger Dwayne Martin,” Rayfield said. “October is a great time to see various fall migrants that are passing through our area. Starting at 11 am, Ranger Lori Owenby will be taking a Wet and Wild Paddle Trip down the Catawba River. Come a little early with your canoe or kayak and we will begin at the canoe access located in the bottom parking lot, paddle past our mile of shoreline, and take out about five miles downriver.”

After lunch, the fun will continue with a Fall Foliage/Wildflower Identification Walk led by Dwayne Martin, beginning at 1 pm at the park office. The beginning of fall is when the trees begin showing off their beautiful foliage colors. Those interested should wear comfortable shoes, as this will be a moderate two-hour hike. At 3 pm, Ranger Alisha Hayes will lead an exploration of one of the park’s streams to look for some of the many amphibians that call the park home.

Beginning at 5 pm at the large picnic shelter located near the river, the rangers will hold a Kid’s Fishing Tournament, open to children 0 through 15 years of age. There will be a “Small Fry” division for ages 0 through 6 and a “Junior” division for ages 7 through 15. Prizes will be awarded to the youngster who catches the biggest fish in each age category. Fishing rods and bait will not be provided.

At 7 pm, Martin and Hayes will lead an “Owl Prowl”. Participants will meet at the park office and take about a two-mile hike through the park. Some of the owl species that could be seen include Barred Owls, Great-Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls. Please bring flashlights and wear comfortable shoes. Also at 7 p.m., volunteers Todd and Melody Gilbert and Ranger Lori Owenby will set up a sheet and backlight combination that will attract all kinds of night flying creatures. Some of the species they’ll have a chance of seeing include Luna Moth, Tulip-Tree Silk Moth, and Io Moth.

“Then join us as we polish off a perfect day by roasting marshmallows and making s’mores by a bonfire on the banks of the Catawba River at 8:30 pm,” Rayfield said. “S’mores and marshmallow roasting sticks will be provided. Bring a chair, bottled water, and be ready to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening!”

Please contact Ranger Lori Owenby at lowenby@catawbacountync.gov or call 828-256-9157 to register for these special events.

Riverbend Park is one of the largest non-state or federal parks in North Carolina, located off Highway 16 North just south of the Alexander County-Catawba County line. There are 450 acres and nearly 12 miles of trails in this beautiful river basin park. The park also features a 3/4 acre pond for fishing, canoe/kayak access to the Catawba River, picnic areas, a 1,000 square foot meeting/ educational facility, a two acre fenced dog park (permit required), 7.8 miles of mountain biking trails, and an A.D.A. accessible river observation platform.

Special events are planned at Bakers Mountain Park from 3 p.m. until evening on Saturday, October 24.

“We will begin the evening at 3 pm with a History Hike lead by Ranger John Sutton,” Rayfield said.  “We will learn about both the geological history of the mountain as well as historical information on folks who called the mountain home and used its resources in the earlier part of the last century. This will be a moderate hike lasting about 90 minutes. Please wear comfortable shoes. John will head for the top of the mountain around 6 pm for a Night Hike in the forest. We’ll make it to the observation platform in time to see the sunset and a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley!”

The Catawba Valley Astronomy Club will be there with a telescope set up at the top for an even better view of the crisp, October sky. On the way back down the road, hikers will pause in the darkness to listen for owls and look for any critters that may be moving about. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight.

At 7 pm, as darkness envelopes the surrounding forest, Rangers Frank Porch and Tabitha Hope will entertain with ghost stories around a campfire.

Contact Ranger John Sutton at jsutton@catawbcountync.gov or call 828-324-8461 to register for any of these special events.

Bakers Mountain Park is located on the highest point of elevation in Catawba County (1780 feet). It features 189 acres of mature Chestnut Oak and Mountain Laurel forest, with nearly six miles of trail to explore. You'll experience a variety of wildlife and plants native to the North Carolina mountains. An observation platform and gazebo are located near the top of the mountain, giving hikers an excellent view of the Catawba Valley.

The park entrance is located on Bakers Mountain Road off Old Shelby Road. From Highway 127, you may take Mountain Grove Road. Turn left onto Old Shelby Road and follow that road until you see a sign directing you to the park.