Raleigh's parks department has a bunch of nature programs scheduled for this month at parks across the city. Most require pre-registration at least four days in advance. So be sure to plan ahead. 

Nature for Little Hands
Children will explore the outdoors and search for the nature’s
fascinating creatures.  Through forest walks, nature talks, stories,
and art, youngsters develop a better understanding of the natural
world.  This class is open to participants from 3-5 years of age and
the fee is $3.00.  This program is held at Brier Creek Community Center
on Tuesday, August 18, from 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Bird Walks at Anderson Point
Wake Audubon Society leads a Bird Walk at the park that is open to the
public on select Saturday mornings at 8:30am.  They meet at the outer
parking area.  Binoculars will be provided, as needed.  This class is
open to ages 6 years and up and is free of charge.  This program is
held at Anderson Point Park on Saturday, August 15, from 8:30-10:30
a.m.  For information, contact Kari Wouk at 395-5630 or email at krwouk@yahoo.com.

Little Nature Hikers
Join a nature instructor and other families for a guided
walk around the park with your child.  Meet other families in your
community and learn about nature.  We’ll see birds, insects and maybe
even a few mammals and reptiles basking near the lakes and pond. 
Strollers are welcome.  This class is open to participants 1-6 years of
age. The fee is $1 for each participant and each child must be
accompanied by an adult.  This program is held at Sertoma Arts Center
on Tuesday, August 4, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. and Lake Lynn Community
Center on Thursday, August 20, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Pre-registration is
required four days prior to the program.

Lightning Bugs
Let’s go see the lights of summer in action.  A hike, game and craft
will be included in this fun, educational program. This class is open
to participants from 6-12 years of age and the fee is $5. This program
is held at Lake Lynn on Tuesday, August 11, from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required four days prior to the program.

Tales and Scales
This story time focuses on reptiles and is followed by a visit from a
few live snakes and lizards to see and touch.  This class is open to
participants from 3-5 years of age and the fee is $3.  This program is
held at Millbrook on Wednesday, August 26, from 10-10:45 a.m. 
Pre-registration is required four days prior to the program. 

Nature Uncovered
Learn about some smaller critters often found in your own backyard!
We’ll look under longs, dig in the dirt, roll over rocks and search
among the shrubs for these interesting creatures.  Some finds could
include earthworms, beetles, slugs, ants and other small specimens. 
This class is open to participants 3-5 years of age and the fee is $3.
This program is held at Optimist on Thursday, August 27, from 9-9:45
a.m.  Pre-registration is required four days prior to the program. 

For more information contact Nature Programs at 919-831-6640.