January-March 2018 Programs at

Historic Yates Mill County Park Please register for programs at Historic Yates Mill. Call the park office at (919) 856-6675, or go to our

website at www.wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill for registration or for more information on our programs.

Register ONLINE for programs: https://apm.activecommunities.com/wakeparks

Public Mill Tours

A variety of tour types are available. Funds raised through tours go

to the non-profit Yates Mill Associates (www.yatesmill.org) and sup-

port the mill’s maintenance and operations. For all ages; fee: $5/

Adult, $4/Senior (ages 60+), and $3/Child (ages 7-16). Free for ages

6 & under. Adult accompaniment is required for all children.

Saturdays at the Old Mill Tours Saturdays, March 3, 10, 24 & 31; 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Want to get inside Historic Yates Mill? Join us for a half-

hour tour (starting at 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30 or 3 p.m.) to view the

main power drive and milling machinery while

exploring the mill's history and aspects of its preservation.

Preregistration is encouraged.

Mill Heritage and Local History Tours Sundays, March 4, 11 & 25; 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Discover Historic Yates Mill―a place of business,

community, and exciting local history! Watch a brief

slideshow, then explore the inner workings of the mill itself

and witness the power of water as it turns the milling

machinery. Preregistration is encouraged.

History Detective Mill Tour Monday, March 5; 11:00 a.m.–Noon

Do you have what it takes to be a History Detective? Come to

Yates Mill and find out! Solve puzzles, hunt for clues, and

investigate the mystery of milling with real historical artifacts

inside the only remaining water-powered gristmill in Wake

County. Registration is required. Bundle this tour with the

Field School program on artifacts taking place from 10:00-

11:00 a.m. for the ultimate learning experience.

Organized groups may request weekday mill tours. These tours

can be bundled with a variety of educational programs. For details,

please go to our Group Programs webpage.

Corn Milling Demonstrations

Yates Mill’s corn grinding operation is demonstrated on the third

weekend of each month, March-November, and can be viewed by

taking a half-hour tour with a costumed guide.

Costumed Corn Grinding Tours Saturday, March 17; 10:00 a.m.–Noon and 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 18; 1:00–4:00 p.m.

It`s 1863 at Yates Mill, and the yard is alive with activity!

Step back in time with our 19th-century costumed

interpreters and watch the millstones at work grinding corn

into meal. Tour fee: $5/Adult, $4/Senior (ages 60 & over),

$3/Child (ages 7-16), Children ages 6 & under are free.

Preregistration is encouraged. Tours are not available

between Noon-1:00 p.m. and the last tour of the day

begins at 3:40 pm. Tickets are available at the Mill.

Yates Mill merchandise is for sale during corn grinding weekends,

while cornmeal & postcards are available daily in the park center.

Join us for Country Dancing in the mill yard on

Saturday, March 17, at Noon and 4 p.m.

Yates by Night

Signs of Spring Friday, March 30; 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Go on a night hike with a park naturalist to test

your sensory skills after dark. We’ll hike past the pond's edge

and through forests, wetlands, and fields to discover what

happens in these habitats at night. The air will be crisp and

the land will be alive with night sounds. Come prepared

for a fun and engaging spring nighttime adventure! For all

ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children);

fee: $1/Person. Registration is required.

Adult Workshop

Tree Bark & Buds Saturday, January 27; 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Though the trees have lost their leaves, you can still learn to

identify them by recognizing their bark and buds. After

reviewing a short presentation on winter tree identification,

we will hike out into the woods and practice keying out trees

by their winter characteristics. Handouts provided. For ages

14 & up; fee: $6/Person. Registration is required.

Historic Trades

The Postman Saturday, March 17; 1:00–4:00 p.m.

For centuries mail has connected people around the globe.

Check out this tabletop exhibit to learn about the history of the

United States Postal Service (the second oldest federal

department in the United States) and the origins of the postage

stamp. Look at a copy of an 1890s postcard featuring Yates

Mill, then design your own postcard. For all ages; fee: FREE!

Registration is not required.

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Quarter Year Programs at Historic Yates Mill County Park

Discovery Tables

FREE! Registration is not required. For all ages!

Head to the park center exhibit hall.

New Years Celebrations Around the World Tuesday, January 2; 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

In America we celebrate the new year on January 1,

but did you know that in China they celebrate the

new year later in the year? Learn about New Year’s

traditions around the world and make a Chinese New

Year’s lantern to take home.

Wizened Woodchucks & Weather Predictors Friday, February 2; 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

How did people predict the weather before The Weather

Channel, and can animals really help? Come to the visitor

center and check out some at-home weather equipment

you can make with recycled and natural materials, and put

our colonial "weather proverbs" to the test.

National Birds Monday, February 19; 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Is it true that Turkey and Eagle once faced off to see who

would be our national bird? Find out the answer and

discover the natural characteristics that made each bird a

contender. Celebrate Presidents Day and the Great

Backyard Bird Count in one fell swoop! Learn about the

use of birds in national symbols and make your own

bird-themed Great Seal to take home.

The Vernal Equinox Tuesday, March 20; 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

The Vernal Equinox signals the beginning of Spring.

Mark the change of seasons by exploring fun facts about

this special time of year. Find out about how and why the

equinox occurs, and also learn about seasonal folklore

and related historical traditions.

Special Events

12th Annual Mill as Muse

Community Art & Photography Contests Thursday, February 1; entries due before 5:00 p.m.

Share your artistic creations by entering the 12th annual art and

photography contests. Contest rules are available online and

at the park. The contests include youth and adult categories with

mill, nature, and people in the park as subjects. Entries due:

Thursday, February 1 before 5 p.m.

Mill as Muse Award Ceremony & Reception Friday, February 9; 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Yates Mill has been a source of artistic inspiration for over two

centuries and continues to be the subject of numerous

works of art. Help us to celebrate the opening of the

12th annual community art and photography exhibit,

applaud the art and photography contest winners, and meet some

of the artists. For all ages; fee: FREE. Light refreshments will

be served. Registration not required.

NC State University’s Farm Animal Days Wednesday–Friday, March 21–23; 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

This event gives children a chance to see and touch farm animals

and learn about agriculture; tractors will be on display and there

will be a Yates Mill exhibit. The event is designed for school field

trips but families and individuals are welcome to attend. The event

takes place at NC State University's Beef Educational Unit at 4505

Mid Pines Rd. Details: visit www.cals.ncsu.edu/farmanimaldays.

Volunteer Interest Session

Saturday, February 10; 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Do you like history, the environment, agriculture and/or the arts?

Consider volunteering at Yates Mill! Join us anytime during the

program time to gather information about the exciting ways you

can lend a hand. Registration is not required. Call our volunteer

coordinator at (919) 856-5378 for details.

A Side of History

The Legends of Saint Valentine Saturday, February 10; 11:00 a.m.–Noon

Every February 14, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved

ones, in the name of St. Valentine. Find out about the history of

this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the

customs of Victorian England. Then create a Valentine's Day card

to give to a special someone. For all ages; fee: $1/Person.

Registration is required for all family members, and children

must have adult accompaniment.

Seasons on a Farm

Plowing and Planting Sunday, March 18; 1:00–5:00 p.m.

For almost 200 years, farmers brought their wheat and

corn to what is now Yates Mill to have their grains ground

into flour and meal. Stop by the Yates Mill visitor center

to see a tabletop display about what tasks 19th-century

farmers and their families would be doing each month as

part of their life on a farm. In March, learn

how farmers plowed the fields and planted

crops in the 1800s; see sample farm artifacts;

and plant a seed in a newspaper pot to take

home. FREE! Registration is not required.

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January-March 2018 Programs at

Historic Yates Mill County Park

The Great Backyard Bird Count

A Year of Birding at Yates Mill Pond Friday–Monday, February 16–19; 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

View a free slideshow of the birds of Yates Mill Pond.

Over 150 photographs of birds are featured in the show,

along with a few cool mammals. This slideshow, which

has accompanying music, was put together a few years

ago by photographer Paula Page.

Build a Bluebird House Friday, February 16; 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Learn about the history of the Eastern Bluebird and how

you can attract them to your yard. Hike with us along our

bluebird trail to check the boxes and prepare them for the

coming season. Then make your own nest box to take home.

For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all

children); fee: $12/Box. There are ten boxes

available. Preregistration is required.

Breakfast with the Birds Saturday, February 17; 9:00–10:30 a.m.

Enjoy doughnuts with a cup of shade-grown, bird-friendly

coffee or hot chocolate for the kids, before leisurely walking

the trails with a park naturalist to identify and count the birds.

Please bring a reusable mug for each member of your family.

For all ages; fee: FREE. Registration is required for all

participants, and children must have adult accompaniment.

Afternoon Backyard Bird Count Sunday, February 18; 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Join a park naturalist on a one-mile hike around Yates Mill

Pond and help to identify and count the birds that we see

along the way. Learn how to identify backyard

birds by sight, sound, and other signs. For all

ages (adult accompaniment is required for all

children); FREE. Preregistration is not required.

Art in the Park

Mill as Muse Creative Art Session Sunday, January 28; 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Explore your artistic side by creating a work

of art to take home or to enter into the “Mill as

Muse” art contest. A variety of inspirational

arts and crafts materials will be provided, and

a brief slide show will be shown featuring

artistic creations related to Yates Mill. Come

anytime during the program time. For all ages;

fee: $1/Person. Registration is required for

all participants, and children must have

adult accompaniment.

Colorful Valentines Monday-Wednesday, February

12-14; 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Join us in the park center for some

Valentine’s Day arts and crafts!

Create valentines for your friends,

make some love bugs, and take home

your own valentine tree.

For all ages (adult

accompaniment is required

for all children); fee: FREE.

Registration is not required.

Artsy Owls Saturday, March 24; 11:00 a.m. –Noon

Do you love owls? If so, join us to learn

all about them! Discover these amazing

raptors' adaptations and why they are

important to the ecosystem. We will be

practicing our different owl calls and

learning all about these fascinating birds.

Create a Snowy Owl craft and a set of owl wings

to take home. For all ages (adult accompaniment

is required for all children); fee: FREE.

Registration is required.

Natural Explorations

For all ages; fee: FREE. Registration is required for all family

members, and children must have adult accompaniment.

Rock Hounds Park Tour Sunday, January 7; 11:00 a.m.–Noon

On "Old Rock Day," come explore the rocks of Yates Mill,

including those found naturally in the park and others that were

brought there for mill work purposes. Take a hike to the mill

dam to discover its geologic foundation and explore how rocks

have been used in milling grains for thousands of years.

Animals in Winter Sunday, February 25; 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Winter days find many animals curled up in their dens.

They sleep warmly, awakening in spring ready to enjoy the

renewed Earth. Discover how animals prepare for cold

weather and which ones hibernate during the winter months.

Play some fun games and take a short hike around the pond

to look for signs of wintering animals.

Welcome Spring! Tuesday, March 20; 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Celebrate the coming of Spring by going on a sensory hike

around the millpond with a park naturalist. While exploring

park wildlife, learn about the history, cultural traditions, and

science associated with the Vernal Equinox.

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Field School for Kids

Registration is required. These are drop-off programs

for kids ages 7-14, but adults are welcome to stay.

Birds of a Feather Friday, January 5; 10:00 a.m.–Noon

Birds come in many shapes, sizes and colors, and have

many neat behaviors. On National Bird Day, explore the

birds found around the millpond and their diverse habitats

through several fun activities. Discover how to effectively

use binoculars to spot birds in the landscape and to identify

them by their seasonal calls. Fee: $8/Child.

Animal Adaptations Monday, February 26; 10:30 a.m.–Noon

How do animals survive and thrive in the wild? Study the

behaviors and body parts that make animals successful.

Examine animal mounts, skulls, tracks, scat, and more in

our science classroom and observe animals in action on

an around-the-pond hike. Fee: $6/Child.

Artifact Discovery Monday, March 5; 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Go back in time to the 18th century. Compare life then and

now using pictures, artifacts, historic reproductions, and

modern objects. Discover the purposes of several unusual

objects from yesteryear. Fee: $4/Child. Bundle this program

with the History Detective Mill Tour from 11:00 a.m.-Noon

for the ultimate learning experience.

continued

Quarter Year Programs at Historic Yates Mill County Park

Recreational Adventures

Registration is required for all family members, and

children must have adult accompaniment.

A Poppin’ Good Time! Friday, January 19; 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Celebrate National Popcorn Day at Yates Mill! Learn

about different varieties of corn and what gives

popcorn that unique POP. Take part in a creative

popcorn-themed craft and enjoy some fresh-

popped popcorn. For all ages; fee: $1/Person.

Weather Wisdom Friday, February 2; 11:00 a.m.–Noon

The changing weather is probably the most easily observed

part of the natural world and is experienced by everyone on

a daily basis. Explore the four weather factors, observe the

clouds, and learn about extreme weather patterns. Then

test your knowledge and forecast the weather! For ages

7 & up; fee: $1/Person.

In Search of Leprechauns Friday, March 16; 11:00 a.m.–Noon

The mischievous leprechauns have been

playing tricks at Yates Mill. Listen to Irish

music, read leprechaun stories, and build your

own leprechaun trap to help us catch these

clever creatures. Be sure to wear green!

For ages 6 & up; fee: $1/Person.

Park Tales For all ages (adult accompaniment is required for all children); fee: FREE.

Preregistration is encouraged. Maximum number of participants: 40.

The Lorax Speaks for the Trees Friday, January 12; 11:00 a.m.–Noon

Join us as we read this Dr. Seuss

classic about an enterprising villain

who greedily chops down Truffula

Trees. Despite the warnings of the

Lorax, the trees disappear. But

luckily a single Truffula Tree seed

was saved and a caring child

becomes our last chance for a clean,

green future. Create a craft

out of recyclable materials

and learn what you can do

to help clean up our planet!

Hedgehugs

Wednesday, Feb. 14; 11:00 a.m.–Noon

Horace and Hattie are

hedgehogs, and the best of

friends. Together, they make

daisy chains, splash in puddles, and

have tea parties. But there is one thing

they can't do―hug! They are too spiky.

They try different ways of hugging.

But will they find a hug that feels right?

Join us for this adorable story about

friendship by Steve Wilson and Lucy

Tapper. Then create some fun Valentine’s

Day crafts to take home!

The Little Wood Duck Friday, March 9; 11:00 a.m.–Noon

The Wood Ducks are nesting, and

hatchlings are on the way!

Join us for an endearing story

about a little duck that was

born slightly different from his

siblings. Little Wood Duck is laughed at

by other animals, but he embraces his

uniqueness and uses it to save the day! This

heartwarming story teaches the importance

of sensitivity and individuality. Learn about

Wood Ducks and take a short hike to look at

their habitats. Then make a fun duck craft!