Do you have what it takes to be TLC’s top detective? We need the best of the best investigators that can ask questions, think creatively, and pay attention to detail because we have a problem to solve. Many creatures call our Brumley Nature Preserve home, but there is one in particular that we are going to need to examine further, the North American Beaver. These environmental engineers are the largest rodent in North America, but they aren’t just any old rat.
Learn all about beavers and nature’s other engineers to solve this case! To complete Operation Earth Day, you will have to visit each of our stations that have fun activities to gain clues to find the solution! If you find all the clues and solve the mystery, you will be entered to win our Top Investigator prize including outdoor gear and a $25 gift card donated by Great Outdoor Provision Company!
This is a free event but pre-registration is required. There are a few arrival times available to try and distribute crowds. In addition to our wonderful partners that will have activities and tables, we will also be hosting several food options for purchase and will have water and portable toilets available nearby. While the activities will be aimed for youth, all ages are welcome to attend, you can check out our growing partner and vendor list below! This is an outdoor event with several seating areas, but we suggest you bring bug spray, sunscreen, and an outdoor chair or blanket to ensure you have a spot to rest and complete the activities. We can’t wait to see you there!
Please register at these links for your preferred arrival time:
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we try to keep the safety of our communities, staff, partners, and participants in mind. Please stick to your arrival time to try and limit crowds.
Educational Partners:
- Caterpillars Count! Citizen Science– Bug Observations
- Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association– Beavers and Watersheds
- Eno River Association– Wildlife Evidence and Adaptations
- Lake Observations by Citizen Scientists and Satellites– Citizen Science
- Nature Explorers-Exploring Natural Engineers
- New Hope Audubon Society– Song Birds and Migrators
- North Carolina Botanical Gardens– Carnivorous Plants and Native Seeds
- Piedmont Wildlife Center– Reptile Ambassadors
- Raptor Insights-Birds of Prey Demonstration
- Riverside High School Engineering Volunteers
- Schoolhouse of Wonder
- TLC Trail Guide Tours of new trails and beaver evidence
- Triangle J Council of Governments- Storm Water Drainage and Caddisflies
- UNC EcoStudio
- And more to come!
Food and Drink Vendors:
- Capital City Cotton Candy
- Fullsteam Brewery– Beer Samples and Sales
- Wilson’s Soul Food Kitchen
Current Mask Policy: TLC seeks to build a supportive, mask-friendly environment in all collaborations with staff and the public. Please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if that makes you feel most comfortable. We will have masks available if you would like to wear one during an event. We also encourage those eligible to be vaccinated to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot. If you are experiencing any Covid-related symptoms, please stay home and attend a program another day. Our top priority is to create a safe environment for our community. Thank you for your understanding.
About the Festival: Founded in 2010, the North Carolina Science Festival is the first statewide science festival in the United States. Through a series of community-based events each April (hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses, and other local organizations), the Festival celebrates the economic, educational, and cultural impacts of science in North Carolina. It is an initiative of Morehead Planetarium & Science Center at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For more information and the full festival calendar, please visit ncscifest.org
