Family Forest Fun

FREE

This event takes place RAIN OR SHINE!

Bring the whole family to the Sanctuary to discover and learn all about local Appalachian flora, fauna, and more at a variety of stations in and around the Visitor Center and Native Habitat Garden. There will also be an live musical performance by  local musician, Doug Yingling.

Participants who turn in their completed station passport will be entered to win a prize pack!

This event is ADA accessible.

2026 Schedule:

10 AM - 2 PM:

• Animal Tracks: Scatology in the Information Pavilion
  Learn to identify wildlife by what they leave behind. 

• Hiking Safety & Leave No Trace in the Information Pavilion
  Discover how to keep yourself and the environment safe while on the trail.

• Bird Identification 101 in the Visitor Center
  Learn how to identify common backyard birds.

• Feathers in the Wind in the Visitor Center
  Learn feather fun facts and create a piece of art.

• Naturalists in the Native Habitat Garden
  Chat with a Hawk Mountain naturalist about the plants and animals living in the garden and pond. 

10:15 AM & 12:15 PM: 

• The "Country" Side of the Mountain, performance in the Amphitheater
  Enjoy this live country music performance by Doug Yingling, the Carroll County Crooner

11 AM & 1 PM: 

• Raptors Up Close in the Amphitheater
  Meet some of our avian ambassadors and learn about what makes a raptor.