Nature Programs

When: Backpacks can be rented Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Must have a form of identification)

What: Each backpack contains lessons, activities and equipment to learn about birds, mammals, insects, nature journaling and ponds.

Cost: Free same day rental/check out

Contact a staff member who will contact you to arrange pickup: Andy Fairbanks (Also available at both the Davis and MLK Community Centers)

Check out these really cool 'How-To' videos! 

Bring your “Little Explorers” out to the park and discover nature through a hikes in the park, experiments, and activities. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. Available for those between 2 & 5 years of age. $3.00/participant. Register here.

Put on Your Winter Coat on December 19, 2025 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

First Impressions on January 7, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Noisy Nature on January 23, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Nature's Valentine on February 13, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Wildlife Discovery on February 27, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Sensational Seasons on March 13, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Sensory Safari on March 27, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Chatty Critters on April 10, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Habitat Helpers on April 24, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

The Buzz about Bees on May 8, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Ribbiting Frogs on May 22, 2026 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Discover a new way to explore the park each month with the Walk and Learn series. Each hike will focus on a different and unique aspect of the park- from natural history to cultural relevance to health and wellness. Available for those 16 years of age and older. FREE Program. Register here!

Dates: Jan. 17 | Feb. 21 | Mar. 21 | Apr. 18 | May 16

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join park staff for a leisurely bird-watching stroll around Halyburton Park the first Friday of each month. We’ll search for migrants, residents, and point out year-round species too. These walks are for beginner birders and all are welcome. Participants meet at Halyburton Park (4099 S. 17th St). Register here!

Dates: Jan. 9 | Feb. 6 | Mar. 6 | Apr. 10 | May 1 

Times: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Explore local birding hotspots discovering the diversity of resident and migratory bird species. Participants must provide their own transportation unless otherwise specified. Pre-registration required | Ages 18+ | Limited space! | Register here! 

Location: Battleship, NC on January 15, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Fee: $15/Person

Location: Sutton Lake on February 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Fee: $15/Person

Location: Fort Fisher, NC on March 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Fee: $15/Person

Location: Holly Shelter Game Lands on April 16, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Fee: $30/Person | *Transportation provided

Location: Lee Bucks Road on May 21, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Fee: $30/Person | *Transportation provided

Halyburton Park staff offers a variety of programs for schools, homeschool groups, afterschool programs, and summer camps. Our programs are geared toward children in grades pre-k through 5th.

To submit an inquiry, complete the booking form(PDF, 7MB) and submit to Andy Fairbanks

Halyburton Park School & Group Program Guide

Come meet some of the ambassador animals and learn how they live both in the wild and at the center while they enjoy a reptile-ready meal! Each program will feature a snake and a box turtle. Participants meet at Halyburton Park (4099 S. 17th St).

This program is free and can be enjoyed by those 3 years of age and older. Registration required, here.

Dates: Jan. 7 | Feb. 4 | Mar. 4 | Apr. 1 | May 6

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Kids Night Out is coming to Halyburton Park! Enjoy a night off with your friends and family while the park keeps an eye on the kids. Participants can look forward to enjoying a variety of nature activities, a themed walk around the park’s forest, and even indulge in some pizza for dinner.

This program is $5/participant and can be enjoyed by those between the years of 5 -13 years of age. Register here!

Dates: Jan. 16 | Feb. 20 | Mar. 20 | Apr. 17 | May 15

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

Discover how to identify resident and migratory songbirds by their calls and songs in this two-day workshop. Day one features a classroom session exploring why birds sing, fundamentals of birding by ear, and helpful mnemonics and techniques. Day two takes you into the field to practice your new skills on a guided bird hike to local hotspots. Transportation is available for the first ten registrants. Pre-registration required, here.

Dates: May 12 - May 13, 2026

Times: May 12, 2026 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m; May 13, 2026 from 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

Fee: $30 per person

Click here!

Explore and discover the diverse birds that call Wilmington home during the winter on a Big Day Birding Adventure. Participants will visit a variety of habitats, popular birding hotspots, and hidden gems to identify as many species as possible. Transportation is provided, and pre-registration is required, here.

Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

When: Backpacks can be rented Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Must have a form of identification)

What: Each backpack contains lessons, activities and equipment to learn about birds, mammals, insects, nature journaling and ponds. How-to videos with Halyburton Park’s education staff are available online as well as ideas on how and where to explore.

Cost: Freesame day rental/check out

Contact a staff member who will contact you to arrange pickup: Yosha Martinez (Also available at both the MLK and Halyburton Park centers)

A seed library is just how it sounds: it loans seeds to gardeners.  A seed library takes some time and effort to put together, but the way the library works is very simple:

1.  Fill out a Seed Library Membership Form(PDF, 115KB)

2. “Borrow” seeds by filling out Seed Request Form from the library at planting time. Each ‘library cardholder’ may check out up to three packets of seeds per visit.

3.  At the end of the growing season, harvest the seeds from the plants and return a portion of the seeds to the library. Staff will put them into circulation so that everyone can try their hand at growing them.

Location: Davis Center at Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave.
Seed Library Brochure(PDF, 2MB)

When: Backpacks can be rented Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Must have a form of identification)

What: Each backpack contains lessons, activities and equipment to learn about birds, mammals, insects, nature journaling and ponds. How-to videos with Halyburton Park’s education staff are availableonlineas well as ideas on how and where to explore.

Cost: Free same day rental/check out

Contact a staff member who will contact you to arrange pickup: Mary Jones. (Also available at both the Davis and Halyburton Park centers)