Nature watch

View larger image Sabrina Wilkins, 9, of Front Royal makes a homemade bird feeder using a toilet paper roll, peanut butter and bird seed at Monday’s event. Rich Cooley/Daily View larger image Rita Sparger, 7, of Front Royal, uses a pair of binoculars to watch birds feed at bird feeders at the visitor’s center at the Andy Guest Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville on Monday. Rich Cooley/Daily View larger image A red-bellied woodpecker stands in a tree behind the visitor's center at the Andy Guest Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville on Monday. Rich Cooley/Daily

Locals gather at visitors center Monday for outdoor-themed activities

By Kim Walter -- kwalter@nvdaily.com

BENTONVILLE -- Some area residents chose to celebrate Monday's holiday by enjoying the outdoors and learning about different birds that make the Andy Guest Shenandoah River State Park their home.

A group of about 20 people gathered at the park's visitor's center. Some of the visitors took the opportunity to go on a bird watching hike, while those who brought children stayed at the center to take part in bird-related activities.

The activities were geared more toward a younger crowd, since last year's event saw about 25 children, said the park's education specialist, Jennifer Saik. There were three stations set up, all of them dealing with birds.

One station gave children a chance to make a bird feeder with peanut butter and bird seed.

"We have bird feeders at home, but making one is really fun for [the children]," said Front Royal resident Thomas Wilkins, as he watched his son and daughter partake in the craft-making. Wilkins and his family frequent the park in southern Warren County, and are members of the Friends of Shenandoah River State Park.

A few members of the Friends group came to volunteer at the event. A former president of the group, Brian Bennett, explained how they help with upkeep of park, as well as events.

"We try to do something special on important days like today, or at least try to get people out in nature," Bennett said. He thinks the 1,600-acre park is underused, "so we're trying to get the word out," he said.

Saik, who has worked at the park for almost two years, noted the new exhibits in the visitor's center, which were installed last April. A large middle exhibit shows examples of species that can be found in the park, while smaller exhibits focus on birds and identifying information.

According to Saik, state parks are required to have a "day of service" on certain holidays. This could mean an organized cleanup or an event on conservation awareness.

"Today we focused on getting kids interested in nature so that they'll grow up wanting to take care of it," she said.

Three women from Linden came for the bird-watching aspect of the event, equipped with binoculars and cameras, and bundled up for the cool temperatures.

"We're always in the mood for birds of prey," said Alyson Browett, who made her first visit to the park a week ago for a hike.

The women said they observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Sunday by cleaning up trash on the sides of nearby roads.

"But really, any educational process that raises awareness of nature, or service to it, is a great way to pay homage," Browett said.

For more information on upcoming park events or to become a member of the Friends group, go to www.riverparkfriends.org or call the park at 622-6840.