Hoffler Creek hosts family fun
Published 9:06 pm Monday, June 15, 2015
Just in time for the exodus of children from classrooms, Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve has a range of outdoor events planned for the next couple of months.
Two events are planned for Saturday. From 10 to 11 a.m., Garland “Turtle Man” Butler will bring his box turtles to teach folks all about turtles. It’s free, but donations are always appreciated.
![Local naturalist, survivalist and food expert Vickie Shufer, pictured at the preserve during another event in April, will lead a quest for wild berries, at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve on July 18. (File Photo)](https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2015/06/IxMG_4443.jpg)
Local naturalist, survivalist and food expert Vickie Shufer, pictured at the preserve during another event in April, will lead a quest for wild berries, at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve on July 18. (File Photo)
From 6:30-8:30 p.m. — as the sun sets — there will be a guided kayak tour along Hoffler Creek. Cost is $20 for Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation members and $35 for nonmembers.
An evening bat walk is on the agenda for June 27. From 8-9:30 p.m., folks can experience an informative and interactive program called Bats of Virginia.
Helen Kuhn, the foundation’s executive director, said the guide brings equipment to detect bats feeding, but also brings live bats so folks are guaranteed to see bats up close.
“When we did it last year, we only detected two bats feeding,” Kuhn said. “But since then, we’ve put bat houses up, and we’re hoping that may help.”
A sunrise kayak paddle — new for the preserve — will be held on July 4, between 5:30 and 7:30 a.m.
“That is the time when the wildlife is really starting to become more active,” Kuhn said. “Going down the creek, there’s a chance the group might see nighttime animals still being active.
“Sometimes when I’m here early, I see foxes and raccoons. They might also see otters and muskrats.”
The cost for the sunrise paddle is the same as for the sunset paddle. Space is limited for both paddles. Call 686-8684 to register
Kayak rentals also are available daily between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. during the preserve’s normal operating schedule. Cost per kayak is $25 per hour for nonmembers, $15 per member. Single and tandem kayaks are available. Certain restrictions apply, which are listed on the website.
Rounding out the list of activities will be a berry tasting tour on July 18 with Vicki Shufer. The local naturalist, survivalist and food expert will identify edible plants in the preserve.
“The primary focus will be on the blackberries and harvesting some growing around the lake,” Kuhn said. “She (Shufer) has an ice cream maker and makes homemade ice cream to eat the blackberries with.”
This event will cost $15 for nonmembers and $10 members for members. Register at www.hofflercreek.org, where more details on the preserve and what it offers can also be found.
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, at 4510 Twin Pines Road, Portsmouth, is open Tuesday through Sunday, generally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.