Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation offers a variety of locations around town to enjoy the outdoors and learn about local flora, fauna and wildlife.

In addition to park facilities, there are a number of activities scheduled for April and May. Below are just a few, so be sure to check https://www.fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers for more information.

Earth Day at the City Market

Kick off the 2023 season of the City Market at the History Museum. Shop and chat with City Park Rangers about the area’s plants and animals, and outdoor adventure close-to-home at the best spots to enjoy nature. Do a kids’ craft or two at one of our vendor tables. Fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, and other products are offered for sale. Purchase seasonal offerings along with plants, flowers, wood crafts, knitted goods, soap, candles, jewelry and other handcrafts. Market season runs from April to December, but a number of vendors appear year-round. For all ages, Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Entry is free.

J. Bayard Clark Nature Center, 910-433-1579

Animal Feedings!

Alligators chomping, snakes swallowing and turtles snapping - come see what is for dinner at the nature center. Free for all ages; Wednesdays 4 p.m. and Saturdays 2 p.m.

Arbor Day Tree ID Walk

Come out to the park and learn why trees are important and useful. Identify some common species you might have in your backyard. Learn how to log the species you find in iNaturalist for the City Nature Challenge. Call or register online. Free for all ages. Friday, April 28 from 4 to 5 p.m.

One Foot Challenge

See how many different species you can find in a one foot by one foot square and log them in iNaturalist for the City Nature Challenge. You might be surprised at how many things you can find once you take a closer look! Call or register online. Free for kids 5 and up. Monday, May 1 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Lake Rim Park, 433-1018

Great Pinecone Scavenger Hunt-Plant by Numbers

Woody plants teem with wildlife and can be numbered based on species that depend on them. These “Tallamy Numbers” can guide you to selecting the most wildlife-friendly plants for your landscape. Learn about this concept as you follow clues to discover six plants marked with numbered, golden pinecones. Game sheets are located outside the office. Saturdays though Wednesdays through April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday Tar Kiln Tour from Bill Crisp Senior Center

Listen as rangers and historians reveal the significance of a local archaeological site. Discover the importance of the naval stores industry and find out why we are known as “The Tar Heel State.” Move across the road to remnants of a century-old turpentine factory that left kilns on the landscape. Meet staff at the new Senior Center at 7560 Raeford Road, across from Lake Rim Park. Call or register online. Ages 15 and up welcome for the free program. Tuesday, April 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.

April Lake Rim Kayak Tour

Lake tours are perfect for those trying kayaking for the first time and seasoned paddlers looking to relax. All equipment and basic instruction provided. We recommend beginners participate in a lake tour before going on a kayak trip. Tours are dependent on the weather. Register early, space is limited. For ages 10 and up. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Friday, April 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per participant.