Firefly Event
June 16, 2023 ~ 7:00 PM
Watoga Picnic Shelter
If you enjoy early summer evenings, the flickering of fireflies, and citizen science discoveries, don’t miss this Watoga State Park program on Friday, June 16, 2023. Meet Krista Noe, Assistant Zoologist with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for her program and presentation about Synchronized Fireflies in Watoga. This particular species of firefly should be peaking at this time of the year. 
Meet at the picnic shelter at Watoga State Park at 7:00 p.m. Lora Morgan, Park Naturalist and Activity Coordinator is your evening host. There is no charge to attend this program.
Some interesting websites to check out about this bioluminescent insect are:
Wings of Wonder
July 2, 2023 ~ 7:00 PM
Watoga Activities Building
Learn about how these species live their daily lives in the wild, what they eat, special nature notes on helping them and other wild birds, why these birds are protected and more.You’ll learn about the habitat, diet and behavior of each bird presented, the most common causes of injury to each species and the laws protecting these special birds.
Programs such as Wings of Wonder are part of the Dark Sky certification requirements to maintain national status. This interactive program is great for all ages, so bring your family and plan on enjoying the rest of Watoga State Park before or after. There is no charge to attend this program.
Droop Mountain Star Party
September 22, 2023 ~ 8:00 PM
The Watoga State Park Foundation is the host for a dark sky Star Party to be conducted at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park on Friday, September 22, 2023. Anyone is welcome to meet at the Droop Mountain Tower at 8:00 pm. Amateur astronomers will be on hand to answer questions and discuss various aspects of the night sky. This activity is held at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park that provides a great opportunity for open sky viewing.
September 22, 2023 is also International Astronomy Day. This fall date celebrates not only astronomy but more importantly encourages the general public, astronomy amateur and professionals to look up worldwide at the sky from planet earth.
West Virginia is home to three official Dark Sky Parks designated by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA): Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest, and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. The parks were given official Dark Sky status in October 2021.
Telescopes for viewing will be stationed at the Droop Mountain Tower area. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars. There is no charge to attend.
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Hoot and Holler Owl Program
October 21, 2023
7:00 PM at Watoga Activities Building
This evening program
is all about owls native to West Virginia. You’ll learn about the habitat, diet and behavior of each bird presented, the most common causes of injury to each species and the laws protecting these special birds.
Join us for this evening with the raptors with your host Lora Moran and guests Three Rivers Avian Center and the educational raptors.
Open to the public, the program lasts about an hour and is staged in the Activity Building at Watoga State Park. Questions are welcomed. This is a family friendly event. We hope you enjoy these nature based and evening programs that keep us looking up into the night sky. There is no charge to attend this program.