Raleigh nature programs

Raleigh parks and rec has openings in some of their nature programs in February. Here they are. Please note that preregistration is required for all of them at least four days before the program.

Make a Valentine craft with items collected during a nature walk from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feb. 6. The fee is $5 per person for ages 3 to 5 with parent. Program meets at Durant Nature Park. For more information, contact Jeri or Karen at Durant Nature Park, (919) 870-2871.

Meet some animals up close. Possible visitors include: snakes, lizards and insects. This program is open to participants ages 5 to 12 and the fee is $5. It's from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at Brier Creek Community Center.

This story time focuses on reptiles and is followed by a visit from a few live snakes and lizards to see and touch. This program is open to participants ages 3 to 5 and the fee is $3. This program is at Carolina Pines from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Feb. 20.

Basic backyard birds will be the focus. The program will explore the outdoors in search of these feathered friends. This program is open to participants ages 3 to 5 and the fee is $3. This program will be held at Tarboro Road Community Center from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Feb. 9.

Children will explore the outdoors and search for nature's fascinating creatures. Through forest walks, nature talks, stories, and art, youngsters develop a better understanding of the natural world. This program is open to participants ages 3 to 5 and the fee is $3. This program will be held at Laurel Hills Community Center from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Feb. 10.

Go on a short nature walk to collect items to use to make a Valentine for your parents. This program is open to participants ages 6 to 12 and the fee is $3. This program will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feb. 13 at Green Road Community Center and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Sanderford Road Community Center.

Learn about the wildlife used for symbols of North Carolina and make a craft to take home. This program is open to participants ages 6 to 12 and the fee is $3. It's scheduled for 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Feb. 17 at Millbrook Community Center.

Play a variety of exciting and interactive games that will help us learn more about nature. This program is open to participants ages 6 to 12 and the fee is $3. This program will be held at Greystone Village from 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 20.