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What's Up Down by the Old Mill Stream
August 2024
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At first glance, you may think this insect is a honeybee, but look again! This is a Common Drone Fly; although its appearance mimics that of a honeybee, this insect lacks a stinger and has just two wings, as opposed to the four wings on a bee. But its appearance may help deter predators, which fear being stung.
Learn more about drone flies by checking out an article by the U.S. Forest Service here.
Special thanks to volunteer Sam Ray for sharing this photo.
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Closing Time
The park is currently closing at 9 p.m.
The park will begin closing at 8:30 p.m. on August 12.
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Apply to Work at Yates Mill
Join our team! Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space seeks a full-time Park Technician of Mill Operations and Education for Historic Yates Mill and Crowder County Parks.
We’re looking for a dynamic individual with proven skills in historic interpretation, who exhibits essential customer service, and has a passion for history and parks to join our quality-driven team. Flexibility, interpersonal communication, and excellent problem-solving skills will be keys to the successful candidate as a frontline staff member whose job tasks and responsibilities shift often.
To learn more and apply, click here.
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The next time you visit the park, you may notice scaffolding in front of the entrance to the A. E. Finley Center (the park's visitor center) and the park restrooms. Workers are installing a new roof and new gutters. The center and park restrooms remain open. | |
Construction is almost completed on the mill overlook, located across the pond from the historic gristmill. The new overlook is made of durable, composite materials that should last longer than wood does. All trails remain open, and the new overlook should open in early August. | |
Yates Mill Corn Meal For Sale
Stop by the park's A.E. Finley Center between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to buy Yates Mill corn meal. Please note that as of August 1, purchases can be made by card only; cash will no longer be accepted.
This corn meal is ground the old-fashioned way at Yates Mill, where the 12-foot tall waterwheel drives a set of quartzite millstones. Whole-kernel, dried corn is ground into corn meal using a slow and steady process that does not heat the meal, as in more modern processing plants, resulting in a delicious flavor and wonderful texture. All proceeds from sales go to our partner, Yates Mill Associates, the nonprofit group that works to keep the mill in operation.
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August Programs!
Registration is required for all participants (adults & children), and children must have adult accompaniment. Some programs will take place outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
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Yates by Night: Sunset Hike
Friday, August 9, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Have you ever wanted a closer look at the life that is waking up in the evening? Summer is the perfect time to get outside and experience wildlife that we only get to see at that time of day! Join park staff on a guided nature hike around Yates Mill as the sun sets to see what we can find. This hike will last at least a mile and will be on fairly flat terrain. Suggested for ages 8 & up; FREE. Registration is required for all participants. Register here.
Park Tales: The Very Lonely Firefly
Monday, Aug. 12, 10-10:45 a.m.
Join us as we read Eric Carle's colorful book about a firefly seeking other fireflies. Learn more about this amazing insect, and make fun crafts to take home! Best for ages 6 & under. FREE. Register here.
Hands-On History: Embroidery
Thursday, August 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
How did people live while Yates Mill was operating as a business from the mid-1700s to the mid-1900s? Join us for a drop-in, hands-on activity to learn about embroidery and try your hand at it using a plastic needle suitable for children! This program will meet in the mill yard by Historic Yates Mill. For all ages; registration is not required as this is a drop-in program. FREE.
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Hike with a Naturalist
Friday, Aug. 30, 9-10:30 a.m.
Join one of our naturalist staff members on a guided hike around the park to see what we can find! Come prepared to hike at least a mile by wearing close-toed shoes and bringing a full water bottle. Suggested for ages 8 and up; FREE. Registration is required for all family members, and children must have adult accompaniment. Register here.
ecoEXPLORE:
Entomology Roundup (virtual)
Friday, Aug. 30, 3-4 p.m.
Join our Entomology Season Round-Up! Come check out some of the notable insects that ecoEXPLORE users have found, see which insects have not been found yet, and show off some of your own observations! This virtual program is best for children in ages K-8 and their families. FREE. Registration is handled through the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences; register here.
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Register for programs using the link below!
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Join us on weekend afternoons for fascinating glimpses inside the historic gristmill.
Our Mill Heritage Tours are offered on Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., & 3 p.m., and on Sundays, August 4, 11, 18, & 25 at 2 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Discover Historic Yates Mill—a place of business, community, and exciting local history! Watch a brief video, then explore the inner workings of the mill itself.
Tours are free, but donations to the nonprofit Yates Mill Associates are welcome to support the maintenance and operation of the mill. To donate to Yates Mill Associates or to become a member, visit www.yatesmill.org.
Register here.
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Self-Guided Activities!
In-Person
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Exploration Station: Butterflies
Aug. 23-Sept. 2
Yates Mill is home to many butterflies, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red-Spotted Purple, Monarch, and much more. Join us to learn more about the species of butterflies we observe here! This self-guided Exploration Station will be located in the A.E. Finley Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is not required. FREE.
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StoryWalk® at
Historic Yates Mill
Señorita Mariposa
Aug. 3-31
Enjoy a children's book while you take a self-guided nature hike. Our August StoryWalk® is “Señorita Mariposa,” written by Ben Gundersheimer and illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero. Written in both Spanish and English, this beautifully illustrated book offers a captivating and child-friendly look at the extraordinary journey that Monarch butterflies take each year from Canada to Mexico.
Join us for this fun, self-guided activity, which will start at the parking lot kiosk near the Visitor Center and end near the mill. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
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Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in helping out
at Historic Yates Mill?
Call us or stop by the park to learn about the
exciting and important ways that you can lend a hand.
To learn more, call
(919) 856-6675
or send an
email to
yatesmill@wake.gov.
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Volunteer Interest Sessions
Do you have any questions you want to ask park staff before committing to being a volunteer? Do you want to learn more about the different ways you can volunteer? Join us at our drop-in Volunteer Interest Sessions! Meet our volunteer coordinator at our volunteer table, which will be set up outside of the A.E. Finley Center (or inside, depending on the weather).
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Thursday, Aug. 1
9-11 a.m.
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Wednesday, Aug. 28
9-11 a.m.
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Group programs and tours can be requested and scheduled for schools and other organized groups. You can learn more about the types of group programs and field trips offered by this park below. | | | |
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Our Instagram contest is all new in 2024! When you’re out at our parks or preserves and take a fantastic photo, share it on Instagram and tag @WakeGovParks for your chance to win a custom water bottle! We’ll pick a new winner each month. In addition to the prize, we’ll also feature your photo on our socials.
Good luck, and happy snapping!
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Have you enjoyed a day in the park recently; walked on our trails; enjoyed a family picnic; or simply have something you'd like us to know about? Please select the link below to fill out a short anonymous survey so we can know what you and our other park visitors are thinking about!
Let us know about your visit.
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Are you a professional or amateur photographer interested in taking photos at Historic Yates Mill County Park? Wake County’s parks and preserves provide the perfect backdrop for your bridal, graduation, prom or family photos. To ensure that all park visitors have an enjoyable experience, registration is required for professional, client-based photo shoots.
Register Here.
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Join Our Junior Park Explorers
Do you like to explore parks and preserves? Do you like winning prizes? Our Junior Park Explorers program is for you!
Learn more here.
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See what's happening on our social media sites: | | | | |
