Programs

Bass Lake Park Visitor and Environmental Education Center

Bass Lake Park and Retreat Center is proud to be a N.C. Environmenal Education Center. The center features an extensive nature library with books and resources for all ages. 

Thumb through a field guide to identify an animal you saw, read a story, or to learn some bird calls. Peer into one of our living exhibits, eye to eye with a largemouth bass, a banded water snake or other park natives.   

The center is open to public 8 a.m. until sundown daily. 

Bass Lake Park Programming

Bass Lake Park offers programming for everyone.  From children’s story time and educator workshops to fishing tournaments and road trips you’re sure to find something to fit your interests. 

The park offers two loaner programs to help you get geared up for some fun in the great outdoors anytime during park hours: 

N.C. Fishing Tackle Loaner Program
First-time or novice anglers can borrow a rod and reel free of charge.  It works just like a library.  Sign up for free.

Discovery Backpack Loaner Program
Discovery backpacks are filled with games, tools and books to use in the park.   Choose from birds, insects, aquatic life or nature journaling.  It's a fun way to explore our park anytime, and it’s free.

Check out the HURRAHS! newsletter for a complete listing of Holly Springs Parks and Recreation programs and special events.
     
Kids & Teens

Explore A Story!
Join Bass Lake Park Naturalist and enjoy story time, nature explorations, and nature crafts.  Meets the fourth Thursday of each month during the traditional school year.
Ages 3-5. Free. Pre-registration required

Bass Lake Nature Explorers Camp
Kids and teens explore nature in the park and beyond.  Activities include hiking, canoeing, arts and crafts, fishing, and nature exploration. Week long summer camp 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day.  Ages 8-10 and 11-13.

Bass Lake Summer Work Crew
The Summer Work Crew program offers teens age 14-16 the opportunity to gain paid work experience.  Crew members are chosen through a competitive application process and will spend 80% of their work week completing beautification and maintenance projects at Bass Lake Park and other town properties and 20% participating in educational, training, and team building activities, including meetings with town officials and field trips!

Families

Family Bingo
All ages are invited to this popular family friendly program!  2nd Fridays, March through October, 7-9pm.  Cash prizes up to $10.  Cost is $1 per card at the door.  No Pre-registration required.

Bass Lake Concert Series
Join singer and storyteller Trish Miller for special children's concerts on the deck overlooking Bass Lake.  Bring a chair, picnic, or fishing pole and enjoy the music!  In case of rain, event moved indoors.  1st Fridays, April-October, 7-8pm. 

Adults & Seniors

Senior Bingo
1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 1-3pm.  Cash prizes up to $10.  Cost is $1 per card at the door.  No pre-registration required.

Bass Lake Photo Club
The club meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7-9 p.m.

Holly Springs Garden Club
The club meets the second Wednesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. Activities include workshops, lectures, garden tours, field trips and workdays at Bass Lake Park gardens.

Quality Deer Management Association
The group meets the third Thursday of each month from 7-9 p.m.  Meeting topics include wildlife, habitat and management issues.

Environmental Educator Workshops
Bass Lake Park provides and hosts many workshops for teachers, scout leaders, or other adults interested in environmental education. Visit the the N.C. Office of Environmental Education for more information or to find an event. 

Festivals, Contests and Annual Events

Bass Lake Park Wedding Show
1st Sunday in April
Get a head start on your wedding planning. Meet area wedding professionals and vendors.  All brides will be entered into a raffle for lots of great door prizes. Free event!
Becoming a vendor

TurtleFest!
2nd Saturday in May
Join us for a day of celebrating and learning all about turtles.  Visit interactive exhibits, meet biologists, herpetologists, and wildlife rehabilitators, make crafts, win contests and play games. All free.
TurtleFest Student Art Contest

Bass Lake Day  
Environmental Education Festival
1st Saturday in October
Join us on our anniversary when we celebrate nature and our community.  Explore lots of exhibits about nature, meet area groups and organizations involved in environmental education. The festival wraps up with a live bluegrass concert on the deck.

Annual Bass Lake Photo Contest
March 31 Deadline
This contest is hosted by the Town and Bass Lake Photo Club and is for amateur photographers.  Kids, teens, and adults compete in three categories:  Flora & Fauna, Landscapes, and People.   The deadline for entries is midnight March 31.  A show and reception open to everyone is held the last Friday in April from 6:30-8 p.m. at the retreat center. Details and rules

Group Programs

Bass Lake Park offers special nature and environmental education programming for groups upon request.   We can accommodate most groups including preschool playgroups, school groups, scouts or civic organizations.  

Programs may take place on or off site and are always interactive and encourage hands on learning. They may be designed to meet badge requirements or correlate with the N.C. Standard Course of Study. 

See our program list for more information. Contact the Bass Lake Park naturalist with questions or to request a program

Stacy Gray
stacy.gray@hollyspringsnc.us
(919) 557-2906