Paradise Creek Nature Park

09/16/2026

As fall migration gets underway, Paradise Creek Nature Park offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest journeys.

Join our master birder this Saturday to keep an eye out for migrating songbirds, hawks, and waterbirds as you enjoy the park’s forest, meadow, and wetland habitats during this refreshing walk through nature.

Learn more and register: https://events.humanitix.com/community-bird-walks-at-paradise-creek-nature-park

08/18/2026

🤝🟤 Anyone want to fidget trade? 🟤🤝

At first glance, this looks like someone dropped a cluster of brown slime-shaped fidget toys on a log... but this is actually Stemonitis axifera, a fascinating species of slime mold recently discovered by Paradise Creek Park Manager Larry LaPell!

At first glance, it might look like a tiny forest of brown hairs, but a closer look reveals clusters of tall, reddish-brown sporangia (spore-bearing structures) standing on slender stalks. These delicate structures can grow in dense tufts, giving the slime mold its distinctive "chocolate tube" appearance.

🌳 What does it do in the ecosystem?

Stemonitis axifera plays an important role as a decomposer. By feeding on bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms associated with decaying wood, it helps break down organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the soil. This process supports healthy forest ecosystems and contributes to the natural cycle of decomposition.

🔍 Next time you're exploring Paradise Creek Park, take a closer look at fallen logs and dead wood. You never know what tiny wonders might be hiding in plain sight!

08/14/2026

It's National Wellness Month! 🌿 There's no better place to reset than right outside your door. Portsmouth is home to incredible parks and trails perfect for getting active and clearing your mind.

A few favorites to explore:
🌳 Paradise Creek Nature Park – 2 miles of handicap-accessible trails & a kayak launch through the wetlands
🌱 City Park – 93 acres along the Elizabeth River, with piers, a playground, and more
🦅 Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve – 3+ miles of trails around a scenic lake, great for bird watching

Take a walk, breathe some fresh air, and make wellness part of your routine this month. Which park will you visit first?

07/28/2026

05/12/2026

Eagle Scout candidate recently Eryn Flechtner completed her service project, building and installing five Mason Bee habitats at Paradise Creek Nature Park. She and her fellow scouts planted native pollinator plants throughout several of our gardens. 🌱🐝

Why this is such a win for our environment:

🐝 Mason bees are native to North America and among the most efficient pollinators in our region.

🐝They’re named for their unique habit of using mud and other “masonry” materials to build their nests.

🐝They naturally seek out cracks in stones, hollow stems, and small dark cavities—and well‑designed habitats give them safe, reliable places to raise the next generation.

🐝Native plants provide the pollen and nectar these bees evolved alongside, strengthening the entire ecosystem.