About Our Programs & Events

Environmental and Fishing Programs

Environmental and fishing programs are offered for school groups, birthday parties and other various groups of children. All programs need to be scheduled one month prior to desired date. 

In these programs, children will learn how fish live, what they eat, the anatomy of a fish, how to identify fish, what we can do to help preserve the aquatic environment, the importance of not littering, and much
more. Once they complete this brief classroom visit they will be accompanied to the hatchery pond where they will learn techniques of fishing. The hatchery pond is stocked yearly with catfish provided by the North Carolina Wildlife, and November through March will be stocked with trout. We welcome all parents to attend as volunteers so we may turn this learning experience into parent bonding time as well. Who knows, the parents may even learn a thing or two. 

For more information on how to get involved in these programs call Lake Higgins Watershed Park at 336-373-3739.

Big Bass Contest

The Big Bass Contest is one of the most popular fishing challenges we offer, and allows the lakes to compete for the biggest Large Mouth Bass for the month. Registration for this contest is just $20 for the season, and
you may enter at any of the Watershed Parks. 

The person who ends the month with the largest Large Mouth Bass wins a free annual permit to all three lakes (valued at $80), and qualifies to fish in the fish-off held when the contest is over. The winner of the fish-off
could win up to $2,000 (based on 100 entries) and is automatically entered into the fish-off the next year to defend their title as Champion. At each lake the winner board keeps up with the current leader, and lets you
know which lake the big fish are being caught at. Come enter, see if you can catch the biggest fish for the month, and have proof to your buddies when you tell them about the "big one" you caught. 

For more information call Lake Higgins Watershed Park at 336-373-3739, Lake Brandt Watershed Park at 336-373-3741 Townsend Watershed Park at 336-373-3694.

Late Night Fishing Tournaments

Greensboro Watershed Park late Night Tournaments are held from 6-10 pm. Tournaments are held Monday at Lake Brandt, Thursday at Lake Townsend, and Friday at Lake Higgins. You may launch as late as 9 pm.  This is a ONE fish tournament, and every contestant weighs in his or her biggest Large Mouth Bass.  All fish are the released, and the winner will be awarded cash on the spot.  A cumulative weight is kept at each lake, and 5 percent of the pot each night goes  toward the cash prize at the end of the season to the individual with the highest cumulative total from each lake.  All North Carolina Wildlife rules apply, which means everyone above 16 must have a valid North Carolina Fishing License.  The entry fee of $10 and must be paid by each individual in the boat. A private boat launch fee will be applied to those without an Annual Permit.  For more information about these tournaments call Lake Higgins Watershed Park at 336-373-3739.

Lake Townsend Annual 1 - Person Bass Tournament

The Lake Townsend Annual 1 - Person Bass Tournament is the first bass tournament of the year which is generally held at the beginning of spring. The fish limit is  3, and all fish must be over 14 inches long. Participation is open to anglers 16 years of age and over. Prizes are awarded to first, second, third and Big Fish, with each also receiving a plaque. The entry fee is $35 per person, and an optional $10 fee to enter the big fish. This tournament is held 7 am to 3 pm.

For more information about this tournament call Lake Townsend Watershed Park at 336-373-3694.

Lake Brandt Annual 2 - Person Bass Tournament

The Lake Brandt Annual 2 Person Bass Tournament is generally held in the fall.  Each team has a five fish limit, and has the optional big fish entry. The fee for each team is $45, and the big fish entry fee is $10.
Prizes will be award to the top three teams, and the team with the big fish. The tournament runs 7 am to 3 pm, and all fish must be at least 14 inches in length. Participation in tournament is open to anglers 16 years of
age and older unless accompanied by parent or guardian. 

For more information about this tournament call Lake Brandt Watershed Park at 336-373-3741.

Intro to Kayak Class

The intro to kayak classes are offered all throughout the summer, and the
Greensboro Watershed Parks 2009 Event Schedule will assist you with those dates. 

Instructor Neil Thompson is a level 5 certified coastal kayak instructor  through the American Canoe Association. During these classes he will cover topics such as: kayak equipment, safety, car topping, terminology, entering and exiting the kayak, controlling the kayak, strokes, and much more. This class is designed to help you feel comfortable while kayaking, and gives you an opportunity to ask questions you may have about kayaking. All equipment is provided and class space is limited to seven participants.


All participants must be 13 years and older, and ages 13-15 must be accompanied by a parent. The fee for this class is $25 per person, and payment must be made to reserve a spot. This is a one day class and last
for two hours, 5:30-7:30 pm.

Due to the increasing amount of interest in kayaking, we encourage you to please contact Lake Brandt Watershed Park at 336-373-3741 to check availability.

Intro to Archery Class

Intro to archery offered fun for the entire family. This class will teach you the the basics of archery like;  technique, parts of the bow, parts of the arrow, safety, shot placement, consistency, and a whole lot more. The class is held at Lake Higgins Watershed Park from 6 - 8 pm on the designated nights listed on the Greensboro Watershed Parks 2009 Events Schedule. The fee for this class is $12 per person, and classes are limited to the first 12 participants.  Anyone younger than 12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent.

For more information, call Lake Higgins Watershed Park at 336-373-3739.

Hunter Safety Class

Hunter safety is an important class for people who are interested in taking up hunting. The Watershed Parks offer several of these classes throughout the year. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says:

No person, regardless of age, may procure a hunting license in this state without first producing a certificate of competency showing completion of a hunter safety course or a hunting license issued prior to July 1 1991, or a signed statement (shown on the license) that he or shed had such a license.  The hunter safety course is a minimum of 70 on the written exam and must also meet the "hands-on" minimum requirements. 

For more information on when the classes are offered at the Watershed Parks please call Lake Townsend Watershed Park at 336-373-3694 or Lake Higgins Watershed Park at 336-373-3739.

Beginning Sailing Class

A sailing class is offered to both
adults and kids that is held at Lake
Townsend Watershed Park. The sailing classes are facilitated by Lake Townsend Yacht Club members, and not the park staff.  Some of the things you will learn in these class are:  how to rig the boat, parts of a sail boat, techniques of sailing, safety, capsizing, and much more. You may find contact information by visiting Lake Townsend Yacht Club or calling Lake Townsend Watershed Park at 336-373-3694.

National Fishing Week

During the summer one of the most popular kid's event we hold is the National Fishing Week Kid's Tournament for ages 4-13. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provides a lifetime fishing licence to award to a winner, and other sponsors provide door prizes for each kid. There is no cost for this event, but everyone interested will be entered into a lottery drawing and the first 40 drawn will be in the tournament. The tournament takes place at Lake Higgins Watershed Park from 10-11:30 am. Anyone interested in signing up needs to contact Lake Higgins Watershed Park at 336-373-3739 immediately around the beginning of spring.

For additional information call
Lake Higgins Watershed Park at 336-373-3739.

Outdoor Skills Camp

The Outdoor Skills Camp is a great opportunity for kids ages 10-13 to spend a week at the lakes at learn things like setting up a campsite, mountain biking, fishing, protecting the environment, kayaking, safety rules on the lake, navigation on a trail, and much more. The camp is Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm, and the fee is $150. The kids will have a cookout one day, go to the pool, and ride on the pontoon boat. They will play games like volleyball, kick-ball, dodge ball, ultimate frisbee, frisbee golf, tag football, and many other activities throughout the week. This camp is perfect for the kids that love the outdoors, as well as those who would like to learn more about what they can do outdoors. Special guest during the week will teach them survival types, different animal and snake species, and what to carry when hiking.

Annual Flying Frog Adventure Race

The Annual Flying Frog is quickly becoming a very popular event not only in the area, but all over the state. This race takes place every September, and fills up really quick so do not wait to register. In this race each competitor and team will be challenged physically as well as mentally. The race consist of canoeing for the teams, kayaking for individuals, a run, and mountain biking on a variety of trails. Beware though because you never know what challenge you will run into along the way. Anyone who enjoys a challenge, and likes to compete will love this race. The race course will not be revealed to participants until the day of the race. Prizes are awarded to the top 3 winners in each category. For more information, visit Flying Frog Adventure Race's Web site.

For more information contact Sue Davis at 336-373-3742 or Lake Brandt Watershed Park at 336-373-3741.

Haunted Trail

Every year in the month of October a Mad Scientist takes over a half mile of the trail at Lake Higgins Watershed Park. During his time here he brings along ghost, ghouls, goblins, monsters, and a lot more scary members to his gang. We take a few days out of the month to allow you to enter the trail if you dare, but I must warn you not to come alone. Remember not to bother the Mad Scientist on you journey through the trail, and make sure you appear interested in what he has to say when you walk through his laboratory. For those who do not, you maybe trapped there forever, and become part of the Haunted Trail for the years to come.

Bring everyone who dares to tour the scariest adventure in the area, and if you would like to take on this challenge keep a check on our Web site around October to see which days the Mad Scientist will haunt the
trail at Lake Higgins this year.

For more information call Lake Higgins Watershed Park at 336-373-3739.