Happy National Squirrel Appreciation Day!

Did you know that January 21 is National Squirrel Appreciation Day!? What a great day to learn about one of the world's cutest mammals and celebrate our favorite squirrel mascot, Parkson Rex!

History of National Squirrel Appreciation Day

This day was established in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitation specialist who desired to encourage positive attitudes and kind hearts toward these bushy-tailed, nut-loving creatures. While some might consider these tree climbing critters a nuisance, Squirrels actually play a large role in the ecosystem. Ever see them burying a nut in the ground for future use? Eventually, you'll notice a tree where the nut was buried - way to go Squirrels for contributing to renewing our forests! Learn more about the history of National Squirrel Appreciation Day.

About Parkson Rex

We welcomed Parkson Rex into the Durham Parks and Recreation family at the Fourth of July Celebration in 2018. Our former mascots, Earl and Pearl, adopted Parkson after finding him alone in Durham's Carroll Street Park. Now he is taking over their legacy as DPR's mascot! Watch more of their story on the City of Durham YouTube page. We've learned that Parkson loves food with nuts and his favorite color is green! His hobbies include climbing trees, playing in Durham parks, exercising at DPR recreation centers and connecting the Durham community to wellness, the outdoors and lifelong learning. If you ever see him around the city, make sure to give him a hug, a high five, teach him a new dance move or share some exercise tips! And don't forget to make him laugh by sharing an "a-corny" joke. Read more about Parkson Rex on our website.

Join the DPR Celebration

We're having an all-day celebration honoring Squirrels and here's how you can join in the fun with us! On Tuesday, January 21, scurry by one of our local recreation centers and participate in one of these squirrel-tastic activities:

• Find the Acorn: Before joining your exercise class or open gym time, go on a quick treasure hunt around the recreation center in search of a small acorn and you could win a DPR prize! Prizes include sunglasses, cups, coloring books, stress balls, cell phone wallets and more. One acorn per person. Must visit the recreation center front desk to claim your prize.
• Take a Parkson Rex Coloring Page: Young or old, you're invited to take a Parkson Rex coloring page home to color and display in honor of National Squirrel Appreciation Day! 
• Eat a "Squookie": A cookie that was designed by Parkson Rex in honor of Squirrel Appreciation Day. The squookies are available at the recreation center front desk while supplies last.

Note: The recreation centers participating in the above activities include: Community Family Life & Recreation Center at Lyon Park, Edison Johnson Recreation Center, Edison Johnson Aquatic Center, Holton Career & Resource Center, I.R. Holmes, Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills, W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Walltown Park Recreation Center

How will you celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day!? 

Whether you plan on visiting a local park to go squirrel watching, place some yummy treats in your backyard for your neighborhood squirrels, or even plan to dress up like a squirrel, we would love to see how you take the day to honor this beloved creature!

Tag us on social media @dprplaymore and use the hashtags #squirrelappreciationday and #parksonrex.