PENFIELD – The following programs have been scheduled for the month of February at the Parker Dam State Park.
Saturday, Feb. 12
Learn to Cross-country Ski
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
NOTE: It is a “Get Outdoors PA” Program and requires a $3 fee.
You’ll be given the opportunity to learn about the history of cross-country skiing, how to get strapped onto the proper sized equipment, why the skis work the way that they do and then practice. Participants will be provided with the equipment if you don’t have your own. However, there are a limited number and sizes; and it will be first-come, first-served). The staff also can provide equipment for children and youth.
Learn to Ice Skate
1 p.m. – Beach House
It is a “Get Outdoors PA” Program.
It’s one of the most fun things to do outside in the cold weather. But if you’re not sure how, or it’s been a while, you’ll learn the basics of getting around on the ice and being more confident on skates. For children or adults who don’t have their own skates, the staff has many different skates and sizes that you may borrow during the program.
Saturday, Feb. 19
Learn to Cross-country Ski
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
NOTE: It’s a “Get Outdoors PA” Program and requires a $3 fee.
It is the same program as Feb. 12; see previous description. But you’ll get some more practice. Reminder, there are a limited number and sizes, and it will be first-come, first-served.
Ice Fishing Basics
1 p.m. – Beach House
It’s a “Get Outdoors PA” Program.
You’ll learn all the basics that can get you started fishing the “hard water.” You’ll also learn how to be the most comfortable and safe while ice fishing on a frozen lake or pond. The staff has a variety of equipment for you to look at and simple rods for you to practice your technique with. If you’re 16 or older, bring your 2011 fishing license. Please also dress appropriately for the weather, including boots that will keep you dry.
Sunday, Feb. 20
Learn to Cross-country Ski
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
NOTE: It’s a “Get Outdoors PA” Program, and it requires a $3 fee.
It is yet another opportunity for some time on the skis and to get confident with your abilities. February is, after all, Cross-country Ski Month at the park. Same program as Feb. 12; see previous description. Reminder, there are a limited number and sizes, and it is first-come, first-served.
Learn to Play: Ice Hockey
1 p.m. – Beach House
The Stanley Cup won’t be here, but the fun of playing ice hockey will be. If giving hockey a try sounds like fun, this program is the chance. At rinks across the country children and youth will be getting the opportunity to try ice skating and playing hockey for free as part of “Hockey Weekend Across America.” At Parker Dam, the same will be true. If ice conditions permit, children and youth are welcome to come, borrow skates and sticks, practice their skating, smack some pucks, learn what ice hockey is all about and play.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Feb. 18 – 21
Citizen-science in an incredibly simple form– the annual Great Backyard Bird Count provides an opportunity for families and individuals to watch birds and contribute to their future well-being. From Feb. 18 – 21, anyone can spend as little as 15 minutes watching birds in a particular location and then going to www.birdcount.org to report the results. Scientists use this information to track trends in bird populations and to work at making sound conservation decisions.
Coming Soon . . . Saturdays and Sundays in March
Maple Sugaring
2 p.m. – Sugar Shack
Come learn about maple sugaring, a tradition of spring in northern Pennsylvania. From getting started to making delicious syrup, the entire process is demonstrated and explained. The most popular part– there’s samples.
More information about state park programs and special events can be found by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks Web site at www.VisitPAParks.com and clicking on “Calendar.”
Access for People with Disabilities
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:
888-PA-PARKS (voice)
717-558-2710 (local or international voice)
888-537-7294 (TTY)
717-558-2711 (local or international TTY)
711 (AT&T Relay Services)