PENFIELD – Parker Dam State Park’s annual Woodsy Owl Weekend is scheduled for April 20-22, 2012 at the park. This annual event, which began in 1984, attracts many volunteers to the park and to the Saturday volunteer work sessions. These volunteers all take the time to lend a helping hand in maintaining their favorite park. Their hard work is rewarded however, as volunteer’s will be able to camp Friday and Saturday nights for free in the campground. Woodsy Owl himself may make an appearance at the park on Saturday to visit children and thank volunteers for their efforts.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer can participate in this program, whether they are staying in the campground or not. Just meet Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the campground host site (#107). Beginning April 20, campsites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers must simply stop in the park office to register. Campers will not be charged the normal overnight camping fee in agreement that they participate in both the Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon work sessions that will be used to spruce up the park in anticipation of the upcoming summer season.
Past work has included leaf raking, mulching, flowerbed improvements, tree planting, cleaning fire rings, and trail clearing. Aside from the obvious incentive of a free weekend of camping, participants will be able to experience the rewards of volunteering in the outdoors and having a part in the beautification of our natural and recreational resources.
If you have questions, please contact the park office at (814) 765-0630. Please do not call the State Park Reservation System for campsites, as Parker Dam campground reservations will not be taken for Friday and Saturday nights of Woodsy Owl Weekend.
You can keep up on what’s happening at the park by liking “Parker Dam State Park” on Facebook; and, you can find more information about state park programs and special events by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks Web site and clicking on “Events Calendar”.