PENFIELD – The following interpretative programs have been announced for Oct. 5-14 at the Parker Dam State Park.
Friday, Oct. 5
Extirpated Species
7 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Accounts of Pennsylvania’s wildlife history can be an interesting look at the early settlers’ attitudes toward what was then a wild frontier. Learn about animals no longer found here, but that were present when the Europeans arrived. Then, watch as an in depth look is taken at one of the extirpated species.
Sunday, Oct. 7
Tea and Talk – Pennsylvania Elk
3 p.m. – Site 16, across from Camp Host
Sweet fern makes an excellent hot tea. Learn how to identify it and make the tea. Then, try some sweet fern tea for yourself and while enjoying, talk about one of our unique, reintroduced mammals that are now often seen in the area. Bring along a lawn chair and make yourself comfortable.
Friday, Oct. 12
Owl Prowl
8 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
They are the silent hunters of the night. But when they do make noise, do you know which owl is making it? Or, which one states, ‘who cooks for you’? Learn about the owls found in Pennsylvania and try calling to these birds of prey to see if any of the park’s owls respond.
Saturday, Oct. 13
Making Natural Soap
Guest – Quiet Creek Herb Farm
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Join our guests as they discuss and demonstrate the process of soap making. Natural soap making is a traditional craft using natural products that are not harmful to our health or our environment. Learn how to make your own soap and what ingredients may be beneficial to you.
Bears in Pennsylvania
7 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Whether it is awe or fear that you feel when you see a bear, you probably don’t know the entire story of Pennsylvania black bears. Learn more about their life and survival in Penn’s Woods, as well as what scientists have learned about them over the years.
Sunday, Oct. 14
Tornado Alley Hike
4 p.m. – Beach House
Take a nice, peaceful walk through the changing autumn woods. We will take a look at the leaves that remain and show you how to tell what tree they are from, as well as try to discover some signs of the park’s varied wildlife along the trail. The length and difficulty of this hike will be easy, but please wear appropriate shoes.
Keep up on what’s happening at the park by following “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 at www.VisitPAParks.com and clicking on “Events Calendar.”
