PENFIELD – The following programs have been announced for May 3-19 at the Parker Dam State Park.
Friday, May 3
Tea and Talk– Timber Rattlesnakes
6:30 p.m. – Pavilion 3
Sweet fern makes an excellent hot tea. Learn how to identify it and make the tea. Then, we’ll talk about an often misunderstood reptile, sorting fact from myth.
Saturday, May 4
Fishing Basics
3 p.m. – Beach House
Come practice casting your spinning rod with the naturalist! Rods will be available if needed; and afterwards, we’ll try our luck fishing Parker Lake. Bring your own bait or use some of the park’s dough bait.
Race for the Bats:
8 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
When it comes to bats– they’re one of a kind. Learn more about these amazing animals and the eminent threat to their populations in the Keystone State.
Sunday, May 5
Laurel Run and CCC Trails:
3 p.m.- Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
Hike on the Laurel Run Trail and then loop back into the park on the newly re-opened CCC Trail. You will learn a little about the park’s history and get the opportunity to see some of its natural beauty. Please wear appropriate footwear.
Saturday, May 11
Birding Intro/Walk
4 p.m. – Beach House
Do you love the sound of those beautiful minstrels in the morning? Discover how funtastic and easy it can be to get started on your way to being a birding expert! We will discuss ways to identify and properly view these marvelous feathered friends.
Bears in Pennsylvania
8 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, May 12
Tea and Talk– Songbirds
7 p.m. – Beach House
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 the many birds and birding opportunities in your backyard and beyond.
Friday, May 17
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? Learn about the owls found in PA and try your hand at calling to these birds of prey to see if any of owls respond.
Saturday, May 18
Bike CCC Trail/Mud Run Loop
3 p.m. – Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
There are many advantages to mountain biking! Join us as we traverse over one of the park’s historical areas looking for wildlife and discussing the park’s history!
Silence and Solitude
8 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Many people’s love for the wilderness has sent them into the forest to rekindle their relationship with it. Come watch one man’s adventure, as he creates his own solitude.
Sunday, May 19
Hiking Basics on the Trail of New Giants 3 p.m. – Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
You’ll learn how the forest has changed, even recovered, since a devastating natural disaster. Along the way, the basics of hiking and backpacking will be discussed. You will learn about interesting techniques that will help you Leave No Trace while you are in the wilderness. Please wear appropriate shoes.
Access for People with Disabilities
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. (Parker Dam State Park Complex: (814) 765-0630; parkerdamsp@pa.gov)
With at least three days of notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.