PENFIELD – Officials at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the list of programs for Memorial Day Weekend.
Friday, May 23
Lake Bird Watch
5:30 p.m. – Beach House
Most have used a set of binoculars at one point or another, but have you ever tried a spotting scope? Join the Park Naturalist outside the Beach House to peer through the parks spotting scope as we search for local feathered friends around the lake and discuss their differing characteristics.
Pennsylvania Black Bears:
8:30 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 these magnificent animals. Learn more about their life and survival in Penn’s Woods, as well as what scientists have learned about them over the years.
Saturday, May 24
Discover Birding
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
It’s one of the most popular outdoor activities…and easy to get started. You will learn about a couple of simple tools to assist you and ways to get more involved. A short walk will be included to practice your skill.
CCC Trail
1 p.m. – Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
This easy hike will travel through a changing forest on a trail with an interesting history. Walk in the footsteps of those who helped build the park. Please wear appropriate shoes.
Wild Edibles Talk and Walk
3:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Do you know about the buffet that surrounds you each time you walk outside? Many of our plants can be used for sustenance. You’ll learn about several of them, as well as how to identify and use them properly.
Return of the Fisher:
7 p.m. – Beach House steps
Originally found in Penn’s Woods, the fisher has had an interesting journey to become re-established in today’s forest. Learn about this fur-bearing predator and about conservation efforts that have led to the possibility of seeing one in almost any part of PA.
Sunday, May 25
History Walk
2 p.m. – Beach House
If you went back 50 years, what might you see? Would Parker Dam be any different? How about a hundred years? Or, five hundred years? Learn more about how the area of the park has changed over the years. We will be walking around the lake and crossing the spillway rocks, so please wear appropriate shoes for the journey.
Fabulous Fur Coats:
6:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
We have several fur coats gathered, but who do they belong to? Chances are, it may have been a relative of a resident at Parker Dam State Park. Learn how to identify the fur coats of many of the mammals that call the park, and Penn’s Woods, home.
Monday, May 26
Memorial Day Flag Raising
12 p.m. – Beach House steps
Join us as we ceremoniously raise the flag from half-staff to full, as is tradition on Memorial Day at noon. Also learn a little about our flag, its history and tradition, and this special day.