PENFIELD – You can keep active this fall by attending Parker Dam State Park’s “Thursday Strolls” all through the month of October.
Join a park educator every Thursday evening beginning Oct. 2. The first stroll that day will be a Hike to the Vista.
The following weeks there will be an Owl Prowl, a Bear Hike, a Night Sky Stroll and a Beaver Walk. Please see the following descriptions for dates, times and meeting locations.
If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact the Park Office at 814-765-0630 or parkerdamsp@pa.gov.
Thursday, Oct. 2
Hike to the Vista
4 p.m. – Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
If you haven’t seen the view from the vista on the Trail of New Giants, this is your chance– during the peak of the autumn colors. The hike is a little more difficult on the spur to the vista, but the entire hike is less than 1.5 miles. Please wear appropriate footwear.
Thursday, Oct. 9
Owl Prowl
6:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
They are the silent hunters of the night, but when they call out, could you be able to identify their species? Learn about owls found in PA and try your hand at calling to these birds of prey to see if any of the nearby owls respond.
Thursday, Oct. 16
Going on a Bear Hike
5:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
They have evoked awe since they were first seen by humans. Come learn about the Pennsylvania black bear, its natural history and adaptations. We’ll try our luck at finding black bear sign around the park.
Night Sky Stroll
7:30 p.m. – Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
Join as we “stroll” through the night sky using the park’s telescopes and spotting scopes. Take in the beauty as we learn about constellations and the legends that surround them. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Thursday, Oct. 30
Beaver Walk
5:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Aside from humans, no other animal changes its environment as much as the beaver. They were once trapped for their prized fur– until they were gone from the Keystone State. They have recovered and you can come learn more about them– how they live, their history, and the evidence they leave of their presence in the park.
