PENFIELD – Officials at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the program schedule for October.
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? You will learn about owls found in Pennsylvania and try your hand at calling to these birds of prey to see if any responds.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Blood Trailing 101
2 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Archery season has begun and hunters are pursuing whitetail deer. The “hunt” sometimes begins after the shot is taken. Trailing is an important skill to a hunter so come learn the basics. We’ll head outside to practice our new skills- please dress appropriately.
A Timeless Tradition
7 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Why do some hunters use the bow and arrow to hunt? This video was once shown during Hunter-Trapper Education, as it captures the essence of archery hunting. Come enjoy and then see if you can pass the “quiz.” Perhaps you too will find yourself participating in “a timeless tradition.”
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.
Saturday, Oct. 18
Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Day Use Area/Beach
Many of the traditions of autumn are on display during this new fall institution. Learn about apple cidering; and candle dipping; and making natural dyes; and much, much more. You must experience the pumpkin float; and this year, listen to the Ghost of Bill Farley around the beach bonfire. Check at Park Office for more event details.
Sunday, Oct. 19
Apple Cidering
2 p.m. – behind Beach House
It’s a fall tradition, but many folks no longer have their own cider press. Come use the park’s press under the guidance of an old cider maker to make your own. This is a “bring your own” clean apples (not picked up from among the deer droppings) and clean empty jugs program. Please limit your participation to no more than two bushels of apples (one bushel makes about two gallons).
Thursday, Oct. 23
Day Sky/Night Sky
5:30 p.m. – Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
Pennsylvania will experience a partial solar eclipse just before sunset today. Come learn how a solar eclipse happens and view it safely (weather dependent) through our telescope with a solar filter in place. After sunset, we will look at Mars, Saturn, and other night sky objects.
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.
Saturday, Oct. 25
GPS Basics
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Learn the basics of how a recreational GPS receiver works and get some practice using its basic functions. If you’ve ever thought about geocaching, learn what this popular sport is all about. We’ll be outside- dress appropriately.
Thursday, Oct. 30
Beaver Walk
5:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
No other animal changes its environment as much as the beaver. They were once trapped for their fur– until they were gone from Pennsylvania. 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.