PENFIELD – Officials at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the program schedule for the month of February.
Sunday, Feb. 1
Life and Times of Punxsutawney Phil:
2 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
He is the world’s most famous weather forecasting groundhog. But how much about him and his special day in February do you really know? Come watch and learn about the origins and history of this quirky winter holiday along with one of the people interviewed in the documentary, “The Life and Times of Punxsutawney Phil.”
Saturday, Feb. 7
Furry Warmth
9:30 a.m. – Pavilion 3
Find out how different animals survive the winter; then learn how to identify various mammals by their fur. We’ll have a fire going, but please dress weather appropriately.
Learn to Cross-country Ski:
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
(Note: There is a $3 fee for all participants of this program)
Learn how to enjoy this winter sport with the whole family. Learn why the cross-country skis work the way they do, how to get strapped onto the proper-sized equipment, and then go outside to practice turns, falling down, getting back up, and various techniques to get you started. Equipment is available for both adults and kids (limited-number and sizes). Dress appropriately for being active outdoors.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Learn to Cross-country Ski
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom Please see description for Feb. 7 program.
The Ice Harvest
2 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Before electricity, it was hard to keep certain foods from spoiling. However, the ice industry kept a supply of ice for kitchen ice boxes coming throughout the year. Learn more about this big business and some of the tools that were used to harvest the ice.
Sunday, Feb. 15
Learn to Cross-country Ski
12 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom Please see description for Feb. 7 program.
Primitive Fire:
3 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
No matches…no problem; if you are prepared. Learn about methods used to start fire before matches and lighters. Participants will be able try a couple of them to see if we can make them work. Applying what you learn from this program could someday save your life.
Saturday, Feb. 21
Learn to Cross-country Ski
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Please see description for Feb. 7 program.
Sunday, Feb. 22
Learn to Cross-country Ski:
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Please see description for Feb. 7 program.
Ice Skating Sessions with the Friends of Parker Dam
In the coming weeks, ice skating sessions have been scheduled each Friday evening (4:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.) and Saturday afternoon (1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) until the ice becomes unsafe.
There will also be an extended session on Valentine’s Day – Saturday, Feb. 14 (1 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.).
At these skating sessions, skate rentals are available, as well as hot chocolate, hot dogs and chili from the Friends of Parker Dam. The skating area (not skate rentals) is open daily during normal park hours (8 a.m. to dusk), after any snow on the rink has been cleared by park staff.
Sledding, Ice Skating, and Cross-country Skiing at Parker Dam
When conditions allow, a sled riding area, an ice skating rink, and several groomed cross-country ski trails are maintained at the park throughout the winter. Check the “Parker Dam State Park” Facebook page or the “Winter Report” at www.visitPAparks.com to learn of snow and ice conditions and the availability of winter facilities.