PENFIELD – Officials at the Parker Dam State Park has announced the program schedule for May 22-27.
Friday, May 22
Nature Nut – Waterbugs and Water Beetles
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Fridays are nutty this year. Watch John Acorn, the Nature Nut, in a series of video programs that are as entertaining as they are educational. This week’s episode is waterbugs and water beetles. There should be some live examples for you to examine as well.
Saturday, May 23
Every Birdy Welcome!
10 a.m. – Beach House
Bring along a mug or cup for a hot beverage (coffee/tea provided), and set off on an easy walk to see what wildlife might be stirring around the park. We will focus on seeing and hearing the birds that call the park home.
Beaver Dam Trail
1 p.m. – Beach House
We will travel through varying habitats where we may see diverse wildlife and their sign. Part of the trail follows a historic railroad grade and you can learn about the park’s history as we go. This two-mile loop is easy terrain; please wear appropriate shoes.
Waterbug Search
3 p.m. – Beach House steps
Join one of the park naturalists to begin a short search for waterbugs (and beetles, nymphs, etc.). We will make a short trek across the road to the small side of the lake to search the weeds for insects. There will be extra nets for you to assist in the search.
Night Sky Observing
7 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Some folks gaze at the night sky, amazed by its beauty, but not always knowing what it is that they are looking at. You’ll learn about the objects visible in the night sky, as well as tools and resources to help guide your viewing and to learn more.
Saturn, Venus and Jupiter
9 p.m. – Dam Breast, near the CCC Museum
Today, Saturn is in opposition. Come learn just what that means, along with taking a look at it and a few other planets and stars through the park’s night sky telescopes. Cloud cover will make viewing difficult.
Sunday, May 24
- Parachute Games
3 p.m. – Beach
Come help break in the park’s new parachute by playing some parachute games with an environmental twist. You will learn about the ovenbird, rodents versus insectivores and more. All ages welcome.
Tea and Talk
7 p.m. – Beach House
Bring your own cup or mug (for hot beverages) and try some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park. Sunday evening Tea and Talk has been going on for many years–come be a part of the tradition.
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day Flag Raising
12 p.m. – Beach House
Join us as we ceremoniously raise the flag from half-staff to full, as is tradition on Memorial Day at 12 p.m. Also learn a about this special day, our flag, its history and tradition.
Wednesday, May 27
Wildflower Wednesdays
6:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
This series of Wednesday evening walks will be in search of our floral signs of spring. We will look for some of the best colors of the season as a variety of species come into bloom. These walks will continue to June 3.