PENFIELD – Officials at the Parker Dam State Park have announced programs for June 11-18.
Thursday, June 11
Throwback Thursdays – Spear
6:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
This is the first of a series of Thursday evening programs – each week a different topic on the theme of ‘primitive skills’ will be covered. For this introduction to the series, we will practice the proper throwing of a spear.
Friday, June 12
Learn Your Trees Walk
6 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Is it white pine or eastern hemlock, sugar maple or red maple? Can you identify the tree common to Parker Dam? Come learn some easy ID tips. Even if you know some of them—you may learn something new and about these trees’ importance to our past.
Nature Nut – Undaloofs?
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—hoofed animals. There are many different animals with hoofed feet, some even have different names in different places, but they are found in most parts of the world. Here we see deer and elk. Learn more about these creatures and their adaptations.
Saturday, June 13
Kayak Basics
10 a.m. – behind Beach House
NOTE: There is a $3 fee for all participants of this program.
Learn what type of kayak you would be comfortable in, how to prepare for a day on the water, and most important– how to get in, out and get around on the water. A limited number of kayaks will be available. You can reserve a kayak by contacting the Park Office (814-765-0630).
Backyard Bear
3:30 p.m. – Beach House
Meet for story time as we head to the small wooded area near the Beach House. This week’s story will give us a look into common encounters with black bears and what we should do if we are to encounter one ourselves. The story is best suited for children between the age of 4 and 10 years.
Spotting Tour
9 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Join a park educator for a common rural activity – deer spotting. Car-pooling is encouraged. The tour will begin outside the Park Office, travel through S.B. Elliott State Park (about 6 miles away), and back to the starting point. The park will provide the spotting lamp, so please leave yours put away.
Sunday, June 14
Parachute Games
2 p.m. – Beach House
One thing is for sure – there will be a parachute. How much fun you have is up to you! Bring along your friends and learn more about nature and wildlife with one of the park educators.
Tea and Talk
6:30 p.m. – Beach House
Bring your own mug to enjoy a cup of sweet fern/mountain mint tea, gathered right here in the park. The talk will consist of teas, a few trees, and whatever else comes to your inquiring mind.
Thursday, June 18
Throwback Thursdays – Wildcrafting
6:30 p.m.- Environmental Education Classroom
A different topic on the theme of ‘primitive skills’ will be covered each week. Wildcrafting is all about knowing what wild things are edible and how to make them so. Learning more about wildcrafting may help save your life someday.