PENFIELD – Officials at the Parker Dam State Park have announced programs for July 2-5.
Thursday, July 2
Throwback Thursdays – Atlatl
6:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
A series of Thursday evening programs – each week a different topic following the theme of ‘primitive skills’ will be covered. For this edition of Throwback Thursday, we will learn about the atlatl – a primitive weapon that uses a dart as a projectile. Come try your hand at throwing at the target.
Friday, July 3
Orienteering
2 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
It is a skill perhaps not necessary in a world full of GPS units. But knowing how to use a map and compass effectively could save your life – plus, it’s fun and rewarding when you can complete an entire orienteering course.
Nature Nut – Bats
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 – bats.
Saturday, July 4
Holiday Morning Stroll
9 a.m. – Beach House
Summer holidays are busy around the park, but the mornings can be a great time to see some of the more permanent inhabitants before they vanish from the crowds later in the day.
Claws, Paws, and Jaws
11 a.m. – Beach House steps
Black bears are one of the most remarkable creatures roaming around in Penn’s Woods. Their adaptations and survival behavior are incredibly interesting. Come learn more about these creatures that you may not have known.
Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence
2 p.m. – Beach
Come sacrifice a few minutes to listen and understand the sacrifices made by so many, so long ago. Learn about why this holiday exists for our enjoyment and celebration.
All About Fishers:
3 p.m. – Beach House steps
Originally found in Penn’s Woods, the fisher has had a long journey to re-establishing itself in today’s forest. Learn more about this furbearing predator and about conservation efforts that have led to seeing them here again.
Parker Dam Birthday Party
4 p.m. – Beach
Parker Dam State Park opened on July 4 weekend in 1937. Help celebrate the park’s ‘birthday’ with games and fun.
Race to Save the Bats
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
They’re creepy to some; cute to others; but they are important to us all. Many bats have had a battle for survival in recent past. Learn what threatens them, what scientists have learned, and what each of us can do to help.
Sunday, July 5
Natural Symbols
3 p.m. – Beach House steps
Do you know Pennsylvania’s state symbols? State animal, state tree, state bird? Even more have received ‘official’ status. Come learn about our natural symbols and play an old game.
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 here in the park. Come with an idea of what you’d like to know more about, learn, or share.