PENFIELD – Officials at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the schedule of programs for Aug. 20-23.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Throwback Thursdays – Archery
Guest Instructor: Don Litten
6:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Each week there is a different topic on ‘primitive skills’ is covered. This week it is archery. Learn about the equipment and history and then give it a try on a safe range. Although it’s a skill used often for hunting, it can also be tremendous fun, and a challenge, just hitting bulls-eyes on the range. All ages welcome.
Friday, Aug. 21
Nature Nut – Nature Home Movies:
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 will cover nature home movies. The Nature Nut will show you how to make your own home movies of wildlife. Even though some of the equipment has changed (you can probably just use your cell phone today), the things he demonstrates will help you understand what makes a great wildlife video (perhaps for YouTube).
Saturday, Aug. 22
History Walk
10 a.m. – Beach House
Learn about the many changes that the park area has experienced over time. If you travelled back in time, you might not even recognize this place. Join us as we meander around the lake (crossing the spillway at the end) and discuss the park’s amazing history.
Narrated Beach Theater
3 p.m. – Beach House steps
We are calling all dramatic types for an all non-speaking theater role. Yes, we’ll do the narrating…you do the acting. We will act out the history of Parker Dam State Park over the years with your help.
S-73 Tyler Camp Tour
6:30 p.m. – Memorial Flagpole, near Tyler Cabin
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp S-73 was located in the north end of this park, and the men who lived there built this park. Take a look at where they spent their time when not working on the park.
CCC – American Experience
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
This film interweaves rich archival imagery with personal accounts of CCC veterans to tell the story of the boldest and most popular of the New Deal experiments, which led to the emergence of modern environmentalism and national service.
Sunday, Aug. 23
Skull ID: 3:00 PM – Beach House steps
Learn how to identify animal skulls by counting teeth, measuring skulls, and other clues. Many skulls will be available to practice your ID skills.
Tea and Talk
7 p.m. – Beach House
Bring your own cup or mug and try some hot sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park. Talk subjects are always open. Questions regarding the park, wildlife, local history, or recreation are good places to start.