PENFIELD – Staff members at the Parker Dam State Park have announced programs for the month of May.
Friday, May 6
Night Sky Tour
9 p.m. – Dam Breast, near CCC Museum
Man has been inspired by the night sky since the beginning. Come see the beauty and lore of early summer’s visible planets and constellations during the “dark of the moon”.
Saturday, May 7
Natural Laundry Detergent
3 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Whether you’re looking to reduce spending or improve your environmental footprint, making home-made laundry soap can be a rewarding activity for the whole family. As we discuss the benefits, we’ll make a batch that you can take home a sample from.
Dynastic Ducks
8 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
This duck-umentary will take you into the lives of some of the over 120 species of ducks. Ducks have a talent for survival and are a fun family of birds, each an original.
Monday, May 9
Mercury Transit Across the Sun
10 a.m. and again, 1 p.m. – Beach House sidewalk
The planet Mercury will be traveling directly between the Sun and the Earth, which will allow us to see an eclipse of sorts – a small dark spot moving across the face of the Sun. Come and view this occurrence through the park’s solar viewing scopes.
Friday, May 13
Elk, Coyotes, and Bears…Oh My!
6:30 p.m. – Campground
Be on the lookout for one of the park’s educators as they travel the campground with the nature wagon! The wagon will begin at the campground host site and continue around the outer loop of the campground. Bring your questions along as you check out antlers, pelts, and skulls.
Saturday, May 14
Fly-fishing Basics
2:30 p.m. – Flagpole, near Cabin Road
Perhaps you have fished using a spinning rod in the past and want to try something new? Join one of the park’s educators to be introduced to fly-fishing, discuss techniques, basic knots, and practice fly-casting.
Nature’s Architects:
8 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Believe it or not, our own native beaver is the second largest rodent in the whole world. This amazing semi-aquatic rodent is also the best dam builder, next only to humans. Join us as we watch the “Biggest Dam Movie”.
Sunday, May 15
Tea and Talk – Local History
2 p.m. – Beach House steps
Sweet fern makes an excellent tea. Learn how to identify this wild tea and try some while discussing the area’s local history. Timber, coal, coke, and gas are industries which have impacted the area and its resources. Please bring your own cup/mug.
Saturday, May 21
Wildflower Walk
6:30 p.m. – outside Park Office
We will take an easy walk outside the Park Office in search of floral signs of spring. We will look for some of the best colors of spring, as a variety of species are in bloom.
Sunday, May 22
Second-ever Dave Long Memorial Kid’s Fishing Derby
9 a.m. – Lake
This fishing derby is open to all children ages 3-15. Registration will be from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.. Sponsored by the Central Counties Concerned Sportsmen.