PENFIELD – Staff members at the Parker Dam State Park have announced programs planned for June 23-26.
Thursday, June 23
Archery Basics for Wounded Warriors and Veterans
6 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
We’ll discuss various types of bows, how to use one safely, and practice shooting with one of the park’s bows. Once you learn how to safely shoot a bow, you’ll find that archery can be a great activity for the whole family.
Friday, June 24
Matchless Fire
8 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Explore primitive ways of making fire – fire by friction, flint and steel, fire piston, and more. We will light the evening campfire using one of these methods.
Nature Nut – Carabids
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Learn about ground beetles through this entertaining and informative video featuring John Acorn, Nature Nut.
Saturday, June 25
Habitats at Home
Guest: Makayla Whaling
11:00 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Wildlife needs food, water, and a safe home. Learn fun and easy ways to improve your backyard habitat. Planting a garden is a great way to improve wildlife habitats, so native plants will be discussed. There will be crafts, activities, and useful handouts.
Crayfish!
2 p.m. – Ball Field
Big claws; a muscular tail; a hard exoskeleton. No, it’s not a monster. Come learn about crayfish, which can be found in many waterways. You will find and observe crayfish in Laurel Run, so be prepared to get wet. Please, no flip-flops or bare feet.
History Walk
6 p.m. – Beach House
How would Parker Dam be different if you went back 100 years? Learn more about how the area of the park has changed over the years. We will be walking around the lake and crossing the spillway rocks, so please wear appropriate shoes for the journey.
Salamanders of PA
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
What do you really know about our Pennsylvania salamanders? Come and learn some of the interesting facts, and then enjoy a Nature Nut video on salamanders.
Sunday, June 26
Laurel Run and CCC Trails
11 a.m. – CCC Museum
Hike on the Laurel Run Trail and then loop back into the park on the newly re-opened CCC Trail. You will learn a little about the park’s history and get the opportunity to see some of its natural beauty. Please wear appropriate footwear.
Solar Energy
3 p.m. – Beach House
Learn some of the different ways we can use the sun’s energy for our own uses, beyond getting a tan. Photovoltaic, solar-thermal, and more interesting examples will be demonstrated.
Tea and Talk
7 p.m. – Beach House steps
Bring your own cup to sample some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park. Talk subjects are always open for discussion – come with some idea of what you want to know, learn, or share. The Sunday evening tea & talk has been going on for many years – come and be a part of the tradition.