PENFIELD – Staff members at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the program schedule for July 8-10.
Friday, July 8
A Drop Around the World
9 a.m. – Beach House
Join us for story time. This week’s book is titled, “A Drop Around the World.” See what it may look like in the ‘life’ of a rain drop while we learn about this great resource.
Hike to the Beetle Pond
6:30 p.m. – Campground Host Site (No. 107)
Join the Naturalist for a short hike to the beetle (and bug) pond to gather some specimens for the evening program. Wear rubber boots if you have them.
Water Bugs and Beetles – Nature Nut
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Enjoy this Nature Nut video about water bugs and water beetles (what’s the difference?). We should have some live specimens to show our audience if the 6:30 expedition went well.
Saturday, July 9
Chorus of Diversity
11 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Bring the kid’s to perform (instruments provided) a song of diversity. We will learn of the dangers of introduced species to the diversity of our native habitats.
Intro to Orienteering:
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
It’s simply the basics to get you started, or to review what you know. We will practice outside and provide a challenge for you.
Aquatic Embodiment
3 p.m. – Beach
How do various critters get around in the water? Meet at the beach to discover – and embody – how some of our local critters move through the water. Dress to get wet; we will be swimming.
Souders Trail
4 p.m. – Ball Field
Join us for a peaceful afternoon walk along the Souders Trail. Participants will learn about the history of the park as we look for remnants of the lumber era and signs of local wildlife. Please wear appropriate footwear.
Pennsylvania’s Conservation Heroes
6 p.m. – Beach House steps
Do you know that many leading conservationists came from right here in PA? You may be surprised to learn how the lives of these visionaries have affected so many. Could you be the next conservation hero?
Making Striders
8 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Come to the Campground Amphitheater to create a water strider (craft). Learn how they are able to literally “walk on water” (the trick is in the feet).
Water Striders – Nature Nut
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
A video all about water striders? Yep. Enjoy this Nature Nut video to learn all about these interesting insects that can walk on water.
Sunday, July 10
All About Fishers
2 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.
Tea and Talk
7 p.m. – Beach House steps
Bring your own cup or mug (for hot beverages) and try 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’d like to know more about, learn, or share. Sunday evening Tea and Talk has been going on for many years; come be a part of the tradition.