PENFIELD – Staff members at the Parker Dam State Park have announced programs for Aug. 5-7.
Friday, Aug. 5
CCC Trail
10 a.m. – CCC Museum
Walk in the footsteps of the men who built Parker Dam State Park. The hike will travel to the CCC Camp S-73 site and we’ll explore what was once there. Please wear appropriate footwear. At the end of the hike, the Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum will be opened for exploration too.
Entomophagy Applied
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Explore first-hand the benefits of entomophagy at this unique program. A short Nature Nut video will be followed by an opportunity for hands-on (or perhaps tongue-on) experience.
Saturday, Aug. 6
Kayak Basics
10 a.m. – behind Beach House
NOTE: There is a $3 fee for all participants of this program.
Learn all the basics to get you started on the water. Getting in, getting out, and being safe are important; as is picking the right kayak for you. A limited number of kayaks will be available. Reserve a kayak by stopping in or contacting the Park Office: 814-765-0630.
Race to Save the Bats
2 p.m. – Beach House steps
They’re creepy to some; others find them cute. But, they are important to us all. Many bats have had a battle for survival in recent years. Learn what threatens them, what scientists have learned, and what each of us can do to help.
Sand Insects
3 p.m. – Beach
Learn to identify some different families of insects by sculpting them out of sand. All ages are welcome to learn and help.
House Bugging
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
While many of us appreciate the beauty of outdoor insects—butterflies, dragonflies, and so on—many of us are not so happy when insects show up in our homes. Learn about some house bugs through this informative and entertaining Nature Nut video.
Sunday, Aug. 7
Parachute!
1 p.m. – Beach House
One thing is for sure… there will be a parachute. How much fun you have is up to you. Bring along your friends and learn more about nature and wildlife with one of the park educators.
Log Drive!
3 p.m. – Beach
Learn how woodhicks moved timber down these very streams in the park by creating a scale model of a splash dam, log boom, and the log drive itself. Also learn why the park is named “Parker Dam.” Bring your sand buckets if you have them.
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.