PENFIELD – Staff members at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the program schedule for May 25-28.
Friday, May 25
History Walk:
5 p.m. – Beach House
A long time ago, Parker Dam and the forest surrounding it looked much different. Many visitors don’t realize just how much the forest has changed. They may also not understand why the park is here today. You can come and walk along to discuss how things have changed and why. The hardest part of this walk around the lake will be crossing the spillway rocks.
Pennsylvania Birds of Prey:
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Do you know what a raptor is? What does an accipiter look like exactly? Is a hummingbird a bird of prey? This talk will cover the basics of what makes a particular bird a bird of prey. There are many that can be seen in the skies around the Keystone State. You will learn about the different types of birds of prey that you might see and how to identify them.
Saturday, May 26
Late Spring Wildflowers and Walk:
9 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
You can learn a little interesting folklore to go along with identifying some of the park’s wildflowers. This will involve a PowerPoint lecture, followed by a short walk to search some out.
- Parachute Games:
3 p.m. – near Beach House
Participants will meet by the Beach House at the big parachute to play some parachute games with an environmental twist. All ages are welcome.
GPS Basics:
4 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
So you can’t quite figure out how to work the GPS receiver you got as a gift. Or, you want one and aren’t sure if it would be useful. You can come and learn how they work, how useful they can be, and practice the skills needed to use GPS technology effectively. You’ll also learn about the basics of geocaching.
Bald Eagles in Pennsylvania:
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Extirpation was once thought to be the fate of the Bald eagle in Pennsylvania. But, they have made an incredible comeback. Now their population is at a level many never thought would be possible. You will learn about the efforts that helped to bring back this majestic bird throughout the Commonwealth and provide opportunities for many more people to see them in the wild.
Sunday, May 27
Fish-for-Free Day: All Day
Each year the PA Fish & Boat Commission designates Fish-for-Free Days. This year they are May 27 and July 4. A fishing license is not required on either of these days. It’s a great way to introduce someone to the enjoyment of fishing. Remember that all other regulations still apply.
Monday, May 28 – Memorial Day
Memorial Day Flag Raising:
12 p.m. – Flagpole between Beach and CCC Museum
You can join others to respectfully raise the flag from half-staff to full, as is tradition on Memorial Day at 12 p.m.