PENFIELD – Staff members have announced a full slate of upcoming programs at the Parker Dam State Park, beginning Jan. 1.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
First Day Hike:
10 a.m. – parking area near CCC Museum/spillway
Participate in the first hike of the new year as we traverse the Trail of New Giants. It’s about a two-mile trek over moderate terrain; however, we will trek up the Vista Spur, a short but more difficult section.
Please come prepared for the weather and snow conditions with proper boots and clothing. If there is significant snow (10-plus inches), the park may have a limited number of snowshoes available.
The Friends of Parker Dam State Park will also provide a treat for hikers at the end of the hike.
Saturday, Jan. 4
Feeders Up!:
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Learn the basics of identifying the birds that come to your feeder. We’ll also discuss ways to make your feeder more “successful” and how to improve the habitat in your backyard for birds.
Learning to Snowshoe:
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
The park will provide a limited-number of snowshoes. Hopefully Mother Nature will provide the snow. Learn the history of snowshoes, how they work, and how to enjoy winter with them. Dress to be outside.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Wildlife Tricks and Traits of Surviving Winter:
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Wildlife are able to survive some pretty harsh conditions through the winter. We’ll explore a variety of adaptations that they use to survive and how they might be similar to the ways that we try to stay warm.
Harvesting Ice:
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Ice was once a very valuable commodity. It was harvested, sold, and delivered; and without it, keeping food for any length of time was difficult. Learn about the ice trade, the tools used, and why it was so important.
Friday, Jan. 17
Homeschool Day: Winter:
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
This program for homeschool students, ages six and up, explores wildlife, their winter survival, and also some fun winter recreation. We’ll work through several activities that will engage winter. Please dress to be outside at times.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Bear-ly Born:
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
It is the time of year that PA black bears are born. Learn more about what is going on inside those bear dens right now, as well as how black bears live and survive in Penn’s Woods.
Ice Fishing Basics:
1 p.m. – Beach House
Learn some basics of safety, equipment, and techniques for fishing on the ice. If there is enough ice, we will head out onto the lake. Please have your 2020 license if you are 16 or older and would like to fish.
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26
Clearfield YMCA WinterFest: Beach House, Day-use Area, Lake
Saturday includes the 5K Run, Ice Fishing Basics, Learn to Skate, and Snowshoeing. Sunday gears up with Ice Harvesting, Snow Box Derby, Snowshoe Treks, Frozen Salami Sling, Winter Birding, Cross-country Ski Basics, Almost Naked Mile Run, and the Polar Bear Swim. The YMCA will have food and drinks available from the Beach House each day. Many activities are snow and ice dependent. Times and events may change; please check with the YMCA or Park Office for a schedule of events as the festival nears.
Note on Winter Fun at Parker Dam:
The park maintains facilities for winter recreation as conditions permit. There is a sledding hill, ice skating rink, miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, access to many miles of snowmobile trails and many places to go on snowshoes.
Other visitors also enjoy the park in winter for ice fishing, walking, and wildlife watching. The park’s cabins are reservable throughout the winter.
