PENFIELD – Staff members at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the slate of programs for Aug. 20-23.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Night Sky—Planets and Constellations:
8:30 p.m. – bench near spillway, Mud Run Rd. side
How to share the park’s telescope during COVID-19…use our WiFi telescope camera to share telescope images to smart phones, tablets, and so on. That said, we do not have cell coverage for participants to download the needed app for our camera. If you plan on attending, you will need to download the app prior to arriving. Use the QR code to get the free ToupView app so you can see what is in our scope. You may also want to download the “SkyView Lite” app – free as well – to assist with your night sky viewing.
Friday, Aug. 21
Life of a Monarch:
11 a.m. – Beach House steps
Monarch butterflies seem to be the royalty of the late summer sky. But their life cycles are complex and dependent on many factors. Learn more about these spectacular insects.
Friday Night Movie Double Feature –
Nature Nut: Water Bugs and Beetles and Water Striders:
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Join us for two Nature Nut episodes (half-hour each) to learn more about some of the unique insects that live in, or on, our water.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Solar Energy:
3 p.m. – Beach House steps
Learn about solar energy and how the park is currently using it. Photovoltaic, solar thermal, concentrating solar, thermoelectric, and more.
Parker Dam Jeopardy:
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Categories are: History, Trails, Staff, Events, and Threats. Come and learn some of the details of the park through this fun and informative game of Jeopardy. Double Jeopardy categories are Birds, Trees, Insects, Plants, Mammals.
Sunday, Aug. 23
Tea and Talk:
7 p.m. – Beach House back steps
Bring your own cup to sample some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park. Talk is whatever interests you about the environment. The Sunday evening tea and talk has been a summer tradition for over 25 years.
Note to visitors attending educational and interpretive programs at the park: Program attendees are advised that they must wear face coverings, social distancing will be required during the program, and total attendance will be limited to 25. Your cooperation is appreciated.
*You can keep up on what is happening at the park by liking “Parker Dam State Park” on Facebook; and, you can find more information about state park programs and special events by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks Web site at www.VisitPAParks.com, and clicking on “Events Calendar.”