INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM SCHEDULE AT PARKER DAM STATE PARK
FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: May 28-31, 2010
May 28
Natural Wonder Series: Severe Weather: 2:30 p.m.- Environmental Education Classroom
Want to understand more about the types of weather that can destroy property and lives? How does it form; what can it do; how do you protect yourself? This program is a great opportunity for home-school students or anyone who wants to learn more about severe weather.
Annual Public Meeting: 7:00 p.m.- Environmental Education Classroom
Parker Dam and S.B. Elliott State Parks will host their annual Open House and ‘State of the Park Address’ with Manager Beth Grove. The public is invited to come learn what’s new, what will be happening this year, and investigate the recreational opportunities that are offered at this gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds. A question/answer period will follow the park manager’s presentation.
Power of Nature: 8:30 p.m.- Campground Amphitheater
A tornado can be a powerful force of nature, but to study and understand how and when they form has been a challenge for scientists. Watch as teams of “storm-chasers” attempt to gather data that can help us understand and hopefully better predict these destructive storms.
May 29
25th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1985 Moshannon Forest Tornado
Trail of New Giants: 10:00 a.m.- Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
“Get Outdoors PA”/PA Hiking Week Program
Take a hike through parts of Parker Dam’s tornado damaged forests. On the way to the vista, you’ll see how the forest has responded to the devastation. This hike is fairly short, less than 2 miles, but some of the terrain may be more moderate in difficulty as we make the elevation change to the vista. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring along water if needed; there will be an opportunity for photographs.
Cabin Classroom Open House: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.- Cabin Classroom
Twenty-five years ago, 3 Cub Scouts and their fathers were at the Cabin Classroom during the tornado. They’re all back this weekend and will be available to talk about their experience and share pictures, newspaper articles, and memories. Stop by and share your own memories and feel free to bring along any pictures or other items that you may have saved.
Forest Recovery Hike: 2:30 p.m.- outside Park Office
“Get Outdoors PA”/PA Hiking Week Program
This hike will loop through the northern part of the park, where much of Parker Dam’s tornado damage occurred. See the recovering forest, 25 years later, on this 2.5-mile, easy terrain/moderate length hike. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring along water, if needed.
Understanding A Tornado with Guest: Matt Steinbugl, National Weather Service
4:00 p.m.- Environmental Education Classroom
How do meteorologists study storms and predict when there may be severe weather like tornadoes? The technology is quite different than it was 25 years ago. Find out more about tornadoes and how the National Weather Service studies severe weather.
Moshannon Forest Tornado May 31, 1985 with Guest: Henry Margusity, AccuWeather
7:30 p.m.- Campground Amphitheater
Hear from the Cub Scouts who rode out the 1985 storm at the Cabin Classroom, as well as from AccuWeather’s severe weather expert. Learn more about this huge tornado, the damage it caused, and what it was like to go through the ordeal.
May 30
Power Line Hike: 11:00 a.m.- Mud Run Road at power line
“Get Outdoors PA”/PA Hiking Week Program
This difficult hike will take us to one of the highest parts of the park, overlooking some the forest destroyed by the tornado, then loop back to the starting point. Please wear proper footwear and prepare for an uphill hike. Bring along water if needed; there will be an opportunity for photographs.
Pennsylvania Mammals: 2:00 p.m.- Environmental Education Classroom
Learn about Pennsylvania’s many mammals. You will first learn to identify them by their fur; then learn about how they live in Penn’s Woods. You will be surprised by some of the adaptations and behavior they draw upon to survive.
Tea and Talk: 6:00 p.m.- Beach House steps
Come for some natural, sweet fern tea, and to share your memories of the tornado, the damage, or anything else that’s on your mind. You may have an opportunity to meet storm survivors, or a few of the thousands of people who came to the park following the tornado to see the aftermath. Bring along a cup suitable for hot beverages.
May 31
More Pennsylvania Mammals: 2:00 p.m.- Beach House steps
Learn how to look at an animal’s teeth and discover what foods they may have eaten. You will also learn how to identify several of Pennsylvania mammals by simply studying their skulls. A lot of information about an animal can be discovered, even without seeing the whole animal.
Hike Souders Loop: 6:00 p.m.- outside Park Office
“Get Outdoors PA”/PA Hiking Week Program
Come enjoy this easy hike and wind down from the busy holiday weekend. The hardwood forest and mountain stream are the highlights of this easy loop hike. Please wear appropriate footgear and bring along water if needed.
May 31, 1985 Tornado Remembrance: 7:45 p.m.- Beach Announcement
Listen as we remember the event 25 years later. Over the public address system at the Beach, we will take a few moments to mark the anniversary of this powerful storm.
Note: The Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum at Parker Dam State Park will be open to the public on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 29-31, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Civilian Conservation Corps and the tremendous accomplishments of their work that still remain today.
You can find more information about state park programs and special events by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks website at www.VisitPAParks.com , and clicking on “Calendar”.
