Bald Eagle
HOWARD - Bald Eagle State Park would like to announce the following park programs open to the public. For more information on park programs, contact the Environmental Education Specialist, Nick Thomas, at (814) 625-2775.
Saturday, July 9
Mini-Paddle program
3 to 5 p.m.
Stop in at the beach and learn the best practices while maneuvering a kayak. This is a brief program that will occur every 15 minutes and give participants a chance to sit in a kayak and maneuver a short distance with the help of an instructor. The program occurs on a first-come, first-serve basis. A sign-up sheet will be available starting at 2:45 p.m. Meet at the beach area near pavilion No. 7.
Night hike
9 to 9:45 p.m.
Too scared to explore after dark? Join the park naturalist for a one-mile hike through the darkness and learn about all the things you may have feared. (Note: Participants need to have sturdy footwear and a flashlight to participate.) Meet at the amphitheatre.
Friday, July 15
Vanishing of the Bees
8 to 9:30 p.m.
Join the Innkeeper for a special screening of "Vanishing of the Bees" as honeybees have been mysteriously disappearing across the planet, literally vanishing from their hives. "Vanishing of the Bees" follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. Meet at the Nature Inn multi-purpose room.
Saturday, July 16
Bricktown Challenge
8 a.m.
The Bricktown Challenge is a family-oriented canoe and kayak race to publicize the efforts of many groups to build a 14 mile rail0trail that connects Beech Creek Borough, Bald Eagle State Park, Howard Borough, and the PHMC site at Curtin Village.
The Beech Creek Watershed Association is the major sponsor of the event. For more information visit www.beechcreekwatershed.com/bricktown.html. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Races start at 9 a.m. Meet at the beach area.
Kettle Creek
RENOVO - All programs at Kettle Creek will begin at the Nature Center in the lower campground, unless otherwise noted. Contact the park naturalist, Ian Loewen, at (570) 923-6034 or by email at KettlecreekEE@state.pa.us for more information.
Saturday, July 16
Bug bingo
5 to 6 p.m.
Come and enjoy some exciting rounds of bug bingo. Children and adults are welcome. Meet at Britt's Pavilion near the park office.
Beaver talk
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Come and hear some interesting facts about beavers and also get to see a beaver lodge. Meet at the boat launch.
Ole Bull
CROSS FORK - All programs at Ole Bull will begin at the amphitheater unless otherwise noted. Contact the park naturalist, Ian Loewen, at (570) 923-6034 for more information. The Ole Bull park office phone number is (814) 435-5000.
Saturday, July 9
All about Hemlock
5 to 6 p.m.
Come and see the state tree and learn about threats and how you can protect them. Meet at the parking area outside Hemlock Swamp Trail (which is near the newer maintenance buildings).
Flashy fireflies
8 to 9 p.m.
Come and learn about fireflies and also get to see them in their splendor. Meet by the horseshoe pits at camping area No. 1.
Friday, July 15
Bug bingo
5 to 6 p.m.
Come and enjoy some exciting rounds of bug bingo. Children and adults are welcome. Meet at the amphitheater.
Beaver talk
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Come and hear some interesting facts about beavers. Meet at the amphitheater.
Little Pine
WATERVILLE - The following programs will be taking place at Little Pine State Park. For more information, contact John Kaercher at (570) 753-6000. The nature center in the lower floor of the office building will be open Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 9
Weekend programs
3 p.m.
There will be a guided hike at 3 p.m. on the Lake Shore Trail. The hike will be about 5.5 miles and it is rated easy to moderate. Water, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. Topics will include geology, history and wildlife.
Meet at the gate at the top of the dam. You can then investigate the hidden life of Little Pine Creek at 7 p.m. Come to the amphitheater and bring wading shoes.
Sinnemahoning
AUSTIN - Come to Sinnemahoning State Park and enjoy the following activities. The park is surrounded by Elk State Forest and is located in Austin, Cameron County. For more information on the following events, contact park naturalist Jackie Flynn or Janet Colwell at (814) 647-8401.
Saturday, July 9
Bald Eagles
of Sinnemahoning
2 to 3 p.m.
Join park staff and Cecil Houser, retired PA Fish and Boat Commission WCO, for an interesting and informative presentation on the status of Pennsylvania's bald eagle population.
Meet at the maintenance area along Swank Road south of the George B. Stevenson Dam for a slideshow presentation on area eagles, then travel to the dam overlook area for a look at the new nest site. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available.
R.B. Winter
MIFFLINBURG - The following activities will take place at R.B. Winter State Park. For more information, call Environmental Education Specialist MaryAnn Bierly at (570) 966-1455. Most programs are free unless an equipment rental fee is specified.
Saturday, July 9
Incredible insects
open house
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Explore the world of insects and their creepy relatives. The center will be crawling with puzzles, games, displays and make-and-take crafts for kids and their folks who are not bugged by arthropods. Meet at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center. Kids under age 10 must bring a parent. Kids ages 4 to 13 can earn one hour toward their DiscoverE badge.
Saturday, July 16
GPS and geocaching
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ready for some adventure? Always wanted to learn about using a GPS? Equipment, safety and outdoor ethics will be discussed as well as how to use a GPS unit. New skills will then be tested by going on a short geocache.
Going batty
2:30 to 3:15 p.m.
Kids can learn about bats during story and game time. Meet at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center. Kids under age 10 must bring a parent. This is a DiscoverE program and can help you earn a neat certificate and badge.
Sunday, July 17
Nature walk
8:30 to 9:45 a.m.
Join the park naturalist for a pleasant morning ramble through the forest. Meet at the campground entrance. An adult must accompany children under the age of 10.
Plants for your
backyard pond
2 to 3 p.m.
Have a backyard pond or thinking of building one? Learn about the native plants that can beautify and balance these wonderful back yard habitats. Explore a model pond during this outdoor presentation. Please meet at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center.
Wednesday and Thursday,
July 20-21
Outdoor day camp
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Aquatic critters will be the subject of explorations during this two-day DiscoverE camp for kids ages 4 to 8 years and their parents. Pre-registration is required. Stories, crafts, games and short hikes will take place. Please dress the kids for outdoor play and wear sturdy footwear good for hiking, water activities and playing. A snack, water, sunscreen and bug repellents are recommended. Adults accompanying their kids may also want sunglasses and a hat. Please call the R. B. Winter State Park office to register or for more information.
Saturday, July 23
Geology gala
1 to 3 p.m.
Check out the rocks, minerals and fossils that will be on display at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center. Various activities for kids will be available, such as creating your own faux fossil, identifying minerals and participating in a dinosaur egg hunt. This is a great opportunity for Cub, Weblos, Brownie and Jr. Girl Scouts to work on some badge requirements.
Sunday, July 24
Rocks, ridges
and streams
8:30 to 9:45 a.m.
Join the park naturalist for a pleasant morning ramble around the day-use areas of the park as you use a GPS to find some of the cool geological features of the park. Please bring your own GPS and be familiar with its use or you may borrow one of ours if you have attended a Intro to GPS program at the park earlier this summer. Meet at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center. An adult must accompany children under the age of 10.
Saturday, July 30
Undercover
10 to 11 a.m.
Find out about all the woodland critters that call den trees home. This story, craft and short walk is for children ages 4 to 8 and their parents. Please meet at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center. This is a DiscoverE program and an opportunity for kids to earn a cool badge.
Nature bingo
2 to 2:45 p.m.
Play some bingo and get to know all about nature at the same time. This program will begin at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center.
Sunday, July 31
Nature trail hike
8:30 to 9:45 a.m.
Join the park naturalist for a pleasant morning ramble around through the Rapid Run Natural Area. Meet at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center. An adult must accompany children under the age of 10.
American kestrel
2 to 3 p.m.
Its small size, pointed wings and bright colors make the American Kestrel one of the most beautiful birds of prey. Find out more at this talk and video at the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center.
Black Moshannon
PHILIPSBURG - The following activities will be taking place at Black Moshannon, located nine miles east of Philipsburg on PA Route 504 in Centre County. For information on any activities, email blackmoshannonsp@state.pa.us or call the park office at (814) 342-5960.
Ricketts Glen
BENTON - The following activities will take place at Ricketts Glen State Park, located on State Route 487 in Benton, Luzerne County. For more information, contact Judy Adamic at 477-7780.
