Various local parks will offer programs that folks may be interested in attending. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. The programs may be modified or cancelled in the event of severe weather or community guidelines.

Whitetail Deer

HYNER — On Saturday, Aug. 23, at 3:30 p.m., join the park naturalist to look at the natural history of one of the most sought-after game species in Pa., the “Whitetail Deer.” Other topics will include the challenge of chronic wasting disease and other challenges facing the deer today. There will be a craft. Meet at the pool.

This same program will be offered at Little Pine State Park on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. Those interested should meet at the contact station.

Frog Pond Fun

HOWARD — Join the naturalist at Bald Eagle State Park on Saturday, Aug. 23, to discover the diverse species found at the pond — frogs, tadpoles, salamanders and insects — and learn how they benefit the world around us. Participants will have the chance to catch and identify critters that live in the Frog Pond. Nets and materials will be provided. Wear shoes that can get wet! Parking available at the winter launch area, across the street from the gated road to the Frog Pond. The road is flat, grassy and less than .25 miles. Meet at the Frog Pond anytime from 10-11:30 a.m.

Sunday Stroll

HOWARD — Come with the park naturalist on a 1.5-mile guided walk along the Butterfly Trail at Bald Eagle State Park for a fresh start to the week on Sunday, Aug. 24. We will meet at Winter Launch at 10 a.m. for a Sunday morning stroll.

Plants in the Park

HOWARD — Explore the wonders of the forest with PSU Forestry Extension Educator, Cathryn Pugh, on a leisurely walk through scenic Bald Eagle State Park near Howard on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 2:30-4 p.m. Along the way, you will uncover the diversity of common plants and gain a deeper understanding of their identifying features. Whether you are new to plant identification or looking to sharpen your skills, this guided walk offers an opportunity to connect with nature, ask questions and observe the intricate details that make each species unique.

Walks will be up to 0.5 miles on gentle paths, with restrooms nearby. Please wear comfortable shoes. Preregistration should be done using the link, Plants in the Park, on the PSU Extension’s website.

Lumbering of Hyner Run

HYNER — On Friday, Aug. 29, at 3:30 p.m., at Hyner Run State Park, step back into time and experience the culture of the lumbermen in the late 1800s in the program “Lumbering of Hyner Run.” Topics will include the local history and prehistory of the area, the different developments made in the era and the results at the end of the era. Meet at the amphitheater by the pool. Please bring lawn chairs.

Lumbering of Little Pine

WATERVILLE — On Friday, Aug. 29, at 8 p.m., at Little Pine State Park, step back into time and experience the culture of the lumbermen in the late 1800’s in the program “Lumbering of Little Pine.” Topics will include the local history and prehistory of the area, the different developments made in the era and the results at the end of the era. Meet at the amphitheater.

Critters of the Creek

WATERVILLE — On Saturday, Aug. 30, at 3:30 p.m., at Little Pine State Park, join the park naturalist for the program “Critters of the Creek,” and explore an underwater community to find some different aquatic insects that call this creek home. Meet at the footbridge at the Lower Picnic Area.

Night Sky Tour with Binoculars

WATERVILLE — On Saturday, Aug. 30, at 8:15 p.m., at Little Pine State Park, join the park naturalist and go on a “Night Sky Tour with Binoculars.” Participants will be learning how to use a star map, finding visible constellations and sharing some folklore and mythology about them. Please bring binoculars to enhance the view of some of the different constellations and stars. Should the weather be cloudy, an alternative program will be offered at the Nature Center at the Park Office. Meet at the Main Day Use Parking Area.

Critters of the Creek

HYNER — On Sunday, Aug. 31, at 3:30 p.m., at Hyner Run State Park, join the park naturalist for the program “Critters of the Creek” to learn about some different aquatic insects that call Hyner Run home. There will also be a craft. Meet beside the pool.

Night Sky Tour with Binoculars

HYNER — On Sunday, Aug. 31, at 8:15 p.m., at Hyner View State Park, join the park naturalist and go on a “Night Sky Tour with Binoculars.” Participants will be learning how to use a star map, finding visible constellations and sharing some folklore and mythology about them. Please bring binoculars to enhance the view of some of the different constellations and stars. Should the weather be cloudy, an alternative program will be offered. Meet at the View.