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.

The Great Swamp Oak

HOWARD — If you want to see the largest Swamp White Oak in Pennsylvania and learn facts and history, come on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m., to see for yourself this record-breaking tree growing right here in Bald Eagle State Park. After a short hike to the famous tree, the park naturalist will have an hour dedicated to the great Swamp White Oak. Wear shoes suitable for uneven and possibly muddy terrain. Meet at the Skyline Trailhead.

Frog Pond Fun

HOWARD — On Saturday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m., join the park naturalist to discover the diverse species found at the pond in Bald Eagle State Park. Frogs, tadpoles, salamanders and insects will be observed, caught and identified. All nets and materials will be provided. Parking is available at the Winter Launch, across the road from the gated road that leads to the Frog Pont. The walk is a short .25 miles, flat and grassy. The program will last about one hour. Wear shoes that can get wet in case you get too close to the edge of the pond!

Solar Viewing

HYNER — Join the naturalist on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 3 p.m., to look through the solar viewer and learn things about the sun, the most well known star in the solar system. In the event of cloudy or inclement weather, the program may be cancelled. Meet at the CCC statue.

Katydid Cadence

HYNER — Ever hear a katydid sing? Or maybe a katydidn’t? Join the park naturalist to hear a “Katydid Cadence” on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 7:45 p.m., at Hyner Run State Park, and learn about these fascinating insects and why they are singing at night. Meet at the amphitheater by the pool. Please bring a lawn chair.

Foliage Fun

HOWARD — Do you know your leaves? Stop by the Amphitheater in the Modern Campground at Bald Eagle State Park on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 2 p.m., to test your knowledge on identifying trees and meet the park naturalist! You will even have the opportunity to see real life examples like our champion Swamp White Oak.

Primitive Fire Skills

HOWARD — Join the park naturalistat Bald Eagle State Park on Friday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m., to learn one of the most challenging and basic survivalist skills–how to start a fire. You will learn and get to use a bow drill, flint and steel and a magnifying glass to create a fire. We will be meeting in the Amphitheater in the Modern Campground.

Snakes of PA

NORTH BEND — Join the park naturalist at Hyner Run State Park on Friday, Sept. 19, at 2:30 p.m., to learn about the different snakes in Pennsylvania. Topics will include the myths that have come up, diets, habitat and more. Meet at the amphitheater by the pool. Bring a lawn chair.

Snakes of PA

WATERVILLE — Join the park naturalist at Little Pine State Park on Friday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m., to learn about the different snakes in Pennsylvania. Topics will include the myths that have come up, diets, habitat and more. Meet at the amphitheater.

Fly-fishing for kids

COBURN — Do you know a child ages 7-12 years old interested in learning to fly fish? Join park staff at Poe Valley State Park on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., as we go over the basics of fly fishing from the rod itself, to a few knots to get you started, to the flies we use. We’ll play a couple games to get some casting practice in. And if time allows, we may get time to go fishing on the lake.

The program will go on in the rain, but thunderstorms will cause cancellation. This program is FREE, and all equipment will be provided. If you have equipment of your own, you are more than welcome to bring it. Registration is required, only eight spots available, and each child must register separately. Registration deadline is at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17. For more info call 814-349-2460 or email korndorf@pa.gov.

Archery

WATERVILLE — Join the Park Educator and get an intro course in archery basics. All equipment will be provided. The course will be offered at Little Pine State Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 1-5 p.m. Meet at the Archery Range in the northern part of the park.

Black Forest Ultra Race

NORTH BEND — One of the toughest 100k trail ultras in the northeast is being held at Hyner Run State Park Oct. 4-5. This is not a park led event. Visit www.blackforestultra.com for details.

Annual Fall Festival

WATERVILLE — The Annual Fall Festival at Little Pine State Park focuses on the natural resources and outdoor recreation in north-central Pa. During the fall festival on Sunday, Oct. 12, there will be scheduled activities and all-day informational booths. Refreshments will be available from a concessionaire. Live animals and crafts will be featured. There will also be state and local agencies, tourist agencies, private conservation groups, recreational groups and activities for children. The festival runs from noon to 4 p.m. Meet at the parking lot in the main picnic area. Follow Little Pine State Park signs at the intersection of SR 4001 and PA Rt. 44 at Waterville.

Fall Foliage Hike

WOODWARD — Join the park naturalist at Poe Paddy State Park on Saturday, Oct 18, at 10 a.m., for a four-mile hike up Poe Paddy Drive to see the spectacle of changing leaves and fall colors from two beautiful views that the park has to offer. There will be a short break and a story at Ingleby View, before descending back to Poe Paddy. The hike is of moderate difficulty, but long, and takes about three hours. Wear comfy shoes, bring water and a snack! Please wear bright orange colors as the hike is during hunting season.