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.

Nature Journaling Club

HOWARD — On Saturday, April 25, at 10 a.m., join Autumn Knepp, Pennsylvania Master Naturalist at Bald Eagle State Park, for a topic-focused Nature Journaling session! We will be indoors for this session at the ELC. We will have an introduction to nature journaling, perfect for beginners, or a nice refresher for experienced nature journal keepers. Bring your nature journal and favorite journaling supplies to this meeting. If you don’t want to bring art supplies, we will also have some pens, markers, crayons, etc. to share, along with some paper that can be spliced into your personal journal later. All ages and artistic abilities are welcome! Meet at the Frog Pond. Use the Winter Launch parking lot, a close walk to the gated road that leads to the pond.

Bring a water bottle, and perhaps a camp chair for sitting. Some picnic table seating will be available. The program will last until close to noon.

Learn more about nature journaling, by following Bald Eagle State Park’s Nature Journaling Club events, and find some artistic inspiration online on Wonderland! Link: wonderland.wildwonder.org/page/welcome-lobby

Earth Day Weekend Tree Planting

COBURN — Looking for a special way to spend your Earth Day weekend? Grab your family and friends and come out to help beautify Poe Valley State Park on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 10:30 a.m.! This Earth Day weekend, park staff are planting trees in the park and we need your help! Tools and instruction will be provided.

Kids are more than welcome to come help, but anyone under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please wear sturdy shoes, work clothes, work gloves and dress for the weather. Staff recommend bringing water to stay hydrated.

They ask that you please register with the “Register” for this event so park staff can be prepared for the day. If you are registering more than one person, you do not need to register individually, you may register as a group/family, but please register the number of people that will be attending this program.

For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the park naturalist at korndorf@pa.gov.

*The group will be meeting at the Poe Valley Amphitheater at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the game plan before starting to dig!

Spring Litter Cleanup

JERSEY SHORE — Celebrate Earth Week by giving back to Ravensburg State Park to keep the park healthy and beautiful! On Saturday, April 25, beginning at 10 a.m., volunteers and park staff will be picking up the litter that accumulated over the past year. Gloves, trash bags, vests and litter grabbers will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes!

If you’d like to help as a volunteer, please register using the DCNR Volunteer portal. If you are a new volunteer, please virtually sign the Conservation Volunteer agreement if requested. Paper copies will also be available at the start of the event. Meet in the parking lot (second lot) north of the Playfield. After entering the park, turn right and follow the road about 0.25 miles. The parking lot will be on your right.

Birding at Eagle Watch

WATERVILLE — Stop by the Eagle Watch at Little Pine State Park on Saturday, April 25, to see what birds are out, and also how to identify them. Please bring your own binoculars and other bird watching gear. Meet at Eagle Watch Area. The program runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Spring Ambience

WATERVILLE — Join the naturalist for a relaxing stroll across the dam to see and hear the different sights and sounds of Spring on Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. Topics of discussion will center around what is being seen and/or heard. This is designed to be an informal program. Meet at the beginning of Lake Shore Trail, at the kiosk at the top of the dam. The program should last about one hour.

Spring Ambience Hike

NORTH BEND — Join the naturalist at Hyner Run State Park on Saturday, May 16, at 3:30 p.m., for a relaxing stroll down the Nature Trail to see and hear the different sights and sounds of Spring. Topics of discussion will center around what is being seen and/or heard. This is designed to be an informal program. Meet at the amphitheater by the pool for this program, expected to last one hour.

Edible Astronomy

CROSS FORK — Join the Ole Bull park educator at the amphitheater on Saturday, May 23, at 3 p.m., to learn about the night sky, different phases of the moon, the constellations and the stars associated with them. Along the way, we’ll learn and construct a constellation model of the stars using fun and tasty treats! This program is designed for kids and kids at heart!

Birdsong Bingo

CROSS FORK — Do you know the difference between a bird song and a bird call? Come on out to the amphitheater at Ole Bull State Park on Saturday, May 23, at 6 p.m., to learn about these differences. Along the way, learn some common birds and their distinct vocals. Afterward, we’ll play some fun and exciting Bingo to test what you learned!