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.

Morning Bird Walk

HOWARD — Experience an unpredictable morning of bird watching at Bald Eagle State Park and become acquainted with birds that migrate through or inhabit central Pennsylvania. This program, on Saturday, May 2, beginning at 10 a.m., will consist of a short walk to explore for birds around the Winter Launch. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Please bring your own binoculars. All levels of birding experience are welcome.

Rustic Weaving Workshop

HOWARD — This workshop will give you hands-on experience weaving with natural materials and teach you about plant species that can be used not just for weaving but also for water conservation!

Participants will start with a short walk to see the plant species in nature that are commonly used for weaving and learn about their role in water conservation. The remainder of the workshop will focus on learning the basics of weaving. Participants will have opportunities to make woven pieces that range from functional bird feeders to decorative wall hangings. All are welcome!

This workshop will be held on Thursday, May 7, from 1-4 p.m., requires a fee of $30 and pre-registration to attend. Payment will be collected by ClearWater Conservancy upon registration. Register online here: Rustic Weaving Workshop | ClearWater

This event is sponsored by ClearWater Conservancy and held in collaboration with Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Bureau of State Parks.

Bluebird Bonanza

HOWARD — Join the park naturalist at Bald Eagle State Park on Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m., for a short walk to learn about Bluebirds and other cavity-nesting species. We will be monitoring the boxes and discussing how Bluebirds have a big impact on our lives and how they depend on us for survival. The terrain is fairly flat and easy to walk. There could be some uneven ground or muddy spots. Please dress for the weather. We will be meeting at Pavilion 6 in the Beach Area. The program will last about one hour.

Butterfly Trail Hike

HOWARD — Hiking is a great way to improve both your physical and mental health! Join the Bald Eagle State Park naturalist on Saturday, May 9, beginning at 10 a.m., for a guided 1.87-mile hike on the Butterfly Trail to get some exercise and explore the flora, fauna and park landmarks we encounter along the way. This hike is rated easy but the terrain may be uneven and wet in some areas. Please bring a water bottle and insect repellent/sunscreen as needed. All ages are welcome! The trail is very flat, grassy and generally full-sun. The hike will take between 1-2 hours to complete, group dependent, as we will be taking frequent stops to learn and chat.

Birding Festival

RENOVO — Kettle Creek State Park celebrates the spring migration with the “10th Annual Birding Festival”, which will be held Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Day Use area of the park. Highlights of the festival include pontoon boat rides to explore habitat features that attract waterfowl and other bird species to the reservoir area. A raptor program featuring live birds is held throughout the day. Guided bird walks through several habitat types allows participants to see and hear some of the resident bird species as well as spring migrants. Other activities will include making bird related crafts, building bluebird boxes, informational tables featuring scope and binocular use and basic bird identification.

Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and use one of the many picnic tables in the area. Parking will be in the Day Use parking lot at the boat launch and there will be an information table set up near the boat launch. Come dressed for the weather. If you have binoculars, journals, field guides or birding related material, feel free to bring them.

The festival will happen rain or shine, but may be cancelled in the event of severe weather. For information on the festival, contact the park office at 570-923-6004. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks at 1-888-PA-PARKS (voice), 717-558-2711 (local or international voice), or 711 (AT&T Relay Services).