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.

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. – 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).

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!