PENFIELD – Officials at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the program schedule for June 25-28.
Thursday, June 25
Throwback Thursdays – Flint Knapping
6:30 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
A series of Thursday evening programs – each week a different topic following the theme of “primitive skills’ will be covered. For this edition of Throwback Thursday, we will learn some of the basics of flint knapping – that is, creating tools from stone. You’ll learn about the tools and materials needed for this skill.
Friday, June 26
Nature Nut – Mushrooms
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Fridays are nutty this year. Watch John Acorn, the Nature Nut, in a series of video programs that are as entertaining as they are educational. This week’s episode – mushrooms. This is the time of year to find a great variety of fungi in your local forests and fields.
Saturday, June 27
Kayak Basics
Sponsored by: Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission
10:00 a.m. – behind Beach House
Learn what type of kayak you might be comfortable in, how to prepare for a day on the water, and most important – how to get in, out and around on the water. A limited-number of kayaks will be available. Reserve a kayak by contacting the Park Office (814-765-0630).
On the Hunt for Mushrooms:
Guest: Karen Croyle, Central PA Mushroom Club
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
There is a large diversity of fungi that can be seen growing in the yards and forests we explore. Fungi are interesting organisms that play a huge role in most ecosystems, including forests. Come for the discussion about mushrooms and the methods you can use to identify them. Then take a walk in the park to discover many types of fungi found here.
Frog Stalking
9 p.m. – Pavilion 4
It’s almost bedtime, but only for some. Come on a frog search as we discover the different species that can be found here at the park. Learn about their various characteristics, including songs, diet, and amazing adaptations. This activity is fun for the whole family.
Sunday, June 28
Fabulous Fur Coats
2 p.m. – Beach House steps
Anyone know who this fur belongs to? Chances are, it may have been a relative of a resident at Parker Dam State Park. Learn how to identify the fur coats of many of the mammals that call the park home.
Tea and Talk
7 p.m. – Beach House
Bring your own cup or mug (for hot beverages) and try some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park. Talk subjects are always open for discussion…come with some idea of what you’d like to know more about, learn, or share. Sunday evening Tea and Talk has been going on for many years; come be a part of the tradition.