PENFIELD – The following programs have been announced at the Parker Dam State Park.
Friday, June 28
Matchless Fire
6:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Strike a match and light a piece of paper. That’s how most campfires are started. But what if you had no matches, or lighters, or paper for that matter. Being able to start a fire without a match is one of the first skills you learn when mastering wilderness survival. You’ll learn several methods to light a ‘matchless’ fire.
S’mores
7:15 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Mmm . . . they’re so good; but where did the idea to make them come from? And the ingredients- do you know where marshmallows originated, or chocolate, or graham crackers? Learn about all of this and try your hand at making this delicious treat. A limited amount of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows will be available.
Saturday, June 29
Navigation by the Sky
11 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
The sun, the moon, and the stars can all be used to navigate when you know how to do it. Come and learn some of the ways how you can – they may help you out of a pinch someday.
Learn the Atlatl
3 p.m. – outside Park Office
Is it a bow, or a spear, or a slingshot? The atlatl, a primitive hunting tool, can be very effective. Learn about its history, how one is made, and even watch as its use is demonstrated. Some folks may even get to try throwing it themselves.
Wild Edibles Talk and Walk
6 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
How much do you know about the buffet that surrounds you each time you stroll outside? Many of our plants can be used for sustenance. You’ll learn about several of them, as well as how to identify and use them properly.
No, wait . . . It’s an Osprey!
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
Have you seen the Osprey here at Parker Lake? You can often find it here in the evenings! Join us as we learn about this amazing raptor’s journey throughout history and how the species made its way back to Parker Dam.
Sunday, June 30
Pioneer Games
3 p.m. – Beach House
Every generation has had some type of childhood game to keep them entertained. What types of fun activities did our pioneers partake in? Join us at the Beach House to find out and to play some of them!
Tea and Talk
6 p.m. – Beach House steps
Sweet fern grows in the park and many other places. Join us as we drink natural, hot sweet fern tea, grown here in the park. As usual, bring your questions about the park, wildlife, or anything else that the Naturalist might be able to answer for you.