PENFIELD – Staff members have released the program schedule for Parker Dam State Park for the month of January.
Monday, Jan. 1
First Day Hike:
10 a.m. – PA Center, SB Elliott State Park
(approximately 6 miles south on PA 153)
You can join in on the first hike of the New Year and traverse the Old Horse Trail; you will learn about the park’s history and wildlife. It’s a less than two-mile trek over easy terrain. If there is significant snow, come prepared with proper boots. Please dress appropriately for a winter hike. The Friends of Parker Dam State Park will provide a treat for hikers at the end.
Saturday, Jan. 6
Winter Outdoor Recreation Primer:
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, hiking, wildlife watching and others are good excuses to go outside in winter. You can come and learn about these various outdoor activities, comfort, safety and equipment, as well as when and where you may have the opportunity to participate more fully.
The Frozen Water Trade:
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Prior to electricity and refrigerators, ice was the means by which food was kept from spoiling. As with timber, coal and other commodities, many people became rich selling frozen water. You will learn about this curious lost industry, its methods and equipment.
Saturday, Jan. 13
For the Birds:
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Providing food and watching birds in winter are common activities. You can learn about watching and identifying the birds you attract, creating habitat to attract a greater variety of birds and tips for keeping the birds around.
Learn to Ice Skate:
1 p.m. – Beach
You can come and learn about natural ice, how ice skates work, their history and how to be properly fitted. Then, you can learn and practice techniques for going forward, turning and stopping. Skates will be available if you don’t have your own.
Thursday, Jan. 18
Heritage Skills Night—Udder to Butter:
6 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
You can learn how to go from milking the cow to spreading butter on a cracker. The Primitive Skills Night series is aimed at teaching some skills that are no longer common in modern society.
Saturday, Jan. 20
Snowshoe Basics:
10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
When walking is the only way to get from place to place and the snow is measured in feet, one would not want to be without their snowshoes. You can learn about the different types of snowshoes, how they work and how to enjoy winter using them. Please dress for going outside for part of the program; park snowshoes available to borrow for the walk.
Wild Winter:
1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
For wildlife, surviving the winter cold can be very difficult. However, they are able to do so using many interesting adaptations. You can come and learn about these adaptations and how amazing it is for wildlife to be able to live in the winter environments that they do.
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27-28
Clearfield YMCA’s Annual WinterFest
Saturday includes the 5K Freeze Your Gizzard Run, Blizzard Volleyball, Ice Fishing Basics, Learn to Skate, Sled Dog Demonstrations, Snowshoeing, and more.
Sunday gears up with Ice Harvesting, Snow Box Derby, Snowshoe Treks, Ice Rescue Demonstration, Winter Birding, Cross-country Ski Basics, Almost Naked Mile Run, the Polar Bear Swim and more.
The YMCA will operate a concession from the Beach House each day. Some activities are snow and ice dependent. Times and events may change; please check with the YMCA or Park Office for a schedule of events as the festival nears.
Wednesday, Jan. 31
Full Moon Hike:
6 p.m. – outside Park Office
A hike in the moonlight when the ground is covered with snow is one of the most magical outings there is. You can come and see what the attraction is on this short hike through the winter woods. Dress for the weather.