The Great Outdoors: State Parks Naturalists Have Plenty to Share

Are you interested in teaching your kids all about the outdoors?

There are so many excellent resources available, but for those looking for a more “get your hands dirty” type of experience, consider the programs presented at our area state parks.

We are blessed to have some truly knowledgeable and entertaining local people working in the area parks, and what they have to share is remarkable.

I am lucky to know some of these people, such as Dale Luthringer, of Cook Forest State Park, and Suzann Rensel, from Clear Creek State Park. Their love of all things outdoors shines through when they share their wealth of information.

Not only will you and your family learn a lot, you’ll also have a ton of fun doing it!

To find a program, get started at VisitPAGO.com.

The site has a comprehensive listing of programs at parks and environmental education centers in the Great Outdoors Region.

Here’s a look at some of the upcoming programs:

Hellbender Hunt at Cook Forest State Park

Noon, Thursday, July 20

Please meet at the Park Office to carpool to a nearby watershed to search for the elusive Allegheny Alligator and its close relative, the mudpuppy.

Be prepared to get thoroughly drenched.   Bring a sturdy river-walking stick.  Proper river footwear is a must and don’t forget to pack a lunch.

For more information call (814) 744-8407, email CookForestSP@pa.gov or visit them ONLINE.

Penn’s Adventurers DiscoverE Program at Clear Creek State Park

6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 20

Young people ages 9-12 can join the adventure of becoming amateur herpetologists in search of the scale-bearing, sun seeking, critters of rocks and riversides: Reptiles!

For three consecutive Thursdays, we will learn more about snakes, turtles, and other reptiles of Clear Creek as we venture forth in search of them.

Pre-registration is required by calling the park office at (814) 752-2368.

Eagle Watch at Sinnemahoning State Park

With three nests in the park area, bald eagles are thriving in the First Fork Valley.

On Saturdays through September 3, watch the live action throughout the season as the parents care for the hatchings, the young learn to fly, and the independent eaglets catch their first fish.

The Eagle Watch station will be set up where eagles are active.   Use of binoculars and high-powered scope provided with the help of park staff and volunteers.

The Eagle Watch Area is ADA accessible.

For more information, call (814) 647-8401, email Sinnemahoningsp@pa.gov or visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/sinnemahoning/index.htm.

Wild Herbal Medicine Walk & Workshop at Cook Forest State Park

Noon, Saturday, July 22

In this two-part program, Adam Haritan from LearnYourLand.com, will discuss the importance of developing a medicinal strategy using wild plants and mushrooms from the landscape.

The first part will feature an interpretive walk through Cook Forest, starting at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom, where participants will learn plant identification, medicinal benefits of wild plants, sustainable harvesting methods, and more.

The second part of the program will take place indoors, where participants will learn the steps involved in making wild medicinal infusions, decoctions, and tinctures using wild plants and mushrooms.

Each participant will receive the starting materials for a wild plant extraction which we will start in the workshop.

Sorry, only 20 participants. You must pre-register for this program.

To pre-register or for more information call (814) 744-8407, email CookForestSP@pa.gov or visit them ONLINE.

Invasive Species of Pennsylvania Program at Elk Country Visitor Center

2 p.m., Saturday, July 22

Invasive species are organisms that are not native to a given area.

These organisms often have negative effects on plants and animals native to an area.

Come learn about some of the invasive species that have invaded Pennsylvania, the damage they cause, and management efforts to remove them.

For more information call (814) 787-5167, or visit ExperienceElkCountry.com. Check them out on FACEBOOK.

Appalachian Bat Count, Sinnemahoning State Park

8 p.m., Saturday, July 22

Learn about the beneficial bats of Pennsylvania, the disease that is killing them and what we can do to help.

This free, family-friendly program will begin with a presentation in the Park Office & Wildlife Center classroom, followed by a visit to the bat condominium at the Wildlife Viewing Area to take part in the PA Game Commission Appalachian Bat Count.

Come prepared to observe and count bats as they emerge for the night.  Bring a flashlight and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

For more information call (814) 647-8401, email at SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov or visit Dcnr.State.Pa.Us.

Educational Programs at Scripture Rocks Heritage Park

The purpose of these programs is to enhance the knowledge of the visitors and community about the geology, archeology, and animals of the park and to learn more about the man behind the carvings far beyond what the panels tell you.

Please expect to walk two miles and dress appropriately for the weather. Allow two hours for the tour and bring water to take with you on the trail.

Topics:

Douglas Stahlman: Why he carved his legacy in stone.

Digging Deeper: Uncovering the Park’s past through Archeology.

Birding on the Rocks: Join a birdwatching session at the Park.

Older than Dirt: Exploring the Geologic history of the Park.

Family Day: Bring your kids for a fun and educational day at the Park.

Program Schedule:

Douglas Stahlman: July 23, August 20, September 17.

Digging Deeper: August 6, September 3.

Birding on the Rocks: July 30, September 24.

Older than Dirt: August 13, September 10.

Family Day: August 27.

For more information call (814) 849-0077, email kburkett-jchc@windstream.net or visit ScriptureRocks.com.

All About Elk Program at Elk Country Visitor Center

2 p.m., Sunday, July 23

Learn all about Pennsylvania elk as Keystone Elk Country Alliance staff will provide you with information about the history of our elk herd, elk physiology and elk behaviors.

KECA staff will be more than willing to answer any questions you may have about elk as well.

For more information call (814) 787-5167, email KECAConEd@windstream.net or visit ExperienceElkCountry.com. Check them out on FACEBOOK.

For more information, go to Pennsylvania Great Outdoors website here: visitpago.com.

“The Great Outdoors,” sponsored by the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors, is a weekly blog by exploreClarion.com’s Scott Shindledecker. Plan your next outdoor adventure at VisitPAGO.com or call (814) 849-5197 for more information.