Free outdoor discovery programs, hosted by the Butler County Parks and Recreation Department, take place Thursday nights at Alameda Park. “Let There Be Slime,” an interactive program about our area’s amphibians and reptiles, will be at 7 p.m. today in the Carousel Shelter. “Wilderness Survival” will be at 7 p.m. July 25 in the Carousel Shelter.

Jennings Environmental Education Center, Route 528, Brady Township, will host Celebrate the Bloom! from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday with a full day of activities, including prairie walks, workshops and demonstrations plus food, vendors and entertainment to celebrate the prairie. Call 724-794-6011.

Moraine State Park hosts kayak programs including a full moon paddle from 8 to 10 p.m. Monday and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 21, an entry-level silver paddle from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday and Aug. 27, and a blue heron and kingfisher paddle from 5 to 7:30 p.m. July 28. Participants can take their own kayaks or borrow one at the park. Participants should be at least 9 years old. An adult needs to accompany those under 18. Call 724-368-8811 to register.

McConnells Mill State Park in Slippery Rock Township will host “A Taste of History: Dutch Oven Cooking” from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday and Aug. 11. Park at Kildoo Picnic Area and hike down to the gristmill. The mill is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tours, which last about 45 minutes, are available at 1 and 3 p.m. Tours for groups may be scheduled by calling 724 368-3612. Admission is free.