Moonlit Mission
MUDDY CREEK TWP — This weekend’s full moon will give people a chance to experience Lake Arthur in a whole new light.
And while Friday’s Full Moon Paddle is completely booked, adventurous hikers can still participate in Saturday’s night hike around the lake.
“We go out once a month during paddling season, late May through October,” said Natalie Simon, an environmental education specialist at Moraine State Park.
Using the park’s 10 one-man kayaks, Simon said the excursion is “aimed at beginner paddlers. We look for wildlife and explore some coves.”
“We put a big emphasis on learning to do it in a safe manner. It furthers our mission. People have more connection with the lake if they have a good experience,” she said.
Paddling the lake by moonlight has proved very popular, she said.
“I think people like to try something new,” Simon said.
People wanting to experience Moraine State Park by night still have the option of going on Saturday’s night hike, said Kati Edmiston, an environmental interpretive technician, who will lead the hike along with Mike Shaffer, an environmental education specialist
Running from 8 to 9:30 p.m. the hike begins at the Moraine Outdoor Center on the North Shore, about 20 minutes from the Route 422 exit to the park.
“We can take an unlimited number of walkers,” Edmiston said. “We’ve had anywhere from a half dozen to 50 or 60. We just never know how many are going to show up.”
“We are going to hike out along the bike trail, it’s open and there’s nothing to trip over,” she said, adding the hike will cover about a mile.
“We’ll call to get a response from owls. We’ll look for eye shine and listen to toad sounds and frog sounds and look for the different critters that work on the night shift,” Edmiston said.
She advised those planning to take part in the hike to dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and bug spray and wear sturdy shoes.
And canoers will get a chance to hone their skills and increase their knowledge, just not at night, said Simon.
Their will be a canoe workshop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Moraine Outdoor Center.
The workshop will cover canoe varieties, equipment and paddle stroke techniques, as well as specific tips for safe and fun paddling on Lake Arthur.
Paddling enthusiast Bud Glendening and park naturalist Dale Luthringer from Cook Forest will lead this all-hands-on workshop. Canoes will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.
Simon said registration is required. Call the park office at 724-368-8811 to reserve a spot for the workshop.
