Watercolors, snakes, birds on tap at state parks
The following programs have been scheduled at Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks:
10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, at the McDanels Boat Launch on the North Shore of Moraine State Park.
Join other adults for some watercolor painting. Supplies will be available or take your own. Class is open to all skill levels, and class size is limited. Donation is $2. Preregistration is required. To register, call the Owlet Gift Shop at 724-368-9185.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McDanels Boat Launch on the North Shore of Moraine State Park. Join Polly Shaw, local author, to explore the local lakes of the past. Thousands of years ago, the area's north-flowing creeks were blocked by the encroaching south-moving glaciers. Slippery Rock, Wolf and Muddy creeks, and a section near today’s historic McConnells Run grist mill, all backed up and flooded the valleys where they once ran freely. These glacial lakes were named Lake Watts, Lake Prouty and Lake Edmund. Much attention has been paid to Lake Watts, the predecessor of today's Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park.
6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26, meet beside Owlet Gift Shop at McDanels Boat Launch on the North Shore of Moraine State Park. Participants at this cruise on the Preston’s Pearl pontoon boat, will observe these birds soaring over Lake Arthur. Both eagles and ospreys have made a comeback to Pennsylvania through conservation efforts. Join a park naturalist to learn about the biology and reintroduction journey of these magnificent birds. Seating is limited. The cost is $17 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register, call the Owlet Gift Shop at 724-368-9185.
9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 20 at the Mill Courtyard at McConnells Mill State Park. Learn about hydropower, a renewable energy source and how it relates to the park and the local watershed.
1 to 3 p.m. Aug 21, at the McDanels Launch Area on the North Shore of Moraine State Park. Join the park naturalist to learn about all the snakes we have in Pennsylvania. Find out what’s real and what’s not, from the venomous to the perfectly harmless and more. Live snakes will be on hand, so don’t miss out on this opportunity.
