Programs upcoming at Moraine, McConnells Mill state parks
Children, ages 6 to 8, can explore and discover at McConnells Mill from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 28, and Thursday, June 29. The event is just one of many activities planned at McConnells Mill and Moraine state parks. Butler Eagle file photo
Events of all types are planned for the upcoming weeks at Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks.
- Hikers can explore the newest trail at McConnells Mill State Park by meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Breakneck parking lot on Cheeseman Road, Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County. The guided hike will proceed into the Slippery Rock Gorge and about 1.5 miles to a viewing point for one of the largest waterfalls in the park. The hike is moderate in difficulty and will last until about 4 p.m.
- A forum on the importance of mud to wildlife will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Lakeview Beach at Moraine State Park in Muddy Creek Township. Four stations will demonstrate many factors about the seemingly simple substance. Participants can build a mud structure and play on a slip and slide.
- A historical cruise around Lake Arthur aboard Preston’s Pearl pontoon boat will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Moraine State Park. Registration is required. Cruisers will meet beside the Owlet Gift Shop in the McDanel’s Launch area on the North Shore. To register, call 724-368-9185.
- Children, ages 6 to 8, can explore and discover at McConnells Mill from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 28, and Thursday, June 29, at the Kildoo Picnic Area. Several activities, including a tour and sampling at the old gristmill, will be included. Adults must register their children and accompany them or be nearby. Registration is available at events.dcnr.pa.gov under the calendar of events.
- A watercolor painting class will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 29, at Pavilion 7 in the McDanel’s Launch Area on the North Shore at Moraine State Park. All skill levels are invited. Participants can bring their own supplies, or they will be provided at the event. Registration is required at 724-368-9185, as space is limited.
- A Salamander Safari will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 1, outside the Davis Hollow Marina office on Moraine State Park’s North Shore. The park naturalist will help families explore Davis Hollow Creek for salamanders and other critters. Participants are advised to bring bug spray, sturdy shoes for the 15-minute walk to the creek and water shoes to wear in the creek.
- A crayfishing event will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 2. Participants should meet at the Hell’s Hollow Trail parking lot at McConnells Mill. Participants are advised to wear sturdy shoes that can get wet.
- Hovering Hummingbirds will be offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Pavilion 7 at McDanel’s Launch on Moraine State Park’s North Shore. The park naturalist will give an educational presentation on the tiny birds, and participants will make a trellis to grow the birds’ favorite flowers. Preregistration is required at events.dcnr.pa.gov under the calendar of events.
- McConnells Mill historic gristmill is open for the 2023 season. The 19th century mill will accept visitors from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays until Labor Day, when hours will be reduced to Thursdays through Sundays through October. Admission is free. Interpretive tours for groups can be scheduled by calling the Moraine State Park office at 724-368-8811.
A historical cruise around Lake Arthur aboard Preston’s Pearl pontoon boat will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Moraine State Park. The event is just one of many activities planned at Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks. Butler Eagle file photo
