Events planned at state parks
MUDDY CREEK TWP — Here are events that are scheduled at Moraine State Park and at McConnells Mill State Park in July.
Moraine State Park
• Scavenger Hunt at the Beach, Saturday, from 1 to 3 p.m. A family event, where participants will be given a list of items to search for. A prize will be offered for finding all of the items. Participants should meet in front of the concession stand at the Lakeview Beach on the North Shore.
• Eco-Tour Paddle, Sunday and July 31, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Learn the history of the park while paddling a kayak on Lake Arthur in search of wildlife. The minimum age for solo kayaks is 12 years old. The cost is $20 for a member of Venture Outdoors and $27 for non-members. Register at www.ventureoutdoors.com. The tour will meet at Porter’s Cove in the park.
• Kayak and Water Safety Cookout, July 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Park staff and the state Fish and Boat Commission will offer water safety information along with a cookout. The program will meet at the Moraine Outdoor Center. Register by calling 724-368-3612.
• Historic Oil Well Operation, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park staff and volunteers will demonstrate the park’s abandoned oil well that has been restored. The well is past the Park Region 2 office on Park Road, off Route 528.
• Treasure Hunting: Geocaching, July 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet the park naturalist at the Pleasant Valley Picnic Area on the South Shore to learn about and take part in some geocaching. The park has GPS units available.
• Family Fishing Program, July 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. This will include basics on angling and other aspects of fishing. Participants are not required to have a fishing license. Families must be preregistered and should arrive at 1 p.m. at the Bear Run Boat Launch on the South Shore. Register by calling 724-368-8811.
McConnells Mill State Park
McConnells Mill State Park is off Route 422 in Lawrence County.
• Native Plants for Your Garden from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Penn State master gardeners will showcase the native plant garden in the courtyard by the historic gristmill. Next, a guided walk to see wildflowers blooming will take place. Meet the master gardeners beside the mill at 2 p.m. Park at Kildoo Picnic Area. Handicapped parking is available at the mill.
• Art in the Park, Sunday and July 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. An art area will be at the historic mill. A different craft and art project will be held each of the days, which will produce a take-home project.
• Fourth of July, Monday, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free guided tours of the gristmill will be available at 1 and 3 p.m.
• Backpack to Walnut Flats, July 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A moderately strenuous four-mile hike on the North Country Trail. Park staff will offer tips on trail cooking and backpacking along the way. Meet park staff at the parking lot above Breakneck and Eckert bridges, off Cheeseman Road.
• A Taste of History: Dutch Oven Cooking, July 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit the courtyard of the historic gristmill to see Dutch oven cooking. Sample Native American and pioneer food specialties. Park at Kildoo Picnic Area, and hike down to the old mill. Handicapped parking is available at the mill.
• Campfire Cuisine, July 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. See Dutch oven cooking and learn methods to make outings more interesting. Meet in the pavilion at the Kildoo picnic area.
• Wild Edible Plants, July 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. Learn some basic plant identification, and take home some wild recipes. Park at Kildoo picnic area, walk down to meet park staff at the courtyard of the mill.
