OUTDOORS
Moraine State Park will be the site of "National Get Outdoors Day" activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The "Explore Off Shore" kayaking experience meant for those who want a workout will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. "Eager Beavers" will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday, meeting at the former Marina Restaurant building just before the Davis Hollow Marina on the North Shore. "Hike the Park" begins at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Glacier Ridge trailhead just past the bike rental station on the North Shore for an 8-mile hike along a section of the North Country Trail. Call 724-368-8811.
Western PA Solo Canoe Rendezvous is planned for Friday through Sunday at Cooper's Lake Campground, 205 Currie Road, Slippery Rock. Visitors can buy or sell boats or equipment, test paddle new and used solo canoes, gear exchange and enjoy demonstrations. More information is available at www.wpascr.org
Jennings Environmental Education Center, Route 528 near the intersection of Routes 8 and 173, Slippery Rock, will host a "Herp(etology) Hunt Hike" at 10 a.m. Saturday. Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. Participants will have the opportunity to learn visible warnings given by creatures when changes in the environment occur. Jennings is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and on weekends as scheduled. The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Call 724-794-6011 to confirm programs.
The Outdoor Discovery Series sponsored by the Butler County Parks and Recreation Department will feature "Animal Traces" at 7 p.m. June 18 at the Carousel Shelter at Alameda Park, off New Castle Road. A Moraine State Park environmental specialist will conduct the interactive program. Admission is free. Call 724-284-5383.
<B>McConnells Mill State Park</B> in Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County, is open through Labor Day featuring the restored rolling gristmill from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Interpretive tours of the historic mill, which include a corn grinding demonstration, last about 45 minutes and will be available at 1 and 2 p.m. Fridays and 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Group tours may be scheduled by calling 724-368-3612. Other times are available by appointment. A wildflower walk is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday.
