Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks will host the following programs this month.

For more information or to confirm programs, call 724-368-8811.

• Star Gazing Party, 8:30 p.m. Friday.Join the park naturalist and members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh for a hands-on star gazing party at the bike rental station on the North Shore.AAAP will have several telescopes available to try out and will provide guidance in locating interesting sights in the night sky.• Regatta at Lake Arthur, Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. both days.The Regatta at Lake Arthur is an annual two-day event staged at the Pleasant Valley area on the South Shore.Featured will be entertainment, canoe and kayak races, children's activities, a fishing tournament, hot air balloons, Moraine Marketplace, hiking, swimming, sailboat races, historic oil well demonstrations, fishing for youngsters, and on Saturday, fireworks.Food will be available. Visit www.LakeArthurRegatta.org.• Historic Oil Well Operation, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.Come and see the abandoned turn-of-the-last-century oil well and pumping engine that have been restored to working order.Park staff and volunteers will be there to operate the engine and answer questions.The central powerhouse site is beyond the Forestry & Regional office building on Park Road (Old Route 422) off Route 528.• Treasure Hunting Geocaching, 11 a.m. Aug. 14.Meet the park naturalist at the Pleasant Valley picnic area on the South Shore to learn about and take part in some geocaching. Moraine State Park has several GPS units that will be available to participants to use during the program.• Hummingbirds: The Jewels of the Air, 2 p.m. Aug. 15.Meet the park naturalist and guest speaker Harry Schmeider to view a digital photo slide show of the ruby-throated hummingbird. The discussion will include the many different species of hummingbirds that fly to North America.Meet at Pavilion 7 located at McDanel's Launch on the North Shore.• Bats in Action, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20.Meet the park naturalist at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Route 528 to see a bat condo in action and explore the wonders of these nighttime insectivores. Take blankets and chairs.• Nature Watch Kayaking, 10:30 a.m. Aug. 21.This entry-level kayaking program is designed to meet the needs of those interested in an easy peaceful experience.Meet the park naturalist at the Old 422 launch area off Route 422/Park Road.Participants may take their own kayak or borrow one of Moraine's kayaks. To reserve a kayak or to register, call the park office at 724-368-8811.• Learn to Kayak, 1 p.m. Aug. 22.Participants must be at least age 12. An adult must accompany those participants who are younger than 18.Meet at the Pleasant Valley Launch on the South Shore.A number of kayaks will be on hand to use during the program. Registration is required. The fee of $10 per person. Call 724-368-8811.• Explore the Source, 10:30 a.m. Aug. 28.Join the park naturalist at the upper boat launch off Route 528 for a kayaking tour to explore Muddy Creek.To reserve a kayak or to register, call 724-368-8811.• Explore Off Shore, 1 p.m. Aug. 29.This kayaking experience is meant for those who want to get a workout.Meet the park naturalist at the Pleasant Valley launch on the South Shore. To reserve a kayak or to register, call 724-368-8811.

The historic gristmill at McConnells Mill State Park is open from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.• Celebrate McConnells Mill! at 2 p.m. Saturday.Learn some of the history of the McConnells Mill area, share stories and tour the gristmill.Park at Kildoo Picnic Area and hike down the path to meet at the courtyard of the gristmill.• Hike Along the Millstream, 1 p.m. Aug. 15.This two-mile hike takes place over moderately rough terrain along Slippery Rock Creek.Park at the Kildoo Picnic Area and walk the path down to the mill courtyard to meet the park naturalist.• Owl Prowl, 8 p.m. Aug. 18.Join the search for nocturnal surprises on Hell's Hollow Trail. Allow 15 minutes to get to Hell's Hollow (no facilities) if coming from the old mill. Take a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes and meet park staff at the Hell's Hollow parking lot.• Native Plants for Your Garden, 2 p.m. Aug. 22.Penn State Master Gardeners from Lawrence County will showcase the native plant garden in the courtyard by the historic gristmill. Then, join in a guided walk to see wildflowers blooming. Meet the master gardeners beside the mill.• Hell's Hollow Walk, 2 p.m. Aug. 28.Join the park naturalist for a leisurely-paced trail walk. Meet at the Hell's Hollow parking lot.