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Moraine programs offer plenty of outdoor fun

MUDDY CREEK TWP — Moraine State Park programs span interests and levels of physical activity. Through June, events include geocaching searches, osprey and bluebird presentations, kayaking and family fly fishing.

• Historic oil well operation, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 15 and June 12.

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 operate the Bessemer engine pump and answer questions.

The central powerhouse site is beyond the Forestry & Regional office on Park Road (Old Route 422) off of Route 528.

• Volunteer orientation for Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks, 1 p.m. May 22.

Explore the possibilities for volunteer service. Meet at pavilion one in the Pleasant View picnic area on the South Shore of Moraine.

Allow three hours to participate. Register by calling 724-368-8811 or sending e-mail to moraineenvedsp@state.pa.us.

• "Who Let the Dogs Out?" at 1 p.m. May 29.

Join the park naturalist at the Pleasant Valley picnic area on the South Shore for a moderate two-mile hike with your canine friend followed by a doggie swim in Lake Arthur. Only friendly and vaccinated dogs allowed. Pets must be on a leash at all times.

• Treasure hunting geocaching, 1 p.m. May 30 and June 26.

Meet the park naturalist at the Pleasant Valley picnic area on the South Shore to take part in some geocaching. Several GPS units will be available to use during the program.

• Nature watch kayaking, 1 p.m. May 31.

This entry-level kayaking program is designed to meet the needs of those more interested in an easy peaceful experience rather than a long, hard paddle. Meet the park naturalist at the Pleasant Valley launch on the South Shore. Participants may take their own kayaks or borrow one of Moraine's. To reserve a kayak or to register, call 724-368-8811.

• "National Get Outdoors Day," noon to 6 p.m. June 12.

The mission is to provide opportunities for children and their families to enjoy healthy activities outdoors. Events offered will include kayaking, biking, a GPS program, fishing and children's activities. Meet at Lakeview Beach, North Shore. Admission is free.

• Explore off shore 1 p.m. June 13.

This kayaking experience is meant for those who want to get a workout from their paddling. Meet the park naturalist at the Pleasant Valley launch on the South Shore.

To reserve a kayak or to register, call 724-368-8811.

• "Bluebirds — The Fledging Experience," 1 p.m. June 19.

Meet the park naturalist and Harry Schmeider, the ambassador for the bluebirds, to discuss the bluebird's history, biology, courtship, nest site selection, egg laying and brooding right up to fledging and what happens after they have fledged. The event includes a brief hike to explore a bluebird boxes. Meet at pavilion 7 at the McDanel's Launch on the North Shore.

• Family fishing program, 1 p.m. June 20.

This educational program will be held at the Bear Run Boat Launch on the South Shore. Families must be registered in advance and should arrive promptly at 1 p.m. Call 724-368-8811.

• "The Amazing Osprey," 10 a.m. June 26.

These powerful birds can be seen fishing Lake Arthur today, thanks to the efforts of conservationists and volunteers. Meet the park naturalist at McDanel's Launch on the North Shore.

• Learn to kayak 1 p.m. June 27.

Park staff and members of Western Pennsylvania Paddle Sport Association will be available to teach some basic kayaking skills to participants at least age 12. An adult must accompany those participants younger than 18. Meet at the Pleasant Valley Launch on the South Shore.

Registration is required. There is a $10 fee per person. Participants should allow three hours for this program and dress to be wet.

For information, call the Moraine State Park office at 724-368-8811.

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