August

August 1: County Park Hunting Permits Available
Rudy Park & Nixon Park, 8:30 a.m.
Available until November 21, 2009 (on-site approval at Rudy & Nixon Parks). NF.

August 1: Nine in ‘09 Hike: Raab Park
Raab Park, 9–11 a.m.
Of mines and bats is the theme for this hike lead by Jeri Jones, Program Coordinator. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 2: Wallace-Cross Mill Open House/ Harry Cross Story Day
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Tour guides will lead you through the inner workings of a restored water-powered gristmill and explain its history and the role mills played in our communities. All three floors contain displays about milling. Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. NF, NPR (donations appreciated).

August 2: Incredible Insects
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
Badges—Webelos: Naturalist 1, 3
Local insect authority Ryan Bridge will lead an indoor in-depth look at insects. A close-up view of both local and exotic specimens will reveal an incredible array of creatures both amazing and beautiful. For ages 6 and up. NF, NPR.

August 2: Moonlight Boat Ride
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 8:30 p.m.
Take a quiet ride on Lake Redman after dark to explore the world of nocturnal life. Explore the many inlets of the lake, but keep your eyes open for the bats!! A 30-minute astronomical tour around the sky is included. After boating, participants will be treated to ice cream sundaes and other refreshments. You may use a County-owned rowboat, pedal boat, canoe or kayak or your private boat. Participants need to bring their own flashlight for each boat. Floatation devices and rowing implements are furnished. $20/couple if using a County-owned boat or $15/couple for a private boat. Add $2 for each individual. Please pre-register by calling 840-7440.

August 3: Moonlight Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Parking Area, 8:30 p.m.
Take a 9-mile ride under a bright moon detecting nocturnal life and astronomy, and hearing folklore and railroad stories. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ride. $5, children under the age of 12 are free, NPR.

August 4–7: Nature Discovery Program II
Nixon Park, 9–11:30 a.m.
For ages 7–8. An interactive week combining both recreation and education. The children will investigate various natural history topics using hikes, projects, games and special presentations. $55, please call 840-7440 to pre-register.

August 4: Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Glatfelter Station Parking Area, 6:30–9 p.m.
Take a 12- to 15-mile moderately paced ride for exercise and make friends with fellow riders. See historic structures such as Howard Tunnel, Hanover Junction Train Station and New Freedom Train Station. Each rider must have a helmet, a light and water. Bring money for a snack along the way. NF, NPR.

August 5: Small Wonders Series
Nixon Park, 10–11 a.m.
Small Wonders Series is a program for young learners aged 3–5 to spend with a parent learning about nature. Children will role-play, imitate, image, question, and experiment with the help of an adult. This program will be held every Wednesday during the month of August. Each week will feature a new topic. Join a park naturalist for this fun-filled learning adventure. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 5: Spring/Summer Botany Class
Rocky Ridge Park, Wildlife Pavilions Parking Lot, 6–7:30 p.m.
Badges—Juniors: Earth Connections 3, 8; Wildlife 5; Cadettes & Seniors: Plant Life S1
Join biologist Tim Falkenstein for a three-part series throughout the summer. Class will meet in different locations in the park each time. Learn how to identify a variety of plants ranging from forest trees to wetland plants to exotic species. Informational handouts will be available. Participants should be prepared to walk short distances on the trails. NF, NPR.

August 5: Moonlight Boat Ride
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 8:30 p.m.
Take a quiet ride on Lake Redman after dark to explore the world of nocturnal life. Explore the many inlets of the lake, but keep your eyes open for the bats!! A 30-minute astronomical tour around the sky is included. After boating, participants will be treated to ice cream sundaes and other refreshments. You may use a County-owned rowboat, pedal boat, canoe or kayak or your private boat. Participants need to bring their own flashlight for each boat. Floatation devices and rowing implements are furnished. $20/couple if using a County-owned boat or $15/couple for a private boat. Add $2 for each individual. Please pre-register by calling 840-7440.

August 6: Grandparents–Grandchild Camp
Nixon Park, 2–3:30 p.m.
A four-week series of nature-based classes to be shared. Outdoor classes will focus on animals and explore a variety of habitats, with a different theme each week. For grandchildren ages 5 and up with a grandparent. $40 for series, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 6: Evening Nature Camp
Nixon Park, 6–7:30 p.m.
Children ages 7–10 can spend Thursday night for four successive weeks experiencing, exploring and learning about nature. This outdoor, hands on class will emphasize a fun educational approach, with a different theme each week. $40 for series, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 8: Nine in ‘09 Hike: Rudy Park
Rudy Park, Main Parking Area, 9–11 a.m.
This hike will explore the hedgerows and trails and a view of the summer landscape. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 8: Garden Tours
Rudy Park, Administrative Headquarters, 9 a.m.–12 noon
Penn State Master Gardeners will give tours and answer questions about the many new annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs planted in trail beds. NF, NPR.

August 9: Wallace-Cross Mill Open House/ Harry Cross Story Day
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
 Tour guides will lead you through the inner workings of a restored water-powered gristmill and explain its history and the role mills played in our communities. All three floors contain displays about milling. Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. NF, NPR (donations appreciated).

August 9: Traveling to Antarctica plus Global Warming and the Polar Regions
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
Dr. Charles Scharnberger, Professor Emeritus of Earth Sciences at Millersville University, will share pictures from his recent trip (as a tourist) to Antarctica. He also will review environmental changes that are occurring in both the north and south polar regions. NF, NPR.

August 10–14: Archaeology Week II
Nixon Park, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
For ages 9–12. Co-sponsored with the York County Heritage Trust, this working week will be rewarding as students do “real archaeology” in Raab Park, site of the 19th century York Iron Company Mine. Each day, students will also be treated to special themes or tours provided by the Heritage Trust. Tours include the Colonial Courthouse, Gates House, Plough Tavern and the Agricultural and Industrial Museum (AIM). Students will also construct displays of artifacts found in Raab Park for exhibits at both Nixon Park and AIM. Transportation provided by Red Lion Bus Company. Students must supply their own lunch and beverage. $125, pre-registration required by calling 840-7440.

August 11: Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Seven Valleys Parking Area, 6:30–9 p.m.
Take a 12- to 15-mile moderately paced ride for exercise and make friends with fellow riders. See historic structures such as Howard Tunnel, Hanover Junction Train Station and New Freedom Train Station. Each rider must have a helmet, a light and water. Bring money for a snack along the way. NF, NPR.

August 12: Small Wonders Series
Nixon Park, 10–11 a.m.
Small Wonders Series is a program for young learners aged 3–5 to spend with a parent learning about nature. Children will role-play, imitate, image, question, and experiment with the help of an adult. This program will be held every Wednesday during the month of August. Each week will feature a new topic. Join a park naturalist for this fun-filled learning adventure. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 12: Family Rambles
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers Parking Area, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Led by Parks Board member Anne Walko and her 7-year-old daughter, families are invited for five weeks of fun filled wanders every second and fourth Wednesday. This program’s aim is to leave no child inside as recent research finds that children who get outdoors are happier, healthier and smarter. For children who can walk one hour; adults must be accompanied by a child. NF, NPR.

August 13: Grandparents–Grandchild Camp
Nixon Park, 2–3:30 p.m.
A four-week series of nature-based classes to be shared. Outdoor classes will focus on animals and explore a variety of habitats, with a different theme each week. For grandchildren ages 5 and up with a grandparent. $40 for series, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 13: Evening Nature Camp
Nixon Park, 6–7:30 p.m.
Children ages 7–10 can spend Thursday night for four successive weeks experiencing, exploring and learning about nature. This outdoor, hands on class will emphasize a fun educational approach, with a different theme each week. $40 for series, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 13: Raab Park Archaeology Walk
Raab Park, 6–8 p.m.
Badges—Cadettes & Seniors: Digging Through the Past S1, 4, 5
Take a 1.5-mile stroll through history to visit the remains of the York Iron Company Mine. York County Parks Archaeology Week students will be in the middle of a hard-working schedule to uncover more of the mine’s history. Learn how archaeologists carefully work to record the information found. The existence of the narrow-gauge railroad and several mining structures are planned to be unearthed. NF, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

August 15: Insect Safari, Grassland Jungle
Highpoint Scenic Vista, 10:30 a.m.–12 noon
Badges—Webelos: Naturalist 1, 3
Ryan Bridge, a 4-H entomology leader, will take you, nets skimming, into the tall grass. Catching and releasing will let you see up close the wide diversity of six-legged creatures that trying to survive in the meadows around the hilltop. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 15: Public Star Watch
Rudy Park, 8–10 p.m.
Badges—Brownies: Space Explorer (Partial) Juniors: Sky Search (Partial), “Doing” Hobbies (Partial); Cadettes & Seniors: Space Exploration (Partial)
View the heavens through telescopes and binoculars. Come to the observatory and see planets, the moon, galaxies and nebulae and learn about each object. Also learn how to use your new telescope or get hints on what to purchase. Please bring a blanket or chair to sit upon if you desire. Event held if skies are partly cloudy to clear. Call YCAS at 578-9109 after 5 p.m. for the status of the Star Watch. More information can be found at www.ycas.org. Groups with ten or more people should place a courtesy call to 578-9109. NF, NPR.

August 16: Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Tour guides will lead you through the inner workings of a restored water-powered gristmill and explain its history and the role mills played in our communities. All three floors contain displays about milling. Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. NF, NPR (donations appreciated).

August 16: Flintknapping
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
Join naturalist Kirk Dreier from Oregon Ridge Nature Center for a hands-on demonstration of the ancient art of making tools from rock. This cultural interpretation program reflects how stone tools were manufactured in both the Old World and the New World. Participants will have the opportunity to practice with stone axes, throwing sticks, bow and arrows and atlatl. NF, NPR.

August 16: Summer Concert Series
Kain Park, Lake Redman Stage, 6:30 p.m.
Performer The Brodbecks Band. This series brings a variety of music to the stage. Please bring a chair or blanket. The rain site is Salem United Church of Christ, 24 Franklin Street, Jacobus. NF, NPR.

August 18: Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Parking Area, 6:30–9 p.m.
Take a 12- to 15-mile moderately paced ride for exercise and make friends with fellow riders. See historic structures such as Howard Tunnel, Hanover Junction Train Station and New Freedom Train Station. Each rider must have a helmet, a light and water. Bring money for a snack along the way. NF, NPR.

August 19: Senior Excursion
Spring Valley Park, Animal Activity Area, 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
Join Program Coordinator Jeri Jones on a fun trip around this scenic valley. Hear about the nature of the park, relive the history of the Hex murder and watch for wildlife. $5, pre-register at 840-7440.

August 19: Small Wonders Series
Nixon Park, 10–11 a.m.
Small Wonders Series is a program for young learners aged 3–5 to spend with a parent learning about nature. Children will role-play, imitate, image, question, and experiment with the help of an adult. This program will be held every Wednesday during the month of August. Each week will feature a new topic. Join a park naturalist for this fun-filled learning adventure. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 19: Kayak Lessons
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 5:45 p.m.–dusk
Join Uller’s Kayak and Canoe Shop on the water to learn the basics of kayaking. You may bring your own kayak or rent one from the boat rental. Call Uller’s at 747-0095 to pre-register.

August 22: Island Fest
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Enjoy island music, activities and food.
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August 23: Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
 Tour guides will lead you through the inner workings of a restored water-powered gristmill and explain its history and the role mills played in our communities. All three floors contain displays about milling. Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. NF, NPR (donations appreciated).

August 23: Moss and Ferns
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
Badges—Cadettes & Seniors: Plant Life S5, C1
Soft underfoot but hardy survivors, Susan Munch Ph.D. will lead an examination into the special world of these spore-bearing plants. Good for ages 14 and up. Bring a hand lens or magnifying glass. NF, NPR.

August 25: Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Glen Rock Parking Area, 6:30–9 p.m.
Take a 12- to 15-mile moderately paced ride for exercise and make friends with fellow riders. See historic structures such as Howard Tunnel, Hanover Junction Train Station and New Freedom Train Station. Each rider must have a helmet, a light and water. Bring money for a snack along the way. NF, NPR.

August 25: York County Parks Advisory Board Meeting
Pleasant Acres Annex, 7 p.m.

August 26: Small Wonders Series
Nixon Park, 10–11 a.m.
Small Wonders Series is a program for young learners aged 3–5 to spend with a parent learning about nature. Children will role-play, imitate, image, question, and experiment with the help of an adult. This program will be held every Wednesday during the month of August. Each week will feature a new topic. Join a park naturalist for this fun-filled learning adventure. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

August 30: Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
 Tour guides will lead you through the inner workings of a restored water-powered gristmill and explain its history and the role mills played in our communities. All three floors contain displays about milling. Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. NF, NPR (donations appreciated).

August 30: Compass and Map Skills
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
Badges—Juniors: Finding your Way 1, 2, 3, 9; Hiker 5; Camp Together 6; Cadettes & Seniors: Orienteering S 1, 2, 3, 4; Backpacking S4
Learn how to use a compass and read a map. We will discuss trail signs and etiquette, figure out your pace count, and find out about orienteering (using compass bearings to find stations in the fastest time possible). Compasses available but if you have a compass please bring it. Ages 10 and up. NF, please pre-register at 428-1961.

August 30: Summer Concert Series
Kain Park, Lake Redman Stage, 6:30 p.m.
Performer Cashers Flat. See August 16 for details.