July

July 1: 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.

July 3: Stream Study
Nixon Park, 6–7:30 p.m.
Join park naturalist Amber Carothers to take an in-depth look at the life in a stream habitat. Participants will search for aquatic and macroinvertebrates such as mayfly and stonefly, and assess the health of the stream and discuss influences affecting the water quality. NF, NPR.

July 4: Independence Day
Parks office and Nature Center closed. Park grounds, boat concession and Hanover Junction and New Freedom Stations open.

July 5: Eight for Eight Hike: Rocky Ridge Park
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers Parking Area, 9–11 a.m.
With clear skies, let your eyes roam over the views from this ridge top park, look south at the valley traveled by American Indians and north to the Blue Ridge Mountains. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

July 6: Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Explore the past. Tour guides will guide you through the inner workings of a restored and operational 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).

July 6: Bats Demystified
Nixon Park, 7–8:30 p.m.
If you think bats suck your blood, get tangled in your hair, and are filthy, flying rats, you’re wrong! Come and join volunteer Linette Mansberger to learn more about bats as she dispels many myths about our flying, nocturnal friends. NF, NPR.

July 7–11: Archaeology Week I
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.

July 8: Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Railroad 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.

July 9: Fox Story Time: “Bats, bats, and more bats”
Rudy Park, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Join park volunteer Jodi Sulpizio to learn more about Pennsylvania’s bats. Participants will enjoy a story and take a walk looking into the night sky for some bats. This program is for a parent to spend with a child ages 4–7. $5, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

July 10: Raab Park Archaeology Walk
Raab Park, 6–8 p.m.
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.

July 12–20: Photography Contest on Display
Nixon Park Nature Center, during normal hours
All photos entered in the photography contest will be on display for the public to view.

July 12: Archaeology Weekend
Raab Park, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
This program is geared toward adults to show their talents in conducting an actual excavation. The Parks will supply all tools; participants must supply their own food and beverage. NF, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

July 12: YCAS Public Star Watch
John Rudy Observatory, 8 p.m.
Come to the observatory and see planets, the Moon, galaxies and nubulae and learn some interesting facts 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 on. Event is held with partly cloudy to clear skies. Call the YCAS at 578-9109 after 5 p.m. for an event update. NF, NPR.

July 13: Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Explore the past. Tour guides will guide you through the inner workings of a restored and operational 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).

July 13: Summer Flowers
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
The colors of summer unfold along roadsides and in fields. Park Naturalist Amber Carothers will lead a walk sharing the natural history of these blooms and the animals that depend on them. NF, NPR.

July 13: 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. 

July 15: Young at Heart Hike
Rail Trail, Brillhart Station Parking Area, 9–11 a.m.
Take a leisurely hike with seniors to study nature and learn some local historic facts.  This is a great opportunity to make new friends and get exercise.  NF, NPR.

July 15: Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, New Freedom 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.

July 16: 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, hearing folklore and railroad stories, and astronomy.  Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ride. $5, children under the age of 12 are free, NPR. 

July 17: Senior Excursion
Rail Trail, Brillhart Station Parking Area, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Take a ride on an open-air “People Mover” to view the scenery of this secured portion of the Rail Trail. Trip will also pass through Howard Tunnel. Trip will be narrated by Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones. $5, pre-register at 840-7440.

July 18: 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. 

July 19: Eight for Eight Hike: Raab Park
Raab Park, 9–11:30 a.m.
Of mines and bats is the theme for this hike led by Jeri Jones, Program Coordinator for the Parks. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

July 19: Butterfly Count
Nixon Park, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
All eyes, amateurs and experts, are needed as we conduct our annual Butterfly Count as part of the NABA Fourth of July Butterfly Count. Participants work with team leaders. Long pants recommended. Bring a bagged lunch, a field guide and binoculars. Ages 10 to adult. $3 NABA fee, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

July 20: Wallace-Cross Mill Corn Roast and Poetry Reading
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Come out for this special event to eat freshly made corn-on-the-cob and listen to poets recite some of their favorite readings. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Wallace-Cross Mill. There is a fee for the corn and drinks. The tours and poetry reading are free. NPR.

July 20: Beach Combing
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
Marine biologist Jessica Nolan of York College will offer a hands-on primer to identifying and learning about some of the many objects the sea puts ashore for us to discover during the summer as well as some live friends from under the sea. NF, NPR.

July 22–25: Nature Discovery Program I
Nixon Park, 1–3:30 p.m.
For ages 5 and 6. 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.

July 22: Spring/Summer Botany Class
Rocky Ridge Park, Wildlife Pavilions Parking Lot, 6–7:30 p.m.
Join biologist Tim Falkenstein for a series of four classes throughout the summer and fall to 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

July 22: Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Indian Rock Elementary School, 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.

July 22: York County Parks Advisory Board Meeting
Pleasant Acres Annex, 7 p.m.

July 23: Canoe and Kayak Lessons
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 5 p.m.–dusk
Join Uller’s/Susquehanna Canoe on the water to learn the basics of using a canoe or kayak. You may bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one from the boat rental. Call Susquehanna Canoe Shop at 747-0095 to pre-register.

July 24: Fox Story Time: “World of Insects”
Nixon Park, 9–11 a.m.
Join park volunteer Nancy Shuman for a closer look into the world of insects. Participants will enjoy a story and a hike using magnifying glasses to get a close-up view of insects. This program is for a parent to spend with a child ages 4–7. $5, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

July 26: Eight for Eight Hike: Apollo Park
Apollo Park, 9–11:30 a.m.
Explore this river hills hike and learn about the park’s recent expansion while hiking up and down the trails. NF, pre-register by calling 428-1961.

July 26: Gold Panning Seminar
Spring Valley Park, Line Road Parking Area, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Experience the excitement of finding gold in an area stream. Park staff and members of the South Central Chapter of the Eastern Gold Panning Association will be on hand to show you how to pan for the precious mineral. Bring a pie pan and a small container for your gold and sand. Old shoes or boots required; absolutely no bare feet. Presentations on the history of gold in the area will be held at 9 a.m. and 12 noon. Follow “Park Event” signs from either Rt. 24 or I-83. NF, NPR.

July 26: A Bug’s Night Life
Nixon Park, 8:30–11 p.m.
Start indoors with insect authority Ryan Bridge to learn what insects are out at night and become familiar with their adaptations. Program will move outside to light stations to see many of our local nocturnal insects. Dress for cool evening weather and bring a flashlight. For ages 10 and up. Raindate August 2. NF, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

July 27: Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Explore the past. Tour guides will guide you through the inner workings of a restored and operational 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).

July 27: 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.

July 29: Rocks Under Your Feet Geology Teacher’s Workshop
Rocky Ridge Park, Chestnut Oak Pavilion, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Learn what type of rocks are in the area and understand the basic concepts of our geologic history. Take a number of exercises back to the classroom. The afternoon session will include preparing a geologic map of the park. Join Jeri Jones, Parks Program Coordinator, and Lancaster County Parks Naturalist Mary Ann Schlegel for a fun-filled day. $20, must supply own lunch and beverage, call 428-1961 to pre-register.

July 29: Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Brillhart 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.