June

 

June 1: Bicycle and Helmet Safety Inspection
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Train Station, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Park Rangers and Park Ambassadors will conduct free bicycle and helmet safety checks. Literature will also be available. NF, NPR.


June 1: Statewide Free Fishing Day
No fishing license is needed to fish on this day. It’s a great way to introduce a friend or relative to the lifelong sport of fishing. All other fishing regulations do apply. NF, NPR.


June 1: 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).


June 1: Edible Plants
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.

Park volunteer Rose-Anna Behr and Park naturalist Amber Carothers will demonstrate the art of foraging in the wild, sharing identification and collection tips as well as recipes for wild edibles to look for throughout the seasons. Program will culminate with a tasting session. $5, pre-register at 428-1961.


June 3: 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


June 3: 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.


June 4: Hanover Junction and New Freedom Train Stations Open for Summer Hours
Rail Trail, Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sundays 1–5 p.m., Wednesdays 6–8 p.m.

These two museums contain information on local history.  Hanover Junction depicts the 1860s when the train station was a center of activity during the Civil War.  The New Freedom Train Station has a 1940s railroad theme, including an actual scale model of a K-9 engine.


June 6: Family Fishing Program
Kain Park, Spartan Road Parking Lot, 5 p.m. – dusk

Learn to fish with the PA Fish and Boat Commission. No license required. All equipment will be provided. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.


June 7: Eight for Eight Hike: Rudy Park
Rudy Park, Main Parking Area, 9–11 a.m.

A series of hikes to celebrate the Parks 40th anniversary. See page 3 for details. This first hike will explore the hedgerows and trails and a view of the summer landscape with Jeri Jones, Program Coordinator for the Parks. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.


June 8: 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).


June 8: Nesting Birds
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.

Park naturalist Francis Velazquez will lead this indoor and outdoor program to see what birds are setting up house for the summer at Nixon Park. For ages 10 and up, bring binoculars and field guide. NF, NPR.


June 10: 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.


June 11: 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.


June 13–15: Balloon Festival
Rudy Park

Come see 30 magnificent balloons and learn how they work, purchase crafts, eat, take a helicopter ride and support this York County Parks fundraiser. $10 per car.


June 13: York County Parks Photography Contest Deadline
Nixon Park or Parks Administrative Headquarters at Rudy Park, 4:30 p.m.

Today is your last chance to enter the photo contest. Download copy of rules.


June 14: 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.


June 15: 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).


June 15: Father’s Day Nature Ramble
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.

The whole family can enjoy an exploration of the summer woods. NF, NPR.


June 16: Moonlight Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Seven Valleys 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


June 17: Young at Heart Hike
Rudy Park, 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.


June 17: 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.


June 18: Fox Story Time: “Nature’s Builders”
Nixon Park, 9–11 a.m.

Join park volunteer Jonathan Carothers for a closer look at nature’s builders. Participants will enjoy a story, a stroll around the park to look for objects animals built, and a craft. This program is for children ages 4–7 to spend with their favorite adult. $5, pre-register at 428-1961.


June 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. 


June 19–20: Welcome to Summer Senior Excursions
Rail Trail, Seven Valleys Fire Dept Parking Area, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. twilight ride

Take a 9-mile ride along the abandoned Northern Central Railway Line to see some of York County’s beautiful landscape and learn local history. The ride will pass through historic Howard Tunnel. Jeri Jones will narrate interesting and significant facts and stories along the way. The specially designed open-air “People Mover” is pulled by a pickup truck. Please dress for the weather. $5, pre-registration required by calling 840-7440.


June 20–21: Made in America Days
Wallace-Cross Mill Open House, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Tour this operating gristmill and see displays on all three floors. This mill began operation in 1826 and is one of only a few surviving in the region. NF, NPR.


June 21–29: Reptile Week
Nixon Park, regular hours

This annual week of herpetology returns with live specimens, special programs and information. Staff will be available to answer questions, explain the unique nature of reptiles and give you a hands-on introduction. Reptile Week is designed to give a gentle and informative introduction to lizards, snakes, turtles and crocodilians. VISITORS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BRING PETS TO NIXON PARK. NF, NPR.


June 21: Nature Camp for Adults
Rocky Ridge Park, Hidden Laurel Picnic Area, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

One-day camp created for adults who long for their share of time in nature. Join staff for a wide range of hikes and activities focusing on trees. This camp will include a tree walk, a tree ring program with demonstrations, a petal pounding or leaf print activity, and some quiet time for nature observation. Lunch and snacks will also be included. Participants should bring a plain white tee shirt. Ages 21 and above. $30, pre-register at 428-1961.


June 21: Eight for Eight Hike: Nixon Park
Nixon Park, 9–11 a.m.

Go ridge top to ridge top as you explore the varied habitats and their inhabitants during this hike. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.


June 21: A Reptile Experience
Nixon Park, 11 a.m.–12 noon & 1–2 p.m.

Enjoy the contagious enthusiasm of park volunteer and owner of Reptile Experience Bill Styer as he shows specimens ranging from a young gator to a very large python while teaching about the fascinating world of reptiles. NF, NPR.


June 22: Herp-tathalon
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.

Not a marathon or a decathalon but a Herp-tathalon Ssssssssssssssssssee what the whole family can learn about the world of reptiles through these interactive activities. For ages 6 and up. NF, NPR.


June 22: 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).


June 23: Annual Volunteer Picnic
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area

An invitation-only gathering as the York County Parks says “Thank You” to its many precious volunteers.


June 24–27: Nature Discovery Program III
Nixon, Kain and Rudy Parks

For ages 9–12. This diversified week will present a different theme each day. Activities will include hiking at Rocky Ridge Park, nature study at Nixon Park, and an overnight sleepover at Rudy Park. $95, please call 840-7440 to pre-register.


June 24: 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. 


June 24: York County Parks Advisory Board Meeting
Pleasant Acres Annex, 7 p.m.


June 25: Fox Story Time: “Scales and Tails”
Nixon Park, 9–11 a.m.

Enjoy exciting stories, crafts and activities about our reptilian friends—snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocs—with park volunteer Linette Mansberger. Participants will also take a short stroll to the pond to look for some basking reptiles. This program is for a parent to spend with a child ages 4–7. $5, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.


June 25: Canoe and Kayak Lessons
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 5:45 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.


June 28: Eight for Eight Hike: Kain Park.
Kain Park, George St. Parking Area, 9–11 a.m.

Experience the majesty of towering pines along the restful shores of Lake Williams. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.


June 28: A Reptile Experience
Nixon Park, 11 a.m.–12 noon & 1–2 p.m.

Enjoy the contagious enthusiasm of park volunteer and owner of Reptile Experience Bill Styer as he shows specimens ranging from a young gator to a very large python while teaching about the fascinating world of reptiles. NF, NPR.


June 29: Snake Dissection
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.

Dr. Doug Schmidt, DVM, will lead this look at the insides of these members of the reptile family. Using a large constrictor, learn how snakes are designed on the inside to lead a life of slithering and swallowing food whole. Ages 10 and up. NF, NPR.


June 29: Bicycle and Helmet Safety Inspection
Rail Trail, New Freedom Train Station, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Park Rangers and Park Ambassadors will conduct free bicycle and helmet safety checks. Literature will also be available. NF, NPR.


June 29: 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).