May

May 3: Warbler Walk
Rocky Ridge Park, Hidden Laurel Parking Lot, Early Bird  7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Search for migrating warblers with naturalist and expert birder Randy Phillips.  See some of the eastern forest's most colorful birds in the woods that top the ridge.  Birders of all levels welcome.  Bring binoculars and field guides. NF, NPR

May 3: Hanover Junction and New Freedom Stations Open for Season
Rail Trail, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Saturdays only in May)
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.

May 3: Household Hazardous Waste
Dover Township Municipal Building, 2480 Canal Rd, Dover, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Clean the shed and basement of unwanted household hazardous waste the right way with the help of the York County Solid Waste Authority.  More information is available at YCSWA.org or call 845-1066.

May 3: Lake Redman Boat Rental Open (spring hours)
Kain  Park, Saturday & Sunday 1–7 p.m.
Kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and row boats are available for rental.

May 4: Build a Rain Barrel
Nixon Park, 2:30–4:00 p.m.
Learn how to add this easy conversation device to your house and yard.  Add to your home spouting to conserve water, save money and help your environment.  All materials provided.  Number of barrels limited, for ages 12 and up. $12 fee, pre-register at 428-1961

May 6: 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.

May 10: Astronomy Day
Rudy Park, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. & 7;30-9:30 p.m.
Join the York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) as we observe National Astronomy Day.  Learn about telescopes, enjoy special programs and look at the sun safely through telescopes.  Activities for adults and children all afternoon.  In the evening, return to see the nighttime wonders of the sky.  The daytime portion will be held rain or shine.  The night viewing will be held only if skies are partly cloudy to clear.  Call YCAS at 578-9109 after 5:00 p.m. for the status of the star watch. NF, NPR.

May 11: Mother's Day Nature Walk
Nixon Park, 2:30-4 p.m.
Join Park Naturalist Amber Carothers and take Mom on a special walk to learn about what is happening in the spring woods.  NF, NPR.

May 13: 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.

May 17: Native Plant Sale
Nixon Park, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Come to the annual native plant sale sponsored by the York County Parks Penn State Extension and MAEscapes.  An excellent selection of native wildflowers, ferns, grasses, shrubs and trees will be available.  For more information call 840-7408. NF, NPR.

May 17: Moonlight Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Glatfelter Station 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.

May 17: William H. Kain County Park
Lake Redman main activity area public boat launch closes at dusk.

May 18: Spring Inspirations By The Lake
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity  Area, 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
This outdoor festival welcomes the new season.  Entertainment, children's activities, crafts and food will greet festival-goers. NF, NPR.

May 18: Wallace-Cross Mill Docent Training
Wallace-Cross Mill, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
This is a perfect opportunity to get involved in assisting with tours of the mill.  This is an introductory session to learn about how mills operate and the particulars about this mill.  Refreshments will be available. NF, NPR.

May 18: Spring Nature Ramble
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
Wander with a park naturalist through valley and on ridgetop to see what springtime surprises Mother Nature holds. NF, NPR.

May 20: 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.

May 24: 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.

May 24: Lake Redman Boat Rental Starts Summer Hours
Kain Park, Sat., Sun, holidays, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Wed-Fri 1-7 p.m.
Kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and rowboats are available for rental.

May 25: Nature Quest
Nixon Park, 2:30 –4 p.m.
Be our guest on this family quest.  Hit the trails to follow clues to solve the puzzle to win a prize. NF, NPR.

May 26: Memorial Day
Parks office and Nature Center closed.
Park grounds, boat concession and Hanover Junction and New Freedom Stations open.

May 27: Young at Heart Hike
Hanover Junction 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.

May 27: York County Parks
Advisory Board Meeting, Pleasant Acres Annex, 7 p.m.

May 28: 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.

May 29: Senior Excursions
Spring Valley Park, Animal Activity Area, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m..
Take a ride on an open-aired "People-Mover" and see the backwoods of the park.  Look for evidence of wildlife and stop at one of York County's best scenic overlooks.  The ride will be narrated by Parks Coordinator Jeri Jones. $5, pre-register at 840-7440.

May 31: Fox Story Time: "Amphibians"
Nixon Park, 9-11 a.m.
Join park volunteer Amy Slagel for a closer look at amphibians.  Participants will enjoy a story and a stroll around the park to look for these marvels of nature.  This program is for children ages 4-7 to spend with their favorite adult.  $5 fee, pre-register at 428-1961.