Programs Slated for February at Parker Dam

PENFIELD – Staff members at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the program schedule for the month of February.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Learn to Cross-country Ski: 

10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom 

Program Fee: $3 – all participants 

You can learn how to enjoy this winter sport with the whole family.  You can also learn why cross-country skis work the way they do, how to get fitted in the proper-sized equipment and then go outside to practice turns, falling down, getting back up and techniques to get you started. Equipment available for adults and kids (limited-number and sizes).  Dress appropriately for being active outdoors.

Program Note:  This program will be offered again, throughout February, at the following times: Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m., and Saturday, Feb. 22 at 1 p.m.  Participation for each program is $3.

Life and Times of Punxsutawney Phil and Shadow Tag: 

1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom

You can come and enjoy “The Official Documentary Film of the Punxsutawney Ground Club Inner Circle.”  Then, you can head outside for a game of shadow tag in the snow.

Sunday, Feb. 2

Ski Beaver Dam Trail Loop: 

1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom 

The Beaver Dam Trail is one of the park’s groomed cross-country ski trails.  You can come along on this guided outing and explore the winter woods.

You can bring your own equipment or use the park’s (donations accepted).  This is not a “learn to ski” program, and participants will simply be enjoying cross-country skiing on the Beaver Dam Trail loop.

Saturday, Feb. 8

Full Moon—Super Moon—Moon Phases:

10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom 

Sunday night is the full moon, and it is a “super” moon.  You’ll learn what this means and how it all works from the viewpoint here on earth.  Moon phases, eclipses and so on will also be explained.

Sunday, Feb. 9

Ski Skunk Trail Loop: 

1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom 

The Skunk Trail is one of the park’s groomed cross-country ski trails.  You can come along on this guided outing and explore the winter woods.  You can bring your own equipment or use the park’s (donations accepted).

This is not a “learn to ski” program, and participants will simply be enjoying cross-country skiing on the Skunk Trail loop.

Saturday, Feb. 22

Tea and Talk: 

10 a.m. – Environmental Education Classroom 

You can come and sample some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park.  Talk is whatever interests you about the environment, park, world, etc.  May include a show and tell/show and ask session.  Feel free to bring something to talk about or ask questions about.

Sunday, Feb. 23

Ski CCC Trail Loop: 

1 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom 

The CCC Trail is one of our groomed cross-country ski trails.  You can come along on this guided outing and explore the winter woods.  You can bring your own equipment or use the park’s (donations accepted).  This is not a “learn to ski” program, and participants will simply be enjoying cross-country skiing on the CCC Trail/Mud Run Road loop.

Note on Winter Fun at Parker Dam: 

The park maintains facilities for winter recreation as conditions permit.  There is a sledding hill, ice skating rink, miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, access to many miles of snowmobile trails and many places to go on snowshoes.

Other visitors also enjoy the park in winter for ice fishing, walking and wildlife watching.  The park’s cabins are reservable throughout the winter.