Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation will offer programs to the community. Unless otherwise noted, there is a per-person fee, and activities will take place at the Environmental Center in Lancaster County Central Park, 1 Nature's Way, Lancaster. Additionally, registration and payment are required by noon on the business day before the event unless otherwise stated. To register, call 717-295-2055 or visit http://www.lancastercountyparks.org and click on Online Program Registration.
GPS Scavenger Hunt, open to individuals age 3 and older, will teach participants how to use handheld GPS units from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17. Participants can then discover on their own a set of predetermined scavenger hunt points outdoors with the help of this fun technology.
The Lancaster County Bird Club and the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation will cosponsor a Christmas Bird Count from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. The event is an Audubon tradition dating to 1900. During a guided walk in Central Park, attendees will identify and record as many species as possible. Participants should bring binoculars if they have them or may borrow some at the event. The program is free, but registration is required.
On Dec. 18, a Full Moon Walk: Cold Moon will be offered to participants age 18 and older from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A naturalist will lead a walk near the Environmental Center as the full moon guides the way and helps participants search for wildlife.
Build a Bird House will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 20, at Pavilion 22 for people of all ages. In addition to building bird houses, attendees will learn about cavity nesting birds that may call the box home, including local bluebirds that, even in the winter months, will roost with each other in the box to stay warm.
Munchkin Science: Garden of Five Senses will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, in the Garden of Five Senses near the park's main entrance. Children ages 3 to 5 will join a naturalist on a stroll through the garden and discuss how the senses aid in exploration and investigation in the natural world. A group game will be played on the open flood plain area following the walk.
Winter Solstice Around the World will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 21. Participants age 5 and older will learn how and why the winter solstice is celebrated. After the presentation, there will be a campfire and hot chocolate. Participants should dress for the weather and bring a lawn chair if they plan to stay for the campfire.
Homeschool Wednesday: Salmon Migration will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22. Students ages 8 to 12 will discover the natural travels and trials of select Pacific and Atlantic populations as well as human impacts on their migrations. Students should wear old clothes and plan for indoor and outdoor activity. Children under age 8 are welcome if accompanying older siblings.
Jump Into STEM: Salt Dough Chemistry will take place on Thursday, Dec. 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 will conduct an experiment to make salt dough and cut their own ornaments. All supplies will be provided.
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