Lancaster County Parks Department has posted its upcoming programs. There is a registration fee for most programs. To register, readers may visit http://www.lancastercountyparks.org or call 717-295-2055. The registration deadline is noon the day prior to the event. Unless noted otherwise, all programs will take place at the Lancaster County Central Park Environmental Center, 1 Nature's Way, Lancaster.
An Evening En Plein Air for those age 6 and up will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11. After naturalist Mary Ann Schlegel introduces impressionist art and the use of oil pastels, participants will head outdoors to create original works "en plein air." Attendees should dress for the weather and for using oil pastels.
Journaling a Hike for people age 12 and up will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Money Rocks County Park, 936 Narvon Road, Narvon. With their journals at the ready, naturalist Alan Wissinger and participants will hike on the Cockscomb Trail. Focusing on journaling tips and allowing time to practice, the hike will include stretches of easy, moderate, and difficult hiking. The group will meet at the trailhead.
Homeschool Wednesday: Hiking With Common Sense for children ages 8 to 12 will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Fall season homeschool classes will continue with a series of outdoor activities highlighting hiking safety and navigation. To begin, Schlegel will provide information about hiking safety and preparedness, including items to pack for shorter and longer excursions; basic survival and first aid; and sound decision-making. Participants should dress for outdoor activity. Children under age 8 are welcome if accompanying older siblings.
Batty About Bats Hike for people of all ages will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. Participants will take an evening hike on Central Park's Scout Trail with naturalist Ann Strauss, observing bats, locating bat boxes, and learning about these animals. The trail is mostly easy with one steep stretch.
Fall Leaf Prints for people of all ages will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. Schlegel will provide leaves, paints, and stamps for attendees to create a uniquely decorated leaf print item. Participants should bring a washed shirt or fabric bag, and they may also bring their own special items for printing. Old clothes are recommended for this project.
Nature Journal and Discovery for children age 5 and up will be offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. With the help of naturalist Vanessa Stager, participants will create and decorate their own nature journals and explore the park.
Fall Nature Study for people of all ages will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Chickies Day Use Area at East Donegal Township Park, located on the 1400 block of Long Lane, Columbia. Naturalist Brandon Pentz will lead a nature walk. Wooded trails, open space, and aquatic habitats make the Chickies Creek Day Use Area a good location for a nature study. Binoculars and magnifying glasses will be provided. Participants should be prepared to walk and explore for the duration of the program.
Squish the Spotted Lanternfly Hike for people of all ages will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 13. Participants will join naturalist Lisa J. Sanchez for a hike through Lancaster County Central Park to look for and squish or scrape spotted lanternflies and their egg masses. For every egg mass destroyed, people can prevent approximately 50 nymphs from hatching in the spring. The event is free.
Munchkin Science: Stream Exploration for children ages 3 to 5 will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Young scientists will explore the Mill Creek. Together, they will wade in the creek and use nets to catch a variety of living critters in the creek. Children will have the opportunity to examine the critters with Strauss. Children over age 5 are welcome if accompanying younger siblings.
Homeschool Wednesday: Introduction to the Compass will be available for children ages 8 to 12 on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1 to 2:30 p.m. With Schlegel, students will learn the basics of compass use. Children will apply their skills first on short courses before making a course for others to follow. Attendees should dress for outdoor activity. Children under age 8 are welcome if accompanying older siblings.
Thursday in the Park: Stream Study for children ages 6 to 9 will be offered on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 1 to 2 p.m. Participants will look for immature stages of familiar insects in the Mill Creek along with crayfish. They will then study the stream inhabitants to assess water quality. Participants should dress for the weather, and closed-toe shoes are required for everyone entering the stream. Sandals and foam clogs are not acceptable footwear. Children under age 6 are welcome if accompanying older siblings.
Sustainability Merit Badge for youths ages 10 to 17 will be offered from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 31, and Dec. 5. Merit badge counselor Schlegel will facilitate as Scouts complete this merit badge over three sessions. Prior to the first session, Scouts are required to complete parts one and two. The second part requires tracking a monthlong household water-reduction plan. In each meeting, Scouts must provide documentation and report on their assigned sections prior to receiving assignments for subsequent meetings. Early registration and preparation is required.
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