April

Friday, April 2; Good Friday
Parks office and Nature Center closed.
Park grounds open.

Saturday, April 3; Opening Day of Trout Season
Kain and Spring Valley Parks
The parks host a large number of stocked trout and are stocked several times by the PA Fish & Boat Commission and the Izaak Walton League throughout the season. All participants 16 years or older must have a PA fishing license and trout stamp. NF.

Sunday, April 4; Easter Sunday
Nixon Park Nature Center closed. All park grounds open.

Saturday, April 10; River to Hilltop Hike
Highpoint Scenic Area, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Take a 4-mile moderate hike on the Mason Dixon Trail from Wrightsville at river level to a stunning panoramic view of the Susquehanna River at High Point. NF, please pre-register by calling 428-1961.

Sunday, April 11; Geology Hike
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
 Badges: Juniors: Rocks Rock (Partial); Cadette, Senior & Ambassadors Digging through the Past (Partial); Webelos & Cub Scout: Geology (Partial)
Take a hike with Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones as he shows participants various features within the park. Rock types, weathering and erosion, structural geology, minerals and geologic history will be discussed along the 1-mile hike. Hiking up a hill to the rock exposure will be included. NF, NPR.

Tuesday, April 13; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail Park, Brillhart Station Parking Area, 6:30 p.m.
Join in on the fun as riders travel 13–15 miles round trip on the rail trail. Enjoy the fresh air and see some of the area’s finest scenery. The group determines the pace. Each rider must have a light and water. Helmets are recommended. Bring money for a snack if you like. NF, NPR.

Saturday, April 17; Geology of York County Bus Trip
Rudy Park, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones as you visit some of the most interesting geologic sites in the area. Participants will have an opportunity to learn how to identify rocks and minerals and understand how our landscapes formed. The story of how our area was once covered by an ocean and later turned into an “Everglades” swamp is fascinating. Some of the important mineral resources and geologic hazards will be included. Participants must supply their own lunch and beverage. Hammers and cameras are welcome. $20 for members; $30 for non-members, register by calling 840-7440.

Sunday, April 18; Salamander Stroll
Nixon Park, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Naturalist and salamander enthusiast Gretchen Young will lead this indoor/outdoor program to learn about these common amphibians that are right under your feet. NF, NPR.

Tuesday, April 20; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail Park, Glatfelter Station Parking Area, 6:30 p.m.
Join in on the fun as riders travel 13–15 miles round trip on the rail trail. Enjoy the fresh air and see some of the area’s finest scenery. The group determines the pace. Each rider must have a light and water. Helmets are recommended. Bring money for a snack if you like. NF, NPR.

Saturday, April 24; Spring Watercolors
High Point Scenic Vista, 1–3 p.m.
 Badges: Juniors: Drawing & Painting (Complete), Outdoor Creativity (1,10) Visual Arts (5,7,8,9,10); Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors: Visual Arts (S2,3,6;T1;C1), All about Birds (S6); Webelos Artist (1,2)
Try your hand at this introductory watercolor class, using the magnificent view for inspiration. Artist Teanna Byerts will teach how easy it is to create a watercolor landscape. Anyone age 9 and up can join. $10 fee, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

Friday, April 24; Public Star Watch and New Telescope Clinic
Rudy Park, 8–10 p.m.
 Badges: Brownies: Space Explorer (Partial) Juniors: Sky Search (Partial), “Doing” Hobbies (Partial); Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors: Space Exploration (Partial)
Come to the observatory and see planets, the Moon, galaxies and nebulae and learn some interesting facts about each object. Please bring a blanket or chair if you desire. If you need help with your telescope, bring it along and our experts will help you out. Also, members of the York County Astronomical Society can advise you what type of telescope to purchase. Event held if skies are partly cloudy to clear. Groups with ten or more people should call to 578-9109. Also call for a program update at 5 pm. NF, NPR.

Sunday, April 25; Pest to Pesto, Garlic Mustard Pull and Tasting
Nixon Park, 1–4 p.m.
 Badges: Juniors: Plants and Animals (9), Earth Connections (10); Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors: Eco-Action (S2, SP2)
Prepare to stop the alien invasion! Join naturalist Amber Carothers for an orientation to the life and troubles of the invasive weed, garlic mustard. Teams or individuals will hit the trails to pull this pest before it takes over. Return to the Nature Center from 3–4 p.m. to taste some culinary creations made using this tasty pest. NF, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

Tuesday, April 27; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail Park, Seven Valleys Parking Area, 6:30 p.m.
Join in on the fun as riders travel 13–15 miles round trip on the rail trail. Enjoy the fresh air and see some of the area’s finest scenery. The group determines the pace. Each rider must have a light and water. Helmets are recommended. Bring money for a snack if you like. NF, NPR.

Wednesday, April 28; Moonlight Bike Ride
Rail Trail Park, New Freedom Parking Area, 7:30 p.m.
Take a 9-mile ride under a bright moon detecting nocturnal life, hearing stories about the railroad, spotting satellites and learning some facts about the moon and space. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ride. All riders must be equipped with a light, and helmets are recommended. $5 fee for adults, children under the age of 12 are free, please pre-register by calling 840-7440.