August

Sunday, August 1; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm
Explore the past. Tour guides will guide you through the inner workings of a restored water-powered gristmill and explain its history and the role mills played in our communities. Anyone involved with milling, or who has descendents who were millers, is invited to attend this special day. A new display on the Wallace-Cross family will be unveiled today. Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. NF, NPR (donations appreciated).

Sunday, August 1; Mythbusters: Common Natural Myths—Fact of Fiction
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
Are Daddy-longleggers really the most venomous spider? Do butterflies bite? Can porcupine throw their quills? Does water really roll off a duck’s back? NF, NPR.

Monday, August 2; County Park Hunting Permits Available
Rudy Park, 8:30am
Available until November 24, 2010. NF.

Tuesday, August 3; County Park Hunting Permits Available
Rudy Park and Nixon Park 8:30am
Available until November 24, 2010. NF.

Tuesday, August 3–Friday, August 6; Nature Discovery Program II
Nixon Park, 9–11:30am OR 1–3:30pm
For ages 7–8. An interactive week combining both recreation and education. The children will investigate various natural history topics using hikes, projects, games and special presentations. $60, please call 840-7440 to pre-register.

Tuesday, August 3; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Seven Valleys Parking Area, 6:30–9pm
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.

Saturday, August 7; A Bug’s Night Life
Nixon Park, 8:30–11pm
 Badges: Webelos: Naturalist 1, 3
Start indoors with insect authority Ryan Bridge to learn what insects are out at night and become familiar with their adaptations. Program will move outside to light stations to see many of our local nocturnal insects. Dress for cool evening weather and bring a flashlight. For ages 10 and up. Rain date August 14. NF, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

Sunday, August 8; Edible Plant Hike
Nixon Park, 1–2pm and 3–4pm
Join park naturalist Amber Carothers for a hike involving foraging in the wild, identification and collection tips as well as recipes for wild edibles. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

Sunday, August 8; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House—Harry Cross Story Day
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm
Have any interesting stories about the last operator of the mill? This is the day to come out and have those stories documented. See June 6 for details. NF, NPR.

Monday, August 9–Friday, August 13; Archaeology Week II
Nixon Park, 9am–3pm
For ages 9–12. Co-sponsored with the York County Heritage Trust, this working week will be rewarding as students do “real archaeology” at an excavation. Students will learn the proper techniques of doing archaeology and its interpretation and preservation. Each day, students will also be treated to special themes or tours provided by the Heritage Trust. Tours include the Colonial Courthouse, Gates House and Plough Tavern. Transportation provided by Red Lion Bus Company. Students must supply their own lunch and beverage. $135, pre-registration required by calling 840-7440.

Tuesday, August 10; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Parking Area, 6:30–9 pm
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.

Wednesday, August 11; Fox Story Time: “Big Tracks, Little Tracks”
Nixon Park, 9:30–11:30am
Enjoy a story time with volunteer naturalist Amy Slagel. She will introduce the world of animal tracking through stories, crafts and a track trek. Participants will make track casts, a track mystery, and more. This program is for a parent to spend with a child, ages 4–7. $5, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

Thursday, August 12; Archaeology Walk
Codorus State Park, 7–8:30pm
 Badges: Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors: Digging Through the Past S1, 4, 5
York County Parks Archaeology Week students will be in the middle of their digs. Learn how these archaeologists have worked to uncover the structures and artifacts that help tell the story of the historic Mary Ann Furnace. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

Friday, August 13; Lake Redman Activity Area Closes at Dusk Today

Saturday, August 14; Island Fest with “ReCreation” Concert
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 10am–4pm (concert begins at 4pm)
Co-sponsored with Salem UCC of Jacobus, this outdoor festival celebrates summer. Crafts, food, children’s activities, and entertainment will greet festival-goers. Download Flyer., Download Activity Poster, Download Artisan Reg. Form NF, NPR.

Saturday, August 14; Garden Tours
Rudy Park, Administrative Headquarters, 9am–12 noon
Penn State Master Gardeners will give tours and answer questions about the many new annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs planted in trail beds. NF, NPR.

Saturday, August 14; Public Star Watch
Rudy Park, 8:30–10:30pm
 Badges: Brownies: Space Explorer (Partial) Juniors: Sky Search (Partial), “Doing” Hobbies (Partial); Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors: Space Exploration (Partial)
View the heavens through telescopes and binoculars. Come out to see various celestial objects and learn about each. Also learn how to use your new telescope or get hints on what to purchase. Please bring a blanket or chair to sit upon if you desire. Event held if skies are partly cloudy to clear. Call YCAS at 578-9109 after 5pm for the status of the Star Watch. More information can be found at www.ycas.org. Groups with ten or more people should place a courtesy call to 578-9109. NF, NPR.

Sunday, August 15; Incredible Insects
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
 Badges: Webelos: Naturalist 1, 3
Local insect authority Ryan Bridge will lead an indoor in-depth look at insects. A close-up view of both local and exotic specimens will reveal an incredible array of creatures both amazing and beautiful. For ages 6 and up. NF, NPR.

Sunday, August 15; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm
Explore the past. Tour guides will guide you through the inner workings of a restored water-powered gristmill and explain its history and the role mills played in our communities. Anyone involved with milling, or who has descendents who were millers, is invited to attend this special day. A new display on the Wallace-Cross family will be unveiled today. Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. NF, NPR (donations appreciated).

Tuesday, August 17; Moonlight Boat Ride
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 8:30pm
Take a quiet ride on Lake Redman after dark to explore the world of nocturnal life. Explore the many inlets of the lake, but keep your eyes open for the bats!! A 30-minute astronomical tour around the sky is included. After boating, participants will be treated to ice cream sundaes and other refreshments. You may use a County-owned rowboat, pedal boat, canoe or kayak or your private boat. Participants need to bring their own flashlight for each boat. Floatation devices and rowing implements are furnished. $20/couple if using a County-owned boat or $15/couple for a private boat. Add $2 for each individual. Please pre-register by calling 840-7440.

Tuesday, August 17; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Glen Rock Parking Area, 6:30–9pm
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.

Wednesday, August 18; Small Wonders Series
Nixon Park, 10–11:15am
Small Wonders Series is a program for young learners ages 3–4 to spend with a parent learning about nature. Children will role-play, imitate, imagine, question, and experiment with the help of an adult. This will be an indoor-outdoor class. Each week kids will learn about a new topic. $20 for entire series, pre-register at 428-1961.

Wednesday, August 18; Family Rambles
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers Parking Area, 6:30–7:30pm
Lead by Parks Board Member Anne Walko and her 7-year-old daughter, families are invited for five weeks of fun-filled wanders. This program’s aim is to leave no child inside as recent research finds that children who get outdoors are happier, healthier and smarter. For children who can walk one hour; adults must be accompanied by a child. NF, NPR.

Saturday, August 21; Moonlight Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Glatfelter Staion Parking Area, 8:30pm
Take a 9-mile ride under a bright moon, learning about local history and nature. Tonight’s special program: birds of prey. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ride. $5, children under the age of 12 are free, NPR.

Sunday, August 22; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm
Explore the past. Tour guides will guide you through the inner workings of a restored water-powered gristmill and explain its history and the role mills played in our communities. Anyone involved with milling, or who has descendents who were millers, is invited to attend this special day. A new display on the Wallace-Cross family will be unveiled today. Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. NF, NPR (donations appreciated).

Sunday, August 22; Flintknapping
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
Join Kirk Dreier from Baltimore County Parks for a hands-on demonstration of the ancient art of making tools from rock. This cultural interpretation program reflects how stone tools were manufactured in both the Old World and the New World. Participants will have the opportunity to practice with stone axes, throwing sticks, bow and arrows and atlatl. NF, NPR.

Sunday, August 22; Summer Concert Series
Kain Park, Lake Redman Stage, 6:30pm
Performer TBA. This series brings a variety of music to the stage. Please bring a chair or blanket. The rain site is Salem United Church of Christ, 24 Franklin Street, Jacobus. NF, NPR.

Tuesday, August 24; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Railroad Parking Area, 6:30–9pm
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.

Tuesday, August 24; York County Parks Advisory Board Meeting
Pleasant Acres Annex, 7pm

Tuesday, August 24; Moonlight Boat Ride
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 8:30pm
Take a quiet ride on Lake Redman after dark to explore the world of nocturnal life. Explore the many inlets of the lake, but keep your eyes open for the bats!! A 30-minute astronomical tour around the sky is included. After boating, participants will be treated to ice cream sundaes and other refreshments. You may use a County-owned rowboat, pedal boat, canoe or kayak or your private boat. Participants need to bring their own flashlight for each boat. Floatation devices and rowing implements are furnished. $20/couple if using a County-owned boat or $15/couple for a private boat. Add $2 for each individual. Please pre-register by calling 840-7440.

Thursday, August 26; Senior Excursion
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Parking Area, 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 7pm
Join Program Coordinator Jeri Jones on a fun trip on the people mover around this scenic valley. Hear about the nature of the park, relive the history of the Hex murder, and watch for wildlife. $5, pre-registration required at 840-7440.

Sunday, August 29; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm
Explore the past. Tour guides will guide you through the inner workings of a restored water-powered gristmill and explain its history and the role mills played in our communities. Anyone involved with milling, or who has descendents who were millers, is invited to attend this special day. A new display on the Wallace-Cross family will be unveiled today. Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. NF, NPR (donations appreciated).

Sunday, August 29; Petal Pounding
Nixon Park 2:30–4pm
Join Naturalist Amber Carothers for the art and craft of pounding flowers. Without the fuss of using paint or ink, you can use leaves and flowers to make lasting images. Bring a hammer, flowers or leaves to pound, and any fabric you would like make images on (i.e., t-shirt, table linens, wall hangings, wrapping paper, etc.). We provide step-by-step instruction, greeting card and small tote bag. $5, pre-register by calling 428-1961.

Sunday, August 29; Summer Concert Series
Kain Park, Lake Redman Stage, 6:30pm
Performer TBA. This series brings a variety of music to the stage. Please bring a chair or blanket. The rain site is Salem United Church of Christ, 24 Franklin Street, Jacobus. NF, NPR.

Tuesday, August 31; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, New Freedom Parking Area, 6:30–9pm
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.