July

Friday, July 2; Stream Study
Nixon Park, 6–7:30pm
 Badges: Junior: Science Discovery 8; Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors: Eco-Action S5
Join a park naturalist to take an in-depth look at the life in a stream habitat. Participants will search for aquatic macroinvertebrates such as mayfly, stonefly, dragonfly, and damselfly nymphs, as well as caddisfly larva, cranefly larva, water pennies and more. Using the biotic index, we will assess the health of the stream and discuss influences affecting the water quality. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

Saturday, July 3–Sunday, July 11; Reptile Week
Nixon Park, regular hours
This annual week of herpetology returns with live specimens, special programs and information. Staff will be available to answer questions, explain the unique nature of reptiles, and give you a hands-on introduction. Reptile Week is designed to give a gentle and informative introduction to lizards, snakes, turtles and crocodilians. VISITORS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BRING PETS TO NIXON PARK. NF, NPR.

Saturday, July 3; Critter Caravans Show
Nixon Park, 11am–12 noon & 1–2pm
Come laugh and learn with Tom Moore of Critter Caravans. Tom will bring learning to life with live reptiles from around the world. Participants will learn about reptiles’ native habitats, their eating habits, and about conservation of the animals during this hands-on show. NF, NPR.

Sunday, July 4; Independence Day
Parks office closed. Nature Center, park grounds, boat concession and Hanover Junction and New Freedom Stations open.

Sunday, July 4; Reptile Expedition
Nixon Park, 12:30–4pm
Families and/or friends can work as teams or individuals to complete this reptile-themed scavenger hunt. Searchers will explore in and around the nature center to hunting for answers. After all scavenger hunt papers are turned in, winners will be randomly selected and awarded a prize. NF, NPR.

Sunday, July 4; 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, July 4; Multi-Borough Fireworks
Highpoint Scenic Vista, dusk
On a clear night, you can see fireworks from maybe a dozen different shows from atop York County’s river hills park.

Monday, July 5–Friday, July 9; Archaeology Week I
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, July 6; 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, July 6; Fox Story Time: “Scales and Tails”
Nixon Park, 9:30–11:30am
Enjoy exciting stories, crafts and activities about our reptilian friends—snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocs—with a park volunteer. Participants will also take a short stroll to the pond to look for some basking reptiles. This program is for a parent to spend with a child ages 4–7. $5, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

Tuesday, July 6; Feeding Time
Nixon Park, 1–2pm
Ever wondered how to care for a reptile? Then come and learn from park volunteer Anne Rutledge and park naturalist Amber Carothers as they feed Nixon’s reptiles. Visitors will discover the ins and outs of caring for reptiles. NF, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

Wednesday, July 7; Critter Caravans Show
Nixon Park, 6:30–7:30pm
Come laugh and learn with Tom Moore of Critter Caravans. Tom will bring learning to life with live reptiles from around the world. Participants will learn about reptiles’ native habitats, their eating habits, and about conservation of the animals during this hands-on show. NF, NPR., please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

Wednesday, July 7; 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.

Wednesday, July 14; Kayak Lessons
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 5:45pm–dusk
Join Uller’s Kayak and Canoe Shop on the water to learn the basics of kayaking. You may bring your own kayak or rent one from the boat rental. Call Uller’s at 747-0095 to pre-register.

Thursday, July 8; 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.

Saturday, July 10; Critter Caravans Show
Nixon Park, 11am–12 noon & 1–2pm
Come laugh and learn with Tom Moore of Critter Caravans. Tom will bring learning to life with live reptiles from around the world. Participants will learn about reptiles’ native habitats, their eating habits, and about conservation of the animals during this hands-on show. NF, NPR.

Sunday, July 11; Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
Herpetologist Matt Kowalski with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will share the latest research on the endangered Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Learn about the ongoing habitat and conservation research as well as the ecology of this dwindling species. NF, NPR.

Saturday, July 10–Sunday, July 18; Photography Contest on Display
Nixon Park Nature Center, during normal hours
All photos entered in the photography contest will be on display for the public to view.

Sunday, July 11; 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, July 13; 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.

Wednesday, July 14; Porch Talks at the Stations
New Freedom Train Station, 7pm
Join the Friends of the Heritage Rail Trail Corridor for these informal talks. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. In the case of inclement weather, the program will be held inside the train station. Porch talks are held the second and fourth Wednesday in June at Hanover Junction and the second and fourth Wednesday of July at New Freedom. Local historian Al Smith will talk about the ups and downs of the train station.  NF, NPR.

Wednesday, July 14 & 28; 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.

Thursday, July 15; Highpoint History: Native Peoples
Highpoint Scenic Vista, 7pm
 Badges: Brownies: Listening to the Past 1; Juniors: Local Lore 7
Archaeologist Jan Klinedinst presents on the life and times of the various tribes who called this landscape home. NF, NPR.

Friday, July 16; Senior Excursion
Rail Trail Park, Brillhart Station Parking Area, 10am, 12noon, 2pm & 7pm
Take a ride on an open-air “People Mover” to view the scenery of this secluded portion of the Rail Trail. Trip will also pass through Howard Tunnel. Trip will be narrated by Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones. $5, pre-register at 840-7440.

Saturday, July 17; 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, July 18; Summer Flowers
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
The colors of summer unfold along roadsides and in fields. Park Naturalist Amber Carothers will lead a walk sharing the natural history of these blooms and the animals that depend on them. NF, NPR.

Sunday, July 18; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House & Corn Roast
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, July 20–Friday, July 23; Nature Discovery Program III
Nixon & Kain Parks and Rail Trail, 9am–3pm
For ages 9–12. Combine hiking, biking, boating, nature study and survival as you get one of the most exciting weeks of the summer. Students will see the Rail Trail by bike, hike the trails at Nixon and Kain Parks, boat on Lake Redman and explore the Susquehanna River with Shank’s Mare Outfitters. $130, please call 840-7440 to pre-register.

Tuesday, July 20; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Brillhart Station 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.

Friday, July 23; 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.

Saturday, July 24; Family Fishing Program
Kain Park, Spartan Rd. Parking Lot, 9am–12 noon
No skill or equipment necessary. Adam Spangler from the PA Fish and Boat Commission will be on hand to help you start learning to fish or to sharpen your skills. Please pre-register with Adam at 717-705-7850 or adspangler@state.pa.us. NF.

Saturday, July 24; DreamWrights Presents “Merchant of Venice”
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 6:30pm
 Badges: Junior: Theater 10; Webelos: Showman Drama 2
The adults and youth of this performing company return to our stage for another year. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. NF, NPR.

Saturday, July 24; Moonlight Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Seven Valleys 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, July 25; 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.

Sunday, July 25; Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
Join Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones on a trip to understand how volcanoes erupt and earthquakes are produced. Learn what parts of the world are prone for these disasters. Participants will be able to erupt volcanoes and produce an earthquake. NF, NPR.

Sunday, July 25; 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, July 27; DreamWrights Presents “Merchant of Venice”
Rudy Park, 6:30pm
 Badges: Junior: Theater 10; Webelos: Showman Drama 2
The adults and youth of this performing company return to our stage for another year. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. NF, NPR.

Tuesday, July 27; York County Parks Advisory Board Meeting
Pleasant Acres Annex, 7pm

Tuesday, July 27; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Gladfelter Station 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, July 28; 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.

Wednesday, July 28; Porch Talks at the Stations
New Freedom Train Station, 7pm
Come out and enjoy the Pennsylvania Players, a group of re-enactors who dress and play the role of well-known Civil War people. Join the Friends of the Heritage Rail Trail Corridor for these informal talks. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. In the case of inclement weather, the program will be held inside the train station. Porch talks are held the second and fourth Wednesday in June at Hanover Junction and the second and fourth Wednesday of July at New Freedom. NF, NPR.

Thursday, July 29; Highpoint History: Industry on the Susquehanna
Highpoint Scenic Vista, 7pm
Learn about the industrial heart that dominated the view from atop this hill during the early and mid 1800s as June Evans discusses the effects of industry on local towns. NF, NPR.

Saturday, July 30; Stream Hike
Spring Valley Park, Raccoon Pavilion, 6–7:30pm
When was the last time you took the time to look under rocks and poke around in a stream? Likely it has been ages. Join a naturalist for a stream hike in the East Branch of the Codorus Creek. Look for aquatic insects, fish and amphibians in the stream. Discover the cool stream life on a hot summer day! Wear old sneakers or boots that can get wet. NF, pre-register by calling 428-1961.

Saturday, July 31; Butterfly Count
Nixon Park, 9am–2pm
 Badges: Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors: Math, Maps, & More SP 3
All eyes, amateurs and experts, are needed as we conduct our annual Butterfly Count as part of the NABA Fourth of July Butterfly Count. Participants work with team leaders. Long pants recommended. Bring a bagged lunch, a field guide and binoculars. Ice cream social to follow. Ages 10 to adult. $3 NABA fee, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

Saturday, July 31; Gold Panning Seminar
Spring Valley Park, Line Road Parking Area, 9am–2pm
Experience the excitement of finding gold in an area stream. Park staff and members of the South Central Chapter of the Eastern Gold Panning Association will be on hand to show you how to pan for the precious mineral. Bring a pie pan and a small container for your gold and sand. Old shoes or boots required; absolutely no bare feet. Presentations on the history of gold in the area will be held at 9am and 12 noon. Follow “Park Event” signs from either Rt. 24 or I-83. NF, NPR.