June

 

Saturday, June 4; Hanover Junction and New Freedom Train Stations Open for Summer Hours
Rail Trail, Saturdays 10am–5pm, Sundays 1–5pm

These two museums contain information on local history. Hanover Junction depicts the 1860s when the train station was a center of activity during the Civil War. The New Freedom Train Station has a 1940s railroad theme, including an actual scale model of a K-9 engine.

Saturday, June 4; Lake Williams Five Miler
Nixon Park, 9am–12:30pm

Fill your lungs with fresh air and your eyes with the colors of summer as you circumnavigate Lake Williams on a fine summer morning. A park naturalist will lead this somewhat hilly hike to take in the splendor of the lakeside scenery. Bring a water bottle and snack, and dress for the weather. NF, register at 428-1961.


Sunday, June 5; Wallace-Cross Mill: Art at the Mill
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm

If you enjoy art, or mills, or a drive in the country or history, TODAY IS FOR YOU. During the open house, several artists will be capturing and interpreting the historic mill and its setting. Join them, peer over their shoulders, and chat about how they see and are conveying the mill. Short art sessions designed to help beginners (no equipment needed) of all ages get started and improve their abilities will be provided. 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. Rain date is June 12. NF, NR.

Sunday, June 5; Petal Pounding
Nixon Park 2:30–4pm

Join park volunteer Jodi Sulpizio 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 to make images on (t-shirt, table linens, wall hangings, wrapping paper, etc.). We provide step-by-step instruction, greeting card and small tote bag. $8, register at 428-1961.


Tuesday, June 7; Young at Heart Hike
Rudy Park main parking area, 9–11am

Take a leisurely hike with anyone young at heart to study nature and learn some local history. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and get exercise. NF, NR.

Tuesday, June 7; 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, NR.


Wednesday, June 8; Porch Talks at the Stations
Hanover Junction Train Station, 7–8 pm

President Lincoln and Tad—Dr. Winand and son Noah of York recreate the personal father and son bond that gave Lincoln such comfort before and during the White House years. The museum will be open at 6pm for guests. NF, NR.


Friday, June 10; York County Parks; Photo Contest Deadline
Nixon Park or Parks Administrative Headquarters at Rudy Park, 4:30pm

Friday, June 10; 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. $30/couple if using a County-owned boat or $20/couple for a private boat. Add $5 for each individual. Please register at 840-7440.


Saturday, June 11; International Games Day
Rocky Ridge Park, Hidden Laurel Softball Field, 10–11:30am

Come ready to play as part of Backyard Game Week. Jeff Witman of York College’s Recreation Department will host a family oriented introduction to outdoor games from around the world for children ages 5 and up and parents. Play games from simple to complex, familiar to new and from American to international. NF, NR.


Sunday, June 12; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm

Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. 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. This is also raindate for June 5 “ Art at the Mill.” NF, NR.

Sunday, June 12; Nesting Birds
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm

Look inside the home life of the park’s summer resident birds. Discuss nest types, bird parenting and more during this program that starts inside but moves outside for a short bird walk. NF, NR.

Sunday, June 12; 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. $30/couple if using a County-owned boat or $20/couple for a private boat. Add $5 for each individual. Please register at 840-7440.


Tuesday, June 14; Young at Heart Hike
Rail Trail Park, Brillhart Station Parking Area, 9–11am

Take a leisurely hike with anyone young at heart to study nature and learn some local history. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and get exercise. NF, NR. 

Tuesday, June 14; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Glatfelter 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, NR.


Wednesday, June 15; Fox Story Time: All About Trees
Nixon Park, 9:30–11:30am

Join park volunteer Kathleen Blankenship for a treemendous story, a craft and tree activities. This program is for a parent to spend with a child ages 4–7. $5, register at 428-1961.

Wednesdays, June 15 & 29, July 6 & 20, August 17; 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. $25 for 5-part series, register at 840-7440.


Thursday, June 16; Family Morning Discovery Walk
Nixon Park, 10–11:30am

Children and their companions together with park staff will explore and discover the many different habitats, plants, and animals in the park. NF, register at 428-1961.


Saturday, June 18; Moonlight Bike Ride - Theme: Bats
 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, NR.


Sunday, June 19; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm

Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. 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.  NF, NR.


Sunday, June 19; Father’s Day Nature Ramble
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm

The whole family can enjoy an exploration of the summerwoods. NF, NR.


Monday, June 20–Friday, June 24; Nature Discovery Program I
Nixon Park, 9–11:30am OR 1–3:30pm

For ages 5 and 6. An interactive week combining both recreation and education. The children will investigate various natural history topics using hikes, projects, games and special presentations. $65, register at 840-7440.


Tuesday, June 21; Kayak Lessons
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 6 pm–dusk

Join Uller’s Kayak and Canoe Shop on the water to learn the basics of kayaking. Instruction and boat rental $15. Class size limited; call Uller’s at 747-0095 to register.

Tuesday, June 21; Young at Heart Hike
Apollo Park, Shank’s Ferry Parking Area, 9–11am

Take a leisurely hike with anyone young at heart to study nature and learn some local history. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and get exercise. NF, NR.

Tuesday, June 21; Solstice Celebration
Highpoint Scenic Vista, 5am

Members of various American Indian tribes will greet summer atop this riverside park. Come experience a sunrise ceremony. It is a 15-minute walk to top of hill. Program starts at approximately 5:30am weather permitting. NF, register at 428-1961.

Tuesday, June 21; 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, NR.


Wednesday, June 22; Senior Excursion
Highpoint Scenic Vista, 10am, 11am, 12noon, 6pm, 7pm & 8pm

Need a hand walking up to the top of Highpoint? Take the senior excursion ride and receive a guided tour by Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones. On top of the overlook, the history and landscape of the view will be discussed. $8, register at 840-7440.

Wednesday, June 22; Porch Talks at the Stations
Hanover Junction Train Station, 7–8 pm

Railroad Motor Car Club—Come see the little work cars that actually run on the tracks. Dean Grothe, a member of the club, will present the colorful story about these small two-seat cars. The museum will open at 6pm for guests. NF, NR.


Thursday, June 23; Nature’s Builders
Nixon Park, 10am & 1pm

Family oriented indoor and outdoor program will use the focus of nature’s architects, weavers, masons and diggers as a theme to explore the park grounds. NF, NR.


Friday, June 24 & Saturday, June 25; Made in America Day
Wallace Cross Mill, 11am–3pm

See the beginnings of America’s industrial heritage as you step back in time and tour this restored grist mill. NF, NR.


Friday, June 24 & Saturday, June 25; Family Campout Night
Nixon Park, 7pm–9:30am

Bring the whole family, the tent and sleeping bags to snooze under the stars on the Nature Center lawn. There will be a family scavenger hunt at dusk with prizes. Afterwards, participants will listen to campfire stories and may share some of their own. Bring marshmallows and/or hotdogs for a nighttime snack. A light breakfast will be provided at 9am. In the event of severe weather, sleeping will occur inside the Nature Center. $8/ person, children 2 and under free, register at 428-1961.


Saturday, June 25; Old Time Merry-Go-Round Music
Hanover Junction Train Station, 12noon–2pm

Galen Litzer will entertain the audience with music from an old fashioned calliope mounted on a wagon. For calliope fans, the program even includes a hand-puppet monkey. NF, NR.

Saturday, June 25; Basic Mushroom Identification
Nixon Park, 2–4 pm

Prepare for the July mushroom season by joining the president of the Eastern Penn Mushroomers, John Dawson, for a lecture and discussion on the main characteristics to look for when identifying mushrooms in the wild, how to use keys, and safe collection practices. NF, register at 428-1961.


Sunday, June 26; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm

Throughout the summer, public open houses will be held every Sunday. 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.  NF, NR.

Sunday, June 26; Plant World
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm

Examine the smallest to the largest plants at Nixon Park. Learn about adaptations, flowers, and plants with no flowers, during an indoor/outdoor program. NF, NR.


Monday, June 27; Annual Volunteer Picnic
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area

An invitation-only gathering as the York County Parks says “Thank You” to its many precious volunteers.


Tuesday, June 28; York County Parks Advisory Board Meeting
Pleasant Acres Annex, 7pm

Tuesday, June 28; Young at Heart Hike
Rail Trail Park, New Freedom Station, 9–11am

Take a leisurely hike with anyone young at heart to study nature and learn some local history. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and get exercise. NF, NR. 

Tuesday, June 28; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction 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, NR.


Wednesday, June 29; Panorama from Highpoint
Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area, 6:30pm

This audience participation program, led by Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones and Lancaster County Parks Naturalist Mary Ann Schlegel, will have you answering questions like, what is the furthest thing you can see on a clear day, what history is revealed in the panoramic view, what landmarks can be seen, and more. NF, register at 428-1961.


Thursday, June 30; Family Morning Discovery Walk
Rocky Ridge, Oak Timbers Parking Area, 10–11:30am
Children and their companions together with park staff will explore and discover the many different habitats, plants, and animals in the park. NF, register at 428-1961