June

Tuesday, June 1; 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.

Wednesday, June 2; Hanover Junction and New Freedom Train Stations Open for Summer Hours
Rail Trail, Wednesdays 6–8pm in June & July, Saturdays 10am–5pm, Sundays 1–8pm in June & July and 1–5pm in August
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.

Friday, June 4; York County Parks Photography Contest Deadline
Nixon Park or Parks Administrative Headquarters at Rudy Park, 4:30pm
Today is your last chance to enter the photo contest.

Saturday, June 5; 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, pre-register at 428-1961.

Sunday, June 6; Statewide Free Fishing Day
Kain and Spring Valley Parks
No fishing license is needed to fish on this day. It’s a great way to introduce a friend or relative to the lifelong sport of fishing. All other fishing regulations do apply. NF, NPR.

Sunday, June 6; Forest Ecology
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
Ecologist and York College Biology Professor Dr. Karl Kliener will offer a primer on how a forest works. Identifying key species, he will let you in on the “secrets” of our local forests. NF, NPR.

Sunday, June 6; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House and Miller’s Day
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, June 8; Young at Heart Hike
Hanover Junction 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, NPR.

Tuesday, June 8; 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, NPR.

Wednesday, June 9; 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, June 9; Porch Talks at the Stations
Hanover Junction 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. Tonight’s program is “Weapons of the Civil War” by Bill Oestereich.

Sunday, June 13; Beach Combing
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
Marine biologist Jessica Nolan, Ph.D. of York College will offer a hands-on primer to identifying and learning about some of the many objects the sea puts ashore for us to discover during the summer as well as some live friends from under the sea. NF, NPR.

Sunday, June 13; 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, June 15; Young at Heart Hike
Rudy Park, 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, NPR.

Tuesday, June 15; 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.

Wednesday, June 16 & 30; 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, June 17; Senior Excursions
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Parking Area, 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 7pm
Take a ride on an open-aired “People-Mover” and see this popular recreational corridor. Take a tour of the Hanover Junction Train Station, hear about the history of the Northern Central Railroad and say hi to trail users. The ride will be narrated by Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones. $5, pre-register at 840-7440.

Wednesday, June 16; 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.

Saturday, June 19; Canoe Tour and Lake Clean Up
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 9–11:30am
Join park naturalist Patti Chamberlin for a paddle-powered tour of the lake. We will look for animals, observe aquatic animals and birds, and learn about plants and water quality issues that affect them. No experience necessary. Please dress for the weather. $5/person with own canoe, $10/person if you need a canoe, pre-registration required by calling 428-1961.

Saturday, June 19; Dog Summer Olympics
Rudy Park, Canine Meadows, 10am–2pm
Bring your dog out for this day of fun. Compete in various “games” testing your dog’s talents. Ribbons will be awarded. All entrants will receive a goodies bag. $5/dog (person included), NPR.

Saturday, June 19; New Telescope Clinic and Public Star Watch
Rudy Park, 8:30pm
The York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) is offering a New Telescope Clinic to help users of new telescopes set up their telescopes the first time and learn how to use them. Bring your telescope and all items that came with it. YCAS members will help you align the finder scope, show you how your telescope works, and help you with some initial observations of the sky (clear skies permitting). This event will occur even if it is cloudy. Please dress appropriately for the weather. NF, NPR.

Sunday, June 20; Father’s Day Nature Ramble
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
The whole family can enjoy an exploration of the summerwoods. NF, NPR.

Sunday, June 20; 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).

Monday, 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 5:30 weather permitting. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

Tuesday, June 22; Young at Heart Hike
Rail Trail, Railroad 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, NPR.

Tuesday, June 22–Friday, June 25; 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. $60, please call 840-7440 to pre-register.

Tuesday, June 22; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction 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, June 22; York County Parks Advisory Board Meeting
Pleasant Acres Annex, 7pm

Wednesday, June 23; Porch Talks at the Station
Hanover Junction Train Station, 7pm
Re-enactor Pam Frankenfield of Gettysburg will present “She’s NOT the Mary you thought you knew.” 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, June 24; Highpoint History: Forming the Susquehanna
Highpoint Scenic Vista, 7–8pm
Part of a three-session series emphasizing local history. Enjoy a hands-on presentation by York College Geology Professor Bill Kreiger as he discusses how the dramatic landscape you see came to be. NF, NPR.

Friday, June 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.

Saturday, June 26; Moonlight Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Parking Area, 8:30 pm
Theme: Fireflies
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.

Saturday, June 26; Music Concert by the Victorian Parlour Ensemble
Hanover Junction Train Station, 12noon–1:30pm
Join in on the fun of this Maryland ensemble as they gather on the back porch to entertain you with a dulcimer, banjo, flute and fiddle. NF, NPR.

Sunday, June 27; Bats Demystified
Nixon Park, 7–8:30pm
If you think bats suck your blood, get tangled in your hair, and are filthy, flying rats, you’re wrong! Come and join volunteer Linette Mansberger to learn more about bats as she dispels many myths about our flying, nocturnal friends. NF, NPR.

Sunday, June 27; Wallace-Cross Mill Open House
Wallce-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).

Monday, June 28; 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 29; Young at Heart Hike
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers 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, NPR.

Tuesday, June 29; 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.

Tuesday, June 30; Family Rambles
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers Parking Area, 6:30–7:30pm
See June 9 for details. NF. NPR.

Wednesday, June 30; Fox Story Time: “Fireflies”
Rudy Park, Scotch Pine Pavilion, 6:30-8:30pm
Join park volunteer Jodi Sulpizio to learn more about the insects that light up the night, fireflies. Participants will enjoy a story and a firefly-watching hike. This program is for a parent to spend with a child ages 4–7. $5, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.