March

Saturday, March 3; Waterfowl Tour of Kain Park
Nixon Park, 9–11:30am
A Park Naturalist will lead a search along the shores of Lake Williams and Lake Redman for waterfowl during spring migration. Groups will carpool to different viewing areas around these lakes. Bring binoculars, a spotting scope, and field guides, and dress for the weather. Lending binoculars available. NF, register at 428-1961.

Tuesday & Wednesdays, March 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, 27–28; Project FeederWatch
Nixon Park, 8:30am–4:30pm
Join Project FeederWatch volunteers as they learn to identify common winter birds and collect data to assist the Cornell Lab of Ornithology track bird populations around the nation. NF, NR.

Tuesday, March 6; Mid-Winter Volunteer Reception
Invitation-only volunteer reception.

Friday, March 9; Growing Up Wild Educator Workshop
Nixon Park, 9am–3pm
Early Childhood Educators: Discover this new Project Wild Program, sponsored by the PA Game Commission, for educators of children ages 3–7. Through this indoor/outdoor, hands-on workshop, participants will learn about Pennsylvania Wildlife while exploring materials and methods to engage children in learning about the environment. Participants will receive a Growing Up Wild teacher’s manual featuring 27 field-tested hands-on activities. Act 48 and PQAS/DPW credits available. Bring a lunch and water bottle. For more information, contact Park Naturalist Amber Carothers: alcarothers@york-county.org. $10 fee, register at 428-1961.

Saturday, March 10; Cub Scout Spring Fun Day
Nixon Park, 9:30am–2:45pm
Cub scouts in grades 1–3 are invited to explore the outdoors through a naturalist-led spring hike, plant and animal games, a craft, a nature scavenger hunt, and live animal presentation by Hershey’s Zoo America. Activities will give cub scouts background knowledge on basic nature concepts and immerse them in a day of outdoor fun and awareness. Bring your own picnic lunch. Scouts must be accompanied by their guardian or scout leader. Contact Kelsey Frey for more information: kafrey@york-county.org. $8 per scout, register at 428-1961. Download registration form

Wednesday, March 14; Homeschool Field Trip
Nixon Park, 10am–2pm
An introduction to the happenings of spring woodlands day and night for homeschool students in grades 1–6. Students will rotate through three indoor and outdoor activities with a break for lunch. Dress for the weather and bring a bag lunch. There are a limited number of spaces available for adult chaperones. Registration deadline is February 28. NF, register at 428-1961.

Thursday, March 15; Wallace-Cross Mill Spring Covered Dish
Cross Roads United Methodist Church, 6pm
Bring a covered dish and enjoy an evening talking about old mills with the Friends of Wallace-Cross Mill. A program will follow supper. NF, register at 840-7440.

Saturday, March 17; Eastern Penn Mushroomers Club Meeting
Nixon Park, 10am–12noon
See January 14 for details or visit
www.epennmushroomers.org. NF, NR.

Sunday, March 18; Signs of Spring
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
Join Park Naturalist Amber Carothers on a stroll along the stream and ponds to search for signs of spring’s arrival. NF, NR.

Sunday, March 25; Spring Public Star Watch
Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area, 7:30–10pm
Join the Parks and York County Astronomical Society as they gather on this vista to view the heavens during the first night of spring. Various telescopes and binoculars will be set up to view celestial objects. Event will be held weather permitting. For same-day event update, call 887-7103. NF, NR.

Saturday, March 31; Opening Day of Trout Season
Kain and Spring Valley Parks
All participants 16 years or older must have a PA fishing license and trout stamp. NF, NR.

Saturday, March 31; Daisy and Brownie Spring Fun Day
Nixon Park, 9:30am–2:45pm
Girl scouts in grades K–3 are invited to explore the outdoors through a naturalist-led spring hike, plant and animal games, a craft, nature scavenger hunt, and live animal presentation by Hershey’s Zoo America. Activities will give scouts background knowledge on basic nature concepts in a day of outdoor fun and awareness. Bring a picnic lunch. Scouts must be accompanied by a guardian or scout leader. Contact Kelsey Frey for more information: kafrey@york-county.org. $8 per scout, register at 428-1961. Download registration form

Saturday, March 31; History and Mystery of Raab Park
Raab Park, 1–3pm
Go back in time with Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones and learn about one of the 19th century’s leading industries in York County. Find out how miners removed and shipped ore and see how this history has been preserved today. Learn about the park’s efforts to conserve the bats living in some mineshafts. Meet at the parking lot on Hoff Rd. for a two-mile hike with steep terrain. Please wear proper hiking attire. NF, register at 428-1961.

Saturday, March 31; Public Star Watch
Rudy Park Observatory, 7–9pm
View the 1st quarter moon, planets, and stars through the York County Astronomical Society’s telescopes and binoculars. Refreshments provided. Event held if skies are partly cloudy to clear. Call YCAS at 578-9109 after 5pm for update. For more info and directions, visit www.ycas.org. Groups with ten or more should place a courtesy call to YCAS. NF, NR.