October

 

Saturday, October 1; Archery Season Opens
Kain, Rocky Ridge, Raab, Apollo & Spring Valley Parks

No hunting on Sundays. Permit is required; info at this web site or at Rudy or Nixon offices. Season closes November 12.


Saturday, October 1; Raptors Rising—Accipter Magic
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers Parking Lot, North Overlook, 9am–12noon

October offers the greatest variety of species from kestrels to coopers, osprey to bald eagles and more. Join hawk watcher Randy Phillips and observe the fall spectacle of migrating hawks while learning basic identification and facts about many species. Bring binoculars and field guides, and dress for the weather. NF, NR.

Saturday, October 1; Volunteer Naturalist Training
Nixon Park, 9:30–11:30am

Is being a volunteer naturalist for you? This introductory program will guide you through what it takes to be a volunteer naturalist for the York County Parks. Training will teach how to conduct indoor and outdoor programs for a wide variety of age groups during the week and on weekends. Time commitment is your choice, no previous skills needed. NF, register at 428-1961.


Saturdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Hanover Junction and New Freedom Stations Open for Saturday Hours
Rail Trail, 10am–5pm (Saturdays only in October)

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. NF, NR.


Sunday, October 2; 1,000-Mile Walk
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm

Ever wonder what it would be like to walk 1,000 miles? How about alone and at age 17? Caleb Miller, a Dallastown Senior, found out as he walked 1,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail as a fund raiser for Cystic Fibrosis. Come hear what inspired him, the gear he used, how he trained, his support system, and the highs and lows of his trek. This indoor program will include slides, discussion, and questions and answers. NF, NR.


Sunday, October 9; The Big Sit!
Nixon Park, 12midnight–11:59pm

The Big Sit! is an annual, international, noncompetitive, free birding event. Join a dedicated flock of volunteer bird-watchers and listeners as they record all identifiable species of birds during a 24-hour period from inside a 17-foot diameter circle. If you aren’t crazy enough to participate, please stop by the circle to give encouragement or snacks and learn about bird-watching. Participants may register in shifts throughout the day. NF, register at
428-1961 to join the flock.


Monday, October 10; Columbus Day
Parks office and Nature Center closed.
Park grounds open.


Tuesday, October 11; Fall Senior Excursions
Spring Valley Park, Animal Activity Area, 10am, 2pm & 6pm

Take a 9-mile ride on the Parks truck- pulled people-mover. Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones will take you back in time as he interprets some of the history, wildlife and nature along the way. $8/person, register at 840-7440.


Saturday, October 15; Raptor’s Rising
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers Parking Lot, North Overlook, 9am–12:30pm

Join Park Naturalist Francis Velazquez. October offers the greatest variety of species from kestrels to coopers, osprey to bald eagles and more. Join hawk watchers and observe the fall spectacle of migrating hawks while learning basic identification and facts about many species. Bring binoculars and field guides, and dress for the weather. NF, NR.


Sunday, October 16; Cider Fest
Wallace-Cross Mill, 1:30–4:30pm

Come enjoy a fall outing, take a tour of the mill, and sample some freshly prepared sweet apple cider. NF, NR, but donations are appreciated.

Sunday, October 16; Partners in the Park 5K Race
Rocky Ridge Park, Hidden Laurel Parking Lot, 2pm

This unique running race passes through the park using roadways and trails. Runners are teamed into pairs, and times are combined to produce a total time. Prizes are awarded in various categories. Event proceeds benefit the trails at Rocky Ridge. Call 840-7440 for registration details.

Sunday, October 16; Fall and Winter Birds
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm

Begin the feeding season right with feeder and identification info on rare and usual winter birds, as Park Naturalist Kelsey Frey leads this indoor and outdoor program. Bring binoculars. NF, NR.


Sunday, October 23; Fall Foliage Frolic
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm

Take an afternoon hike with forester and park volunteer Bill Greenawalt, unlocking mysteries of fall colors and learning about lives and history of the trees. NF, NR.


Tuesday, October 25; Parks Board Meeting
Pleasant Acres Annex, 7pm


Saturday, October 29; Raptor Rising
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers Parking Lot, North Overlook, 9am–12:30pm

Join local hawk watcher Phil Keener. See October 1 for details. NF, NR.

Saturday, October 29; Ghost Walk
Raab Park, 7–9pm

Take a walk and relive the life of a miner employed by the York Iron Company. Participants will visit this 19th century mine after hours when strange things may happen. Participants must bring a flashlight and be prepared to walk one mile with hills. Sturdy shoes are suggested, as several hills will be included. NF, register at 428-1961.


Sunday, October 30; How Animals Prepare for Winter
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm

This is the last hike of the Spring to Fall Sunday Walk Series at Nixon Park. Explore what steps the animal world is taking to get ready for the long winter months on an autumn afternoon stroll. NF, NR.