September

Saturday, September 3 through Sunday, September 25
Hanover Junction and New Freedom Train Stations Open for Weekend 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.

Sunday, September 4; Moonlight Boat Ride
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 7:30pm
Take a quiet ride on Lake Redman among inlets and along the shore after dark to explore the world of nocturnal life. 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 $2 for each individual. Please register at 840-7440.
 

Sunday, September 4; Meadow Walk
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
Explore the “jungle” of PA. Fall meadows are filled with activity, hidden predators, colorful insects, tricks of camouflage and some of the most interesting plants. Take a one-mile stroll through the meadows of Nixon Park with Park Naturalist Kelsey Frey. NF, NR.
 

Monday, September 5; Labor Day
Parks office and Nature Center closed.
Park grounds open.

Monday, September 5; Hanover Junction and New Freedom Stations Open for Labor Day
Rail Trail, 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.

Tuesday, September 6; Sunset Scramble Bike Ride
Rail Trail Park, New Freedom Train Station, 6:30–9pm
Take a 13- to 15-mile moderately-paced ride for exercise and make friends with fellow riders. Each rider must have a helmet, a light and water. Bring money for a snack along the way, NF, NR.
 

Friday, September 9; Moonlight Boat Ride
Kain Park, Lake Redman Activity Area, 7:30pm
Take a quiet ride on Lake Redman among inlets and along the shore after dark to explore the world of nocturnal life. 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 $2 for each individual. Please register at 840-7440.

September 6–7, 12–14 & 19–21; Goose Hunt
Kain Park, Dawn until 11am
The annual staff-supervised non-migratory goose hunt will be conducted in Kain Park. The area between Hess Farm Rd., Iron Stone Hill Rd., Lake Rd. and Log Rd. will be closed every day until 11am. Permit needed.

Saturday, September 10; Moonlight Bike Ride
Rail Trail, Brillhart Station Parking Area, 7:30pm
Take a 9-mile ride under a bright moon looking at noctural wildlife and astronomy, and hear folklore and railroad stories. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ride. $5, children under age 12 are free, NR.

Saturday, September 10; Native Plant Sale
Pleasant Acres Complex, 9am–1pm
Come to the annual native plant sale sponsored by Penn State Extension and MAEscapes. An excellent selection of native wildflowers, ferns, grasses, shrubs and trees will be available as well as educational talks. For more information, call 840-7408

Saturday, September 10; Backpack Picnic Hike
Apollo Park, Shenks Ferry Rd. Parking Lot, 10:30am–12:30pm
Park Naturalist Amber Carothers will lead a hike among whispering pines and a young hardwood forest to a breathtaking overlook on the Susquehanna River for lunch. Bring your lunch and plenty of water, and wear good hiking shoes.  NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

Sunday, September 11; Yard Tree Care
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
Tend to the largest natural organisms in your yard. Arborist Ken Miller will discuss proper selection for your site and at the nursery, proper placement, pruning and care of existing trees. This inside and outside program will include Q&A session, and participants are encouraged to bring photos for advice. NF, NR.

Sunday, September 11; Moonlight Dog Walk
Rudy Park, Canine Meadows, 8pm
Join the Friends of Canine Meadows and Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones for a walk through the park under a near full moon (hopefully it is not cloudy). Along the walk several dog games, stargazing and fun activities will take place. Each participant will receive a glow stick. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the walk. $5/person, NR.

Saturday, September 17; Raptors Rising—Broadwings on the Move
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers Parking Lot, North Overlook, 12noon–3pm
Come out for an afternoon of watching for early migrating birds of prey. Learn the how and why of migration and identification through informal discussion and “eyes-on” practice. This afternoon time is set to hopefully catch “kettles” of hundreds of migrating Broadwing Hawks. Bring binoculars, field guide and lawn chair. NF, NR.

Sunday, September 18; Fungus Among Us
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
This indoor and outdoor program will introduce you to a world of local fungi. Local naturalists Cheryl and John Dawson return to lead this exciting program. NF, please register by calling 428-1961.

Tuesday, September 20; Senior Excursion
Rail Trail, New Freedom Train Station, 10am, 12noon, 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, September 24; Miller’s Heritage Day
Wallace-Cross Mill, 10am–4:30pm
Newly discovered ledgers from the mill will lead us into the life and times of miller James Nelson Cross (1862–1944). Tour guides will take visitors through the inner workings of the restored water-powered grist mill. NF, NR.

Saturday, September 24
Sunday, September 25
Watershed Weekend
Visit some or all of the 12 venues highlighting York County’s water heritage. Educational and fun. For a list of sites and times, go to www.watershedyork.org after September 1 for a weekend guide.

Saturday, September 24
Sunday, September 25
Dinosaur Weekend
Nixon Park, Saturday 10am–4pm, Sunday 12noon–4pm
Join experts from Carnegie Museum of Natural History as we recognize some of the largest animals that ever walked on Earth. Enjoy a table display from Carnegie as well as additional programs. There will also be exhibits, mineral and fossil dealers, special programs, dino story time, dino coloring contest, and the always-popular fossil pit. $2/person per day, children under age 5 free.
 

Saturday, September 24; Teeth and Claws
Nixon Park, 10:30–11:10am & 2:45–3:20pm
Want to see different teeth and claws from dinosaurs? Do you know what these prehistoric animals used teeth and claws for? Now is the time for you to get the latest information from the experts at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. For ages 5 and up. NF, NR.
 

Saturday, September 24; Dinosaur Story Time
Nixon Park, 11:15–11:50am
Hear a story about a friendly dinosaur named Herbie who was trying to make friends in the world of prehistoric life. Hear about what Herbie ate, where he slept, and the trouble that he got into. The program will end with children making dinosaur masks and parading around the Nature Center. For ages 4-7. NF, NR.
 

Saturday, September 24; Dinosaur Coloring Contest
Nixon Park, 12noon
You may either enter a drawing of a known dinosaur or a make-believe species and submit it before the weekend (deadline is 11am on Saturday), to be eligible to win prizes. Drawings will be on display during the weekend. NF, NR.
 

Saturday, September 24; Fossils, Fossils Everywhere
Nixon Park, 12:45–1:25pm
Other than dinosaur fossils, what types of animals have become fossilized? Learn about the fossils found in Pennsylvania and Maryland with examples and hands-on activities with York County Parks Program Coordinator Jeri Jones. NF, NR.
 

Saturday, September 24; Dino-Mite Dinosaurs
Nixon Park, 1:45–2:20pm
How big, how fast and how strong? Join Carnegie Museum of Natural History staff as they discuss the size of dinosaurs and their strengths. For ages 5 and up. NF, NR.

Sunday, September 25; Dino-Mite Dinosaurs
Nixon Park, 1:30–2:05pm
See previous listing for info. NF, NR.

Sunday, September 25; Dinosaurs and Earthquakes Interactive Program
Nixon Park, 2:15–2:50pm
Join Jeri Jones in a fun program involving the audience. Learn about several dinosaurs that roamed through York County. During this program, names of two dinosaurs just discovered will be revealed for the first time. Also, learn how earthquakes happen, their local importance and compete in an earthquake contest.
For ages 5 and up. NF, NR.

Sunday, September 25; Teeth and Claws
Nixon Park, 3–3:35pm
See September 24 for details. NF, NR.

Tuesday, September 27; Registration for Boy & Girl Scout Winter Events
Nixon Park, 8:30am
Enjoy an overnight at Nixon Park with your Junior Girl Scouts on January 13–14 or Webelo Scouts on January 20–21. Overnights will include a live animal presentation, a night hike and more activities. For additional information or to register call 428-1961. Space is limited. $25/scout and $15/adult.

Tuesday, September 27; Parks Board Meeting
Pleasant Acres Annex, 7pm