Greenwood Furnace to hold summer beach blast
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HUNTINGDON -- It's hard to believe the dog days of summer are almost here. To celebrate, Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon is holding a Beach Blast from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.
A variety of activities are planned, highlighted by a sandcastle building competition and swim across the lake.
"The Beach Blast is just another great way to enjoy the summer," said Jen Moore, environmental education specialist at Greenwood Furnace and Whipple Dam state parks. "Cool off with a swim across the lake, take a kayak out, enjoy some old-fashioned ice cream or learn about the critters that live in the stream."
The Beach Blast returns after a one-year hiatus and features activities continuously, with the kayak demonstrations and ice cream. A lifeguard will be on duty during the swim across the lake as well as staff members and volunteers on the water in kayaks. There are also sessions on animal tracks, stream exploration, outdoor safety, leave no trace and backyard bass. Smokey Bear is also scheduled to make an appearance.
The sandcastle competition starts at 1 p.m., with judging at 2 p.m. The swim across the lake follows at 2:30 p.m. Meet at the beach concession stand at the park, located at 15795 Greenwood Road. Prizes will be awarded. The activities are free and open to all ages.
Insect Program at Whipple Dam
Whipple Dam State Park wraps up its Outdoor Summer Series with a program about insects at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3.
Take a bug walk and look for insects under logs, in the grass and everywhere in between.
"We will be looking for 'mini beasts,' which include spiders, ants and centipedes," Moore added. "Butterflies, bees and grasshoppers are also part of this group which we will look for in the grass or flower areas.
"Not all insects are scary - this is a great chance to learn about the benefits of these creatures and gain a better understanding of their life," she added.
Meet at Pavilion No. 3 at Whipple Dam State Park, located at 3746 Laurel Run Road, Petersburg. The program is free and open to all ages.
For more information, visit www.dcnor.org or find Greenwood Furnace State Park's page on Facebook.