The Memorial Lake State Park Complex has announced its schedule of outdoor events in July at the complex, which includes Memorial Lake and Swatara state parks, and Boyd Big Tree and Joseph Ibberson conservation areas.
All programs are subject to change due to weather or staffing shortages. Please check the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Calendar of Events or Facebook page for cancellations or changes to programs.
Activities are free unless otherwise noted. If you have concerns or require special accommodations, please reach out to DCNR at least 72 hours prior to the event at 717-865-6470 or qheist@pa.gov.
Here’s this month’s schedule:
- Monday, July 1, 10 a.m.-noon – Bordner Cabin Hike at Swatara State Park. Meet at Sand Siding Road lot and join the park naturalist for a 3-mile hike along Sand Siding and Bear Hole trails to Bordner Cabin to discuss its history. Wear appropriate shoes and bring water.
- Monday, July 3, 10-11:30 a.m. – Mammal Tracks and Traces at Memorial Lake State Park. Meet near Middle Road pavilion and explore the world of wildlife tracking. Program will include observation of common mammal skulls and furs.
- Monday, July 8, 9-10:30 a.m. – Birding Walk at Swatara State Park. Meet at Trout Run Trailhead and join the park naturalist to see local birds. The park has binoculars and field guides to lend out, but feel free to bring your own.
- Monday, July 8, 2-3:30 p.m. – Insect Exploration at Memorial Lake State Park. Meet near Middle Road pavilion to examine local insect life.
- Tuesday, July 9, 9-10:30 a.m. – Hook, Line, and Simple: Intro to Fishing at Memorial Lake State Park. Meet at Lower Road Boat Launch and learn to rig a fishing line, bait a hook, and cast a rod. Park will provide tackle, bait, and fishing rods. Pennsylvania fishing licenses are required for participants 16 and older.
- Tuesday, July 9, 2-3:30 p.m. – Stream Study at Memorial Lake State Park. Meet at Lower Road parking lot and explore the quality of the stream by examining the creatures that call it home. Park will provide strainers, containers, and magnifying glasses, followed by a discussion about the discoveries. Bring shoes you can wear in the stream.
- Friday, July 12, 10 a.m.-noon – Intro to Kayaking at Memorial Lake State Park. Meet at Lower Road Boat Launch and learn the basics of kayak safety and technique. Kayak, paddle, and lifejacket provided. Limited spots available, preregistration is required. Cost is $5 per person. Participants must be 12 years or older and able to handle an adult kayak; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.
- Friday and Saturday, July 12-13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Bear-Hole Trail Drive-Thru at Swatara State Park. Self-guided 5-mile tour begins at Swopes Valley Trailhead and lets out at Waterville Bridge, near Lickdale. There are designated parking areas at the fossil pit, Daubert School, charcoal pit, and Bordner Cabin to get out and explore. Speed limit is 10mph and traffic is one-way. Last entrance is at 2:30 p.m.
Read More: How to visit Bordner’s Cabin at Swatara State Park
- Sunday, July 14, 10-11:30 a.m. – Fossil Frenzy: Digging into PA’s Past at Swatara State Park. Meet at the Swopes Valley Trailhead and learn about the types of fossils found at Swatara, how they were created, and what they can tell us about the past. Dig for fossils in tried-and-true fossil hill. Park will provide plastic digging trowels.
- Sunday, July 14, 2-3:30 p.m. – Branching Out: Intro to Tree ID at Memorial Lake State Park. Meet near Middle Road pavilion to explore the diversity and wonder of native trees, learn tips for identifying common backyard trees using bark, leaves, and seeds.
- Friday, July 19, 10 a.m.-noon – Intro to Archery at Memorial Lake State Park. Meet near Middle Road pavilion to learn the basics of archery, including safety, technique, and proper use of equipment. Park will provide all equipment. Children must be at least 10 years old to participate and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Limited spots available, preregistration is required.
- Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m.-noon – Hike to Canal Locks at Swatara State Park. Meet at Trout Run Trailhead for a 4-mile hike on a portion of the Appalachian Trail and observe pieces of the Union Canal along Swatara Creek.
- Sunday, July 21, 8:30 p.m. – Full Moon Kayak at Memorial Lake State Park. Launch at 9 p.m. from Middle Road boat launch to enjoy the Buck Moon and nocturnal wildlife from the water. All participants must bring their own kayak, lifejacket, headlamp or other white light (not a cellphone), and whistle. Participants must be over age 16, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. PA Launch permit required for all kayaks.
- Wednesday, July 24, 8:30-9:30 p.m. – Going Batty: PA Bats at Memorial Lake State Park. Meet at Middle Road pavilion for a walk through the Middle Lot area to look for and learn about local bats. Bring a flashlight.
- Friday, July 26, 10-11:30 a.m. – Nature Hike at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area. Meet at the education pavilion for a 3-mile hike over intermediate terrain to observe and talk about some of the interesting things along the way. Wear appropriate shoes and bring water.
- Friday, July 26, noon-2 p.m. – PA Mammals Skull & Fur Table at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area. Stop by the education pavilion and test your skills identifying the skulls and furs of common Pennsylvania mammals.
- Tuesday, July 30, 6-7:30 p.m. – Salamander Safari at Swatara State Park. Meet at Trout Run Trailhead to discuss these unique amphibians and what distinguishes them from other inhabitants of the park, then take a half-mile hike to hunt for salamanders in Swatara Creek. Park will provide a limited number of nets and containers, so bring your own if you can. Wear shoes that can get wet.
- Wednesday, July 31, 10 a.m.-noon – Intro to Orienteering at Memorial Lake State Park. Meet near Middle Road pavilion and learn how to use a compass and map to navigate.
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