Environmental Education Programs
Newsletters | 2008 Schedule | Membership
 An
extensive series of nature programs is offered in the
Indiana County Parks system by Friends of the Parks.
Friends of the Parks is a volunteer, non-profit organization
dedicated to providing quality environmental education
programs in the Indiana County Parks system and at Yellow
Creek State Park.
Programs are provided through member support
and are offered free of charge. All membership funds go directly toward bringing programs to Indiana
County. Membership is not required to attend programs.
Some programs require that participants
pre-register. The number to call for pre-registration
is included in the program listings. Programs typically
last 1-2 hours.
A brochure is available by contacting the Indiana County Parks office. The brochure features
a complete schedule, directions to each program location,
and a membership form. Directions to Blue
Spruce Park, Pine
Lodge, the Blacklick
Valley Natural Area, and the Ghost
Town Trail are available here. Visit Yellow
Creek State Park's website for directions to programs
at Yellow Creek.
2008
Newsletters (PDF Format)
2008
Schedule
Friends of the Parks has rescheduled two programs that were previously canceled due to bad weather. The programs are indicated with several asterisks (****).
A complete printable
2008 schedule is available here in PDF format.
January 26, Saturday
College Lodge, 6:00 pm ®
Fireside Dinner: Costa Rica: No Artificial Ingredients – Dennis Ausel – Juan Valdez drinks Costa Coffee so the bumper sticker claims on a car in Costa Rica. Like its wonderful world class coffee, Costa Rica offers many other world-class entities. From its beautiful beaches to its spectacular cloud forests, Costa Rica is an outdoor paradise which is safe and friendly. The presentation will introduce you to this small country, some of its many sites and its people. The presenter will provide an itinerary which has satisfied over 200 students in the past 13 years. Pre-registration is required.
February 1, Friday
Blue Spruce Lodge, 7:00 pm
The Lure & Lore of the Greek Isles – Denise Weber – Tour the Greek Isles of Delos, Mikonos and Santorini. See the Cyclopean walls of Mycenae. Visit the theater at Epidarus. Sail into the volcanic crater of Santorini & tour the archaeological dig on the island. Learn about the catastrophic eruption that may have ended the Menoan civilization.
February 9, Saturday
Yellow Creek, Environmental Learning Classroom, 6:30 pm
The Winter Sky – Ray Beisel – Winter skies are excellent for stargazing. We will get a good, telescopic look (clear sky permitting) at the waxing crescent moon, the rise of Saturn, and the transit of Mars. Hubble Space telescope views and celestial information will be provided indoors regardless of the weather. Bring the family. Dress warmly!
February 15, Friday
Blue Spruce Lodge, 7:00 pm
From Alaska’s Kenai to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula – Jim Reber – Beginning with bears digging for clams on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and ending with volcanoes and geysers of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, we look at photographs of a cruise through the Aleutian Islands. Views are included of huge bird colonies, sea lions, and the remains from Japan’s occupation of Kiska and Attu Islands during World War II.
February 23, Saturday
Blue Spruce Lodge, 7:00 pm
Mongolia – Rebecca Sterley – A grand sweep through Outer Mongolia touching on Genghis Khan, the Gobi Desert, broad sweeping valleys, and semi-nomadic herding life in a family Ger camp. Join a Khorkhog feast, ancient archaeological digs, the King’s Palace, and the surprise of Edelweiss.
February 29, Friday
Blue Spruce Lodge, 7:00 pm
England, Ireland and a Wee Bit of Wales – Jean Turton - Travel to our original “Mother Country” and other parts of the British Isles. Enjoy the sights of London and its monarchy and the fascinating cities of Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then proceed to Wales and Ireland for a tour of its gorgeous countryside. Finally, stand before the pillars of Stonehenge: one of the world’s unique sites.
March 8, Saturday
Blue Spruce Lodge, 7:00 pm
Big Game Hunting in North America– Gary M. Ferrence – Come and enjoy an evening of armchair hunting as you travel with Gary through wilderness areas of NA in pursuit of some of America’s finest big game. Huff and puff up to the continental divide in Colorado, enjoy Thanksgiving turkey in Montana, and bust through the thick brush and bogs of Newfoundland. The presentation will include preparation for the hunts, hunter safety, stories about the hunts, meat care, trophy preparation, and some of North America’s finest scenery.
March 15, Saturday
Blue Spruce Lodge, 2:00 pm
Maple Sugaring - Allan and Andy Kinter - With spring right around the corner and the sap running, it’s time for one of our favorite programs, Maple Sugaring. Satisfy your sweet tooth by attending our popular program as we learn how the maple sugaring process was done in the past and enjoy some samples of the delicious treat.
March 29, Saturday
Yellow Creek, Environmental Learning Classroom, 2:00 pm
Introduction to Trout Fishing with Flies – Rich DiStanislao – Come and learn more about this sport, about the equipment it takes to pursue it, where the fish are found, and how you can coax them to bite on a hook covered with feathers and thread!
April 5, Saturday
Blue Spruce Lodge, 7:00 pm
Daily Life of Native Peoples – Butch Laney – Join us as we learn about the daily lives of the Eastern Woodland People during the time of the French and Indian in the 1750’s. Mr. Laney will discuss the native people’s fishing and hunting techniques, cooking, gardening, tool making and use of herbs. Visit the web site at www.naeskahonitown.com for a preview.
April 13, Sunday
Yellow Creek, Environmental Learning Classroom, 2:00 pm
Wind Energy – Mike Shaffer – Sick and tired of paying high electricity bills? Small wind energy systems like the 10KW wind turbine at Yellow Creek will generate close to 1000 kWH per month, which is plenty enough electricity to power most homes. Can small wind turbines work for you? To find out join the park naturalist for an in depth look into wind turbines.
April 19, Saturday
Yellow Creek, Environmental Learning Classroom, 8:00 am
Bird Walk – Margaret Higbee – Join the Todd Bird Club for a bird walk in Yellow Creek State Park. This birding hot spot ranks in the top ten in the state. We will be just in time to see migratory waterfowl, and the warbler season will be just beginning. Dress for the weather.
April 26, Saturday
Yellow Creek, Environmental Learning Classroom, 2:00 pm
Water Restoration in Local Streams – Dan Cardellino – The Ken Sink Chapter of Trout Unlimited is greatly involved in efforts to conserve, restore and protect our fresh water resources in the county. Indiana County suffers from poor water quality due to mine drainage. Much has been done to remedy this problem, but much more needs to be done. This presentation will also address the importance of clean water for fishing in this area.
**** May 2, Friday
Blue Spruce Lodge, 7:00 pm
England, Ireland and a Wee Bit of Wales – Jean Turton -
Travel to our original “Mother Country” and other parts of the British Isles. Enjoy the sights of London and its monarchy and the fascinating cities of Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then proceed to Wales and Ireland for a tour of its gorgeous countryside. Finally, stand before the pillars of Stonehenge: one of the world’s unique sites.
May 3, Saturday
Pine Ridge Lodge, 2:00 pm
Mushroom Walk - John Plischke – Morels are one of nature’s special foods, but they can be delicious or they can be toxic. This session will teach participants where to find morels, and how to identify edible versus toxic types.
May 4, Sunday
Yellow Creek, Environmental Learning Classroom, 2:00 pm
Biking the Trails – Teri & Rick McFerron – Biking the trails is a great way to spend time together and to improve physical conditioning. The McFerrons will share information about the bike trails of Indiana County plus many other trails in our region. They will also discuss safety, equipment, clothing and other factors related to having a safe and enjoyable biking experience.
**** May 9, Friday
Blue Spruce Lodge, 7:00 pm
The Lure & Lore of the Greek Isles – Denise Weber - Tour the Greek Isles of Delos, Mikonos and Santorini. See the Cyclopean walls of Mycenae. Visit the theater at Epidarus. Sail into the volcanic crater of Santorini & tour the archaeological dig on the island. Learn about the catastrophic eruption that may have ended the Menoan civilization.
May 11, Sunday
Yellow Creek, Environmental Learning Classroom, 2:00 pm ®
Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk & Tea – Cindy Rogers – Join Cindy for a talk and walk to learn about our local “weeds.” After a walk you can join us for tea and snacks made from some of the plants you will see in the wild. Come dressed for the weather. Pre-registration is required.
May 18, Sunday
Yellow Creek Park Office, 2:00 pm ®
Salamander Safari – Mike Shaffer – Come and explore Laurel Run for salamanders and other “critters.” Remember to wear shoes that can get wet. Great fun for the whole family. Pre-registration is required.
June 8, Sunday
Yellow Creek State Park, North Shore, 2:00 pm
Lake Kayaking & Family Fun – Ron & Cookie Moretti – Ever consider enjoying the lake by kayak? It’s great fun and easy to master. Bring your family, learn about kayaking and try a vessel out for size!
June 14, Saturday
Yellow Creek State Park, Lake-view Pavilion, 2:00 pm ®
Creek Stomp – Mike Shaffer – Join us for an afternoon of fun and discovery as we explore Little Yellow Creek for the critters that live there. We’ll be in “Craw-Dad” Heaven. Wear shoes that can get wet. Pre-registration is required.
June 21, Saturday
Blue Spruce, Pavilion #4, 10:00 am®
Hiking & Packing with Llamas – Diane Neely – What do you do with a llama? Learn about these gentle animals from South America. After the presentation, take a walk with llamas-leading them down the park trail.
Pre-registration is required
June 28, Saturday
Yellow Creek Environmental Classroom , 2:00 pm®
Introduction to Digital Photography –Dennis Ausel – This presentation and hands-on workshop is being provided to help beginning digital photographers understand their cameras. The participant will learn how to manipulate the basic digital camera settings. The presentation will also cover basic rules of composition that anyone may follow to make better photographs. Pre-registration is required.
Learn all about the July through November programs.
Membership
To Become a Member: Membership is $10 for individuals, $15 for families. Other membership levels include Benefactor, $25, and Sponsor at $150 and above. Make check payable to 'Friends of the Parks' and mail to 1235 Oak Street, Indiana, PA 15701. Contact Indiana County Parks for further information about membership.
Support for Friends of the Parks comes from individuals, businesses, and organizations who care about quality environmental education programming in Indiana County. Friends of the Parks' work is accomplished through the financial support of its members and the work of a dedicated group of volunteer Board members. We encourage you to become a member today.
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