Events scheduled for Locust Lake state park

Events have been scheduled for Locust Lake State Park in Barnesville, Schuylkill County.

• At 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11, a dive demonstration will be presented by the Ryan Township Emergency Rescue Dive Team. The program will be held in the South Board Launch parking lot at Locust Lake. There will be a demonstration on protective gear and the divers will enter the water with a wireless communicator and underwater video camera. Spectators will be able to talk to the divers underwater and view what the divers see on an underwater camera monitor. The program will end with a water safety class. Shine only. Contact Robin Tracey at 570-467-2506 for details.

• Conservation volunteer Dave McSurdy will present a program at 5 p.m. Aug. 11 in the Locust Lake amphitheater. He will use cultural artifacts to explain the culture of the Plains Indians and their history. Shine only.

• Naturalist Robin Tracey will lead a hike on the Oak/Hemlock Trail at Locust Lake on Aug. 12. The trail is 4 miles long and difficult. The trail loops around Locust Lake and traverses up the mountain for a great view of the forest below. Part of the hike includes the “tree identification trail” made by one of the Eagle Scouts. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Meet at the visitor parking lot at 1:30 p.m. For more information call Tracey. Shine only.

• Join park volunteer Tom Powers for a program of the native reptiles and amphibians of Pennsylvania. The program will be held at the Locust Lake amphitheater at 5 p.m. on Aug. 18. He will talk about their habitat and diet. Some live animals will be on hand. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the program shelter located near the camp store.

• The state fish and boat commission will be providing a “fishing with a waterways conservation officer” event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 18 at Locust Lake. The event is designed for youth, adults and families that are interested in learning more about fishing. Meet in the field located next to the camp store.

This event also provides an opportunity to socialize, learn and share fishing and boating experiences with Southeast Regional Waterway Conservation officers and other anglers. Equipment and bait will be provided or participants can also bring their own tackle.

The fishing license requirement is waived for participants age 16 and older. Shine only.

Conservation volunteer “Pap” Knauss will lead a walk along the “Spirit of Tuscarora Trail” at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11, to search for late summer wildflowers. The trail is 4.5 miles in length and moderate in difficulty. The trail winds through several diverse habitats with a beautiful view of the Tuscarora Lake cover. Participants will meet in the upper beach parking lot near the trail head and bring a lunch. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and get along well with people and other pets. Shine only.