Schuylkill state parks coming events

Several events are planned for Locust Lake State Park in Barnesville, Schuylkill County.

• Discover E is a series of outdoor program at many state parks for youth ages 4 to 12. The fun and exciting programs are designed to allow young people to explore their environment with other children of the same age and abilities.

Youth who progress from one program to the next will continually grow in their understanding and stewardship of the environment.

Registration will open on at 8 a.m. May 24. The fee is $20 per child. Payment must be made in advance by check by mail, credit card by phone or cash in person at the park office. A registration form must also be completed. Forms may be picked up at the park office.

The programs include: Hid n’ Seekers (ages 4-5), July 8-10, 9 to 11 a.m.; Outdoor Explorers (ages 6-8), Aug. 5-7, 9 to 11 a.m.; and Penn’s Adventurers (ages 9-12), July 22-24, 9 a.m. to noon.

Each child must attend each full session on all three days in order to receive a certificate of completion and a badge. Specific details will be posted on the calendar of events closer to the dates.

All children must be accompanied by an adult at all sessions.

Sessions are rain or shine, so participants must dress for the indoors or outdoors.

• At 1:30 p.m. on May 25, a scavenger hunt will take place at the Locust Lake program shelter. Participants can come alone or bring family or a group to explore the park in search of different items.

• At 4 p.m. May 25, join park naturalist as she discusses the bears of the world. As more people move out to rural areas, bear encounters increase.

The program will include bear habitat, feeding and sleeping habits. Also discussed is what to do if you encounter a bear in the wild. Meet at the program shelter at Locust Lake.

• At 6 p.m. on May 25, Susan Gallagher, chief naturalist at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center, will present “Bats: Fact and Fiction” at the Locust Lake amphitheater.

Gallagher will have a live bat to share facts and dispel myths surrounding the only flying mammal. She will talk about their unique anatomy and the habits and diet of local bats.

There will also be a discussion about White Nose Syndrome and how it is affecting the bat population. Shine only.

• On Sunday, May 26, at 9 a.m., a Fish for Free Day will be held at the Locust Lake shelter from 9 a.m. to noon. No fishing license is needed to fish on this day, however, all other regulations apply. Some fishing poles and tackle will be available.

The park naturalist, campground host and a state fish and boat officer will be on hand for instruction. Bring your own bait.

For more information call Robin Tracey at 570-467-2506. Shine only.

• At 1:30 p.m. on May 26, a Salamander Stealth Walk will be held. Join the park naturalist to explore the woods around Locust Lake in search of salamanders at Locust Lake park. Meet at the lake amphitheater.

The naturalist will discuss salamander identification, habitat, and their role in the ecosystem.

A field identification capture and release walk will follow.

Bring along a container to collect the animals and meet at the amphitheater.