By Dispatch staff

April 22, 2012

The York County Department of Parks and Recreation will present a Nature Fun at Home program, 2:30-4 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at Richard M. Nixon County Park.

Parks naturalist Amber Carothers will show participants how to turn backyards into an outdoor haven for kids of all ages. During the program, participants will learn an inexpensive way to create a nature playscape at home. The program is free with no registration required.

For information on this and other programs, go to www.yorkcountyparks.org.

By Dispatch staff

April 11, 2012

The York County Department of Parks and Recreation will present a Salamander Stroll, 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at Richard M. Nixon County Park.

Naturalist and amphibian expert Gretchen Young will lead this indoor and outdoor experience. Participants will learn about the interesting lives of local amphibians and also have a chance to go outside and look at these fascinating critters. Participants will look for frog and toad eggs, adult frogs and toads and native salamanders, and listen for mating calls.

Participants should dress for the weather. There is no fee but registration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Nixon County Park at (717) 428-1961.

By Dispatch staff

January 30, 2012

The York County Department of Parks and Recreation is offering the Cabin Fever Hike series from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on scheduled Saturdays this winter. All hikes are at Rocky Ridge County Park and will start in the Hidden Laurel Picnic Area. Guides will cover different topics each week.

For Feb. 4, naturalist Amber Carothers will guide attendees along the trail while investigating what animals are doing during the winter. Afterwards, participants will enjoy a fire and hot chocolate in an enclosed pavilion. Meet at Pleasant Pavilion.

On Feb. 11, science teacher Jeff Miller will lead the Winter Scavenger Hike. Participants can find out who has been visiting the park during the winter and what is happening in the woods. Prizes will be awarded. Meet at Ruffed Grouse Pavilion.

Directions and a map of the park are available at www.yorkcountyparks.org. Rocky Ridge is split between Hellam and Springettsbury townships.

All hikes are free but registration is required. To register or for more information, call Nixon County Park at (717) 428-1961.

By Dispatch staff

January 27, 2012

The York County Department of Parks and Recreation will host a Wildlife CSI program, 2:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 at Richard M. Nixon County Park, Springfield Township.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Officer Kyle Jury will explain the skills and science of investigating wildlife crimes. Participants can test their observation skills at a mock crime scene and learn about one of the state’s lesser known animal species, the fisher. The program will be an indoor-outdoor, hands-on experience.

Admission is free and registration is not required. For more information, call 428-1961.

By Dispatch staff

September 15, 2011

Dinosaur Weekend is returning to Nixon County Park — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25.

The event will feature a number of displays and hands-on activities for the entire family. Touch real dinosaur bones, put your hand in a model dinosaur foot print, play the dinosaur tracking game and learn about some of the mighty beasts that once roamed the Earth.

The always favorite fossil pit will again be available to anyone wishing to collect a piece of evidence from the past. Several fossil and mineral dealers will be on hand. Also chat with an expert from Carnegie Museum of Natural History, who will supply a dinosaur display and conduct programs throughout the weekend.

New for 2011 is the dinosaur-drawing contest. Children ages 3-12 are welcome to enter their own drawing of a dinosaur. The top three winners from three age age categories will win ribbons and prizes. Entries must be received by noon Sept. 24 at Nixon County Park.

Special programs throughout the weekend will include:

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24 –

– Teeth and Claws, 10:30-11:10 a.m. and 2:45-3:20 p.m.
Want to see different teeth and claws from dinosaurs? Do you know what these prehistoric animals used teeth and claws for? Now is the time for you to get the latest information from the experts at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. For ages 5 and older.

– Dinosaur Story Time, 11:15-11:50 a.m.
Hear a story about Herbie, a friendly dinosaur who was trying to make friends in the world of prehistoric life. Learn what Herbie ate, where he slept and the trouble that he got into. The program will end with the children making dinosaur masks and parading around the nature center. For ages 4-7.
– Dinosaur Coloring Contest, noon.
You may either enter a drawing of a known dinosaur or make-believe species and submit it before the deadline at noon to be eligible to win prizes. Drawings will be on display.

– Fossils, Fossils Everywhere, 12:45-1:25 p.m.
Other than dinosaur fossils, what types of animals have become fossilized? Learn about the fossils found in Pennsylvania and Maryland with examples and hands-on activities with Jeri Jones, Parks Program Coordinator .

– Dino-Mite Dinosaurs, 1:45-2:20 p.m.
How big, how fast and how strong. Join Carnegie Museum of Natural History staff as they discuss the size of dinosaurs and their strengths.For ages 5 and up.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 25 —

– Dino-Mite Dinosaurs, 1:30-2:05 p.m.
See Saturday program description.

– Dinosaurs and Earthquakes Interactive Program, 2:15-2:50 p.m.
Join Jeri Jones, Parks Program Coordinator, in a fun program involving the audience. Learn about the several dinosaurs that roamed throughout York County. During this program, names of two dinosaurs just discovered will be revealed for the first time. Also, learn how earthquakes happen, their local importance and compete in an earthquake contest. For ages 5 and older.

– Teeth and Claws, 3-3:35 p.m.
See Saturday program description.

Admission is $2 per person per day. Children younger than 5 are free.

For more information, call (717) 428-1961. For more programs, visit yorkcountyparks.org.