September Programs in the Park

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Sunset Kayak
Friday, 9/4/15: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
MUST PRE-REGISTER AT 724-357-7913, Meet at Boat Rental
Come join us for a sunset kayak to learn about the wildlife on the lake and catch a beautiful sunset (if the weather cooperates). You are welcome to bring your own kayak or borrow one of ours. Children must be 12 or older and accompanied by a parent. YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT by calling 724-357-7913. LIMIT 10 people. Please let us know if you have your own kayak or need to borrow one.

Owl Outlaws
Saturday, 9/5/2015 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center
People didn’t always like owls. In fact, owls were actually considered enemies to livestock and wildlife. Come solve a mystery with us as we learn about the history of owls and their relationships with people. This program is better suited for families with children, age 6 and up.

-Fall Weed Walk-
Thursday, 9/10/2015 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center
Come join us for a lovely walk to learn about local fall plants and flowers with our local volunteer, Cindy Rodgers. Many plants are referred to as weeds, actually play a very beneficial role to the environment and wildlife. This program is best suited for people, age 10 & up.

-Stake Church and Herb Garden-
Saturday, 9/12/2015 10:00 AM – 12:00PM
Meet at the Stake Church Call 724-357-7913 for directions
Come join our local herb/native garden volunteer, Sue Weiland, and Park Educator to learn about the fascinating history of the Stake family and their herb garden. Herb gardens played an essential role in helping settlers to flavor their food and treat sickness. Bring water and wear sunscreen. This program is best suited for people, age 10 & up.

Upcoming August Programs at the Park

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Ridgetop Trail Habitat Hike (2 Mile Hike)
Sunday, 8/2/2015: 10:00 AM-12:00PM

Meet beside Lakeview Pavilion (Main Day-Use Area)
We will take a nature hike through the Ridgetop Trail to explore a variety of habitats in the park. This 2-3 mile hike can be physically challenging on hilly, wet, and sometimes rocky terrain. Please dress appropriately for weather, bring water & snack, and wear proper hiking footwear.

Evening Dog Hike (2-3 miles)
Thursday, 8/6/ 2015: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Must RSVP at 724-357-7913 Meet beside Lakeview Pavilion (Main day-use Area)

Would you like to take a casual hike with your best friend? Come join us for a 2-3 mile guided hike. Dogs attending will need to be friendly and be leashed. Limit one dog per person. Hiking footwear, bug spray, and water are recommended. Registration is required for this free program.
Native Plants and Pollinators
Saturday, 8/8/ 2015: 2:00 PM- 3:30PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center

Join the park educator to learn fun facts about native flowers and pollinators, like bees, moths, and butterflies. We will be looking at live flowers inside and then take a short walk around the native plant garden and pond. This program is best suited for children & families, ages 10 and up. Children must accompanied by an adult.

Stream Bugs and Dry Flies
Sunday, 8/9/2015: 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Must RSVP at 724-357-7913 Meet beside Lakeview Pavilion (Main day-use Area)

Meet with special guest from Allegheny Fly-Tyers & park naturalist to learn about stream bugs and other macro-invertebrates living in the stream. Our special guest will show how fly fishermen tie flies to match the living creature. In addition, we will search the stream to for macros. Please wear old shoes for the water and bring dry shoes to change into. This program is best suited for children and families, ages 8 and up. Children must accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for this free program.
Creatures of the Night: Bats
Wednesday, 8/12/ 2015: 7:30 PM- 9:30PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center

What do you know about bats? Do you see them as important to the environment? If not, come and learn about these misunderstood creatures and learn how the PA Game Commission uses specialized acoustic equipment to conduct surveys for bats. Presenters will be Samara Trusso and Tammy Colt, wildlife biologists with the PA Game Commission.

Managing Stormwater at Your House
Saturday, 8/12/ 2015: 10:00 AM- 11:15PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center

What can your family do to help storm water issues in our communities? For answers, come to our program with Adam Cotchen, District Manager for the Indiana County Conservation District and learn ways you make an impact at your home with rain gardens, rain barrels, and other storm water management techniques.

Help build a Bridge!

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comEventsPosted on Comments are Disabled
yellow-creek-0The  annual Yellow Creek Trail Day is coming up!  We’re especially asking for you assistance on this one as we’ll need help carrying in supplies for a bridge.  Doug Crytzer of American Adventure Sports is constructing this bridge at a stream crossing on the south shore.  This is the twenty foot span that you currently have to ride through.  Doug began work on the bridge last fall, but there is still more to be done.  He has asked that we bring cordless drills to help with that project.  He has also requested we bring shovels and picks/mattocks.  Depending on the number of people we have, we’ll also spread out for general maintenance tasks to get the trails tip-top for this riding season.
We’ll meet through the Day Use Entrance in the first parking area on the right at 10:00 a.m.  From there, we’ll move closer to the bridge location to aid in carrying the materials.

Septemberfest Music

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This year we will feature four musical group playing on the beach at Yellow Creek State park. We’re happy to have “Mu,” Brandon Payne and Friends, Sean Howard, and JR Shanty Co.  Come join with us to enjoy this great music amid the autumn setting of Yellow Creek State Park.

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Septemberfest Adds Program: Sailing 101

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Sailing 101 – Get Outdoors PA, 9/27/14 10am-noon

Yellow Creek State Park, Day Use Area

Join us to explore the sport and art of sailing on Yellow Creek Lake. This two-hour session begins with a lesson on the parts of the sailboat and introduces future sailors to the basics of wind awareness, sail trim, and points of sail. US Sailing Certified instructors will be on hand. After this orientation, in the second hour each student will have the chance to enjoy a short sail accompanied by a experienced sailor (weather permitting).

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Yellow Creek and hosted by the IUP Sailing Club. Sailing 101 is part of the annual Septemberfest at the park. Participants are invited to enjoy music, kayaking, paddle-boarding and other activities throughout the day. Following the program, you will also have the chance to see IUP and Pitt sailors compete in round-the-buoys racing.

We will wear PFDs, but to participate, sailors must be physically capable of swimming 50 yards in clothing and shoes.  Your instructors will conduct the class with your safety in mind; like all outdoor activities, sailing entails certain risks. We’ll try to stay dry and capsizes are rare, but waterproof shoes and a change of clothes are recommended.

Pre-registration required. Participation is free but is limited to 12 students over the age of 10 years. To register call the Park Office at (724) 357-7913 or register online at: http://bit.ly/FOYC-Sail101-Fall2014