Outdoors this July

I swore I was not going to recommend any hikes this month -- of course, that was back when we were in the middle of a heat wave. Now that the weather is more agreeable, hiking seems more of a possibility. Glad the weather is cooperating because there are some great hikes and events for Nature lovers scheduled for this month!

Wednesday, July 11
Swatara State Park Hike
Meet at parking lot on Sand Siding Road just off of Route 443 in Suedberg at 10:30 a.m. Park Naturalist Robin Tracey will lead this hike down to the old steel bridge and crossing to make a loop around the back part of the park. This 6 mile hike is rated moderate. Bring water and a lunch.  Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people.

Saturday, July 14
Honeybees
Meet at the Locust Lake State Park amphitheatre at 6 p.m. to learn about the importance of honeybees from Kayla Fusselman, the 2018 American Honey Queen of Pennsylvania, and Julie Freeman of Twin Oaks Bee Ranch. Great for the whole family.

Saturday, July 21
Sweet Arrow Splash
Meet at Waterfall Parking lot at Sweet Arrow Lake at 9:30 a.m. for a walk that includes "catching water critters". This is great for the whole family.

Trout Run
Meet at trout run trailhead just off Route 443 in Swatara State Park at 10:30 a.m. for a hike near the creek and Bordner Cabin. This 8 mile hike is rated moderate. Bring water and a lunch.  Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people.

How Indians Used Trees, Rocks and Beads to Talk
Meet at Waterfall Pavilion at Sweet Arrow Lake at 2 p.m. to learn how Native Americans used the environment to help them communicate and make a petroglyph to take home. For ages 6 and up.

Sunday, July 22
Broad Mountain Bench trail
Meet at 806 Valley Road, Pine Knot at 8 a.m. for this 10.6 mile hike rated easy to see the old Mine Hill, Schuylkill Haven Railbed and historic Centre Turnpike.

Tuesday, July 24
Popcorn Hat Players
Meet at the Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse at 7 p.m. for a show re-enacting the crazy adventures of Aesop's characters. The show is free but seating is limited so you need to register! Call 570-345-8952.
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Friday, July 27
Silver Creek Fire Tower & Reservoir Hike
Meet at the visitor parking lot at Locust Lake State Park located just before the contact station at 10:15 a.m.  Park Naturalist Robin Tracey will lead this hike to the fire tower and reservoir. This 8.5 mile hike is rated difficult.  Bring water and a lunch.  Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people.