PA. PARKS McConnell's Mill and Moraine

A few boat trips and several nature programs are on tap for this month at Moraine and McConnell's Mill state parks, near Portersville, Pa. For information about McConnell's Mill programs, call Jackie Kline at (724) 368-9320. Contact Heidi Solley at (724) 368-3612 for Moraine information.
MCCONNELL'S MILL
"Tree Sustainability-Junior Naturalist Day Camp & quot;: This four-day, three-hour camp is open to children ages 9 to 13 and is part of the park's Youth Environmental Learning Series. Forestry practices, a hike along the Gorge Trail and a look at ways forests are managed will be included. Meet at 2:30 p.m. today in the Old Mill courtyard.
"Beautiful Butterflies & quot;: A naturalist will meet at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Kildoo picnic area to discuss the life cycle of these insects, how butterflies can be beneficial and how to attract them to your yard.
"Birds of Prey & quot;: Bring a camera and a lawn chair to attend this hourlong program, beginning at 1 p.m. Aug. 24 in the Kildoo picnic area. A naturalist will share what raptors are and why they are important.
The park also offers two half-hour corn-grinding demonstrations starting at 1 and 3 p.m., as well as two 45-minute Grist Mill tours that begin at 2 and 4 p.m. Both are Saturdays and Sundays at the Old Mill.
MORAINE
"Muddy Creek Oil Well Exhibit & quot;: This exhibit will be open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday, and is free. To reach the well site, take old U.S. Route 422 west from the Prospect Street interchange and go about a half-mile beyond the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources office and boat launch parking area.
"Lake Arthur Regatta & quot;: This event will be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. next Sunday. Boating, fishing, a car cruise, fireworks and other forms of entertainment will be offered. Call the park at (724) 368-8811 for a schedule.
"Naturalist Canoe Tour & quot;: Participants of all ages can bring their own canoes or rent them to explore the Hidden River Canoe Trail. Wetland communities, geology and aspects of wildlife will be discussed, and it starts at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and at 9 a.m. next Sunday. The tour will be at the McDanel's Launch on the North Shore both days.