PA. PARKS McConnell's Mill, Moraine

Programs about animals, trees and backpacking are scheduled for this month at McConnell's Mill and Moraine state parks, near Portersville, Pa.
MCCONNELL'S MILL
"Fabulous Lichens and Ferns": A naturalist will meet at the Kildoo Trailhead near the covered bridge to discuss various types of ferns and lichens, as well as why they grow in a nearby hemlock ravine. The hike is from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday.
"Tree-Tectives": This three-day, two-hour camp, open to children ages 4 and 5, will start at 1 p.m. June 22 and is part of the park's Youth Environmental Learning Series. Children will learn about how trees convert sunlight, air and water into food and why trees are important to the earth. Meet at the Old Mill courtyard, or call Jackie Kline at (724) 368-9320.
"Corn Grinding Demonstrations": These half-hour demonstrations, beginning at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Old Mill, will show how millers used Slippery Rock Creek to grind corn into cornmeal during the mid-1800s.
"Historic Grist Mill Tours": These 45-minute journeys will take participants through the history of how grain was transformed into flour. The tours begin at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Old Mill.
MORAINE STATE PARK
"Trailhead Talk": The topic will be bats, as well as various fears and myths surrounding them. The program starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Davis Cabin near the Davis Hollow Marina on the North Shore.
"Bats: Friend or Foe?" A naturalist will conduct this program from 8:15 to 9:45 p.m. Saturday at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Pa. Route 528. People will have the chance to visit a "bat condo" and observe the animals' nightly routines.
"Busy Beavers": A naturalist will share a story and other information about these animals and their habits. The event starts at 2 p.m. June 22 at the Davis Hollow Marina. Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.