PA. PARKS McConnell's Mill, Moraine

Hikes, several nature programs and a scavenger hunt are among the programs and events offered this month at McConnell's Mill and Moraine state parks, near Portersville, Pa. For more information about McConnell's programs, call Jackie Kline at (724) 368-9320. Contact Heidi Solley at (724) 368-3612 for information about Moraine events and programs.
MCCONNELL'S MILL
"Leaf Scavenger Hunt": People are invited to go on this hourlong hunt to find different leaf patterns and to learn to identify various trees. It starts at 2 p.m. today in the Kildoo picnic area.
"Why Leaves Change": A naturalist will meet at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kildoo picnic area to discuss why the seasonal changes take place.
"ID Me!": A naturalist will discuss ways to differentiate between trees common to the area, and parents are invited to bring their children. Field guides will be used for tree identification. This program is from 2-3 p.m. Sept. 14 in the Hell's Hollow parking lot.
The park also offers two half-hour corn-grinding demonstrations beginning at 1 and 3 p.m., as well as two 45-minute Grist Mill tours starting at 2 and 4 p.m. Both are Saturdays and Sundays at the Old Mill.
MORAINE
"Family Discovery Hike": This hike, from 2-3 p.m. today at the Sunken Garden Trailhead on the South Shore, will feature a list of nature items to find along the way.
"The Red Menace": Participants should meet at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at the park office on the South Shore for this hourlong program, which starts at 2 p.m. Those attending will go to the Barkley Road Wetland Exhibit, and a discussion about passive treatment systems for acid mine drainage will take place.
"Pennsylvania Black Bears": Meet the naturalist at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Pavilion No. 7 on the North Shore at McDanel's Launch. People will be able to learn how to be safe in areas with bears and how to keep the animals away from your home.