IMLER — Blue Knob State Park is the place to be this weekend for learning about bats, stream insects, fly tying, black bears, water coloring wildlife and casting, as well as taking a nature scavenger hunt.

On Saturday, from 6-8 p.m., the Burnt House Picnic Area (Turkey Roost Pavilion), there will be a collecting and learning seminar about live aquatic insects. Then, Fort Bedford Trout Unlimited and Mountain Laurel Trout Unlimited will do a fly tying and fly casting demonstrations. There will be equipment available for you to try it all for yourself

On Sunday, from 10-11 a.km. At the Buck Hill Amphitheater, children and adults are invited to come and hunt for unique and common objects around the park. You can have fun and learn about the objects you find at the same time.

On Friday, June 12, from 7-8 p.m. at the amphitheater, you can learn about the state’s large growing black bear population. Then on Sunday, June 14, from 10-11 a.m., there will be lessons on the area’s wildlife and their habitats and a chance to capture that by applying that to watercoloring a masterpiece to take home with you.

If you need a special accommodation to take part in the park activities due disability, please contact the state park office at 814-276-3576.

Shawnee

SCHELLSBURG — Shawnee State Park invites the public to get the summer going right by enjoying some free public programs highlighting some of the park’s resources.

One of them starts Sunday night with the Life of the Continental Army Soldier program. It runs from 7-8 p.m. and will be held at the H&I center that is located near the park office. It’s part of the American 250 Celebration going on this year.

Also on tap is Geocaching 101 to be held Saturday, June 13, from 3-4:30 p.m. The meeting location is the Beach House at the park where participants will learn how to use a GPS Unit to find some amazing places around the park. GPS Units will be provided on a first-come basis.

Also on June 13 will be a Flag Day celebration fro 7-9 p.m. A flag retirement ceremony will be held by local scouts so if you have any flags you would like to bring, you are encouraged to do so. There will also be a history of the flag program as well. This will be held at the amphitheater.

On Sunday, June 14, from 7-8 p.m., a presentation by guest speaker Kevin Mearkle will highlight the building of Forbes Road and Fort Bedford. That will be held at the H&I Center.

On Friday, June 19, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. at the amphitheater, a program called “The Pollinators” will be held to show how these creatures help food thrive by pollinating plants. June 20 is the date for kayaking 101 from 3-5 p.m. This will be held at the white barn by the Region 3 Headquarters. Registration is through the DCNR at events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/kayaing-101-9124

You must be 12 years or older. Those under 18 must be with an adult. You are asked to bring your own drink.

Other events include Photos at Sunset (June 20), Bats: Fact vs. Myth (June 21), Sunset Paddle (June 26), Strawberry Moon Hike (June 27) and History of Shawnee State Park (June 28).

For more information, go to the park’s website.