Published: October 12, 2008 01:27 am      

EVENTS: Parks office offering autumn programs

By Don Glynn

glynnd@gnnewspaper.com

The regional state parks office is offering a series of fall programs running the gamut from hikes along the Niagara Gorge to full-moon adventure walks at Buckhorn Park on Grand Island.

All of the scheduled outings are free and designed for individuals and families, according to Angela Berti, the events and marketing specialist for the parks commission.

For the annual “Doors Open” weekend, Oct. 18-19, admission to the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center (formerly the Schoellkopf Geological Museum) will be free.

Other events include:

• TUESDAY: 7-8:30 p.m., Twilight Full Moon, at Woodlawn Beach State Park (Hamburg). A chance to view the sunset over Lake Erie as dusk fades into night. For additional information, call 826-8895.

• NOV. 1: Historic Artpark Hike, 1-4 p.m. A leisurely walk through one of the most picturesque parks in Western New York. It’s an opportunity to learn about the cultural and geological history at that site.

• NOV. 1: Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, 2-4 p.m.., Learn about the unique construction, uses and history of the barns at the park that the state acquired from the Knox family.

• NOV. 8: Gorge at Low Water Hike, Whirlpool State Park, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., A look at the Niagara Gorge after the volume of water in the Niagara River is reduced by 25 percent. Park naturalists will lead the group past the Whirlpool to the historic ruins of the Great Gorge Route station.

• NOV. 14: Full Moon Adventure Walk, Beaver Island State Park, 7:30-9:30 p.m., A shoreline walk with the light of the moon glistening on the Niagara River. Scenic night time views of the city while venturing through the woods and around the lagoon listening for night sounds.

• NOV.15: Knox Farm Fiber Program, Wool Braiding, 9 a.m.-noon.

Guest instructor Susan Judd will teach how to braid wool fabric that can be used for a variety of large and small projects. For ages 8 and up. A fee of $10 per person covers materials.

To register, call 826-8895.

• NOV. 15: Gorge at Low Water Hike, Whirlpool State Park, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. A close-up look at the Niagara River when the water level is reduced by 25 percent. Also, a stop at the site of the Great Gorge Route ruins.

• NOV. 28: Gobble Walk, Evangola State Park, 10 a.m.-noon. A walk through wooded trails to find red-shouldered hawks, ruffed grouse and maybe a wild turkey.

• DEC. 12: Full Moon Owl Prowl, Buckhorn Island State Park. A journey through the woods and along the shore of the Niagara River by the light of the moon.

For information on schools, Scout and community group programs, call 745-7848 or 826-8895 for details.