July 17 - August 29, 2010
Summer Cruises on Nautical Nature
Saturdays & Sundays: 1PM & 3 PM
Family Fishing Program
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bear Run Boat Launch/South Shore
The program will include some basics on being a S.M.A.R.T. angler, as well as how to rig a fishing rod, types of bait, knot tying, rules and regulations, casting practice, hands-on fishing, and more. Fishing license not required for program.
Magical Monarch Butterflies
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Monarch butterflies are amazing creatures. Join the park naturalist at the McDanel's Launch Pavilion #7 to participate in a program about these beautiful insects. We will talk about the features of monarchs and their survival techniques. The program will include a short hike to explore nearby monarch butterfly habitat.
Weekday Cruise offered
The Nautical Nature will be sailing on Wednesday, August 4 at 1:00 pm.
Star Gazing Party
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
The night sky holds many mysterious and magical sights. Join the park naturalist and members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh (AAAP) for a hands-on star gazing party at the bike rental station on the North Shore. AAAP will have several telescopes to try out. Bring a blanket, chairs, snacks and plan for a great night at Moraine.
The Moraine Preservation Fund (MPF) is a non-profit, volunteer organization that supports Moraine State Park. MPF has helped to develop important wildlife restoration projects like Project BATitat, the Osprey and Barn Owl Reintroduction Programs, along with the creation of a Native Plant & Butterfly Trail near the center. MPF volunteers also participate in wildlife education classes at schools and for other interested groups to teach the public about barn owls.
MPF operates the Owlet Gift Shop and Nature Center located at McDanel's Boat Launch, located just off the North Shore park exit on Rt. 422 in Portersville. Nautical Nature, a 45 passenger enclosed pontoon boat offers interpretive boat tours on Lake Arthur. Programs on the boat teach about the wildlife of Moraine State Park and the development of Lake Arthur. Nautical Nature operates on a regular schedule throughout the summer, providing public tours and chartered cruises guided by one of the MPF boat captains. Boater safety classes are offered to all volunteers. MPF sponsors the yearly Regatta on Lake Arthur.
Our mission is to promote community stewardship of natural resources within Moraine State Park, McConnells Mill State Park and Jennings Environmental Education Center.
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