Cook Forest announces upcoming programs

For The Spirit

COOK FOREST — Cook Forest State Park has announced the following upcoming programs:

• Friday-Sunday, May 27-29: Cook Forest Living History Weekend. Participants will journey through various historical eras of the United States: French and Indian War, colonial period, lumber era, Civil War and the Korean War. Join living historian and master storyteller Paul Stillman, historical interpreter Dave Clark, and singer-storyteller Ray Owen as they take visitors through these noteworthy periods of American history through first-person character portrayals, hands-on demonstrations and song.

• Sunday, June 5, at 1 p.m.: Children’s Fishing Derby. Children 15 years and under are permitted to fish freshly stocked Tom’s Run from the Swinging Bridge to the Children’s Fishing Pond. Registration and prize give-away will be held at the Children’s Fishing Pond behind the Park Office. This event is sponsored by the Marienville Rod & Gun Club, PA Fish & Boat Commission, Cook Forest Vacation Bureau and Cook Forest State Park. All prizes donated by area merchants. (two hours).

• Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12: Cook Forest French and Indian War Encampment. Cook Forest State Park will host a series of living history events depicting life during the French and Indian War. Highlights of this full two-day encampment include woodland natives, cannon and musket firing, cooking, primitive skills, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, pottery, children’s games, sutler camp, renowned living historians, French and Indian War-era artisans and live tactical engagements. Take a walk back in time along the Black Bear Trail by the Sawmill Center for the Arts during open camp hours to view British, colonial, French and Native American re-enactors as they portray lifestyles of the 18th century.

• Friday-Saturday, June 24-25 at 8 a.m.: ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking Workshop. Cook Forest State Park will be conducting an entry-level American Canoe Association (ACA) kayaking course for kayak enthusiasts. The following subjects will be covered: equipment, loading and unloading, rescues and strokes. In order to participate, each participant must satisfy essential eligibility criteria. All participants will be required to complete a wet exit. Day 1 will consist of instruction within the river at the Park Office. On Day 2, those skills will be applied along a stretch of the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Remember to bring your ear and nose plugs, swimsuits, sturdy river sneakers (flip-flops are not permitted) and change of clothes. Participants should have a drybag that is large enough to house all their necessities while on the river. Refreshments are provided both days. Lunch will be provided the second day. Those with specific dietary requirements will have to provide their own meals. Decked kayaks, appropriate gear, snacks and water are provided. Everyone will get wet, so dress appropriately. Participants must preregister by contacting Dale Luthringer, environmental education specialist, at 814-744-8475 or dluthringer@pa.gov with check received by June 16. The cost is $75 per participant, payable by check or money order to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We’re accepting only 12 participants for this course. Children 14 years and up permitted with participating adult. Those who successfully complete this course will receive an ACA Skills Course Completion Card, and 50 percent discount on future canoe and kayaking programs sponsored by Cook Forest State Park (16 hours).

• Friday, July 1, at 8:30 p.m. Night Hike: River Cabins & Cook Trail. Meet at the River Cabin Playground on River Road for an evening hike around the River Cabins and Cook Old Growth Area. Participants will be looking and listening for critters of the night. Be sure to bring your UV flashlights (two hours).

• Saturday, July 2, at 9 p.m.: Clarion River History. Bring your chairs and blankets and meet at the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater for a slide presentation on history of the Clarion River. This program takes you from the days on the Clarion from Native Americans, to its exploitation as a natural resource and its current state of recovery (one hour).

• Sunday, July 3, at 11:30 a.m. Fire Tower/Seneca Point Historical Tour. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Fire Tower Parking Lot for an historical interpretive tour of the Fire Tower and Seneca Point. Learn about local logging history, observe Native American signs and take a view from the top of the Fire Tower (three hours).

• Friday, July 8, at 8 a.m. Clarion River Boating Program: Portland MillsArroyo. Cook Forest State Park will be conducting a six-mile interpretive historical paddling program from Portland Mills to Arroyo Bridge for experienced canoeists/kayakers only. This section of river is rich in local history. Participants will pass evidence of the old log booms and mills at Port-land Mills, as well as bridge remnants of the Clarion River Railway. Come see where John Cobb’s mill was located before he was flooded out at Beech Bottom. Bald eagles and osprey often make an appearance in this secluded wilderness section of the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River. Participants will meet promptly at the Park Office and car-pool to the starting point upriver. Remember to pack water, protective footwear, raingear and change of clothes. Don’t forget your fishing poles! The cost is $50 per boat, with check or money order made out to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Lunch and boats are provided to those who register by July 6. Pre-registration is required by contacting the Park Office at 814-744-8407 or cookforestsp@pa.gov and limited to 10 boats. Prior Cook Forest kayak training participants receive a 50 percent discount. Available spots go fast, so reserve early (eight hours).