HARRISBURG — Events have been planned for the month of July at Bendigo and Elk state parks.

From noon to 4 p.m. July 4 will be a PA Fish for Free day. Stop by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources table near the stream and pool area to borrow some rods and fishing supplies. Play some fun games with staff and practice casting before trying your luck in the stream. Kids can play a fun fish-themed game with staff and take home coloring pages and educational handouts. This event will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

From 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., all on July 5, will be a program on lightning bugs. Join staff near the pool and picnic area to hear about Pennsylvania’s state insect: the firefly. Learn what makes these curious critters glow and why they put on their light shows. Hear how you can support their populations on your own property and citizen science opportunities where you can report your own sightings. Stay later and join our staff for a firefly search in the park as the sun sets.

From 1 to 4 p.m. July 12 will be an intro to archery. Join staff in the field near the pool to try your hand at archery. Learn proper technique, eye dominance, and the importance of range safety before having a staff member guide you through some practice shots. This activity is suitable for adults and children ages 8 and above. Younger children will not be permitted to shoot but can make a string bow to practice their technique at home.

From 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 19 will be a program on marvelous moths and moth spotting. Join staff near the pool and picnic area for an educational program about moths. Learn about their life cycles, local species, and importance to our ecosystems. Stay for sunset and join our staff for “moth spotting” as they attract moths to a sheet for identification.

At Elk State Park, from 3 to 5 p.m. July 13 will be a Spotlight on Straight. Stop by the pop-up table near the entrance to Maple Trail by the Army Corp Boat Launch. Learn about the village of Straight and CCC Camp 83 that once resided where East Branch Lake is located now. View

maps, historical photos, and take a walk along Maple Trail to see how the landscape has changed over time.

From 3 to 6 p.m. July 27 will be a Kayak Paddle at Elk State Park. Have you wanted to try kayaking but haven’t had the opportunity? Sign-up for one of the free kayak programs happening at Elk State Park this summer. Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking and water safety, and then take a guided paddle up Seven Mile Run with DCNR staff. Participants must be 12 years of age and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for this program. For more dates and information, call the park office at (814)778-5467.