HUNTINGDON – Everyone’s favorite talking bear and environmental activist, Smokey Bear, turned 80 on August 9.
He first appeared in 1944, when his catchphrase was not yet what he is famous for today (“Only you can prevent forest fires”), rather “Smokey says: By being cautious, 9 out of 10 wildfires can be prevented.”
In 1947, the motto of the bizarre figure was rewritten to “Remember… only YOU can prevent wildfires.” Today Smokey’s slogan is “Only you can prevent forest fires,” This was changed in 2001 and now also includes fires in natural areas other than forests.
On Saturday, Greenwood Furnace State Park, 15795 Greenwood Road, Huntingdon, will host “Smoky Night” At 7:00 p.m., participate in a Bureau of Forestry fire prevention program, followed by a belated birthday celebration for our favorite guest Smokey Bear.
The event will take place in the Campground Amphitheater. The program is free and all ages are welcome. Registration is not required.
Other family-friendly events are planned in the park:
Mushroom hikes
on 6 and 7 September
Greenwood Furnace and Whipple Dam and the State Park will soon be hosting mushroom hikes led by the Central Pennsylvania Mushroom Club. Their introductory mushroom experience program includes a brief introduction to mushrooms and how to grow them, followed by a mushroom-foraging hike. Participants are asked to bring a basket or plastic bag. Registration is not required.
Greenwood Furnace’s event will take place on Saturday, September 7th from 12pm to 3pm. Participants will meet in the forge.
The walk at Whipple Dam, 3746 Laurel Run Road, Petersburg, will take place on Sunday, October 6, from noon to 3 p.m. Participants will meet in Pavilion No. 3.
Plant walk on September 11th
Whipple Dam State Park is hosting two plant walks on Wednesday, September 11, starting at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Participants can take a leisurely stroll with forestry advisor Cathryn Pugh to learn about the plants common in the park. Learn the basics of plant identification and use your senses to experience the botanical world in new ways. All ages are welcome. Walks are up to a half-mile long and follow trails with restrooms nearby. Meet at the beach.
For more information, call (814) 667-1800 or find us on Facebook.
