Stargazing, hiking at McConnell's Mill

PORTERSVILLE, Pa. -- Stargazing and environmentally friendly hiking techniques will be featured this weekend at McConnell's Mill State Park.

Stargazing begins at 8 tonight at the Kildoo ballfield. Various tips for beginning stargazers will be discussed, and participants will be able to view the Perseid meteor shower after midnight. A blanket, binoculars and flashlight are recommended.

"Treading Lightly," a program about hiking, starts at 1 p.m. Sunday in the courtyard adjacent to the Old Mill. A naturalist will discuss how certain hiking methods can save energy and protect the environment. Campsite selection and how to properly plan a trip also will be featured.

The park also has corn grinding demonstrations at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. each Friday through Sunday in August at the Old Mill.

McConnell's Mill State Park is along U.S. Route 422 just west of Interstate 79.