From kayaking to hiking and more, residents of Butler County can engage with the outdoors and discover more about the natural world at their fingertips this July as programming in Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks extends through the summer.

Activities at McConnells Mill State Park, 1761 McConnells Mill Road in Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County, include:

√ Morning Wild Teas from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8. Learn more about edible plants and how to safely collect them to make tea with a park naturalist. Meet at the Kildoo Picnic Area, and register at events.dcnr.pa.gov.

√ Geology Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Learn about geologic processes that formed the Slippery Rock Gorge on a guided hike with park staff through Kildoo Falls, the historic gristmill, Breakneck Falls and Alpha Falls. After meeting at the picnic area, participants will hike to Kildoo Falls, the historic gristmill, and hike the trail to Alpha Falls. Staff recommends that visitors bring a packed lunch, water, snacks and dress for the weather. This event is for registrants ages 10 and older. Meet at the Kildoo Picnic Area, and register at events.dcnr.pa.gov.

√ Fun with Dutch Ovens Outdoor Cooking from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, July 21. Learn baking and camp cooking basics with recipes and demonstrations. Meet at the Kildoo Pavilion, and register at events.dcnr.pa.gov.

√ Creek Critters from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22. Explore Hell’s Run Creek and discover a hidden world of salamanders, crayfish and aquatic insects. Visitors will meet with a park naturalist at the Hell’s Hollow Trail parking lot. Learn more at events.dcnr.pa.gov.

Free daily interpretive tours of the McConnells Mill Historic Gristmill will continue this summer at 1 and 2 p.m, or by request. The mill is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

Activities at Moraine State Park, Franklin Township, include:

√ Star Party from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Join the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh for a presentation at 8:30 p.m. and an evening of stargazing. Attendees should take a lawn chair or a blanket for seating, and can park by Lakeview Beach to walk the path up toward the Pavilion 4. Learn more at events.dcnr.pa.gov.

√ Silver Paddle from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 25. Discover Lake Arthur and learn about Moraine's wildlife in this entry-level kayaking program offered to participants ages 12 and older. Attendees may bring their own kayak and gear or use the ones provided. Meet at the Pleasant Valley non-motorized launch area and register for the event at events.dcnr.pa.gov. Participants must register separately to use a kayak provided by the park, as a limited number of them are available. Registration opens Tuesday, July 11.

√ Bats in Action from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 28. Learn about bats and meet a park naturalist at the Mount Zion Baptist Church on Route 528 for a night of wildlife watching. The park recommends that participants take blankets and chairs for seating, as well as flashlights and bug protection. Learn more about the event at events.dcnr.pa.gov.