RED HOUSE — Whether you’re looking for adventure or learning something new, Allegany State Park’s Environmental Education and Recreation department has plenty of activities planned for park patrons this summer.

Every week in July and August Allegany State Park Environmental Education and Recreation Department offers over 50 different programs and special events.

Each week we offer various recreational opportunities, including team games like volleyball, four-square, pickleball and kickball as well as kayaking, paddleboard and mountain biking instruction by certified instructors.

The park has a federally and state-licensed bird bander on staff who offers an up-close opportunity to see the birds of the park. Environmental education programs offer a glimpse into some of the most popular animals and plants in the park. From bugs and butterflies and learning the importance of pollinators to the black bear and the fantastic fungi to the wild edible program, there is so much to learn and see in the 65,000-acre park with park environmental educators.

If you are inspired by the beauty of Allegany State Park, why not try nature jewelry or watercolor programs? The park has nature crafts for kids and summer camp crafts as well as story time to keep those kids busy.

Special events in the works include:

• Summer Concert Series – at the Quaker Amphitheater. Music from every genre imaginable. July concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and August concerts start at 6:30 p.m.
• Bike Rodeo – July 17 at the Red House Picnic Shelter from 1–2:30 p.m., where kids can come test their bike handling skills at our specially designed course.
• Rock the Park – July 18 at Quaker Beach. Games, vendors and other activities go from 5–9 p.m. Live music by Marshmellow Overcoat from 7–9 p.m.
• Featured guest presenter Bernadette Scott – Aug. 12 at the Quaker Picnic Shelter at 1 p.m. A proud Haudenosaunee (Seneca) woman and of the Deer Clan from the Cattaraugus Territory, Scott comes from a family well-known in the community for teaching, sharing and making traditional Seneca (no-face) cornhusk dolls, flowers, baskets and Haudenosaunee social dancing. In addition, the art she creates and braids comes in various colors, patterns and sizes. Enjoy learning more about this art and try your hand at making a corn husk doll.
• The Beach Party – Aug. 15 at the Red House Beach from 5–9 p.m. Live music by Kevin McCarthy from 7–9 p.m. The beach party will also feature kids’ activities, games and a sand castle contest.

For more information on any of these programs, visit the “Allegany State Park” Facebook page or stop by the Red House or Quaker rental offices for a weekly schedule.