With warmer weather setting in, it's time to get outside and enjoy the wonders of nature. And what better place to take in a pleasant spring than the state parks?

If you are looking for some fun outdoor activities - all of which are free - stop by Beltzville, which has announced a number of events throughout April."It gives people a different way of learning outdoors, and appreciating what nature has to offer," Cynthia Kurket, an environmental education specialist at Beltzville, said.Tower TourU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Head Dam Operator Joshua Dinko will lead a tour of Beltzville Lake's Dam Tower and Visitor Rotunda at 9 a.m. Thursday.Attendees will get a chance to travel down the 170-foot high tower. Handicap accessibility for this event is limited, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.No pictures will be allowed within the tower.Registration is required, and availability is limited.Springtime StrollTake a spring-break stroll through the park with the kids on this family-friendly nature walk.Park staff will lead an informal group walk at 10 a.m. April 17.The walk will focus on "exploring and experiencing the springtime wonders" of nature.Black Bears: Be Bear AwareMeet Cory Bentzoni, wildlife conservation officer for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and learn all about black bears during a class at 10 a.m. April 22.Discuss black bear facts and what to do if and when you encounter one in the wild.This event will take place at the Environmental Interpretive Center.Registration is required.Earth Day Trail CleanupCelebrate Earth Day and help improve the park during a cleanup hike at 1:30 p.m. April 22.Volunteer your efforts toward litter pickup and trail maintenance while you trek the Saw Mill Trailhead.Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and work gloves.Bring water and snacks.Hide-n-Seekers #1: Wild About WildlifeExplore nature-themed stories, crafts and outdoor sensory experiencesduring the first of six programs in a special park series for preschoolers, age 3 to 5. The event starts at 10 a.m. April 29.Kids who attend all six hours of the series will earn their very own nature badge. Advance registration is required.For further details on the series, email

RANrspbeltenved@pa.gov.To register for any events, visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' website at

www.visitPAparks.com, click on Calendar of Events, and search for "Beltzville."For any questions, or for assistance with registering for an event, call the Beltzville Park Office at 610-377-0045.