A special programs and hikes have been planned for the start of September at the two state parks - Tuscarora and Locust Lake - in Barnesville, Schuylkill County.

On Friday,join park naturalist Robin Tracey for a salamander program at Locust Lake, starting at 10:30 a.m. She will discuss salamander anatomy, habitat and role in the ecosystem. A field identification capture and release walk will follow. Participants will meet at the amphitheater and bring along a plastic container for animal collection. For more information contact Tracey at 570-467-2506, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Shine only.Susan Gallagher, chief naturalist at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center, will present "Bats: Fact and Fiction," at the Locust Lake amphitheater at 6 p.m. SaturdayGallagher will have a live bat to share facts and dispel myths surrounding the only flying mammal. She will talk about their unique anatomy and the habits and diet of local bats. There will also be a discussion about white nose syndrome and how it is affecting the bat population. Shine only.Naturalist Tracey will lead a hike on the Crow and Lake View Trails on Mondaystarting at 9:30 a.m. The hike is 5.5 miles long and moderate to difficult. The trails cross over two creeks and run parallel to the lake. There will be a spectacular view from the dam and explore the state game lands near the spillway pond. Meet in the crow trail parking lot off Tuscarora Mountain Road. Call Tracey for more information or weather conditions. This is a dog friendly hike, but all pets must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Shine only.Tracey will lead a hike at Swatara State Park onSept. 9. The trail is 8 miles long and moderate. The trail runs parallel to Swatara Creek. Participants will be hiking down to the old steel bridge and crossing to make a loop around the back part of the park. Participants will also be hiking down to Bordner cabin. Meet in the parking lot on Sand Siding Road just off Route 443 in Suedberg at 10:30 a.m. Bring a lunch and water. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Call Tracey for more information. Shine only.Tracey will lead a Wolf Creek Falls hike from Tuscarora State Park at 10:30

a.m.Sept. 13. Meet at the north end of the Walmart parking lot off Route 61 in the Coal Creek Commerce Center in Saint Clair. The hike is 7 miles and rated difficult. This hike is dog friendly but all pets must be leashed and get along with people and other pets. Bring water and a lunch. Due to limited space, registration is required by calling Tracey. Shine only.