CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Enjoy free programs at this summer at Clarksburg State Park and meet Smokey the Bear on Saturday. 

 

The state park is located at 1199 Middle Road; a day-use parking fee applies. 

 

All programs are run out of the Nature Center. Programming is free and open to the public but children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are asked to dress appropriately for the weather; inclement weather cancels outdoor events. 

 

Note that programming does not occur on Aug. 11-17, 23 and 30. For more information: 413-664-8345. 

 

Kidleidoscope: Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. for ages 3-6. The program includes a story, activity, and a craft. Siblings welcome.

 

Explorers: Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m. for ages 7-12. Explore the plants, animals and trails of the park. Rotating topics that includes an activity. 

 

Campfire Talks: Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for all ages. Join the park interpreter for hands-on, educational programs on a variety of topics that explore the plants and wildlife of the park. Meet at the Nature Center fire pit.

 

Hike the Loop: Saturdays from 10 to noon. This is an easy-to-moderate three miles. Discover the story of the pond and look out for wildlife along the way. Bring water, snack and bug spray and wear sturdy footwear.

 

Aquatic Detectives: Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. for all ages. Come to the hands-on discovery table to explore the plants and animals in and around the pond that make Mausert's Pond their home. Meet at the Nature Center's beach area.  

 

Nice and Easy Hike: Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for all ages. This mile or less hike will explore one of the trails at the state park. Wear appropriate walking shoes and bring water and wear bug spray. 

 

Art Naturally: Sundays from 11 to 1 p.m. for all ages. Explore your creative side with nature arts and crafts. Supplies will be provided.

 

Junior Rangers: Thursdays from 10 to noon for ages 8–12. This long-standing program is designed to capture the imagination of youth and foster a sense of stewardship. This collaborative program takes place at multiple Western Berkshire state parks over a seven-week period. For registration, call Mount Greylock State Reservation at 413-499-4262. 

 

Junior Rangers is held at Clarksburg State Park on Thursday, July 24. Programs start Thursday July 10 and end Aug. 21.

 

Smokey Bear Visit: Saturday, July 19, from 11 to 1 for all ages. Visit with the Smokey Bear, ambassador of wildfire prevention and celebrate his 81st birthday. Learn about fire safety and black bears. too. Smokey will be joined by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation's District 12 fire crew, a DCR fire truck, and other fire equipment used to fight forest fires.