Groton Nature Center/Stillwater/Big Deer 2010  Programs The following programs are provided by Stillwater/Big Deer State Park and are open to the public. For additional information, call 584-3822.  Day Use Fee may apply as indicated for non-campers. Nature Center hours: During July and August, the Nature Center will be open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
6/26	Potluck Supper TBA	Stillwater	Meet new friends or catch up with old pals at Stillwater's Potluck Supper. Bring a dish, something to drink, and your utensils - we supply hamburgers and hotdogs! Check with the office when you check-in to let the rangers know how many will attend this delicious event.
6/27	Back Shed String Band 2:00 PM	Stillwater	A bit of bluegrass, original tunes, classic country, old-time, and folk music-That’s what the Back Shed String Band of Monroe, NH has been playing for audiences since 1996. Members include: Samantha Amey on upright bass, guitar, & vocals; Tom Bishop on frailing-style banjo, upright bass, & vocals; David Choate on mandolin; Mary Choate on guitar & vocals.  Day Use Fee for non-campers.
7/3	Triathlon TBA	Stillwater	Join us at Stillwater for our 4nd annual triathlon. The triathlon begins with a foot race from the Stillwater office to the Swim Beach. There a teammate will be waiting by a kayak for you to hand off your baton. That person will kayak across the lake to Boulder Beach's boat dock. That member of the team will then hand off the baton to the third and final member who will bike from Boulder Beach back to Stillwater. The First team to have all team members successfully complete their trip wins. Prizes will be awarded to all teams. Early registration is recommended. Sign up at the Stillwater Office. Teams must be of mixed ages and genders to make this a fair race for all. Day Use Fee for non-campers.
7/3	Boat Safety Course  9:00 AM - 12:00 AM	Stillwater	Learn how to properly and safely operate a boat. This course is FREE and required for boat owners born after January 1974. Coursework is suitable for 12 years of age and older. Meet some fellow captains and sailors, learn something new, and have fun at this Boat Safety Course. For more information, contact Jim Soutar at 479-2400 during weekdays. At the Nature Center.
7/3	VINS - Raptor Encounter  7:00 PM	Groton Nature Center	This first-hand encounter with live falcons, hawks, and owls, focuses on the natural history, ecology, and adaptations of these efficient predators. Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials round out this special experience. Visit the VINS web site for more information. Open to Public - Free.
7/4	Xaxakwetet Little Tree  10:00 AM	Stillwater	Join us for an informative look at invasive plants, beneficial indigenous and naturalized plants (including medicinal and edible.) Weather permitting, there will be a plant identification walk on a gentle, nearby path.  Day Use Fee for non-campers.
7/4	Bike Parade 12:30 PM	Stillwater	Join us at the Stillwater office anytime after 9am as we begin decorating for our big Bike parade through the Stillwater Campground. Decorating may continue until start time. Parade begins at 12:30pm. Decorations are supplied however you are responsible for bringing and decorating your own bike. We hope you join us in our salute to Independence Day.  Day Use Fee for non-campers.
7/4	Bag Pipes 6:30 PM	Stillwater	Derrick Davidson will play the bag pipes at the picnic shelter. More information later.
7/10	Tie Dye  10:00 AM	Stillwater	Tie dying, want to get messy and creative? Join us at the office at 10 am to create and dye your very own shirt. We will have some t-shirts available at a cost of$5.00 each. You are more than welcome to bring your own. Day Use Fee for non-campers.
7/16	Eric Hanson  4:00 PM	Groton Nature Center	Join Eric Hanson, the Vermont Loon Recovery Project (VLRP) Biologist, in exploring the natural and (un)natural history of the Common Loon. Eric will discuss threats facing loons, their fascinating behaviors, and their amazing natural history. After the discussion, Eric will lead a walk to find loons on Lake Groton busing binoculars and spotting scopes. Open to Public - Free.
7/16	The Cold Country Bluegrass Band 7:00 PM	Groton Nature Center	The Cold Country Bluegrass Band performs a variety of bluegrass material, ranging from Ralph Stanley standards to more contemporary arrangements, the band exhibits quality instrumentation and rich vocal harmonies.Get ready to tap your feet – all ages will be dancing and singing during this upbeat performance. Visit www.conhogan.com/bluegrass-history.shtml for more information. Open to Public - Free.
7/17 - 7/18	Oldies Weekend	Stillwater	Join us as we celebrate decades past. Relive the memories of your past and your parents past. Our theme this weekend is Decades... The 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's. From retro clothing to a street dance bring your memories and join the fun. We will spin the vinyl and rewind the 8 tracks as we celebrate our past. At the Nature Center Open to Public - Free.
7/23	Michael Kennedy 7:00 PM	Groton Nature Center	Michael Kennedy entertains with traditional music & storytelling. Performing, Irish, English, Scottish, and American music, he plays on a variety of instruments—an English Concertina, a guitar, and a musical “singing” saw. Michael also shares old-time traditional stories from around the world. All ages will enjoy this special program. At the Nature Center Open to Public - Free.
7/24	Fried Dough 7:00 PM	Stillwater	Join US again at the Stillwater office at 7pm as we make Fried Dough, Beaver Tails, Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes or what ever you know them by. Every one will be given dough to stretch into a patty which we will then fry for you. Various toppings will be available you to put on your flied dough, butter, cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar and apple to name a few. Day Use Fee for non-campers.
7/25	Back Shed String Band  2:00 PM	Stillwater	A bit of bluegrass, original tunes, classic country, old-time, and folk music-That’s what the Back Shed String Band of Monroe, NH has been playing for audiences since 1996. Members include: Samantha Amey on upright bass, guitar, & vocals; Tom Bishop on frailing-style banjo, upright bass, & vocals; David Choate on mandolin; Mary Choate on guitar & vocals. Day Use Fee for non-campers.
7/31	Fairy Houses and other Arts & Crafts 10:00 AM	Stillwater	"Have you ever walked in the wood and seen a ring of flowers? This is where the Fairies dance and while away the hours..." Relive the dreams of childhood and join us at Stillwater at 10 am as we learn how to make fairy houses. Not interested in fairy houses? No problem there will be several arts & crafts projects on this day. Fun for all ages. Day Use Fee for non-campers.
8/6	The Cold Country Bluegrass Band  7:00 PM	Groton Nature Center	The Cold Country Bluegrass Band performs a variety of bluegrass material, ranging from Ralph Stanley standards to more contemporary arrangements, the band exhibits quality instrumentation and rich vocal harmonies.Get ready to tap your feet – all ages will be dancing and singing during this upbeat performance. Visit http://www.conhogan.com/bluegrass-history.shtml for more information. Open to Public - Free.
8/7	Pancake Breakfast 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM	Big Deer	Join us in Big Deer from 8:00am to 9:30am for a pancake breakfast featuring Vermont Products. Our Hosts at Big Deer (Sandy and Patti) will keep you in stitches as they cook and serve you breakfast. Pancakes, Bacon or Sausage, Real maple syrup and milk to drink. Your day just can't start any better than this. Day Use Fee for non-campers.
8/14	Twelve Strings 6:00 PM	Stillwater	Acoustic guitar duo, Mike & Joe, will entertain park visitors with soothing sounds from the 1960s through the 1980s. This concert is easy listening and enjoyable for the whole family.
8/14	Un-birthday Party 2:00 PM	Stillwater	You are cordially invited to an un-birthday party at the Stillwater shelter on Saturday the 14th at 2pm. RSVP at the office by 10 am on Saturday morning. Join us as we celebrate all the un-birthdays in the park. Bring your own hat and get jimmies for your ice cream. Day Use Fee for non-campers.
8/21-8/22	Pirate Weekend	Stillwater	Ahoy matey's and shiver me timbers! Get ready for a swash buckling weekend, filled with pirate games and activity's. Decorate your own pirate treasure chest, go find buried treasure, and participate in many other activities! Cuz this weekend, me hearties, dead men tell no tales. Day Use Fee for non-campers.
8/28	Michael Kennedy  2:00 PM	Groton Nature Center	Michael Kennedy entertains with traditional music & storytelling. Performing, Irish, English, Scottish, and American music, he plays on a variety of instruments—an English Concertina, a guitar, and a musical “singing” saw. Michael also shares old-time traditional stories from around the world. All ages will enjoy this special program. Open to Public - Free.
8/28	Fried Dough 7:00 PM	Stillwater	Join us again at the Stillwater office at 7pm as we make Fried Dough, Beaver Tails, Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes or what ever you know them: by. Every one will be given dough to stretch into a patty which we will then fry for you. Various toppings will be available you to put on your flied dough, butter, cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar and apple to name a few.  Day Use Fee for non-campers.
9/4-9/5	Haunted Weekend	Stillwater	Ghosts and Goblins, big black cats, Pumpkins glowing and witches hats! Join us as we celebrate Halloween. Yes it's a little early we know. But it is the Ranger's favorite Holiday. So bring your costumes and decorations. Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated sites and there will be a costume party with tricks and treats at the shelter. And maybe even a haunted walk. Day Use Fee for non-campers.