Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation will offer programs to the community. Unless otherwise noted, there is a per-person fee for the programs, and activities will take place at the Environmental Center in Lancaster County Central Park, 1 Nature's Way, Lancaster. Additionally, unless noted otherwise, registration and payment are required by noon on the business day before the event. To register, call 717-295-2055 or visit http://www.lancastercountyparks.org and click on Online Program Registration.

Reflection and Wisdom, designed for participants age 50 and older, will take place on Saturday, April 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A naturalist will present a short review of writing techniques before the group ventures outdoors to use the natural world to capture nuggets of insights. Participants should come with a chair or blanket to sit on.

Geocacher Badge for Junior Girl Scouts will be held on April 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. Girl Scouts age 8 and older will join a naturalist to earn their Geocacher Badge. Attendees will learn how to use a handheld GPS receiver, go on an adventure with their friends finding points using the GPS unit, and make friendship bracelets to leave as a Geocache trade item.

Homeschool Wednesday: Wetland Wake-up will be offered on Wednesday, April 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Students ages 8 to 12 will meet in the skatepark lot, 826 Eshelman Mill Road, Lancaster, to explore the wetland adjacent to the skate park/ballfield lot prior to visiting Fluctuating Pond. Students will observe and document the vegetation and wildlife in both wetlands as examples of flora and fauna typically inhabiting local wetlands. Participants should plan for outdoor activity and wear footwear appropriate for wet and muddy areas. Children under age 8 are welcome if accompanying older siblings.

Thursday in the Park: Creatures of Leaves and Logs, for children ages 6 to 9, will take place on Thursday, April 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. Children will learn about key inhabitants of the forest as they examine soil, leaf litter, and decaying logs. They should dress for the weather and plan for outdoor activity. Children under age 6 are welcome if accompanying older siblings.

An Earth Day cleanup for people of all ages has been set for April 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will safely pick up and dispose of trash and will turn the natural debris and downed branches into small wildlife shelters. There is no cost.

Compost Happens, for people of all ages, is scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on April 22. Attendees will explore several ways to compost and learn about the proper mix of browns and greens, as well as how and where to use compost.