It's slated to be a busy summer at Historic Poole Forge.

The nonprofit organization sits on a 26-acre site in Lancaster County along the Berks County border. Every Wednesday this summer, there will be free programming for kids in the local community.

Some favorite programs will return from previous years, like "Pennsylvania Raptors and Mammals" with Raven Ridge Wildlife Center at 6 p.m. on July 15 and archery at 6 p.m. on July 29, while there will also be plenty of new offerings this summer.

Historic Poole Forge is located at 1940 Main St., Narvon. All programs will be held at the site's pavilion, with the exception of archery, which will be held at the ballfield. All programs will last for approximately one hour and are free, although donations are encouraged.

"I think it's critical for children to get outside and learn in this respect," said Dawn Rise Ekdahl, executive director at Poole Forge. "The whole goal of the program is to get children outside in nature, developing that appreciation for nature."

Registration is not required for most programs, with the exception of archery. Children must be accompanied by adults at all programs. Programs will be held in most forms of weather, but Ekdahl encouraged potential attendees to call ahead to 484-797-5302 to ensure that the Forge is going ahead with the programming.

This summer's programming will kick off at 1 p.m. on July 8 with fish stocking, allowing children to discover the aquatic species that reside in the Conestoga Creek. The program will be taught by Lancaster County Conservation District staff.

Earlier in the day on July 15, at 1 p.m., biologist Brad Basehore will instruct on macroinvertebrates, discovering the "aquatic insects, crustaceans and other tiny creatures" that reside in the creek. The following week (July 22) at 1 p.m., a "Farmland Raptors" program will offer the opportunity to meet the various birds of prey that reside around the Forge.

Before the ever-popular archery program on July 29, there will be an insects program at 1 p.m. The following week on Aug. 5, there will be a stream study that will allow participants to do hands-on learning by observing habitat conditions, collecting aquatic organisms and measuring water characteristics.

On Aug. 12, there will be a rocks and fossils program at 1 p.m., allowing kids to examine specimens and discover what they can tell about the state's ancient past. Programming will close at 6 p.m. on Aug. 19 with a gardening program that teaches participants how trees and shrubs can attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

"I'm a wildlife person, so I really enjoy our wildlife programs," Ekdahl said. "I think the children really get something out of all of the programs."

The Conestoga Creek/River runs through Historic Poole Forge, which offers the organization plenty of opportunities for aquatic-based programming. The Conestoga was named as Pennsylvania's river of the year back in January, flowing from Berks County down to below the Safe Harbor Dam in southern Lancaster County. Poole Forge was part of the effort to help the Conestoga win this year's contest.

"There's a lot of projects that have been working on the health of the Conestoga Creek," Ekdahl said. "We have really focused on improving the health of the creek in the park to set an example for the rest of the community."

Ekdahl noted that the Conestoga is not a place where people should be swimming, something that has increased rapidly since many recreational pools closed during or following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Historic Poole Forge is located on Route 23, 7 miles east of New Holland and 3 miles east of the Shady Maple Complex. For more information, visit http://www.historicpooleforge.org or http://www.facebook.com/pooleforge. Those with questions may email hpf1940@gmail.com.