DCNR Calendar of Events

Events

Saturday, August 14

Self-Guided: DIY DiscoverE Activity Guide

Pick up your free copy of this summer's DIY DiscoverE Activity Guide! You can find a copy of the guide in the lobby of the education building at Kings Gap,...

StoryWalk: Tuesday

Self-Guided Mid-June through mid-September Visit the Watershed Trail in the Kings Gap Hollow Day Use area to enjoy a story...

Early Morning Walk

Reeds Gap has stunning hiking trails! Join the park naturalist as we explore some of these trails along Honey Creek to see what's out in our forest. We'll...

Kids Fishing Tournament

The Friends of Nockamixon want to encourage children ages 5-14 to learn how to fish. All participants will receive fishing items and bait. Poles are...

Lagoon by Pontoon

Presque Isle State Park has miles of beautiful wetlands, ponds, and a lagoon home to many unique plants and animals. Enjoy a one-hour tour of the lagoon...

American Beaver

Begin the weekend with a guided paddle into the southern portion of Lackawanna Lake. As we paddle along, we'll relax and discuss the park and its wild...

Reptile and Amphibian Day

Join us throughout the day to learn about PA Reptiles and Amphibians. Meet at the Environmental Learning Center for all programs! 9:00 am- PA Turtles 10:00...

Trail Work Saturday

Laurel Mountain Volunteers can preregister to do brush work along several different trails in the Laurel Mountain Division of Forbes. How does this work?...

Volunteer Garden Crew

Volunteer to work alongside our education staff as they mulch, pull weeds, divide plants, and generally work to maintain the native plant landscaping at the...

Volunteer Work Day

Let’s Clean it Up! Give one of Pennsylvania’s favorite parks a helping hand by meeting other volunteers to clean up trails, picnic & parking areas, and the...

Wildflower Walk

Take a walk with park staff along the Lowlands Trail to look at late summer wildflowers. Easy, slow-paced walk on mostly level surfaces. Some brief off-trail...

Yoga on the Beach

Come join Bloom Yoga & Wellness for a free, gentle all-abilities class at the swimming area. New to yoga? Great! If you can breathe, you can do yoga. A...

Formation of Ferncliff Hike

Did you know that Meadow Run used to flow past the Falls Area Visitor’s Center? This easy 2 mile hike explores the evidence that geologists have used to...

Beginner Archery

This program requires pre-registration to attend. Register online by clicking here. Join park staff to learn the basics of archery, including safety,...

CCC and Local History Day

On this day we honor the boys of the Civilian Conservation Corp, who made Promised Land the beautiful park it is today. Our CCC Boy, Cornelius McHugh will...

Delaware River Kayaking - *Registration is full*

Team up with the Park Naturalist for a fun float in a kayak down the Delaware River! After an on land strategy and safety session, participants will launch...

DiscoverE: Salamander Safari

Help us look for some of the bright and colorful salamanders that call Raccoon Creek State Park home! This is a program for children ages 9-12 accompanied by...

Exhibit: 100 Years of Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park is celebrating its 100-year anniversary.  A new educational exhibit showcasing the history of the park will be on display from May...

Friends of Cook Forest Series: Basics of Orienteering

Ever get lost in Cook Forest? Can you find north? What if it’s dark or you don't have a map? Please meet at the Nuthole Pavilion, located at the entrance...

Hike to the Webbers

Bob and Dottie Webber lived in their cabin on the rim of the Pine Creek Valley for most of their lives. After the passing of Bob in 2015, their cabin was...

Plant Science

Explore the plants of Smith Hillside trail as we take a closer look at their adaptations for survival. From poison to thorns, we’ll look at how plants have...

Reptiles on Stage

Do you know how to help a large snapping turtle cross the road? Can you identify our 3 venomous snakes in PA? How many different types of lizards occur in...

Tree Identification Walk

Join the park naturalist for a short, half mile walk around Leonard Harrison State Park, where we will learn to identify common trees by leaves and by bark....

Historic Gristmill Hours

2021 Historic Gristmill Hours are from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at McConnells Mill State Park. The historic gristmill will be open to visitors Wednesdays through...

Lagoon by Pontoon

Presque Isle State Park has miles of beautiful wetlands, ponds, and a lagoon home to many unique plants and animals. Enjoy a one-hour tour of the lagoon...

Kayak Instanter

Elk State Park was home to the old town of Instanter. After a safety talk, enjoy a nature paddle with the history of the town explored. The park has a...

Magnificent Monarchs

Explore the fascinating life cycle of this amazing migratory butterfly. Learn to identify the essential plants that monarchs rely on for their survival....

Muddy Creek Oil Field Living History Exhibit

Muddy Creek Oil Field Living History Exhibit - Saturday, August 14, 2021 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM – Park Road - Moraine State Park Come see a restored oil...

Point of Industry

Join park staff for an easy walk around the park to learn about what the Point was like during the Industrial Revolution, including what buildings and...

Volunteer Workday - CCC Forest Garden Trail

Come join us for a special volunteer workday as we continue work on our new CCC Forest Garden Trail in honor of the men of the Richmond Furnace CCC Camp....

Volunteer Workday - Streamside Study Station

Come join us for a special volunteer workday as we begin work rehabilitating our streamside study station in the memory of Noah Shaffer. This project is part...

Fishing Tackle Loaner Program

What if you didn’t bring your fishing gear? No problem—borrow ours! Rods and tackle boxes will be available to borrow on a first come, first serve basis. All...

Introduction to Geocaching

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate...

Koppenhaver Trail Hike

Hike the 1.25-mile Koppenhaver Trail to visit what was once Camp Sells and Pine Grove Park a stopping point on the South Mountain Railroad. Meet the Park...

Carpenter Ant

Bring a camera, phone, or tablet to the Campground Amphitheater and take part in a family-fun scavenger hunt! See if you can find everything on the list to...

Scavenger Hike: Ledges Trail Loop

Join the park naturalist for a scavenger hunt hike on the ledges trail loop. Keep a close eye on your surroundings as you take in the wonderment of Trough...

Shoaff's Mill Tours

Shoaff's Mill is an 1840's era Grist Mill that operates from May to October on weekends from 1-3pm. See a 32 ft steel waterwheel turn just as it has for over...

Skins and Skulls at Music at the Marina

Join the park educators to learn more about the animals that call Goddard State Park home. Pelts and animal skulls will be available to study. Meet at the...

Virtual Summer Tour of Presque Isle

Our Nationally recognized, award winning beaches are among the most inviting places to visit in the area. If you would like to see what all the celebration...

Butterflies and Moths

Join the naturalist for a look into the life cycle of butterflies and moths. The program will include a craft and a little walk. This program is suited for...

Letterboxing

Do you like finding hidden treasure? Join the park educator to learn about this adventurous outdoor hobby!

Park Scavenger Hunt

Meet up with our park naturalist to get your list then explore the park looking for all sorts of items! Once your list is complete or you've run out of time,...

Tea Talk

Come on out to the campground amphitheater for a cup of tea from nature. Tea being brewed will depend on what’s in bloom during the season. We’ll talk about...

Thaddeus Stevens Blacksmith Shop

Thaddeus Stevens was NOT a blacksmith. He owned the 10,000 acres that comprised Caledonia Ironworks. As a leading abolitionist, he advocated for the end of...

Welcome to the Rut

The mating season for the elk is upon us, join us at the Elk Country Visitor Center as we learn all about the unique behaviors that elk display during this...

History Hike

Take a short walk back into history to learn the connection between geology, industry, railroad and daily life. We’ll start at the education center to get a...

Kayaking 101

Join the park naturalist for a beginner’s kayaking lesson. After the lesson you will have a chance to paddle on the lake with the naturalist. ...

Animal Tracks Hike and Craft

Become a nature detective and read the secret signs that animals leave behind, then make a plaster animal track to take home with you. Easy 1-mile walk over...

Build a Boat!

Join us at Sizerville State Park for a build a boat program. Collect what you can from nature and see if your boat floats! For more information contact the...

Goddard's Birds at Music at the Marina

Join the park educators to learn more about the birds that call Lake Wilhelm home. Meet at the DCNR Booth.

Log Drive

In the days before log trucks and skidders, how did people move logs to the sawmills? Water. Come to the beach and bring along your beach buckets to help...

Point of Industry

Join park staff for an easy walk around the park to learn about what the Point was like during the Industrial Revolution, including what buildings and...

Talk and Walk at Penn-Roosevelt

Come and join us at the picnic area by the Fireplace at Penn-Roosevelt State Park for a walk and talk on the history of Penn-Roosevelt, from the logging...

Tree Scavenger Hunt

Kids! Join us for a family-friendly scavenger hunt! Try to find some items related to TREES found here in the park and get a “tree-ific” prize!

Cuentos en Español para Niños

Únase a sus amigos de la Biblioteca Comunitaria de Mifflin en Nolde Forest para disfrutar de un cuento familiar en español. Escuche la historia y luego...

Discover Ricketts Hike

Hiking the Evergreen Trail to see Adams Falls. This is a 1-mile moderate hike. Good boots are recommended for walking. Park and meet at the Evergreen...

I Dig Archaeology

Kids With Their Family Program! Families try to identify artifacts and kids do a simulated dig.

Log Cabins of Chestnut

During the roaring 1920s Caledonia was an enclave community of urban people wanting to immerse themselves in nature. Mountain cabins were built, and they...

Nature Kayak Tour

On this Nature Eco Tour you will learn about the park history, birds, and other wildlife that inhabit the Marsh Creek area presented by L.L Bean and State...

SUP Demos at Music at the Marina

Join us to try out stand up paddleboarding. Boards, paddles, and life jackets provided. First come, first served. All paddlers must wear a properly fitted...

Stream Study

Join the park naturalist and explore an underwater community to find some different aquatic insects that call this creek home. All children must be...

Wisdom of the Woods

Do you ever feel like nature is trying to tell you something? Join the park educator to discover the secret messages the woods have to share.

For Kids: Animal Tracks

Who made tracks in the soft mud? We will read a story about animal tracks then go on a short "track hunt" to search for animal tracks. Best suited for ages 3...

PA Deer

Around here, we see them daily, but how much do you actually know about Pennsylvania's state mammal? Stop by and ask your deer & elk questions & learn more...

Santa Visits the Campground!

This event is tentatively planned for 2021. This event may be modified or cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting safety guidelines as...

Science in the Park: The Food Chain

Let’s see what is on the menu in the forest? Join our park naturalist as we discuss how animals eat. Meeting Location: Campground Amphitheater

Animal Track Prints at Music at the Marina

Join the park educators for a take home kids craft featuring animal tracks while supplies last. Meet at the DCNR Booth.

Family Science Night: Amazing Plants

Calling kids ages 8-15 and their parents, plants make the air we breathe, the wood to build our homes, and so much more. This program focuses on the so much...

Hoot! Hoot! What's In My Belly?

Owls eat some pretty crazy stuff! We will learn all about about PA's Owls and then dissect an owl pellet to see what's for dinner. This program is best...

Introduction to Geocaching

The program will meet at Pavilion #5/Public Boat Launch Parking. Learn about this high-tech scavenger hunt and how to use a GPS unit to discover the...

Butterflies

The flowers in the park are all a flutter with butterflies and hummingbirds. Learn about the life cycle of these magnificent creatures and what we can do to...

Campfire Tales

Let's gather around the campfire ring and share stories, sing songs, play games, and of course roast marshmallows! Bring a chair, comfy blanket, and your...

Pond Mysteries

Sit quietly by our pond to observe the mysteries it holds. What lives in it? What grows in and around the edges? A set of binoculars is recommended, but...

Beaver Hike

Take a .75 mile hike along the Mid-State Trail to see an active beaver lodge! Learn about their history, management, and role in our park. Great hike for...

Cooperative Trout Nursery

We will be meeting a bus at Chappells Field. The cooperative nursery is made possible by Pavia Sportsmen’s Club, Blue Knob State Park, and the PA Fish and...

Kids Fish Prints at Music at the Marina

Join the park educators to make prints of fish that you find at Lake Wilhelm. Fish posters also available for handouts while supplies last. Meet at the DCNR...

Light up the night paddle

Join us for a paddle to enjoy the fireworks and Perseid meteor shower display. Bring your own kayak and gear or borrow from the park. Dress for the weather...

Native American Storytelling and Drumming

Audience participation is encouraged as Kathy Kelchner, naturalist from Frances Slocum State Park, tells some Native American tales. You may get to shake a...

Owls and Pellets

Join us as we learn a little about owls! Discover what an owl pellet is, how it is made and investigate and dissect some that the owls left behind. This is a...

Pennsylvania Black Bears

History, adaptations, facts, myths and management of Pennsylvania's healthy Black Bear population.

African-Americans in the CCC in PA

The Civilian Conservation Corps program was a tremendous benefit to the citizens of Pennsylvania. Second only to California in the number of camps, the...

CANCELED: What's in a Hoot?  Owl Preregistration is required.

What goes hoot in the night? Do you know which owl was mistaken for a ghost back in colonial times? Join Park Educator, Lisa Meadows, to learn all about...

Tea Talk

Come on out to the nature center for a cup of tea from nature. Tea being brewed will depend on what’s in bloom during the season. We’ll talk about anything...

Amphitheater Show & Tell

Join us at Sizerville's Amphitheater for a short film on the reintroduction of fishers and otters back to PA. For more information contact the Park Office...

Campground Movie: 1911 Austin Dam Disaster

Discover the story behind the collapse of the concrete dam just north of Austin, PA. Brief campground talk followed by 90-minute movie, “The Austin...

Throwback: Reflections of a Park Naturalist

[This program was offered at this date, time, and location 50 years ago.] How did I become a park naturalist? What are some things that I do to connect with...

Thru-Hiking from Georgia to Maine

People from all over the world come to hike this global treasure. Most do a few or many miles in section hikes. Like climbing Mt. Everest, only a few manage...

Water Races of Pine Grove Furnace

Andre Weltman, local historian and chairman of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace will speak about iron company waterwheels & water races. Many of the old...

World of the Beaver

Learn the history, biology, and management of this unique mammal through photos, skulls, hides, and demos

Mystery Movie Night

Have a seat in our amphitheater style seating or bring along a comfy bag chair to watch a thirty minute educational video on a mystery nature topic. Wear...

 Perseids Meteor Shower Night Paddle

***Registration required: Space is limited. Please register for this program by clicking the green "Register" button.*** ***Meeting location: Haycock Boat...

Saturday, August 14