DCNR Calendar of Events

Events

Saturday, September 4

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...

Morning Nature Walk and Talk

Join the Park Naturalists for an early morning nature walk on Barracks beach out to Leo’s Landing on September 4, 2021 from 7:00-8:00am meeting at the Stull...

Self-guided Walkabout: Finding Ferns and Their Friends

Ferns and their allies (other spore-bearing plants) are sometimes overlooked in favor of flashy flowers, but they are, in truth, an incredible example of...

Saturday Morning Bird Walk

Bring your own binoculars to look for birds and plan on hiking around the park and out on the bridge! It’s healthy too! Meet in front of the visitor center.

Friends Trail Day

Join the Friends of Ridley Creek State Park trail crew on their monthly trail maintenance excursions where they care for park trails, remove invasive plants...

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...

Monarch Biology and Tagging 

It is time once again to observe the annual migration of our famous butterfly, the Monarch! If you are interested in learning about this amazing insect,...

Science & Stories (3rd-5th grade Edition)

Join park staff for this scientific exploration of the forest told through an age appropriate story! In this session for learners in third through fifth...

Shannon Run Paddle

Shannon Run Paddle – Saturday, September 4, 2021 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Meet at Mount Zion Church – Moraine Join Moraine Park staff and explore the...

Tour of the Ancient Trees of Ridge Camp

Did you know that ancient trees abound within and around our family campground? Both the Ridge Camp and Seneca Forest Old Growth Areas surround the...

Birds & Backwaters

Let’s explore the backwaters of F.J. Sayers Lake in search of birds & other wildlife. The park will be loaning a limited amount of equipment for this program...

Tom Faucet-(blather-skite-of-the-hills) Hike

Tom who? Join us as we delve into the life and times of the man who alledgedly shot General Braddock during the French and Indian War. He is a local legend...

Vulture Watching - International Vulture Awareness Day!

***Registration suggested: Please register for this program by clicking the green "Register" button.*** ***Meeting location: 150 Tory Rd. Pipersville, PA -...

Vulture Watching - International Vulture Awareness Day!

***Registration suggested: Please register for this program by clicking the green "Register" button.*** ***Meeting location: 150 Tory Rd. Pipersville, PA -...

Whose Fur is it Anyway?

Come join us for PA Parks "Whose fur, fin, or feather is it anyway?” is based on an old game show. This is an old-fashioned guessing game where participants...

2021 Monarch Tagging

Help the park naturalist with a citizen science project to monitor the migrating population of Monarch butterflies. Learn how this project helps biologists...

Animal Teeth

Bite in (forgive me) to a fun investigation of teeth! We’ll take a look at what mammals eat and what toothy tools they need to do the job. Wentz Education Ctr

Archery is a sport for all ages.

Meet beyond Main Parking area, beside the dairy barn Come out and enjoy one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Archery! This will be the...

Historic Walking Tour from Past to Present

Pine Grove Furnace was not always the scenic mountain getaway you see today. Take a 1-mile walk through the past to discover the history of Pine Grove...

Reptiles on Stage

Do you know the difference between a an Eastern black rat snake and a black racer? How about what to do if you find an enormous and grumpy snapping turtle on...

Tailgate Hike

College football is back, and it’s time to celebrate with a pre-game nature hike led by the park naturalist! No matter your favorite team, enjoy a 2-mile...

Vista Car Tour

With over 40 marked vistas and overlooks listed on the Tiadaghton State Forest day-use map, it can be hard to narrow down which ones to make it to when...

Wildflower Reserve History Hike

Registration is full. Join us as we discover the history and scenic beauty of the Wildflower Reserve during this 3.0 mile hike. Hikers get to discover the...

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...

White pine growing out of Boulder Field - Hickory Run State Park

Meet park staff for a brief talk on the history and signicance of this geologic wonder. Please allow 20 minutes to drive to Boulder Field from Route 534.

Crayfish Crazy

Splash into the wild world of crayfish and explore their freshwater habitat! Free family program. Nets and containers provided All ages welcome. Parents will...

History Hike

Take a leisurely walk through time! Explore the fascinating story of Laurel Hill State Park. This hike will be approximately 2.5 miles in length on moderate...

Tree ID + Tea Hike

Join forest naturalist for a beginner-friendly tree identification hike. Learn how to use a field guide and dichotomous key as well as how to properly...

Elk Country Escape Room

Escape rooms are all the rage these days and our staff has designed their own! Think you have what it takes to escape. In this free escape room, our elk...

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...

Pennsylvania Elk

Stop in the Visitor Center classroom to learn about PA’s largest member of the deer family! This includes a display along with the park naturalist answering...

River Critters

Please bring your river sneakers, swimsuits, mask and snorkels to the Park Office as we drive to various sections of the Clarion River to search for and ...

Camper Appreciation Day

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...

Colonial Kids

***ages 5-12. Young people will learn about life long ago and practice some skills through games and activities. make your own butter and a feather dart...

Hike: Balanced Rock

Take a walk to the beautiful Balanced Rock and learn how the geology of the area put it there. On the way we’ll learn a little about the history of the park...

Head of a turkey vulture

Join the park naturalist for the annual vulture celebration at Oil Creek State Park. Vultures are incredibly important birds that work as the world's...

Live Bird Demonstration: Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center

Join us for a Live Bird Demonstration on Saturday, September 4th from 1 PM - 2 PM open to families and learners of all ages. We will be getting up close to...

Photo Scavenger Hunt

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

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...

Elk in Pennsylvania

The hills are alive with the sound of elk! 2021 marks the 108th anniversary of elk being reintroduced to Pennsylvania. This program will educate you on the...

White pine growing out of Boulder Field - Hickory Run State Park

Join park staff for a guided interpretive hike on Stone Trail. During this walk, learn about the history of the Boulder Field and the habitats that surround...

Hopewell Lake Hike

Join park staff for a 2-mile hike around Hopewell lake. During the hike participants will learn about beaver habitat and behaviors, tree ID, and park...

Monarchs and Milkweed Walk

Join the park naturalist for a walk through the nature center gardens as we look at the monarch butterfly and the milkweed that they depend on.

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...

Whoa! Mule! Whoa!

Hop on the lazy board and “trabbel” down the pike with the muleskinners in this program highlighting stories of the teamsters at Greenwood Furnace.

Terrific Trees

Join the park naturalist to take a look and tell the difference between some of the different tree species in the Lower Picnic Area of Little Pine State...

Viva La Vulture!

Join us for a program in appreciation of all that vultures do! Learn about these deliciously (again, forgive me) creepy residents and how they benefit...

Forest Habitat Hunt

Join us for a family-friendly scavenger hunt, exploring the forest for signs of the critters that call our park home.

Ironmaking at a 19th Century Furnace

How was iron made, and what workers were necessary for the operation. In this program, we will discuss the jobs associated with the operation of the furnace.

Land Trapping Seminar

Join Park Naturalist Jim Mucci as he demonstrate tools, techniques, and locations to trap fox, bobcat, and coyote. This seminar is not a certification course...

Lost: Basic Survival Skills for Children

Learn the basics of what to do and how to survive if you are lost in the woods. While designed for children, this interactive program is both educational...

Monarch Butterfly Tagging

Monarch butterfly migration presentation followed by a short walk to catch, tag, and release monarch butterflies. Arial nets provided. Wear closed-toe shoes...

Original Trail of Giants Hike

Back before the tornado of 1985 took it out, there was the “Trail of Giants” – a small area of virgin hardwoods. We will retrace the original trail as best...

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...

Pontoon Boat Rides

Enjoy a ride on the pontoon boat. PFD’s will be provided. This is a first come first serve program due to limited seats. We will be able to take up to 17...

Reptile and Amphibian Display-no live animals

Stop in to see the beautiful replicas on display. Snakes, turtles, frogs and more!

Stream Study

Join us at Sizerville State Park for a stream program on finding and observing macroinvertebrates found within the parks waterways. For more information...

White pine growing out of Boulder Field - Hickory Run State Park

Meet park staff for a brief talk on the history and significance of this geologic wonder. Please allow 20 minutes to drive to Boulder Field from Route 534.

Terrific Trees

Join the park naturalist to take a look and tell the difference between some of the different tree species in the Lower Picnic Area of Little Pine State...

Discover Ricketts Hike

Hiking the Grand View Trail. This is a 2-mile moderate hike. Good boots are recommended for walking. Park and meet at the Shale Pit Parking Lot off of...

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...

Of Owls and Owl Pellets

Kids with their family program. Adaptations of owls and finding what critters they ate by dissecting an owl pelet.

PA Mammals

Test your skills of ID’ing furs & skulls and learn about PA’s mammals, past & present. Table will be located at the Campground Bath House.

Science in the Park: Snakes

We share the park with a variety of snakes. Come separate fact from fiction about or parks most misunderstood residents. Campground Amphitheater

Vastly Vital Vultures

Celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day at Keystone State Park! This fun program consists of vulture related games and activities meant to learn about...

Woodpecker Walk

Join the park naturalist on an easy 1-mile walk on the Nature Trail as we talk about woodpeckers in our area, look for signs of them, and listen close for...

White pine growing out of Boulder Field - Hickory Run State Park

Sometimes the noises you hear at night in the campground can be unnerving-was that just the leaves rustling in the breeze or a bear?! We will read a story...

Bat Box Building

Learn about the decline of Pennsylvania’s bats and how you can help by putting up bat boxes. All materials provided to make and take a bat box.

Beaver Fever

American Indians called beavers "the sacred center of the land". Find out why when we visit a beaver lodge after a short lecture to observe beavers emerging...

End Of Season Beach Party

The Friends Of Black Moshannon will be hosting a beach party with activities and food! Everyone is welcome to attend! 6 pm -9 pm- Dancing on the beach...

Historical Games

People have been having fun in French Creek for over 200 years but the games they played for fun look a little different (or not so different) than the ones...

Kids Craft – Charcoal Drawing

For the kids! Come and draw a picture with charcoal, like kids would have done at the furnace.

Snakes

Are there snakes in Ohiopyle? Of course there are! Ohiopyle State park is the perfect habitat for our slitherin’ scaly friends. We will learn all about...

Sunset Paddle

Enjoy an evening on the lake while we watch the sun set below the surrounding hills. As we paddle along, we'll relax and discuss the park and its wild...

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...

Family Owl Craft

Create an owl puppet while learning about the adaptations that make owls excellent night-time hunters. Best for ages 4–10. Meet at Campground Amphitheater.

Local Myths and Legends Campfire Talk

Join Mt. Pisgah State Park Environmental Education Specialist and local historian Charlie Fox for an evening by the campfire. Mr. Fox retired PA Game...

Magically Electric Show

Producing electricity is so easy it's like magic. So what are the problems?

Moths and Nocturnal Insects

Celebrate Moth Week and join the park naturalist and fellow insect enthusiasts for some “moth lighting”, and an opportunity to observe the mysterious world...

Owls

Join us to learn about the amazing owls of our area. From hooting sounds to heads that spin, come learn why owls are such fascinating birds. In addition,...

Pennsylvania Black Bear

Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission to get up close and personal with one of Penn's Woods most fascinating creatures! Please meet at the Laurel...

Storytelling and Drumming

Bring the whole family out to listen to the park naturalist tell some American Indian tales. Shake a rattle or beat a drum to help the story along.

The Misunderstood Rattlesnake

You are welcome to attend a very special Rattlesnake Program this Labor Day Weekend hosted by DCNR Forest Ranger Steven Shaffer - a long time advocate of...

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...

Flight of the Bats

This program will be focusing on some of the bats' adaptations, some myths about bats, and a fungus that is threatening their population. There will also be...

Campfire Tales: Tales of the CCC

Join us for some mildly haunting tales from the Civilian Conservation Corps camp here at the park. Nothing too scary, but be careful, you may just learn...

Owl Prowl

Learn about the local owls that live in our forests here at the park before we set out on a short hike to see if we can find them!

The Workers of Greenwood Furnace

In honor of Labor Day, we’ll take a look at the various jobs around the furnace, from the manager down to the woodchopper. Learn about the working conditions...

Campground Movie: Magic of the Snowy Owl

Discover how the beautiful snowy owl survives and raises young in the harshest of environments. Short campground talk followed by 1-hour PBS Nature video.

A Year in the Life of a Timber Rattlesnake

Join Rich Bonnett, SE PA team leader for the Timber Rattler Assessment Project (TRAP) since 2003. To learn more about timber rattlesnakes. Rich will take you...

Amphitheater Show & Tell

Join us at the Sizerville Amphitheater for a short film with examples of Deer Management in Pennsylvania. For more information contact the Park Office (814)...

Command Decisions of the Civil War

During this live presentation, you will be given the task of making command decisions about events from Civil War battles. Will you do better or worse than...

Drive-In Night Sky Watch

Join Tom Traub, Project Director for the Martz Observatory, and learn the essentials of stargazing. Please bring binoculars, spotting scope, or telescope,...

Eyeshine Explorers

Learn about how and why animals have eyeshine. Please bring a flashlight for every participant. Park and meet at the Western Boat Launch. Contact...

Movie Night - Owls

Grab your popcorn and head to the amphitheater for a movie night! We'll be viewing the 1-hour movie about owls. Afterwards, the park naturalist will have...

Pennsylvania’s Forgotten Giants

Pennsylvania’s old growth forests are among the most pristine places on earth. This 30- minute film invites you to learn about this biologically rich ecosystem.

Private Dark Sky Telescope Tour: Gods in the Sky

Back in a time before television, internet, video games, and graphic novels there was the splendor and drama of the night sky. Gods followed their whims,...

Night Sky Tour

Experience the splendor of the night sky at Cherry Springs State Park. Observe the constellations through a laser-guided tour conducted by park staff. Listen...

World Of The Beaver

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

Milky Way Over Halfway Dam

Join park staff to explore the night skies! This tour will walk you through a bit of historic astronomy, highlight one or two prominent features visible at...

Saturday, September 4