DCNR Calendar of Events

Events

Saturday, May 28

Spring StoryWalk: Daniel Finds A Poem

Enjoy a story as you walk through the woods. This season’s story, Daniel Finds A Poem, can be found on the paved White Oaks Trail in the Kings Gap Hollow...

Rhododendron Flower

State-Wide June Bio Blitz! Calling all self-proclaimed naturalists! If you are a mushroom hunter, fisherman, birder, or just like walking the trails and...

Annual Spring Bird Walk

Local resident and past president of the PA Society for Ornithology Evan Mann will lead a walk to identify as many bird species as we can by sight and sound....

Morning Paddle (Bring Your Own Boat)

Join us for a morning of exploration and observation! Discussions on the wildlife found at Black Moshannon State Park, and why we differ from other parks in...

Saturday Morning Birding Series

Saturday Morning Birding Walks at Hills Creek Saturdays in April and May All 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Meet at the Hills Creek State Park Office prior to 8am...

Red-eyed Vireo

Take a short, easy walk around the campground in search of songbirds. We’ll look and listen for birds, learning helpful identification and bird-finding tips....

Movie Despicable Me

THEY ARE BACK MOVIES NIGHT DURING THE SUMMER AT KEYSTONE STATE PARK SATURDAYS MOVIE NIGHT: Grab the blankets, snacks and especially the...

Giving Pond Loop Hike

***Registration required: Please register for this program by clicking the green "register" button.*** ***Meeting location: Giving Pond Recreation Area,...

Hike Around the Highpoint

Learn about the natural and cultural history that surrounds the Mt. Davis area of Forbes State Forest during this moderate, 5-6 mile hike. Location...

STORYWALK: Mama Built a Little Nest- Recurring Event Self Guided

Mt. Pisgah State Park invites you to enjoy reading "Mama Built a Nest" while walking along the Oh! Susanna Trail by Stephen Foster Lake between the pool area...

The Joy of Birdwatchibg

A guided bird identification walk will be offered every Saturday morning until the end of May. Due to the park's location within the Tuscarora State Forest,...

Vernal Pools

Join us this Saturday, May 28 at 9am at the Wildlife Observation Station to explore our vernal pools! Please wear shoes that can get wet.

  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...

Show Yellow Creek some love! Kayak/Canoe BYOK/Shoreline Clean up Preregistration required

We need your help to clean up our shoreline! Bring your kayak or canoe to join us for an early morning paddle at Yellow Creek to keep the park beautiful. ...

Tom Faucett Hike

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

Cook Forest Living History Weekend

Please join us for a fun filled weekend of living history as we journey through various historical eras of the United States: French & Indian War, Colonial...

DARCee's Friends of Keystone Under the Bridge Clean Up Event

Dust off that Red Hot Chili Peppers CD, load it up, and come on out and meet the members of DARCee and the Friends of Keystone State Park under the bridge in...

Family Fishing

Join the Park Naturalist for a morning of fishing on a newly stocked lake. Poles and bait provided. Youth fishing poles will be available for use as well. No...

History Walk Around the Lake

Do you realize that it has been 150 years since William Parker’s splash dam was built here? Learn about the history of the park on this hike around the lake.

Koppenhaver Trail Bridge Volunteer Day

Koppenhaver Trail Bridge Volunteer Day Volunteers are needed to assist with installing a new replacement bridge on Koppenhaver Trail. Projects consist of...

Memorial Day Service

Join us at the campground amphitheater for a Memorial Day Service to honor our veterans. We will have a speaker followed by a 21-gun salute and the playing...

Native Plant Garden Clean Up

We need your help! Raccoon Creek State Park has two native plant gardens that are primarily maintained by volunteers. Join us as we pull weeds, and make...

PA Mammals

While we don’t have any buffalo (despite our name!) there sure are a lot of other furry creatures to be found here. Come test your skills of identifying furs...

World Turtle Day

Turtles have roamed our planet since before dinosaurs, yet many of these beloved creatures are now in serious trouble due to habitat loss, exploitation as...

Historic Gristmill Summer Hours

The 19th century gristmill is the centerpiece of McConnells Mill State Park. The historic gristmill at McConnells Mill State Park is open mid-May through...

The Pennsylvania Longrifle... and You!

In this seminar, guest speaker Dave Ehrig will explore the roots of our state’s iconic new symbol. From humble frontier roots, an evolution of gunmaking...

  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...

Boulder Field Basics

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

Creatures of The Creek

Invertebrates are an important part of the food chain in the East Branch of the Clarion River & Bendigo Run. Join a park educator in an investigation of the...

Memori-OWL Weekend!

Our park educator will lead a video presentation introducing you to 3 native owl species. Attendees will be offered owl pellets to dissect so we can discern...

PA Game Commission Wildlife Presentation

Deputy Warden Mike Scott will be setting our live capture traps in anticipation of bringing a LIVE bear or beaver. Which ever he captures, it will be...

Snake Walk

Program Canceled. Take a walk with the park educator to search for, learn about, and appreciate PA’s amazing snakes. Please be sure to bring a water...

Wildlife Watchers Kayak Program

Take a relaxing paddle on Doubling Gap Lake and enjoy the sights and sounds of Mother Nature. Kayaks are limited so it is recommended to reserve a time for...

Delaware River Kayaking *FULL* Accepting Waiting List Only

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...

Geocaching with a Bigfoot Twist

Join us at 12:00 p.m. in front of the Visitor Center for a short intro about how to geocache with one of our units. Then borrow a park GPS unit and try to...

Children's Red, White, & Blue Bike Parade

Decorate your bicycles, wagons, or anything that rolls in red, white, and blue and join us for a patriotic parade through the campground. Assemble at the...

Frog Fun

Ages 3-5, Little ones and their grownups will learn about frogs and toads through hands on activities, story, craft, and song.

Banded Net-winged Beetle

Tag along with the Park Naturalist to learn about life in our woods. We’ll walk the Frost Hollow and Snowflake Trails, a 1.5 mile loop on moderate terrain....

Hike: Balanced Rock Trail

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...

Hopewell Lake Family 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...

Knotweed Knockdown

We will be walking in the stream to cut down Japanese Knotweed (an invasive plant) on streambanks. Please wear shoes you are comfortable with getting wet....

Log Drive!

Bring your sand buckets to haul water for our scale-model log drive down the beach. We will demonstrate how logs were moved to the sawmills back before log...

Mammals of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to many spectacular mammals. Come on down to the campground amphitheater where we'll learn about some of these fuzzy creatures. We'll...

Salamander Safari

Find out about salamanders of Pennsylvania; where they live, what they eat, what makes them so unique, and where to find them. We will head to Penny Run to...

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...

Birding 101

Join the park naturalist to learn all about the wonderful world of birding! We will be discussing some good tips for beginner birders & test out our...

Guided Hike to Hidden Waterfalls

Discover two scenic waterfalls along Ketchum Run in the Loyalsock State Forest. Meet at the Visitors Center to drive 5 miles to the trail, where we will hike...

Oak/Hemlock Loop

Join Naturalist Robin Tracey on the Oak/Hemlock Trail at Locust Lake SP on Saturday, May 28, 2022. The trail is 3 miles in length and moderate in...

Ribbit, Hop, Croak: Frogs of Yellow Creek

Are you curious about the frogs and toads that live at Yellow Creek? Join us on this program to learn all about these fun amphibians and their loud croaks...

Busy Beavers

Learn more about the beavers that live in Lake Jean at the beach! No live animals will be present. Contact Rhiannon Summers at 570-477-7780 or...

Creative Constellations

Join the park educator at the amphitheater to learn about the night sky, different phases of the moon, the constellations, & the stars associated with them....

Elk Calves

Calving season is here! Most elk give birth to their calves between the last week of May and the first week of June. Join us at the Elk Country Visitor...

Forest Habitat Hunt

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

Hike Scenic Vista Trail

Saturday, May 28, 2022 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Join Kings Gap Staff for this free 3-4 mile guided hike over uneven moderate...

Pleurotus ostreatus

Join our park educator to peruse and look for mushrooms in different places throughout the park each week. Lee is a state licensed wild mushroom identifier...

Pontoon Boat Rides

Pontoon Boat Rides Take a ride on the pontoon boat to see beautiful views of the lake. Each ride will have a specific topic, which are listed below. ...

Basic Bird Walk

Join us for a bird walk to see what birds are hanging around the park on a spring afternoon. We’ll give an overview of basic birding skills and some common...

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...

Edible Plant Excursion

Ever wondered what plants are safe to eat and which are not? Join the park educators to see which plants are safe to snack on.

View from Cowans Gap overlook

Come join the park naturalist for a hike to the park overlooks. The hike is about 2 ½ miles round trip over moderate to difficult terrain. The first...

Mammals of PA Display

Stop by to see some of the park's taxidermy collection. Do you recognize all the animals? How many have you seen in the wild?

Mushroom Madness

Join us at Sizerville State Park as we search for wild mushroom species and learn about their role in the environment. The hike is on the Campground Trail...

A hand holds a crayfish by the back, crayfish's antenae and legs face the camera.

NEW TIME: Program is now from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at 40 Maples. Discover how crayfish move on land and water by splashing into the wild world of crayfish to...

Trek with your Pet Hike

Bring your furry friend along on an easy-moderate hike through the park. Pets must be friendly with other people and pets, and must remain on a leash at all...

Boulder Field Basics

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

CCC Trail Hike

Walk a trail that was once used by the boys of the Civilian Conservation Corps and learn about what they did and where they lived. We go out and back for...

Creative Constellations

Join the park educator at the nature center to learn about the night sky, different phases of the moon, the constellations, & the stars associated with them....

Fossil Discovery

Kids with their Family Activity! Fossil info, identification and kids will then extract 2 replica fossils, which they keep.

Spooky Spiders

There are over 30,000 different spiders in the world. What do some of these spiders eat? Where do some of these spiders live? Come and learn some of the...

Bygone Town of Ricketts Tour

Discover where the lumber town of Ricketts used to stand and learn some history along the way! Good boots are recommended for walking. Please bring your...

Nature Walk

Take an easy walk on the trails of Susquehannock State Park and learn about the history of the area and enjoy any wildlife that crosses our path. We will...

Frog/Toad Call Bingo

Wanna know who that is croaking next to your site at night? Come out and learn some frogs and toads you may have heard around Poe Lake or even at home. Maybe...

Timber Rattlesnake

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

Water Walk

Walk along the waters edge as we discuss the living and non-living components that make the cove a thriving place for critters.

For Kids: Quiet Night

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...

Marsh Trail Stroll

Take an early evening stroll along the Marsh trail to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. We’ll keep an eye out for turtles, frogs, birds and more.

Who were the Susquehannocks?

The Susquehannocks arrived in the Lower Susquehanna not long before Captain John Smilth. Who were they and what impact did they have on the area? This...

Matchless Fire Starting

Fire has always captivated humans. Whether it be for cooking or for warmth, people have relied on this heat source for millennia. Come out to the upper...

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...

Life of a Union Soldier-MOVED TO SUNDAY, MAY 29

As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend and think of all those who've served in our armed forces, local historian John Moran will describe what it was like to...

Mammal Mix-Up

Join us at the amphitheater to learn about some of the common mammals found throughout the Poconos. From bats to bears, and tracks and scat to fur, you’ll...

PA Black Bear

Join us for one of our most popular programs. We’ll introduce you to these amazing animals and discuss how they fit into our park ecosystem. We will also...

Pennsylvania Black Bears

The life and times of black bears in Pennsylvania. Why are black bears doing so good in our state?

Ray Owen Good Time Music and Classic Comedy Show

Ray Owen will be performing songs that lift the spirit up and comedy that brings the house down. These days, when it seems that our problems are caused by...

Shell-rific Turtles

What species of turtles live in PA? How big can a snapping turtle get? Find out the answers and much more at this family friendly presentation.

Snakes Alive!

Join us at the Laurel Hill Campground Amphitheater for a chance to get up close and personal with snakes! Learn the facts about snakes and their unique...

What Lurks in the Lake

Join us for this family friendly program where we will learn all about the creatures that call Pinchot Lake home!

Bat Release!

Join park staff to learn more about bats, their habits, and how they are important to our everyday life. After a short presentation we will meet in the field...

Photo Scavenger Hunt

Bring a camera or cell phone for this high tech scavenger hunt. Find the items on the list, take a photo, and get a prize. All children must be accompanied...

Poe Valley Campfire Stories!

Gather around the campfire and listen to some fun campfire stories and local folklore! We will be reading stories from distant places, as well as dive into...

Stargazing Event

Enjoy an evening of stargazing and learn how to find your way around the night sky by "starhopping" from easily recognized constellations and stars to...

Amphitheater Show & Tell

Join us at Sizerville State Park for an educational short film on raptor restoration. Learn what techniques they used and where the population is at today.

Bats:  Myths vs. Facts

Join the park naturalist as we look at the bat and separate fact from myth. Learn why bats are important here at Cowans Gap. Join us afterwards for our...

Matchless Fire Starting

Fire has always captivated humans. Whether it be for cooking or for warmth, people have relied on this heat source for millennia. Come out to the nature...

Night Sky Tour

Take a tour of the night sky to view the spring constellations. Bring a flashlight and bug spray Park and meet at the Visitor Center. This program will be...

Nighttime Trek

Explore the park after dark and find out how the creatures of the night navigate the woods.

A striped gray owl with a round head against a cloudy gray sky

Whoooo’s there? Learn about Pennsylvania’s owls in an engaging slide presentation with taxidermied owl mounts. Learn about the wonderful owls that live in...

Nightscape Photo Workshop

Photograph the starry night sky with your DSLR camera & lenses you currently own. Curt Weinhold, a PA Wilds Juried Artisan, teaches you to photograph...

Batty About Bats

Come to the old ‘bat church’ to sit in the lawn and watch the evening emergence of the bats. We’ll learn why the bats chose this old building for a roost and...

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...

Mindful Skywatching

Come and join us as the sun sets to do mindful sky watching. You will be guided through a short, guided meditation to encourage relaxation, openness and...

Race Against Time

As spring has sprung, learn about a vital spring wetland habitat type that is disappearing from many places. Some interesting species of wildlife depend...

World of the Beaver

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

Private Dark Sky Telescope Tour: Around the World in 80 Minutes

In the United States the Greek Constellations and their associated mythological stories are the most well-known. However, for thousands of years humans of...

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. Hear...

Saturday, May 28