DCNR Calendar of Events

Events

Saturday, July 16

Neshaminy State Park Storybook Trail - Sendero de Storybook

A bilingual story leads visitors along the Logan Garden Trail Loop. Come and enjoy this self-guided tour. (Note: the trail’s not on the park’s map yet so the...

William Penn State Forest Storybook Walk -Sendero de Storybook

Enjoy the (bilingual) “Smokey Bear Story” as you stroll in the William Penn’s Gibraltar Tract. The storybook trail is on natural dirt surface and may be...

Sunrise Hike

The sun rises from its slumber and peaks its head ever slowly over the horizon, awakening the world around you to a bright, new day. Birds are chirping,...

StoryWalk - Box Turtle At Long Pond

Enjoy a story as you walk through the woods! You can find Box Turtle at Long Pond on the Whispering Pines Trail (#2) in the Pine Plantation use area as...

StoryWalk - My Happy Year

Enjoy a story as you walk through the woods! You can find My Happy Year by E. Bluebird on the Nature Trail (#16) outside the Education Building. Share...

Storywalk - Can He Keep It?

Enjoy a walk thru nature while reading a story. The story is located on Adams Run Trail, is less than 1/2 a mile, and handicap accessible. Parking is...

Wake Up Walk

Join a park educator for a stroll along MAry Ann Furnace trail as the forest wakes up for the day.

Bluebirds, Pollinators, Story Time, and Fun

Join the Friends of Beltzville on a hike to look for bluebirds, as well as a visit to the Friends’ Pollinator Garden, one of their most important volunteer...

Canoeing 101 - El piraguismo para principiantes

Try canoeing with Stroud Water Research Center. This program goes out every hour from the allotted time. Across from the park office, there will be a tent,...

Hook, Line, and Simple: Intro to Fishing

Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish? Join the park naturalists for an intro to fishing program! All ages are welcome, but those aged 16 years and older...

Island Exploration by Kayak

Join park staff for a kayaking adventure to explore the islands on the north end of the park. Bring your own kayak or borrow from the park. Ages 16+ with a...

Meet CATE - Unidad móvil de salud

La unidad móvil de salud de Pennsylvania y Latino Connection estarán presentes con vacunas de COVID-19 gratuitas, recursos educativos sobre COVID-19,...

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...

Stream Stomp

Come learn about local macroinvertebrate populations while getting wet in Mill Creek the main tributary to Mt. Pisgah State Parks Stephen Foster Lake....

William Penn State Forest Gibraltar Hill Ridgeway Trail Hike - caminata en el sendero de Ridgeway

Una caminata en el sendero de Ridgeway (Ridgeway Trail) / cerro de Gibraltar (Gibraltar Hill) ¡Únanse a David Bailey del Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club...

  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...

Wag Walk

*Dog-friendly Hike* Bring your furry friend for a hike at Nolde Forest. All dogs must be on a leash at all times. Hike will be approximately 1-2 miles of...

CANCELED *DiscoverE – All Washed Up* CANCELED

Discover the unique plants and animals that inhabit the beaches of Presque Isle. The beaches of Presque Isle are a special and changing habitat. We will use...

DiscoverE: Youth Archery (ages 9-12)

Calling all children ages 9 to 12! Have you ever wanted to learn about Archery? Now is the chance, join the park educators and get an intro course to archery...

Fill the Bill

Stop by the visitor center for this interactive, hands-on challenge of matching the right bill to the right food source.

Introduction to Photography

No registration required. Meet at Pavilion #1. Parking is available, in Parking Lot 1, next to the dam. Join Dave Wilkins, Astro-photographer and volunteer...

Trail Challenge Hikers

Can you hike every trail at Kings Gap? With 25+ miles of trails throughout the property, Kings Gap has an extensive hiking system. This challenging monthly...

Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt - Summer Edition

Bring a camera, phone, or tablet to the beautiful Sawmill Trail section of Beltzville State Park, and take part in a family-fun nature photo scavenger hunt!...

Nature on the Beach 

“Who am I?” Learn about furs, and skulls of the mammals found in the park. The Park Naturalist will have a table display with one of each throughout the day...

Pioneer Skills

Take a step back in time and learn how things were done over a hundered years ago. Hands-on activities include butter making and quill pen writing. All...

Summer Wildflower Hike

During the peak summer months many wildflowers are in full bloom. This is also the time that most pollinators are in a frenzy foraging for food. Join us for...

Understanding Camouflage

Camouflage is an important adaptation that many wildlife possess. It can assist wildlife in any habitat to survive. Learn about different types of cryptic...

World Snake Day Exhibit

Celebrate our important our cold-blooded reptilian friends that save us billions of dollars globally in agricultural damage while protecting us from rodent...

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...

  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...

Aquatic Turtles and Land Turtles of Pennsylvania

Curious about PA Turtles? Come and meet a few of the turtles that are native to Pennsylvania, and a few that are not. We will discuss native and invasive...

Art in the Park: Squirrels

You see them scurrying through the trees and across the ground, gathering and storing away nuts for the winter time, and yelling at you if you get too close....

Family Nature Scavenger Hunt

Explore the park and search for items in nature to complete your list. Pick up your scavenger hunt list at the environmental learning center (ELC), and after...

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Thomas Moran

Children ages 5-9 are invited to join conservation volunteer and artist Jan Lokuta in an unique art experience coloring famed artist Thomas Moran's Grand...

Trivia Hike: Ledges Trail

Join the park naturalist to hike the beautiful Ledges Trail and test your environmental knowledge. Some steep climbs but beautiful vistas. Wear trail shoes...

Meet Smokey Bear - Conozcan a Smokey Bear

Meet Smokey Bear at the Marsh Creek pool, DCNR forestry will have a table and fire truck for visitors to view. Handouts will be available, and questions...

Archery: Intro to Archery

Join our park naturalist, a NASP certified archery instructor, as we develop the basics of archery. Lean how to safely shoot a bow and maybe pick up a new...

DiscoverE: Youth Archery (ages 13-17)

Calling all children ages 13 to 17! Have you ever wanted to learn about Archery? Now is the chance, join the park educators and get an intro course to...

Family Nature Day with Fred Rogers Productions and WQED

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Fred Rogers Productions, and WQED on Saturday, July 16 from 1-3 pm at the Laurel...

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...

The Beauty of Botany

Join Dr. Susan Munch on a scientific plant-identification walk though the Nolde Forest. This is a hands-on botany walk through the woods, so please dress for...

Tomahawk Toss at Fort Pitt

Test your aim at the Fort Pitt Museum’s Tomahawk Toss starting at 1 p.m. In 18th-century America, both American Indians and European settlers carried...

Otters for Kids!

Bring the littles down for some fun facts and a craft!

Art in the Park: Blue Jay Edition

Are blue jays actually blue? What do they sound like? What do they eat? Join the park educator at the amphitheater as we learn about and draw this boisterous...

Dead Birds of Prey

As opposed to a live birds of prey program, here you can get very close to specimens as you learn about the many adaptations that make these animals such...

Fireflies

Summertime in Benezette is a little extra bright at night thanks to these friendly insects lumineers. Come and enjoy a presentation on Pennsylvania’s state...

Insect Investigations

We’ll head to a large patch of milkweed and capture our six legged friends for identification and release, while exploring for these wonderful insects. Nets...

Orienteering and Map Reading: Basics

Interested in improving, or developing, your land navigation skills? Join us! Maps and compasses will be provided. Meet at the Environmental Learning...

Our Star the Sun

Take a look at the sun through our solar telescope and learn more about our star. Park and meet at the Western Boat Launch. Contact Rhiannon Summers at...

Thaddeus Stevens

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...

Bats Around the Home

Learn about the bats that live in PA and the benefits of having bats around your home. Get information about bat-proofing your house and plans for a simple...

Capture the Butterfly

Join the park naturalist as he gives you some tips for capturing the butterflies with the camera. Put what you have learned to use with a photography session...

DiscoverE Program: "Beneficial Bats"

Kids ages 7 - 12 will learn about our only flying mammal through fun, hands-on activities.

Schoolhouse Days

See what it was like to attend the one-room schoolhouse at Black Moshannon State Park, then play some of the games the students would have played in the late...

Sizerville Scavenger Hunt

Join the park Naturalist at Sizerville State Park for a Nature Scavenger Hunt. Each participant will be given a list of items to find in nature. The...

Art in the Park: Blue Jay Edition

Are blue jays actually blue? What do they sound like? What do they eat? Join the park educator at the nature center, as we learn about and draw this ...

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...

Bats 4 Kids

Join the park naturalist for a fun investigation of bats! We’ll explore the fact and fiction of these nocturnal insectivores then we’ll explore the...

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.

I Dig Archaeology

Kids with Their Family Program: Families try to identify park artifacts, and then kids do a simulated dig and keep their findings.

Rhododendron Hike

Join us on us this 1.75 mile loop hike as we learn about this beautiful broadleaved evergreen. This Program meets at the park office by the flag pole.

FULL: Eco-paddle around Poe Lake!

This event is FULL. If you have already reached out about reserving your spot for this event, you have received confirmation. For those who wanted to...

Owl Outlaws

Join us for a case of HOO done it as we investigate a crime and attempt to clear the name of our Owl Outlaws! Learn what makes owls such fearsome predators...

Reptiles and Amphibians

Check out a cool display of reptiles and amphibians, then go on a search around the lake for thes important animals.

Souders Trail Hike

Enjoy this short walk as we look for evidence of fungi and their hosts. Poisonous, medicinal, edible, other? There are many roles fungi play – learn about...

Tree ID

Learn how to identify the trees found at Black Moshannon State Park, and get an easy to use tree guide to take home. Meet at the Environmental Learning...

Canoe Tour Of Hills Creek Lake

Explore the history and management of our lake – all by canoe and a relaxed family setting. Boats, paddles, and PFD’s provided. PFD’s must be worn at all...

Intro to Kayaking

Here's your chance to try kayaking! Participants will learn kayak terminology and basic paddle skills before heading out on the water. Ages 12 and...

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

The Hickory Run Visitors Center was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating in 2021. LEED is the omst widely used green...

Nature Bingo

Families, grab the kids and come out for some fast paced learning fun! Find out a little natural history about some of our local plants and animals as you...

Pop-Up Blueberry Hike

Native berries are ripening at Kings Gap! Explore the Kings Gap forest understory, full of blueberries and huckleberries, on this approximately 2 mile...

Campground Stories

Swing by the campground amphitheater for an evening of fun! A children’s story will be read by the park naturalist, followed by relevant discussions and...

All About Honeybees

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside a live honeybee colony? Join Randy Barnes to discuss the roles of the bees inside the hive and the environmental...

Raccoon Tracks - Erie Bluffs State Park

Meet 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 try...

Misunderstood Mammals

Do porcupines throw their quills? Do Fishers eat fish? Are opossums a kind of rat? Come to this fun and interesting program to find out the answers to these...

Pennsylvania Spiders; Facts, Fears and Fantasy.

Spider life styles and identification. Hopefully, you will come away with a new outlook on spiders! Do some really use boxing gloves?

Sunset Paddle

Join us for a leisurely paddle on Lake Jean to observe the sunset. Park and meet at the Western Boat Launch. If you are bringing your own boat, no need...

White Clay Creek Preserve Friends Campfire

Come enjoy some outdoor fellowship at the Sexton House fire ring in White Clay Creek Preserve. This is a family friendly event. Bring a joke or a song and be...

'Bullies in the Forest'

Our forests, parks, and backyards are under siege from introduced pests which cause serious damage to our trees, and negatively impact birds, salamanders,...

Amphitheater Show & Tell

Join us at Sizerville State Park for an educational short film on amphibians found throughout North America. The film will be held at the Sizerville...

Bats of Cowans Gap

Join the park naturalist to learn about the bats that are found here at Cowans Gap and how studies are showing us the bat population is changing. Stay...

Creatures of the Night Hike

Take a walk a long the back roads with a park educator as we look and listen for wildlife. A nearly full moon will help guide the way.

Nature at Night: Annual Bat Count

Find out why bats are in trouble and what you can do to help. Come prepared to observe and count bats as they emerge for the night. Insect repellent, long...

PA Snakes

Meet at the Amphitheater in the Lower Campground to explore the world of these misunderstood creatures. Find out what species live in PA, and interesting...

Raptor Call Bingo

Come on out to the nature center to learn about birds of prey and what they sound like. Afterward, we’ll play a fun review game to test your knowledge. See...

River Otter & Fisher

For many years these playful mammals were absent from Ohiopyle. Join us and lean about their miraculous return to the Youghiogheny watershed. We’ll also...

Star Party

The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh (AAAP) will once again bring this popular family program to Moraine. Experience a guided tour of the sky!...

Old Growth Forests

Join the park naturalist to learn about topics about old growth forests such as the history that many of these forests went through and some of the threats...

Bat Count - help needed!

Join us as we sit in the yard and count the bats! We help the PA Game Commission monitor the bat population and we need your help to do it. We have several...

Caledonia Geology

Route 30 is built on a fault line that cuts across this northern terminous of the Blue Ridge. Between a rock and a hard place we are surrounded by igneous,...

Movie War Horse

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

On the Prowl with Bobcats

Bobcats have increased their populations dramatically in PA. Learn of their history in our state, as well as their management, life history, and...

What Plants Talk About

Learn about some of the amazing things that plants do that we still haven’t figured out the “how”. Science is finding that plants are much more responsive to...

Night Sky Tour

**not suitable for young children. Join us as members of the Lackawanna Astronomical Society bring their expertise and their telescopes to share the night...

Saturday, July 16