DCNR Calendar of Events

Events

Saturday, August 13

Flat Naturalist Walks

Go for a walk with Presque Isle’s very own flat naturalists. Much like the Flat Stanley in schools, Presque Isle will have Flat Naturalists meet you on a...

Story Book Walk – Tucker and Ripley’s Adventure on Presque Isle 

Take a walk and read a story at the same time. Throughout the month of July and August 2022, visit Presque Isle State Park for a self -guided story walk...

Gerard Trail Series Hike #4

Have you always wanted to hike the Gerard Trail, but thought 36 miles was just too much? Join us for the fourth hike in our Gerard Trail Series! We’ve split...

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...

Working Together Conservation Exhibit 

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) and the Presque Isle State Park complex house many agencies, organizations, partners, and volunteers that play a...

History of Trough Creek State Park: Paradise furnace and the CCC

Join our outdoor educator at historic Paradise Forge to learn the history of the great Trough Creek! We’ll finish the experience with a hike to view the...

Meadow Run Hike

The Meadow Run Trail has many geological features that create the back drop for its beauty. From large rock formations to water falls to majestic hemlocks,...

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 Great Railway Escape

The Western Maryland Railway along with the B & O were the “Life blood” of Ohiopyle in the early 1900’s. The Western Maryland line was location in what we...

Yoga on the Beach

Come join us for a gentle all abilities class at the swimming area. New to yoga? Great! If you can breathe, you can do yoga. Got kids? Bring them along too!...

  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...

Forest Showering

Not enough time for Forest Bathing? Try a Forest Shower! Even a short amount of time spent in a natural environment provides health and wellness benefits....

Ancient Atlatl

Join park staff to learn the history and use of this ancient tool. During the ice age the atlatl reigned as the supreme weapon to hunt megafauna, until the...

Aquatic Ecosystems Walk

There are several aquatic ecosystems right here in the park, each with different species of wildlife that can be found in them. Come learn about these...

CCC Day

Join us for the 89th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corp! The CCC built many trails and structures throughout the park as well as planting trees...

Canceled -- DiscoverE All About Salamanders -- Canceled

Explore the world of Salamanders with a Park Naturalists. Children ages 3-5 with an accompanying parent or adult are invited. We will have fun with some...

Dragons and Damsels

Odonata is the order of the dragonflies and damselflies. Over 150 species of these fascinating insects are found in Pennsylvania, and their colors and sizes...

Mountain Biking Basics

Learn the basics of mountain biking during this fun, informational program that will include a 2-3 mile bike ride in the forest. We will review bike...

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on Butterfly Weed

***Program location: Jackson Pond Preserve, 1856 Forest Grove Rd, Forest Grove, PA 18922 ***Registration encouraged but not required:...

Principles of Foraging

Foraging has becone a popular activity in the last few years. This program discusses safe, ethical, and sustainable foraging, followed by a short walk to see...

Reptile and Amphibian Day

All programs meet at the Environmental Learning Center. 10:00 am to 11:00 am-Turtles Discover interesting facts about the turtles that live in PA. Find...

Wild about Tea Hike

Across the globe people have used local plants to make tea. Join us on a moderate 2-mile hike as we point out wild plants that can be turned into delicious...

Garden Harvest Fest with the Park Manager

You have been to our unique garden program in the early summer in the past. Now see what the Park Manager's garden looks like during harvest time. Join...

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...

Eco Disc golf

Join disc golf enthusiast, Eric Keim, and Jessie Kohan to play a 9-hole round of disc golf and learn some eco facts along the way. Come alone or bring...

Magnificent Monarchs

Explore the fascinating life cycle of the monarch butterfly. Join a leisurely walk to search for monarch caterpillars and get to know more about attracting...

Muddy Creek Oil Field - Living History Demonstration

September 10 is canceled due to low volunteer availability. To volunteer, contact 3MJC or the park office. The Muddy Creek Oil Well is an award-winning...

Disc Golf: Intro to Disc Golf

The sport of disc golf is growing rapidly, come find out why. Our park naturalist will teach you the basics of the game and allow you to test your skills on...

Make and Take Tree Cookie Craft

Visiting elk country is always an exciting adventure, and you may even want to grab a souvenir to capture all the memories you made. Sometimes it can be hard...

River Rovers Kid's Day

Dive into an afternoon of fun and engaging educational activities for the kids. Children can learn about different animals that inhabit the East Branch of...

Breaks at the Pool

Join our park educator on-deck at the pool during water safety breaks for an informative chat. She'll discuss and show you whatever the park offers that day....

Music at the Marina

Come to M.K. Goddard State Park's annual Music at the Marina. Food vendors, free concerts, educational and recreational opportunities available. Registration...

Natural Symbols

It is known as the Keystone State, but there are other symbols that also represent Pennsylvania. From the state tree to the state bird to the state...

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...

Creek Critter's Storytime & Hunt for Stream bugs

Join us for storytime to learn all about Creek Critters by Jennifer Keats Curtis in the outdoor classroom. Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the stream...

Backyard Bass

Come to Lake Jean Beach to learn the basics of casting by playing our fun Backyard Bass game. Fun for all ages! Contact Rhiannon Summers at rhsummers@pa.gov...

Damsels and Dragons Hike

Join the park naturalist for a hike through along the lake and stream as we look for and learn about dragonflies and damselflies. Wear comfortable shoes and...

For Kids: Art in the Park

Children ages 5-9 are invited to join conservation volunteer and artist Jan Lokuta, in a unique art experience coloring. In the event of rain, this program...

Northeast side Ironmaster Mansion

Join local historian, Andre Weltman, for an exterior-only presentation on the Ironmaster’s Mansion built in 1829. Topics will include the building’s...

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...

Pond Life

Discover what lives around the pond and under the water.

A long solar panel sits on a concrete pad, surrounded by trees and wooded mountains. The sky is blue.

Discover how energy from the sun can be harnessed to create electricity that can be used in everyday activities. Fun, hands-on activities best for ages 11 to...

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...

River Critters

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

Rope Circles and Giant Trees

Explore the world of old growth forests and learn what this area looked like during the 1700’s. Identify the types of plants and animals living in this...

Breaks at the Pool

Join our park educator on-deck at the pool during water safety breaks for an informative chat. She'll discuss and show you whatever the park offers that day....

Chestnut Walk

Walk to the grove while we discuss the return of these mighty giants from near extinction.

Owls

Owls are cool. Learn about some of the adaptations that allow them to survive. Eyesight, hearing, stealth, and power. Come prepared to answer the question,...

Second Saturday Trail Crew

Give back to Nolde Forest on the second Saturday of every month. We stive to keep our trails in tip top shape, but we can always use some extra...

Turtles Are Terrific!

Children will enjoy meeting a couple of friendly Eastern Box Turtles and learn the habits of these special, but threatened reptiles.

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...

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...

Guided Walk to Loyalsock Trail's Alpine View

Enjoy and easy, late afternoon trail walk to a scenic vista located in the Loyalsock State Forest. Mostly flat, one mile.

Rock and Mineral Treasures

Kids with Their Family Program: Kids will receive some mineral treasures along with a starter collection of common rocks and minerals.

Spillway Observations

The Keystone Lake Spillway may look like a bunch of rocks, but countless creatures call it home. Join the park naturalist for an opportunity to explore the...

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds will be moving South soon! Join park staff for a chat about these incredible animals before they’re gone!

Christmas in the Campground

Celebrate Christmas in August the entire weekend (August 13-15) and decorate your campsite in your favorite Christmas decor! On Saturday, at 5:00 PM, Santa...

Insects for Kids!

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

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 most widely used green...

Art for Kids: Night Sky Painting

Create a fun night sky scene to hake home out of paper, paint, and shaving cream! Best for ages 4 and up. Washable paint will be used.

Birding by Ear

Learn to identify birds by their calls and songs, then get a look at them with binoculars. We will provide the binoculars if you need a pair.

Music in the Park

Come out and enjoy a free evening concert by the lake sponsored by the Friends of Cowans Gap. This month come hear the bluegrass music of Tussey Mountain...

Tomahawk Throwing for Teens: Registration required

Young people ages 12-15 who've never done this activity are invited to come and try it out. To sign up, email Kathy at kkelchner@pa.gov

History of the Atlatl

Join Jasen Miller and Mike Segalla as they present the history of the atlatl. Learn about the past use of the spearlike atlatl and the current opportunities...

The Speckled Band

Sit-back, relax, and enjoy old-fashioned music in the great outdoors. The program is free and open to the public. No registration required. Please bring a...

American Folk Musician Jim Weiss

Join us for an old-fashioned folk music performance suitable for the whole family. Jim Weiss prides himself on a beautiful, versatile sound of articulate...

August Skies of Sinnemahoning

Discover the constellations, planets, and other astronomical sightings visible in August. Open to both overnight campers and people visiting the park for...

Life of a Union Soldier

Watch history come alive as John Moran shares what camp life was like for a 1st Sgt. of the 56th PA Infantry and his troops during the American Civil...

Poe Valley Trivia Night!

Think you know your favorite state park? Test your knowledge of Poe Valley history, flora, and fauna to see how well you really know it! Get your winning...

Story of the Stone Age Artifacts of the Shawnee Valley

A look at the types of artifacts found around ancient campsites.

Wildflower Walk

Check out the late summer flowers of the Laurel Highlands. Wander through the Laurel Hill Meadow and learn to identify wildflowers along the way. Please...

Wildlife Hike at Dusk

The park’s campground is home to deer, flying squirrels, raccoons, black bear, hundreds of birds, and more! Join a park naturalist for introduction to...

Star Party

Join the Greater Hazleton Area Astronomical Society for an introduction to the night sky. After an indoor presentation, telescopes will be set up outdoors...

Sunset Stroll

Enjoy a one-mile section of the Mary Ann Furnace Trail as the sun goes down.

Exploring the Loyalsock Creek by Kayak

Mark Lewis will present a slide show depicting his kayak trip from the headwaters of the 'Sock to its confluence with the Susquehanna.

PA Fish

Pennsylvania boasts a large number of fish species along its thousands of miles of streams, rivers, and lakes. Join us for fun program where we will discuss...

Paddling & Camping the West Branch

Please bring your chairs and blankets to the Ridge Camp Park Amphitheater, as Dr. Hank Webster talks about his 228-mile kayak trek of the West Branch of the...

Anatomy Of A Fish

This program will take an in depth look the parts and features of the anatomy of a fish. Find out how a fish is specially adapted to survive in its habitat...

Movie Casper

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...

Owl Power

Owls have been the stuff of nighttime stories for centuries, but what makes owls so special? Learn how their vision, hearing, and quiet flight works through...

Wooden Appalachian Sign

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...

Astronomy with Binoculars

Come check out the night sky with a pair of binoculars. Learn about the stars, planets, the Moon, and much more! This will be a special event because the...

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...

Perseid Meteors at Ryerson Station

UPDATE: IT LOOKS LIKE THERE MIGHT BE SOME CLOUD COVER BUT NO RAIN, SO WE'LL PROCEED NORMALLY. Join our educator for meteor peeping on Saturday night. The...

Saturday, August 13