DCNR Calendar of Events

Events

Saturday, August 6

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...

PLA Kids Free Fishing Derby

Espyville Boat Launch Saturday August 6, 2022 8:00—4:00 PM Sunday August 7, 2022 8:00—1:00 PM Check in by 1:00 PM! Come out to support the...

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...

Bird Walk

Take advantage of active morning birds with a bird walk! Walk with the park naturalist to find summer birds and early fall migrants. Hike will be 1-2 miles...

Bog Treasures

Take a hike on the boardwalk to see the unique plants and animals that call the bog home. Meet at Boat Launch #3 on West Side Road.

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...

Kayaking 101

Kayaking is a great way to explore your state parks, but there are a few things to learn before your first trip on the water. This session will cover the...

Morning EcoPaddle

Join Park Naturalist for a morning paddle through the lagoons of Presque Isle State Park. Learn about the plants and animals that call this park home and the...

Roaring Run Stream Stomp

Explore the namesake of the Roaring Run Natural Area on this moderate-pace, 7 mile streamside trek. Learn about the Roaring Run watershed and its unique...

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...

  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...

Spongy (Gypsy) Moth Scrape - Volunteers Needed!

We need your help! Bald Eagle State Park and surrounding areas have been hit hard this year by the invasive spongy moth (formerly known as the “gypsy...

 Woodhick Grove - Woodsmen Show

Step into an 1890's logging camp! Watch blacksmithing, log hewing, or fence-building demonstrations or learn about period logging & blacksmithing tools....

2022 Moraine State Park Regatta

Join us on the south shore of Lake Arthur on August 5-7, 2022 for a weekend of free, family fun. From music and fireworks to kayaking and sailing...

Archery for Beginners, Women Only-Registration required

Ladies age 16 and older with NO archery experience are invited to come and try out the sport. We'll go over shooting and safety basics, then participants...

Beginner Backpacking

With thousands of miles of hiking trails, Pennsylvania's got plenty of opportunities to go backpacking, but where do you start? Join park staff for a...

Forest Heritage Hike

Saturday, August 6, 2022 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Meet: Mansion...

Fossil Frenzy: Digging through PA’s Past

Did you know we have fossils right under our feet? Come learn about the types of fossils we find here at Little Buffalo, how they were created, and what they...

Furnace Stack Walking tour

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

National Owl Appreciation Day

Join your DCNR Park Naturalist (if you give a hoot) for a special exhibit along the Multi-Use Trail about owls. Learn about how owls are well adapted as...

Nature Hike at the Campground

Join our park educator for a hike around the campground trails. She'll offer tips on identifying mushrooms and finding edible species, as well as info on the...

Saturday Morning Bird Walk

Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the park and plan on hiking out on the "Bridge" and around the picnic area looking for our "fine feathered...

Tales of Camp Tree Army

Stop by Camp Tree Army for an up close look at historical CCC artifacts and architecture. Learn about the history of the CCC at Laurel Hill and tour an...

Tornado Alley/Beaver Dam Trail Hike

Enjoy this guided hike along the western section of the Beaver Dam Trail, then connect to Tornado Alley Trail for the return trip. Wear comfortable shoes...

Volunteer Work Day

Come out to help us during our volunteer work day. During the event, we will have several projects we will be working on. These projects have yet to be...

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...

Ariel Attack Predators: Dragonflies and Damselflies

Join us for a fun program to learn about all about some of our smallest most aggressive predators on the planet with the park educator. Learn to tell the...

American Beaver

Beavers are one of the only animals that physically change the environment to suit their needs. A park educator will be on hand to answer your questions...

Campground Geocache

Meet at the campground amphitheater and learn how to use a GPS unit and discover the intriguing world of geocaching. GPS units will be provided by the park.

Leave No Trace/Tick Talk

Learn to enjoy the outdors in an ethical way and learn all about the diseases ticks carry- symptoms of tick bites, what to do if a tick is on you, and how to...

Archery Basics

Have you ever shot a bow and arrow? Whether you are a seasoned pro that wants a little extra practice, or a beginner that wants to learn how to shoot a bow,...

Snorkeling on the Clarion

Please bring your mask & snorkels to the Park Office to search the river for aquatic insects and fish. This is a great opportunity to see fish and macros...

A Day in the Life: Western PA Early Pioneers

Join the park naturalist for our monthly program at Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park. This month we will be learning about the daily life of the early...

Animal Ambassadors

Come out and meet the Animal Ambassadors from Strawberry Hill. Their current animal ambassadors include a variety of native turtles, amphibians, a skunk, and...

Art for Kids: Snake Craft

Know a kid who's feeling crafty? Come make a paper snake! Build a snake out of paper while learning about the life history and characteristics of PA snakes....

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....

Camp Fire Potholders

Come learn about making a potholder for your campfire. You will learn how to weave your potholder. Also learn a little about fire safety. This program meets...

Kayaking 101

Kayaking is a great way to explore your state parks, but there are a few things to learn before your first trip on the water. This session will cover the...

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...

Stilt Grass Pull

If the weather cooperates, we will be meeting in front of the mansion at 1pm to help pull the stilt grass that is taking over the mansion gardens. This...

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.

Bug Hunt

Bug Hunt (ages 3 and up) – The park naturalist will lead a discussion about what insects are and how they differ from us. Then, participants will go out and...

DiscoverE: Happy Hummingbirds

Children will learn about those zippy little birds through fun, hands-pn activities.

Dragonfly by Kayak (Bring Your Own Kayak) Preregistration required

Are you curious about Dragonflies? Do you enjoy kayaking? Bring your own kayak and join us for a kayak tour to explore dragonflies on the lake. You must...

Forest Bathing

Join us on this short, and slow walk through our beautiful forest. This practice involves being immersed in nature! Research shows that there are many health...

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...

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....

CANCELLED!!! Summer Tree I.D. Hike

CANCELLED due to very low registration! Join our park naturalist for an easy 1 to 1.5-mile tree identification hike along the Sawmill Trail. Participants...

Live at the Park

Join the park Naturalist at Sizerville State Park as we do a program on live amphibians. The program will take place at the Sizerville Amphitheater.

Timber Rattlesnake

Very often, what we think we know about these symbols of wilderness is wrong. Come learn the facts about Timber rattlesnakes and how they survive in their...

For Kids: Critters at the Beach

To celebrate National Water Quality Month, join the park staff at the Sand Spring Day Use Area to explore the critters of the Lake. After learning about...

Trout of Hyner Run

Join the park naturalist and learn about the trout that inhabit Hyner Run State Park. This is designed to be an informal program. All children must be...

Art in the Park: Owl Edition

How many owls do we have in PA? What do owls sound like? What do they eat? Are all owls nocturnal? Join the park educator in the nature center, as we learn...

Backyard Bass

Bring the little ones out to learn how to cast a fishing rod without getting hooked!

I Dig Archaeology

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

I dig Archaeology

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

Root out the Invaders

Invasive plants and insects have become prevalent – we see them every where we look. Come learn how they get here, what common invasives are and how to deal...

Yoga Along the Loyalsock

Join yoga instructor Diane Folmar for a gentle class for people of all ages and abilities. Please bring a mat or towel.

Who Lives There?

Let’s take an easy one mile hike searching for native animal homes! Please wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray. This program meets at the conservation...

Who's Been Here? Animal CSI

How good are your crime solving skills? Learn animal tracks and signs as we work through several miniature crime scenes and discover tips and tricks to help...

Amazing Beavers!

Join us for an evening program on the biology, management and history of the beaver. The beaver was almost considered extinct in North America due to the...

Poe Paddy Photo Scavenger Hunt!

Grab a camera or cell phone for this modern scavenger hunt in the park! Find the items listed, take a picture, and report back to the park naturalist for...

Rabbits for Kids!

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

Trail Care

We need your help! Raccoon Creek State Park has over 44 miles of trails that are primarily maintained by volunteers. Join us as we help in the upkeep of this...

Wildlife Trivia Night!

Do you know what the state mammal is? Gather a team to test your knowledge of Pennsylvania’s wildlife in a fun game of trivia for all ages!

Family Scavenger Hunt

Each team that completes the scavenger hunt within one hour will win a prize! Plan on doing some walking during this program. There is a separate hunt for...

Insect Scavenger Hunt and Movie

Join us for a scavenger hunt looking for summer bugs, and then stick around for a movie all about Insects! If attending the program and not camping with us,...

Lost Children of the Alleghenies' Monument

Everyone is welcome to meet at Chappell’s Field to board the bus. We will be taking a bus ride to the Lost Children’s Monument and listening to their story.

Those Nasty Stingers, Piercers and Blood Suckers

How the lives of wasps, bees, mosquitoes, flies and ticks affect us. Do's and don'ts and updated information.

Those Nasty, Stinging, Piercing and Blood Sucking Insects

Facts and information to keep you up to date and safe!

Turtles of Pennsylvania

Discover the many species of turtles that live in PA and the unique adaptations that turtles have to survive life on land and in water. Interactive...

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!

Bats!

They’re often feared and often hated, but the world’s only truly flying mammals are fascinating and important parts of our ecosystem, not to mention they...

Concert in the Park

Enjoy the guitar and vocals of special guest Lauren Reeder in our open air amphitheater. Lauren will perform a variety of music that will please everyone.

Movie Night "Soul" with the Friends of Canoe Creek

Bring the whole family for this free event! We start the evening with a campfire at 7:30 pm. This free movie night is funded in part by donations so any help...

Credit: Cal Butchkowski/PGC Photo

Learn about Bat species found in Pennsylvania and complete a bat craft. Walk Creek Trail and use the bat detector to identify bats. The amphitheater is past...

Solitary Rats

This program will be focusing on a type of packrat that is mainly solitary and not very common in Pennsylvania, the Allegheny Woodrat. There will be a movie...

A Duck-umentary

Ducks are true originals. They waddle, glide, dive, and dabble. Their feathers shimmer with dazzling hues, brilliant iridescence, and come in every color of...

Movie Night at the Amphitheater

Join us at Sizerville State Park for an educational short film on ponds and rivers found across North America. Learn what species live there as well as why...

Nature Nerd Trivia Night

Bring your team (or form one once you get there) and all of the nature knowledge you have with you for our Nature Nerd Trivia Night! This competitive,...

Owl Prowl

Discover the amazing adaptations of Pennsylvania's most common owls. Get an up close look at unique owl features. Enjoy a short walk to learn owl calls and...

PA Insects

Join us for an interesting program about our spineless friends. Insects play an important role in the ecosystem. We will talk about this and specifically our...

State Symbol Trivia

Do you know our state tree? Do you know our state beverage? Did you know we have a state fossil or a state dog? Come on out to the amphitheater for a fun...

CANCELLED!!! Fascinating Nocturnal Insects

CANCELLED due to very low registration! Join the park naturalist as we catch, identify, and release nocturnal insects, using a standard scientific light...

Drive-In Night Sky Watch

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

Movie Max # 1

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...

Night Tracking

Many creatures call our woods home—can we find them at night? Using UV lights and a special powder, we will see if we can find their tracks.

Observing Saturn

Join us for a discussion of how to observe Saturn while nearest to the Earth this month, followed by telescopic views of the moon and other interesting...

The Geography of Gettysburg

The Pennsylvania topography, combined with the military objectives of commanding officers, led to a tiny village becoming burned into psyche of America. Hear...

Astronomy & the Night Sky

When was the last time you looked up at the stars? Did you know, that when you're looking up, you're actually looking into the past? Come on out to the pet...

Saturday, August 6