Elk Country Visitor Center Weekend Programs
The education team here at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance works to educate on all levels. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a curious visitor we have something for you! We offer educational weekend programs every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. These programs aren’t just about elk; they cover numerous topics from beavers and black bears to maple syrup making and hiking. We also frequently host guest speakers from the PA Game Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and other conservation organizations. On top of all that, we find special joy in the changing of the seasons and holidays. We often have special events during these times, like our Earth Day Celebration, Halloween Extravaganza, and Christmas Ornament Series.
If you are interested in being a part of all the fun that happens here at the Elk Country Visitor Center, then keep an eye on our calendar of events for everything we offer each month! You can also find event information on Facebook and Instagram.
November-December 2025 Weekend Programs
Saturday, November 29th ~ 2pm PA State Symbols
Can you name all of our State Symbols? Pennsylvania has a variety of plants and animals that represent many important aspects of our state. Learn not only what all of our State Symbols are, but why they were selected and what makes them so interesting. Following the presentation try to locate some of our state symbols here at the Elk Country Visitor Center.
Sunday, November 30th ~ 2pm Elk Bingo!
Test your elk knowledge and observation skills with this fun twist on bingo. Instead of numbers, you’ll mark off elk themed facts as you learn about their habitat, sounds, antlers, and more. Great for all ages, whether you are an elk expert or just meeting these magnificent animals for the first time.
Saturday, December 6th ~ 10-4pm Shop Benezette
An event for the whole herd to enjoy! There will be story times at 11am & 2pm, a snowball fight room, make & take crafts, photos with Santa and Benny from 1-4pm, refreshments, sales in our gift shop and much more to enjoy!
Sunday, December 7th ~ 2pm Interested in Trapping?
Do you have what it takes to be a trapper. Stop by and talk with a local trapper about traps and sets to catch your target critters. We’ll show sets to catch bobcats, coyotes coon and more.
Saturday, December 13th ~ 2-4pm Christmas Ornaments with the St. Mary’s Ecology Club
Members of St. Mary’s Area High School Ecology Club will be hosting a craft workshop creating handmade, outdoor inspired ornaments. These ornaments will be packaged and ready the outdoor enthusiast on your list.
Sunday, December 14th ~ 2pm Fishers
Come explore the wonderful world of fishers. These mammals can be quite elusive in their lifestyle, but serve an important role in our ecosystems. So, join our PGC representative Mitch for this amazing presentation.
Saturday, December 20th ~ 2pm Elk Talk
Elk Talk? You’re telling me elk talk?…. They do! Elk actually communicate in several different ways. Join our KECA staff as we learn about the many different signals and calls that elk make or use when “talking” with one another. In no time, you’ll be able to understand exactly what an elk is saying just by watching them in the field.
Sunday, December 21st ~ 2pm Wildlife Track Identification
“Woah! What animal made that footprint??” Walking the forests in Elk Country, you can come across all kinds of wildlife tracks and it can be difficult to identify the critter that made them. Come join our Con Ed staff as we dive into the world of Wildlife tracking. We will go over a couple of different wildlife tracks and some tips on how to identify each one!
Saturday, December 27th ~ 2pm Antlers VS. Horns
The age-old debate for the term of an elk’s headgear. Come learn the differences of antlers and horns and why they are often mistaken for one another. It will be a head scratcher!
Sunday, December 28th ~ 2pm Birds from the Birdfeeder
Take a seat with one of our educators and explore the native PA birds that may be seen around your bird feeders in the winter. We will review the different types of birdfeeders and birdseed, while watching the bird feeders at the ECVC and identifying birds through technology and ID books.
If you have any questions, please contact our Con Ed staff at (814) 787 – 5173
Emails: Ben Porkolab ConEd@kecaus.com
Emma Walters ConEdSp@kecaus.com