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.
August 2025 Weekend Programs
Friday, August 1st ~ 11am Monarch Butterflies
Join us to explore the incredible life cycle and migration of the monarch butterfly! Learn how these tiny travelers journey thousands of miles, what makes them unique pollinators, and how you can help protect their habitat.
Saturday, August 2nd ~ 2pm Lightning Bugs 101
Summertime in Benezette is a little extra bright at night thanks to these friendly insect Lumineers. Come and enjoy a presentation on Pennsylvania’s state insect and what makes them so unique. Learn about their importance to our planet and how you can protect their nightly habitat. Maybe you’ll even get a chance to catch a few while camping in elk country.
Saturday, August 2nd ~ 8:30-10pm Exploring the Night Sky
Experience the beautiful night sky over Elk Country! This program will include stories about the stars, a laser- guided tour of constellations, views of the moon and stars through a telescope, and information about preserving the night sky from light pollution. Please bring a blanket or chair to sit on during the program. Registration is recommended but not required. Program will be cancelled in the event of poor weather; registrants will be notified if the program is cancelled.
Sunday, August 3rd ~ 2pm Elk Bones
Have you ever wondered what an elk skeleton looked like? Come join a staff member as we take a look into how elk bones and human bones compare, giving guests an insight into evolution and the mechanisms of biological evolution.
Friday, August 8th ~ 2pm Know Before You Go!- Virtual Program
Are you planning a trip to elk country? Learn about the Pennsylvania elk herd, where and when you may see them, and how to be “Elk Smart”. This is a virtual program to assist in planning your elk excursion. Please register for the program to be sent a link to attend. Register here: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/know-before-you-go-3192
Saturday, August 9th ~ 2pm Snapping Turtles: From Pond to Pot
“Oh snap! That’s a big turtle!” Snapping turtles happen to be the largest turtle in the state of Pennsylvania. Come join, Jacob Deberti and learn all about the common snapping turtle. Jacob will cover everything from their biology/ecology to safe handling tips when catching and locating “snappers.”
Sunday, August 10th ~ 2pm Elk Pro!
Join us for an in depth look at the elk of North America, focusing on Pennsylvania. This program covers the natural history of elk, including their origins, behavior, and survival strategies. Learn about their diet, habitat, and interactions with wildlife. Explore challenges such as predators, habitat changes, and human conflicts, and understand how Pennsylvania manages elk conservation and preserves their habitats.
Saturday, August 16th ~ 2pm ELK SMART
Elk Smart is a new initiative to help remind visitors who come to visit Elk Country to preserve the wild nature of the PA elk herd. Learn the four principles of Elk Smart, how to practice them, and their importance. There will also be free Elk Smart giveaways.
Sunday, August 17th ~ 2pm Wildlife Track ID
“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!
Friday, August 22nd ~ 2pm Know Before You Go!- Virtual Program
Are you planning a trip to elk country? Learn about the Pennsylvania elk herd, where and when you may see them, and how to be “Elk Smart”. This is a virtual program to assist in planning your elk excursion. Please register for the program to be sent a link to attend. Register here: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/know-before-you-go-3192
Saturday, August 23rd ~ 2pm Save Money, Eat Local! – 10 Common Edible Plants to Forage
Discover the local abundance of edible wild plants that you can forage in our region. Foraging is a rewarding and enjoyable activity and it can save you lots of money. Join us in learning the key considerations in foraging 10 of our most common edible plants.
Sunday, August 24th ~ 2pm Elk Herds Throughout North America
Join us for an informative program on the story of elk herds across North America. Explore their historic migrations, current populations, and how they shape landscapes and cultures. Learn about the challenges they face, including habitat loss and human wildlife conflict, as well as conservation strategies across different states.
Saturday, August 30th ~ 2pm Nature Journaling
Slow down and connect with the natural world through observation and creativity. In this hands-on program, participants will explore their surroundings and record what they see, hear, and feel using drawing, writing, and curiosity. No artistic experience needed!
Sunday, August 31st ~ 2pm Welcome to The Rut!
The rut is nearly upon us. Join us as we discuss the behavior of the elk during their breeding season, appropriate and safe elk- watching etiquette, as well as some additional exciting seasonal happenings here in Elk Country.
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