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.
October 2025 Weekend Programs
Saturday, October 4th ~ 2pm Elk Smart
Elk Smart is a vital 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, October 5th ~ 2pm Acid Mine Drainage
Abandoned mine drainage is a huge problem in Pennsylvania. Here in Elk County, some of our streams suffer from the impacts, resulting in less than desirable recreational situations. As a result, there are treatment systems in place to treat the water, creating a lasting impact for all creatures to enjoy. This program will discuss what abandoned mine drainage is and how we treat it. Participants will be given the opportunity to “create” abandoned mine drainage and treat it as part of this program.
Saturday, October 11th ~ 11am Falconry and Birds of Prey
Informative program on the “Sport of Kings”-falconry and birds of prey. 60 minutes of discussion/Q&A with live a falcon/hawk from Master Falconer, Jeff Aucker. (42 seasons of hunting experience with many different species of hawks and falcons.)
Saturday, October 11th ~ 2pm Deer Family
Come join one of our PSU Wildlife Technology Interns Connor, as he takes a deep dive on the Cervidae family. Talking about the moose, elk, caribou, white tailed deer, and mule deer of North America. Exploring their differences and similarities in appearance, habitat, diet, and antler structure. Ending with a mock deer pellet count activity. This program will be fun for the whole family, learning about a wild family!
Sunday, October 12th ~ 1-4pm Pioneer Day
Our staff will be making apple cider the old-fashioned way and will welcome guests of all ages to lend a hand! We will also be providing free samples, so join us for a great family friendly activity! There will also be trapping Demonstrations with mountain man Jeff Dornisch, candle making demonstrations, a live honey bee observation colony & local honey, a Fall Leaf Scavenger Hunt and more!
Saturday, October 18th ~ 2pm Snowshoe Hare
Have you ever wondered about an elusive white rabbit in Pennsylvania? If so, one of our PSU Wildlife Technology Interns, Hayden will be putting on a program talking about how to find these elusive critters. He will cover the habitat they live in and how they turn white in the winter so they blend in with their surroundings, as well as covering habitat management for these critters to help better their population in Pennsylvania and where you can find them.
Sunday, October 19th ~ 2pm Seasons of the Elk
Local wildlife photographer and outdoor enthusiast Jeff Lipniskis takes you on a captivating journey through an entire year in the life of Pennsylvania’s most iconic animal. Through photography and immersive video, you’ll witness changes across the seasons—from the tender moments of spring calves, to summertime in open meadows, the drama of the autumn rut, and the quiet endurance of winter. This visual storytelling experience reveals not just the beauty of the elk, but the landscapes, cycles, and untold stories that shape their world.
Saturday, October 25th ~ 12-2pm Elk Explanations
New to learning about elk? Join us for the basic breakdown as we learn about elk history, elk ecology, and elk behavior. Are you a seasoned “Elkspert?” We bet you’ll learn something new, too! Have burning questions about elk? Wondering how elk are managed? Perhaps you have a question on their favorite foods or habit? Maybe you’d like to know how long they live or when calving season is? Come stop by the Elk Country Visitor Center and ask a staff member at our pop up learning station all about the elk!
Sunday, October 26th ~ 1-4pm HALLOWEEN ELKSTRAVAGANZA
Join us for a free, fun-filled day of spooktacular crafts, games, and treats! Feel free to come in your costume if you’d like as well! We will have a costume parade with BENNY the Bull Elk leading the way at 2:00 p.m.
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
