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 2026 Weekend Programs
Friday, July 31st ~ 2pm Tree ID
Walk around the Elk Country Visitor Center and learn how to identify some common tree species! Our summer intern will give a short presentation about how to identify a tree, following with a short walk using your new skills!
Saturday, August 1st ~ 10-12pm Wild Foragbles Walk W/ PA Master Gardeners
Come explore the plant life at your feet with the Elk County Master Gardeners at the Elk County Visitor Center. Learn about plants that can feed, support, and even heal us and the earth. This program is one of the three opportunities to learn about foraging in spring May 16th, summer August 1st, and fall October 3rd. Please join us for one or all three programs, starting at the Vista Pavilion, plus participants are invited to picnic on the Elk Country Visitor Center lawn after each program.
Sunday, August 2nd ~ 2pm Mock Archeological Dig
This is a unique opportunity to experience the science of uncovering history that people have left behind beneath our feet. We have numerous artifacts buried that you will try to discover and recognize. Great activity for families!
Saturday, August 8th ~ 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!
Saturday, August 8th ~ 8:45-10pm Mothing!
Join our educators as we learn all about moths, how to identify them, and catch some! Using our new skills to identify moths that we attract after dark!
Sunday, August 9th ~ 12-2pm Kid’s Fishing Game/ Lets go Fish!
The Elk Country Visitor Center is celebrating some of PA’s popular fish species. Join the Con Ed staff as we take turns catching each of our fish cutouts, and learn a fact or two about each one! Activity is great for families with young children.
Friday, August 14th ~ 2pm Ecosystems
Join us for a family-oriented slide show as we learn how all living things in a given area interact with one another and make up an ecosystem. After the presentation stay for some follow-up activities and to hit the trails together as we explore some of the ecosystems found here at the Center.
Saturday, August 15th ~ 2pm The Irish Elk
Travel back to the Ice Age to discover one of the largest deer to ever roam the Earth! Learn how Irish Elk compare to today’s Pennsylvania elk, what caused their extinction, and explore how people portrayed the animals around them through cave art. Make your very own cave paintings to bring home.
Sunday, August 16th ~ 12-2pm Walk up to 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. Walk up and learn the four principles of Elk SMART, how to practice them, and their importance.
Saturday, August 22nd ~ 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.” There may even be snapping turtle stew!
Sunday, August 23rd ~ 2pm Hunting, Hides, and Heritage: The Historical Role of Elk
Discover how elk have been a significant resource for humans throughout history. Uncover how early Native Americas used elk throughout precolonial history. Find out how early Europeans settlers utilized elk during colonization. Uncover elk’s cultural significance in the past to the present. Bring to light why people hold so much value to the Wapiti.
Saturday, August 29th ~ 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.
Sunday, August 30th ~ 6pm Binoculars 101
Learn binocular viewing basics! Test your skills, and hit the trails to view elk and other wildlife! There will be binoculars available to use along with a spotting scope, but feel free to use your own!
If you have any questions, please contact our Con Ed staff at (814) 787 – 5173
Emails: Ben Porkolab/ Jacob Pistner ~ ConEd@kecaus.com
Emma Walters ~ ConEdSp@kecaus.com
Dakota Malmgren ~ ConEdTech@kecaus.com