Conservation Education

The KECA Education Program

The Elk Country Visitor Center is an educational facility which advocates for the conservation of natural resources, with an emphasis on elk and elk habitat in the Pennsylvania Wilds and is operated by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) wildlife conservation organization. The center’s conservation education staff hosts school groups of all ages, as well as public youth and adult groups, and civic organizations, providing quality educational programs on elk and other wildlife, the natural history of the region, and conservation in general. We also offer educational outreach programs and the option to connect with us through distance learning via Zoom.

Our educational programs are not only age-appropriate and cross-curricular, but are aligned with current Pennsylvania State Education Standards. Teachers and groups may opt to select the specific program topics and activities which best fulfill their classroom curriculum needs or scout merit badge requirements. We have had the pleasure of reaching over 49,500 individuals with our educational programs, and have assisted over 166,000 visitors with their elk and wildlife questions.

Our Conservation Education Team

Jacob Pistner

Conservation Education Director

Jacob Pistner serves as Conservation Education Coordinator for the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, bringing more than a decade of experience in educ...

Read Jacob's Bio

Emma Walters

Conservation Education Specialist

Though originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Emma has found a new home in the PA Wilds. Always passionate about the outdoors; she grew up hu...

Read Emma's Bio

Dakota Malmgren

Conservation Education Technician

Growing up in the countryside outside of Falls creek, Pennsylvania Dakota quickly fell in love with the great outdoors. As an avid hiker, hunter, f...

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KECA Conservation Education Volunteers

KECA is fortunate to have an incredible team of volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to supporting our mission. Their commitment plays a vital role in helping us connect people of all ages with the natural resources, wildlife, and conservation efforts that make Pennsylvania’s Elk Country so special.

The Conservation Education Department relies on these volunteers throughout the year to help make field trips, school programs, public events, and educational activities a success. From assisting with hands-on learning experiences to helping organize events and welcoming visitors, their efforts create meaningful experiences for thousands of students, families, and community members each year.

Whether they are guiding groups, preparing educational materials, supporting special events, or simply sharing their enthusiasm for conservation, our volunteers help inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists. Their dedication strengthens every program we offer, and we are truly grateful for the time and talents they share with KECA.

My students learned so much and really enjoyed getting to learn hands on with the artifacts that were shipped directly to our school prior to our program. I would highly recommend this program and KECA!

Alyssa Toy

First grade teacher, South Buffalo Elementary School

Upcoming Weekend Programs

The education team at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance offers engaging programs for all ages, whether you’re a student, teacher, or visitor. Join us every weekend for our FREE & family friendly programs covering topics beyond elk, including wildlife, conservation, and outdoor traditions. We also host guest speakers and seasonal events like Earth Day, Pioneer Day, Halloween, and Christmas celebrations. To stay up to date on everything happening at the Elk Country Visitor Center, check our monthly calendar or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

OCT 04

Make & Take: Paracord Craft

Elk Country Visitor Center

Come and learn the many ways that paracord can be used in a survival situation. While exploring it's many uses we will craft a keychain or bracelet...

OCT 04

Elk Explanations

Elk Country Visitor Center

New to learning about elk? Have burning questions about elk? Wondering how elk are managed? Perhaps you have a question on their favorite foods or ...

OCT 10

How to Plant Native Wildflower Plots at Home

Elk Country Visitor Center

Join fall intern, Taylor, in identifying some of Pennsylvania’s native wildflowers and discover which plants can thrive in a home pollinator plot. ...

OCT 11

Game Birds of Pennsylvania

Elk Country Visitor Center

Are you interested in bird hunting in Pennsylvania? Well Andrew, one of our fall interns, will give you the scoop on dove, turkey, woodcock, pheasa...

OCT 17

Fireflies & Ways to Help their Population in Your Backyard

Elk Country Visitor Center

Lighting up your backyard! Join one of our fall interns, Hunter, in exploring why fireflies are disappearing throughout Pennsylvania, and how you c...

OCT 18

Learn About the Rut!

Elk Country Visitor Center

Wow isn’t the rut amazing! Join us as we discuss the behavior of the elk during their breeding season, appropriate and safe elk-watching etiquette,...