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.
June 2026 Weekend Programs
Friday, June 5th ~ 10am Kids Story & Craft: Elk Calves
Come join our educators for a cozy story time in the Parker Outdoor Classroom. We will read a children’s book and enjoy some fun elk calf crafts! Great for younger Buglers!
Friday, June 5th ~ 2pm Roots to Canopy
This program connects people with the life cycles of our PA forests. Blending science, KECAs forests, and stories. This program helps participants see forests as dynamics, living, and changing environments.
Saturday, June 6th ~ 2pm Elk Walk & Talk
Join a staff member as we hike the trails around the Elk Country Visitor Center. Learn many interesting facts about the property and wildlife that often inhabit these fields. We will be covering topics such as what elk eat, where they spend their time, and how each season brings something different.
Sunday, June 7th ~ 2pm Newborn Wildlife
Spring is the time for awakenings and arrivals. Learn about Pennsylvania’s spring awakenings and new arrivals. Following the program, an optional trail walk will be offered to look inside a bluebird box.
Friday, June 12th ~ 12pm 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.
Saturday, June 13th ~ 2pm Shimmy Shake the Rattlesnakes
Do you really know the truth about these reptiles with such a bad reputation? Chances are, some of what you think you know, isn’t really true. They are amazing creatures with many special adaptations and the more you understand them, whether you like them or not; the more you will see how valuable they are to our ecosystem. With a fun craft included!
Saturday, June 13th ~ 9:15-10pm Explore the Night Sky
Experience the beautiful night sky over Elk Country! Enjoy 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. This program will be cancelled in the event of poor weather.
Sunday, June 14th ~ 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.
Friday, June 19th ~ 12-2pm Elk County ROCKS!
It’s time for arts and crafts at the Elk Country Visitor Center! Join our staff in painting a rock of your choosing to create, a one-of-a-kind, souvenir of your very own!!
Saturday, June 20th ~ 2pm Nature Art
Come Join one of our educators as we explore the outdoors through the sketch of a pencil. No matter your artistic skill level, this program will encourage you to look at nature from a new angle.
Sunday, June 21st ~ 12-2pm Father’s Day Make & Take: Elk Antler Keychains
Celebrate Father’s Day the elk way here at the Elk Country Visitor Center! One of the biggest questions at the Elk Country Visitor Center is, “When do the elk shed their antlers?” The answer to that question is easy! Elk typically shed their antlers in the months of March and April. Finding an antler, whether it’s an elk or a deer, can be quite the challenge for any young or old antler shed hunter. So, the Elk Country Visitor Center may have a solution. Come join the ConEd staff as we build our very own antler cross-section or point necklace, keychain, or mirror decoration!
Friday, June 26th ~ 12pm Tricky Ticks
Ticks are on the rise this year! Come learn with our education staff how to keep your family safe from these tricky ticks with an introduction to symptoms, treatment, and the various species of ticks.
Saturday, June 27th ~ 2pm Intro to Geocaching: America 250- Geotrail!
Enjoy an introductory slideshow on this topic, then test your skills on our trails as you try to find our America 250 Geotrail geocache! A staff member will be assisting. If you have your own GPS device, please bring it.
Sunday, June 28th ~ 2pm Archery Basics
Have you ever shot a bow and arrow? Whether you are a seasoned pro that wants a little extra practice, or a beginner that wants to learn how to shoot a bow, come join us on our archery range. Weather permitting!
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
Dakota Malmgren ~ ConEdTech@kecaus.com