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.
December 2025 – January 2026 Weekend Programs
Saturday, December 27th ~ 2pm Antlers VS. Horns
The age-old debate for the term of an elk’s headgear. Come learn the differences of antlers and horns and why they are often mistaken for one another. It will be a head scratcher!
Sunday, December 28th ~ 2pm Birds from the Birdfeeder
Take a seat with one of our educators and explore the native PA birds that may be seen around your bird feeders in the winter. We will review the different types of birdfeeders and birdseed, while watching the bird feeders at the ECVC and identifying birds through technology and ID books.
Saturday, January 3rd ~ 2pm First Hike of the Year
Join our staff as we hike the grounds of the Elk Country Visitor Center for the first hike of 2026! We will discuss the habitat work done in our fields, explore different parts of the property, and learn about amazing Rocky Mountain Elk.
Sunday, January 4th ~ 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.
Saturday, January 10th ~ 2pm Bird Adaptations
Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission educator, Jake Smith, to explore the world of birds and their adaptations! This hands-on learning is geared towards ages 12 and under.
Sunday, January 11th ~ 2pm Mountain Lions of Pennsylvania: Fact, History, and Ongoing Discussion
This program examines the documented history and biology of mountain lions in Pennsylvania, including their past range, ecological role, and current scientific understanding. We will also review reported sightings, leaving time for informed discussion about what these observations may mean today.
Saturday, January 17th ~ 2-4pm Make & Take Tree Cookies
Visiting elk country is always an exciting adventure, and you may even want to grab a souvenir to capture all the memories you made. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out which one to get. Well, the Elk Country Visitor Center may have just the thing and it’s free! Join us in decorating a tree cookie of your very own in your own unique way. It’s sure to be the perfect way to remember the time you spent here in elk country! (Can be used as an ornament, magnet or beverage coaster)
Sunday, January 18th ~ 2pm Fire, Cocoa, & Stories Oh My!
Come experience an educational story time around the fireplace! With hot cocoa to sip on, we will read a children’s story book about nature and the elk. The family friendly activity will be fun for younger visitors.
Saturday, January 24th ~ 12-4pm Winter Fun Day!
Join the staff at the Elk Country Visitor Center for a winter fun day full of sled riding, hot chocolate, cross-country skiing, and a campfire to keep us warm! We do ask you bring your own sleds and cross-country skis and we will provide the rest. Dependent upon weather, if there is not enough snow for the winter activities, we will provide an interpretive hike around the Visitor Center grounds, s’mores, games, and a craft.
Sunday, January 25th ~ 2pm PA Elk Hunt 2025 Recap!
Did you know we have 3 elk hunting seasons? With a total of 140 tags allocated, 13 zones, and check station information lets dive into a total recap of this year’s elk hunting results. Come find out more about why we hunt the elk and how it benefits the herd!
Saturday, January 31st ~ 2pm PA Hibernators
Hibernation is an important metabolic process or some animals to survive the winter. Learn about hibernation and what animals in Pennsylvania are true hibernators.
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