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, Instagram, and elkcountryvisitorcenter.com.
Elk Country Visitor Center
December 2022 Weekend Programs
Saturday December 3rd, 12pm-4pm KECA’s Christmas Fair
An event for the whole herd to enjoy! There will be games, prizes, make & take crafts, Christmas movies, refreshments, sales and much more to enjoy!
Sunday December 4th, 2pm PA Hibernators
Hibernation is an important process that some animals need to survive the winter. Learn about hibernation and what animals in Pennsylvania are true hibernators- there are only a few and they may surprise you!
Saturday December 10th, 12pm-2pm Elk Country Escape Room
Escape rooms are all the rage these days and our staff has designed their own! Think you have what it takes to escape. In this free escape room, our elk biologist Molly Werner has gone missing, and we need you to help search her office for clues to her whereabouts. The program will run every half hour from 12-2pm and is free of charge. You can pre-register by emailing ConEdSp@kecaus.com or by calling 814-787-5173
Sunday December 11th, 12pm-2pm Christmas Craft
Members of St. Mary’s Area High School Ecology Club will be hosting a craft workshop creating handmade, outdoor inspired ornaments. These ornaments will be packaged and ready for decorating the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast on your list. The ornaments being prepared are a birdseed cookie cutter, a wood cookie stencil, a cone reindeer, or a twig and ribbon tree.
Saturday December 17th, 12pm 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? Join our staff at the Elk Country Visitor Center to find the answers to these questions and more!
Sunday December 18th, 2pm Bald Eagles
Enjoy an informative PowerPoint on these majestic birds of prey, which have made a comeback to our area. Learn about their unique physiology, life cycles, and migratory patterns as you appreciate this Pennsylvania Conservation success story.
Saturday December 24th, 9am-12pm Elk Basics
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!
Sunday December 25th, Christmas Day-CLOSED
Happy Holidays to all! The staff here at the Elk Country Visitor Center wishes everyone a wonderful and joyous holiday season! The Elk Country Visitor Center is closed.
Saturday December 31st, 9am-12pm Deer Family
“Moose, Elk, Caribou, and Whitetail Oh My!” The Deer family has quite a few members! Join our staff as we learn about the elk and their many cousins that live in North America. You are sure to learn something new along the way!