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.
Sunday, November 1 @ 2:00– Antler Scoring
Antler scoring helps describe the size of a buck or bull and is a useful insight into the biology of those animals. Are you interested in how antlers are scored? Join our conservation education staff to learn the basics of scoring white tailed deer and elk antlers. We will provide all necessary equipment including the antlers.
Saturday, November 7 @ 2:00- Elk Hunt
The Pennsylvania General Elk Hunting Season occurs from November 2nd to the 7th. Learn about the number of tags allotted, PA elk hunting zones, check station research and more!
Sunday, November 8 @ 2:00 – Food Webs: What’s for Dinner?
Learn about the Pennsylvania food webs with a fun interactive activity!
Saturday, November 14 @ 2:00- Archery Basics
Have you ever tried your hand at shooting a bow and arrow? Whether you’re a beginner or expert, we welcome you to stop by and take a few shots with our Genesis bows provided to us by the PA Game Commission as part of the NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program). Our Conservation Education Coordinator, Ben, is a NASP instructor and will be available to help. (WEATHER DEPENDENT)
Sunday, November 15 @ 2:00 – 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? Join our staff at the Elk Country Visitor Center to find the answers to these questions and more!
Saturday, November 21 @ 2:00 – Black Bears
Join us for an informative presentation as we learn many fascinating facts about one of Pennsylvania’s largest mammal. Learn about their physiology, life cycle, and some interesting information about their den sites. Did you know the average lifespan for a black bear is around 10 years, though they can live upward of 30 years in the wild?
Sunday, November 22 @ 2:00- Tree Identification
There are about 196 tree species in Pennsylvania! Learn how to identify some of the most common species in the Elk Country region and some fascinating facts about each of them! Take a walk on the grounds around the center to locate some of these trees!
Saturday, November 28 @ 2:00- White-tailed Deer
Thousands of Pennsylvania hunters will be afield in search of this wary mammal on this opening day of the 2020 deer season! The white-tailed deer happens to be our state mammal and can found in all 67 counties. Learn about this fascinating animal in a fact-filled educational program!
Sunday, November 29 @ 2:00- Trapping 101
Pennsylvania has a long list of furbearers whose pelts made a large impact on the lives of trappers and settlers. Come look at the various traps and techniques used to catch these animals in our state.
If you have any questions, please call the Conservation Education Department at (814) 787-5173.