Environmental Education Programs

Return to January through June programs

A complete printable 2012 schedule is available here in PDF format.

July 7, Saturday
Blue Spruce Park Office
10:00 AM
How to Grow Great Herbs-Penn State Master Gardeners-Penn State Master Gardeners will share great tips on having a successful herb garden. A tour of the herb garden is included.

July 8, Sunday
Yellow Creek State Park Environmental Learning Classroom
2:00 PM
Hellbender-Eric Chapman- Join Eric Chapman, Director of Aquatic Science for Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, for a fun-filled afternoon learning about Pennsylvania's largest and most reclusive salamander, the Eastern Hellbender. Learn about this animal's interesting habits, including where they live, what they eat, and why they are such an important aquatic organism. Learn about the conservation efforts of WPC and our partners pertaining to this fantastic animal. Weather permitting we will search nearby Little Yellow Creek for this elusive creature. Bring shoes you can get wet!

July 15, Sunday
Yellow Creek State Park Environmental Learning Classroom
2:00 PM
Venomous Snakes of PA-Mike Shaffer-Don't let their scales and appearance fool you. Snakes play an important role in the environment. Find out what's real and what' snot, from the poisonous to the perfectly harmless and much, much, more. Live snakes will be on hand, so don't miss out on this grand opportunity.

July 21, Saturday
Yellow Creek State Park Office
2:00 PM
Crayfishing-Mike Shaffer-Come on down and do some crayfishing like you've never done before. You will be amazed at how easy it is to catch crayfish without lifting a single rock. We'll be in "Craw-Dad" heaven. Great fun for the whole family! Wear shoes you can get wet.

August 5, Sunday
Yellow Creek State Park Environmental Learning Classroom
2:00 PM
Photographing Dragonflies-James Reber-Learn basic information about dragonflies and how to photograph them and see photos of dragonflies common to this area. Then stroll around Dragonfly Pond to photograph the dragonflies found there. Bring your camera.

August 11, Saturday
Yellow Creek State Park Environmental Learning Classroom
8:00 PM
Night Hike-Mike Shaffer-Join the park naturalist to discover some of the amazing creatures of the nighttime world. Topics will include owls, night-vision, and much, much more. At the end of this program you will have sparks flying out of your mouths! Bring a flashlight if you have one.

August 26, Sunday
Yellow Creek State Park Boat Rental
2:00 PM
Paddling the Lakes-Mike Shaffer-Join park naturalist Mike Shaffer & Regional Outdoor Recreation Coordinator Emily Borcz for some fun kayaking out on Yellow Creek Lake. We will provide a short kayak instruction and then take two hours to explore nature's signs and sounds as we paddle along the lake. Come look for painted turtles and blue herons or try a piece of cattail to see if it really tastes like cucumber! For ages 12 and up, children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. This program is limited to the first 18 people so that we can provide you with a safe experience. If you would like to bring your own boat or need a larger boat, please let us know upon registration. Pre-registration is required at 724-357-7913.

September 8, Saturday
Yellow Creek Park Environmental Learning Center
9:00 AM
Digital Photography: Workshop I-Larry Turton-This workshop will cover the principles of capturing quality images according to the basic concepts of the visual arts. Equipment will be discussed only insofar as it enhances the chances of taking better pictures. The afternoon session will provide an introduction to basic editing of images according to the principles discussed in the morning session. There will be a fee of $10.00 for this workshop. Since this is a six hour workshop, please consider bringing a bagged lunch. Pre-registration is required at 724-357-7913.

September 9, Sunday
Evergreen Conservancy’s Tanoma Wetlands on Tanoma Road between Clymer and Indiana
2:00 PM
Fall Wildflower Walk – Cindy Rogers – Join Cindy for a walk around the Tanoma Wetlands to talk about local plant life. Dress for the weather and come prepared for drizzle or sunshine. Pre-registration is required 724-463-8636. See www.evergreenconservancy.org for directions under Projects, Remediation, Tanoma.

September 15, Saturday
Yellow Creek Environmental Learning Center
9:00 AM
Digital Photography: Workshop II– Larry Turton –This workshop will cover the components of the digital camera and how it captures images. This information will be coordinated with the principles taught in Workshop I. The afternoon will be spent editing photos taken in the intervening week. There will be a $10.00 fee for this workshop. Since it is a six hour workshop, please consider bringing a bagged lunch.

September 16, Sunday
Yellow Creek State Park Office
2:00 PM
Dog Handler for a Day –Keystone Waterfolwers Hunting & Retrieving Club - KWHRC is a non-profit group dedicated to promoting the ethical breeding and sound training methods of all retriever dog breeds. This program is to give everyone the chance to be a dog handler for the day! The club members will set up several hunting scenarios where dogs will retrieve "birds" on land and water. Learn how these dogs have become some of the greatest retrievers around! Preregister at: 724-463-8636. Visit their website www.keystonewaterfowlers.org

September 22, Saturday
Blue Spruce Park Lodge
7:00 PM
Owl Prowl –Mike Shaffer - Join the park naturalist to learn about the wonderful owls that prowl the night woods in Pennsylvania. After a short discussion, we will then go in search of these night flying creatures to do a little prowling of our own. Bring a flashlight if you have one. Dress for the weather.

October 7, Sunday
Yellow Creek Environmental Learning Center
2:00 PM
Attracting and Feeding Wild Birds –Marcy Cunkleman - Learn what local birds, and other critters, will visit your feeders in the winter. Different types of feeders, seeds, and food attract certain birds to your yard. Learn hints on how to bring them closer to watch and make the winter season fun.

October 14, Sunday
Yellow Creek State Park Boat Rental
2:00 PM
Fall Foliage by Boat –Mike Shaffer- Spend the afternoon on a leisurely tour to see the spectacular fall scenery and Yellow Creek Lake. Seating is limited to 30 people. Pre-registration is required at 724-357-7913.

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