AUSTIN – The following programs and events will be held this fall at the Sinnemahoning State Park.
September
Elk in the First Fork Valley
Saturday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
It is that time of year again. The bugling of the elk will soon be heard throughout the First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek area. Learn about the restoration of elk in Pennsylvania and how these majestic animals have adapted to life in the First Fork Valley. This free, family-friendly program will begin with a presentation in the Wildlife Center classroom, followed by a guided trip to view wildlife in the park.
Preserving Autumn Beauty
Saturday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Preserving Autumn Beauty is a one-day workshop in the art of plant and flower drying conducted by Pat Martin of Emporium, a specialist in drying and preserving flowers. Methods of plant preservation – hang drying, sand drying and microwave drying – will be included in the morning session. In the afternoon, participants will collect plants on the grounds of the park and then fashion a small wreath from these materials. A program fee of $10 per person includes all supplies and materials. You should pre-register by Sept. 19 by calling the park office.
Pontoon Boat Tours
Sunday, Sept. 22, 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., & 3 p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely 45-minute ride on the pontoon boat at Sinnemahoning State Park, surrounded by the early colors of autumn in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Cruise the waters of the George B. Stevenson Dam with park staff, as we look for birds and other wildlife along the shores. Bring your camera! Binoculars will be provided. This family-friendly program is free of charge, but donations are gratefully accepted. Pre-registration is recommended. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the park office.
National Public Lands Day
Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
On Sept. 28 Sinnemahoning State Park will join hundreds of other public lands across the nation in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of National Public Lands Day, the largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States. Volunteer projects at Sinnemahoning will include rain garden restoration and wildlife habitat maintenance. Families, service groups and individual volunteers are welcome. You should pre-register by Sept. 26 by calling the park office.
Elk in the First Fork Valley
Saturday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Wildlife Center Classroom
Following the National Public Lands Day event, join Sinnemahoning State Park staff to learn about the restoration of elk in Pennsylvania and how these majestic animals have adapted to life in the First Fork Valley. This free, family-friendly program will begin with a presentation in the Wildlife Center classroom, followed by a discussion on how and where to view elk in the local area.
Guided Kayak Tour
Sunday, Sept. 29, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Boat Launch Area – Stevenson Reservoir
Learn basic water safety and paddling techniques while enjoying a leisurely one-hour tour of the George B. Stevenson Reservoir and the First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek. Kayaks, paddles and life vests are provided. Beginners and experienced kayakers, ages 12 and over are welcome; you must be able to swim. You should call the Wildlife Center for more information or to make a reservation for this free program.
October
First Fork Festival at Sinnemahoning State Park
Saturday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Surround yourself with the glories of full autumn color while celebrating all that is special about the First Fork Valley. Festival highlights include “100 Years of Elk in Pennsylvania” program by Van Wagner, a book signing by Ralph Harrison, displays by the Pennsylvania Wilds artisans, music, food and more.
Leaves & Lunch Pontoon Boat Program (Fee $20)
Sunday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Join Sinnemahoning State Park staff for an afternoon pontoon boat ride on the lake, as we take a look at the colors of fall and the natural processes that cause this dramatic change. Enjoy lunch on the boat, complete with tablecloths and music, surrounded by the blazing colors of autumn in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Program fee of $20 per person includes a catered lunch. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 5. There is a limit of 12 people. To register for the program or for more information, please call the park office
Volunteer Work Day
Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteers, please join us for a Volunteer Work Day at Sinnemahoning on Oct. 19. Projects will include butterfly garden and wildlife habitat maintenance. No experience is necessary; all you need is a willingness to lend a hand. Bring a friend! All volunteers, groups or individuals are welcome to help out. Volunteers 17 and under must have parental consent. Lunch will not be provided, but refreshments will be available. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Please bring along a water bottle and work gloves if you have them. Pre-registration is requested.
The Haunted Halloween Trail at Sinnemahoning State Park
Friday, Oct. 25, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Come to Sinnemahoning State Park for a BOO-tiful evening! Stop at the Wildlife Center along Park Road and start your haunted adventure along the Lowlands Trail! Watch for ghosts, ghouls and goblins, and some scary native critters, too! Bring a flashlight to help light your way. Because the trail may be too intense for the younger set, smaller children can enjoy some not-so-scary Halloween crafts and games in the Wildlife Center classroom. Everyone can relax and enjoy light refreshments and music in the Wildlife Center. At the same time, learn about the origins of Halloween and get the facts about some of the animals that are traditionally associated with this holiday. Please call the park office for more information about this free, family-friendly program.
November
Finding your way in the Forest: Using a Compass & GPS
Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Join the Sinnemahoning State Park staff and local GPS/geo-caching enthusiasts for a fun and informative program on the operation and use of GPS receiver units. We will start with the basics of map reading and compass use, then look at the functions of a handheld GPS. Learn how to read latitude and longitude, mark waypoints, and locate geo-caches, along with other functions. Bring your own unit, or borrow one of ours. You’ll be navigating like a pro in no time! This free, family-friendly program is appropriate for novice navigators, ages 10 and over. Scouts are welcome. Several requirements for the geocaching and orienteering merit badges will be covered. For more information please contact the park office.
Geocaching Family Event
Saturday, Nov. 9, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Join park staff and local GPS enthusiasts for an exciting day of geocaching fun at Sinnemahoning State Park. And, there is no better place to do it – Cameron County claims it’s the geocaching capital of the world with more caches per square mile than people! Individuals and families new to the sport can get help with using a GPS, setting up a Geocaching.com account, marking waypoints and finding geocaches, including the eight easy-to-find and easy-to-get-to Ranger Ricks Jr. caches already in the park. Experienced geocachers can challenge themselves with the new CCC Legacy of Conservation geotrail (launch date Sept. 14) and the scattered one-day event caches. For more information about this event, call the park office or see the listing on geocaching.com.
Turkey Trek
Saturday, Nov. 24, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Get ahead of the calorie count for the holidays by burning the equivalent of at least one piece of pie on this 3.5 mile jaunt. The pace will be brisk, with a few slight hills. Fun will be had by all! Turkey sightings are not guaranteed but who knows where they might be lurking? Dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots or shoes and bring water. Participants of this free program will meet at the 40 Maples Day Use Area pavilion.