AUSTIN — The “herp hoedown” at Sinnemahoning State Park will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The event will feature an afternoon of educational programs about reptiles and amphibians.

Park staff and local herpetology enthusiasts will conduct the event in the Wildlife Center classroom.

Kicking off the event at noon is Todd Deluccia, of the Cameron County Conservation District with a program on hellbenders. Large, rare amphibians, hellbenders live in some shallow, fast-flowing, rocky Pennsylvania streams and rivers. Learn more about these strange but fascinating creatures and the conservation efforts that are being taken on their behalf.

Then take a hike to a wetland to explore herp habitats. Three different wetland hikes will be conducted at 1:15, 1:30, and 2 p.m., with varying degrees of difficulty to accommodate different ages and abilities. Duane Stafford, the North-central coordinator for the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey, will lead a herp search at the 40 Maples Day Use Area and park educators will lead educational walks in the wetlands near the Wildlife Center. Boots or waterproof shoes are recommended for the hikes. All animals collected will be identified and safely released.

The event wraps up with a Turtle Talk by Maryann Bierly in the classroom of the Wildlife Center.  Meet live turtles and learn more about this fascinating group of reptiles.

Live turtles, salamanders, and frogs will be on display in the classroom and children’s crafts and games will be available throughout the event.

This family friendly program is free and registration is not required. All programs will meet in the Wildlife Center Classroom. For more information on park programs and events, contact Sinnemahoning State Park.