After stopping in-person programming at Pennsylvania state parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person educational and interpretive programs will be held again starting April 4.
Here are programs scheduled in April at Kinzua Bridge, Bendigo and Elk state parks. Participants in programs at all state parks must wear a mask and practice social distancing.
At Kinzua Bridge State Park, there will be an Early Rise Walk at 6:30 a.m. April 4. The community is invited to stroll out on the “Skywalk” to watch the sunrise and reflect on the beauty of the Kinzua Creek Valley and the Kinzua Gorge. This is a special event and the building will be open early to participants after the walk.
Also at Kinzua Bridge State Park, there will be Green Walks at 1 p.m. on both April 10 and 17. The park has several interesting “greenies” — plants that stay green throughout the winter — for visitors to find along the trail. Meet in the overflow parking lot near the General Kane Trailhead. This will be a hike on the General Kane Trail, a one-mile rated easy trail. Dress for the weather.
Saturday Morning Bird Walks will be held at 8:30 a.m. April 10, 17 and 24 at Kinzua Bridge.
Attendees should bring their own binoculars to look for birds while hiking around the park and out on the bridge. Meet in front of the visitor center.
At Elk State Park, there will be a Waterfowl Watches program starting at 1 p.m. April 11 and 18. Participants should bring their own binoculars, and they will learn tips and tricks for identifying waterfowl while they scan the East Branch Reservoir for migrating ducks, geese, and swans. Meet at Instanter Boat launch.
All three parks will host Earth Day celebrations at different times on April 24, which is the Saturday after Earth Day.
Anyone interested in helping the Earth is invited to visit the parks during the above times to participate in activities such as litter pick-up, raking and general park beautification. Participants should bring their own gloves and dress for the weather. The parks will provide garbage bags and disinfected equipment.
At Kinzua Bridge State Park, the celebration will be held from 9-11 a.m. Meet at the Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center lobby.
Bendigo State Park will celebrate from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet in the main parking area near the pool.
Elk State Park will celebrate from 1-3 p.m. Meet at Instanter Boat Launch.
For more information, contact Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center and Park Office at (814) 778-5467 or e-mail the parks at kinzuabridgesp@pa.gov. Visit The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website directly at www.dcnr.state.pa.us or visit DCNR through the PA homepage at www.state.pa.us.
