The Elk Country Visitor Center’s dedicated conservation education department schedules informative and interactive programs for the learning enjoyment of the visiting public. In particular, the center hosts weekend programs on various wildlife topics—from elk to birding activities—that are at no cost to visitors. Please review the following schedule to find a weekend program that interests you.
Elk Country Visitor Center
October 2026
Saturday, October 3rd ~ 10:30am-12pm Master Gardeners Plant & Wild Forageables Walk
Come explore the plant life at your feet with the Elk County Master Gardeners at the Elk County Visitor Center. Learn about plants that can feed, support, and even heal us and the earth. This program is the last of the three opportunities to learn about foraging. We will be starting at the Vista Pavilion, and participants are invited to picnic on the Elk Country Visitor Center property after the program.
Sunday, October 4th ~ 2pm Elk Explanations
New to learning about elk? Have burning questions about elk? Wondering how elk are managed? Perhaps you have a question on their favorite foods or habit? Maybe you’d like to know how long they live or when calving season is? Join our staff at the Elk Country Visitor Center to find the answers to these questions and more!
Saturday, October 10th ~ 2pm How to Plant Native Wildflower Plots at Home
Join fall intern, Taylor, in identifying some of Pennsylvania’s native wildflowers and discover which plants can thrive in a home pollinator plot. We’ll explore ways to create a pollinator-friendly space in the garden or just a few small containers. Native plants add beauty to your landscape while providing valuable habitat and food for local pollinators.
Sunday, October 11th ~ 11-3pm Pioneer Day!
Our staff will be making apple cider the old-fashioned way and will welcome guests of all ages to lend a hand! We will also be providing free samples, so join us for a great family friendly activity! There will also be trapping demonstrations with mountain man Jeff Dornisch, candle making crafts, natural dye calligraphy, live bluegrass music, a Fall Leaf Scavenger Hunt and much more!
Sunday, October 11th ~ 4pm Game Birds of Pennsylvania
Are you interested in bird hunting in Pennsylvania? Well Andrew, one of our fall interns, will give you the scoop on dove, turkey, woodcock, pheasant, grouse, you name it! Whether it be identification or bag limits, we will explore the game birds of Pennsylvania.
Saturday, October 17th ~ 2pm Fireflies & Ways to Help their Population in Your Backyard
Sunday, October 18th ~ 2pm Learn About the Rut!
Wow isn’t the rut amazing! Join us as we discuss the behavior of the elk during their breeding season, appropriate and safe elk- watching etiquette, as well as some additional exciting seasonal happenings here in Elk Country.
Saturday, October 24th ~ 2pm All About Antlers
Everyone is thrilled when they see huge bull elk with their giant antlers. During this popular program learn many amazing facts about our elk’s spectacular headgear. Handle many sets of huge antlers as you participate in an informative follow-up question-answer session.
Sunday, October 25th ~ 1-4pm Halloween Elkstravaganza!
Join us for a free, fun-filled day of Spooktacular crafts, games, and treats! Feel free to come in your costume if you’d like as well! We will have a costume parade with BENNY, the Bull Elk, leading the way at 2:00 p.m. Plus a public Trunk or Treat from 3-4pm in the Clemens Outdoor Classroom parking lot!
Saturday, October 31st ~ 2pm Hunting: The Underappreciated Conservation Technique
Join KECA Education Technician, Dakota, to discover how hunting plays a critical role in modern day conservation models. Find out how our conservation model was built around hunting in past. Learn about the importance of hunting in the modern day. See how Pennsylvania, the United States, and globally this model works. This prestation will be followed by an informative question and answer session.
If you have any questions, please contact our Con Ed staff at (814) 787 – 5173
Emails: Jacob Pistner ~ ConEd@KECAUS.com
Emma Walters ~ ConEdSp@KECAUS.com
Dakota Malmgren ~ ConEdTech@KECAUS.com
The Elk Country Visitor Center can accommodate large groups or tours. Call for more information or to schedule your group.
The Elk Country Visitor Center is operated by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, a non-profit 501c(3). We are located at 134 Homestead Drive in Benezette, PA. For more information call 814-787-5167 or visit us at www.ExperienceElkCountry.com.
