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
December 2023 Weekend Programs
Saturday, December 2nd, 12pm-4pm KECA’s Christmas Fair
An event for the whole herd to enjoy! There will be games, prizes, make & take crafts, Christmas movies, refreshments, sales and much more to enjoy!
Sunday, December 3rd, 2pm Elk Basics
New to learning about elk? Join us for the basic breakdown as we learn about elk history, elk ecology and elk behavior. Are you a seasoned “Elkspert?” We bet you’ll learn something new too!
Saturday, December 9th, 2pm PA Hibernators
Hibernation is an important process that some animals need to survive the winter. Learn about hibernation and what animals in Pennsylvania are true hibernators- there are only a few and they may surprise you!
Sunday, December 10th, 12pm-2pm Elk Country Escape Room
Escape rooms are all the rage these days and our staff has designed their own! Think you have what it takes to escape. In this free escape room, our elk biologist Molly Werner has gone missing, and we need you to help search her office for clues to her whereabouts. The program will run every half hour from 12-2pm and is free of charge. You can pre-register by emailing ConEdSp@kecaus.com or by calling 814-787-5173
Saturday, December 16th, 12pm-2pm Christmas Craft
Members of St. Mary’s Area High School Ecology Club will be hosting a craft workshop creating handmade, outdoor inspired ornaments. These ornaments will be packaged and ready for decorating the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast on your list.
Sunday, December 17th, 2pm Working with Water
Culverts can easily become barriers that reduce the movement of fish and other aquatic species, yet they’re found in almost every waterway. Join Mercy to learn how the PA Game Commission removes culverts and builds bridges in their place to allow aquatic species to move freely in their environment!
Saturday, December 23rd, 12pm-2pm Crafty Conifers
Why do we use Christmas Trees? What brought them about? Join the KECA ConEd staff in learning about PA Conifers as well as the tradition of Christmas Trees. After that we will create a natural Christmas decoration that be used as a wreath or a center piece. You are sure to make a fun family memory visiting the Elk Country Visitor Center while creating a souvenir to remember the trip!
Sunday, December 24th, 9am-12pm Elk Explanations
New to learning about elk? Join us for the basic breakdown as we learn about elk history, elk ecology, and elk behavior. Are you a seasoned “Elkspert?” We bet you’ll learn something new too! Have burning questions about elk? Wondering how elk are managed? Perhaps you have a question on their favorite foods or habits? Maybe you’d like to know how long they live or when the calving season is? Join our staff at the Elk Country Visitor Center to find the answers to these questions and more!
Saturday, December 30th, 2pm PA State Symbols
Pennsylvania has many state symbols from a state tree all the way to a state drink. Join us as we learn about each one, and how each state symbol was selected!
Sunday, December 31st, 9am-12pm Deer Family
“Moose, Elk, Caribou, and Whitetail Oh My!” The Deer family has quite a few members! Join our staff as we learn about the elk and their many cousins that live in North America. You are sure to learn something new along the way!
If you have any questions, please contact our Con Ed staff at (814) 787 – 5173
Emails: Ben Porkolab ConEd@KECAUS.com
Hunter Horning ConEdSp@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.
