MOUNT JEWETT — The Kinzua Bridge State Park has a series of events planned for the month.
A Saturday Morning Bird Walk will be held at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday. Participants should bring their own binoculars to look for birds and plan on hiking around the park and out on the bridge. Meet in front of the visitor center.
On Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m., the program is “Escape Room: Natural Resources Past, Present, & Future.” Bring a team and test your problem solving skills to navigate the escape room while exploring our relationship with natural resources from the exploitation of the past to sustainable practices for the future.
At 1 p.m. on Aug. 21, the program will be on geocaching. Learn the basics of using a handheld GPS unit and set out in search of geocaches throughout the park. All GPS units will be provided by the park.
From 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 22, ride the rail trail. The Knox & Kane Rail Trail is a great place to safely ride your bike and enjoy nature. Bring your bike and join a park educator for a ride from the park to Mount Jewett and back. Helmets are required and participants should expect to bike about 8 miles on a flat crushed gravel surface. Meet at the Knox & Kane Trailhead near the skywalk. Participants are asked to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
At 6 p.m. on Aug. 23, the program will be “Birds From Above: Birding the Kinzua Skywalk
Virtual Program.” At 600 feet in length and up to 225 feet high, the Kinzua Skywalk offers a unique opportunity to view birds at and above the treetops. Join us for a virtual program exploring the diversity of birds that can be seen and heard from this historic Pennsylvania landmark.
From noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 28, the program will be “Steampunk Entomology.” Participants will create their very own futuristic insect using air dry clay and recycled materials provided by the park.
A wildflower walk will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 28. Join a park educator on an afternoon walk focusing on local late summer and early fall wildflowers and learning about their benefits to wildlife.
Again on Aug. 29, the program “Escape Room: Natural Resources Past, Present, & Future” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring a team and test your problem solving skills to navigate our escape room while exploring our relationship with natural resources from the exploitation of the past to sustainable practices for the future!
At Bendigo State Park, a program on “creatures of the creek” will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 21. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are highly adapted for life underwater. Join us as we explore the diversity of creatures living beneath the surface of the East Branch of the Clarion River through an investigation of live specimens collected by a park educator. Meet at the pool.
At Elk State Park, participants are welcome to “Kayak Instanter” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 14. Elk State Park was home to the old town of Instanter. After a safety talk, enjoy a nature paddle with the history of the town explored. The park has a limited number of kayaks for participants to use on a first come, first served basis. You must register by calling the park office at (814) 778-5467. Meet at Instanter Boat Launch off Instanter Road.
For more information, contact Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center and Park Office at (814) 778-5467 or email us at kinzuabridgesp@pa.gov. Visit DCNR’s website directly at www.dcnr.state.pa.us or visit DCNR through the PA homepage at www.state.pa.us
