Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs State Parks are inviting residents and visitors to explore the outdoors this August through a diverse lineup of educational programs, guided tours, wildlife experiences, and family-friendly activities. The monthly schedule includes opportunities to learn about local ecosystems, observe wildlife, participate in conservation efforts, and enjoy the park’s natural resources.
On August 7 Erie County residents will have the opportunity to climb the Presque Isle Lighthouse and the Erie Land Lighthouse free of cost from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with the final climb scheduled at 4:40 p.m.
Fun in the Sun – Sensational Sand Activity Station will be available on August 9 from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Each week during this three-part series the station will be stationed at different locations. The station will allow guests to discover the science behind the precious sand at Presque Isle and what makes the beaches so special.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing pontoon cruise on August 10 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. which will highlight the Purple Martins as they prepare for migration. The cruise is limited to 16 participants, and registration is required by August 6.
Throughout the month of August nature and bird lovers can view the Purple Martin Summer Roost on August 11, 18, and 25 from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own binoculars as only a limited amount will be provided and to dress for the outdoors.
Every other Tuesday from August 11 until September 8 a family friendly series will be held from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. discovering different mammals in nature. The series will feature a story time, a craft, a game or song, and nature exploration in the outdoor classroom. Up to 15 children ages three to six can attend this series.
The Evening Bicycle Tour will be held on August 13 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. A park naturalist will lead a slow ride discussing the parks history. Riders are encouraged to bring water and sunscreen. Helmets are mandatory and any children must be accompanied by an adult. This ride is limited to 20 participants who can either bring their own bike or rent one from the nearby concessions. Registration is required by August 10.
From 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on August 14 Building the Fleet in the Wilderness will allow guests to discover how men and women worked to construct the vessels that would later fight in the Battle of Lake Erie.
On August 15 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. the community will be able to join efforts to keep the beaches clean. Participants can assist in data and litter collection. Bags, gloves, and assignments will be given out at the AAUW Pavilion. Any children must be accompanied by an adult.
Another Fun in the Sun Activity Station will be held on August 16 from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. where visitors can learn about what washes up on shore and how to keep the Presque Isle shores and water clean.
The Purple Martin Kayak Paddle will be held on August 20 from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. where kayakers can paddle around the cattail islands and witness the staging of the Purple Martins before their big migration. This paddle is limited to 20 participants, and registration is required by August 15.
Introduction to camping will be held on August 21 at 5:30 p.m. until August 22 until 12 p.m. Guests can camp with park naturalists at the Presque Isle Light Station. Those interested must bring their own tent and register by August 11. The cost is $30 per participant.
On August 23 from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. visitors can learn more about the sand dunes. Specifically, why the dunes are vital to the peninsula.
A drop in series on August 24 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. kids ages three to six can enjoy another Outside the Window event featuring frogs. The family friendly event will feature a story time, craft, game or song, and nature exploration in the outdoor classroom. This event is available for up to 15 children.
Remarkable Reptiles featuring the turtles and snakes of Erie County will be held on August 26 from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. This is a 90-minute program that is limited to 30 participants. Registration is required by August 23.
Family STEM Night will be held on August 27 from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. featuring an interactive event with plant specimens and photos. The program is intended for students aged 13 to 15 and is limited to 20 participants. Registration is due by August 20.
On August 30 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. visitors can learn more about the summer wildflowers in Pennsylvania. The group will meet at Gull Point Kiosk at the east end of the Beach 10 parking lot. Participants will hike on about three miles of loose sand and are encouraged to bring bug spray, water, and sunscreen. Registration is due by August 27 and is open to 25 participants.
Most programs are free, though many require advance registration due to limited space. Park officials encourage participants to register early through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources events calendar.