Beginning in February the Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs State Park will offer various programs and events for all to enjoy.
Beginning on Feb. 28 and continuing until May 17, the gallery on the second floor of the TREC building will be open to showcase the 14th Natural Impression PI Student Art Competition.
The theme for the competition this year follows Presque Isle 250. Students can create a work of art that displays 250 years of history at Presque Isle.
Registration continues from now until Feb. 13, students who would like to register should email Brian Gula at bgula@pa.gov. The entry form for the competition as well as all details of the competition will be provided.
Virtually guests can attend a program with a naturalist to learn about the ecology and natural wildlife of Presque Isle. The program link will be sent out prior to the event and registration is required by Feb. 3, the program will take place on Feb. 6 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.
The whole family can attend Winter Discovery Day on Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather to enjoy a variety of winter activities. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, a sled dog demonstration, and more can be enjoyed by families. These activities may be modified, and all events will take place at Waterworks area on Presque Isle, for more information about this event visit www.discoverpi.com.
On Feb. 10 guests are invited to enjoy a cast iron cooked meal and learn about the history of behind the skill of cast iron cooking, taught by park educators. Those who have dietary restrictions should notify the park during registration for the event. The meal will include an appetizer, main course and dessert. Registration for this event is due by Feb. 1 and costs $10 per person.
Park educators will host a winter hike after dark during the Erie Bluffs After Dark on Feb. 18 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Educators will highlight the nighttime sounds, tell stories, and how animals adapt to the cold. Visitors will also be able to take in various winter views.
The hike is about 1.5 miles and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. The hike will begin at the Erie Bluffs main parking lot.
100 years of Presque Isle History will take place virtually on Feb. 20 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Guests can join a park naturalist to learn what happened during the first 100 years of history at Presque Isle. The link to join the program will be sent out prior to the event and registration is due by Feb. 17.
Another virtual event will take place on Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. allowing guests to join a journey of the Natural Wonders of Presque Isle. Guests can hear stories behind certain encounters and gain an appreciation for the wildlife and the various landscapes that make Presque Isle what it is today. Registration for the event is due by Feb. 20.
Project Growing Up WILD Educator Program will take place virtually on March 21 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. It is a free virtual program that allows for professional development for either formal or non-formal educators specifically those teaching preschool to third grade to participate in. Growing Up WILD is an award-winning program that helps educators bring wonder about nature to their students.
The program invites children to explore wildlife and the world around them. Two and a half hours of Act 28 are available and those interested must register by March 5.
Registration is required where noted. To register for a program or for more information, please visit the online DCNR Calendar of Events at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov.
Payment is required where noted. Payment is due at least seven days prior to the program and is non-refundable. Credit card payments can be made by calling 814-833-7424. Cash payments must be made in person at the park office at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Checks, made out to Commonwealth of PA, can be mailed to 301 Peninsula Dr., Ste 1, Erie PA 16505 or dropped off at the park office.