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Nature enthusiasts, families, homeschool students, educators, and outdoor adventurers will have plenty of opportunities to explore the natural world this September through a diverse lineup of educational and recreational programs offered at Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs State Parks.<\/p>\n
The September schedule features hands-on learning experiences, wildlife observation, teacher workshops, guided hikes, and volunteer opportunities designed to connect participants with the unique ecosystems and natural resources found throughout the region.<\/p>\n
One of the month’s signature events is the International Coastal Cleanup, scheduled for September 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers will help remove litter from Presque Isle and the shoreline at Erie Bluffs State Park, contributing to a global effort to protect waterways and wildlife habitats. Participants will gather at Cookhouse Pavilion at Presque Isle or Elk Creek Access Pavilion at Erie Bluffs. Registration is required by September 16.<\/p>\n
For homeschool students, a Monarch Tagging Event will be held on September 5, providing an opportunity to learn about monarch butterfly biology and migration while assisting park staff with live butterfly tagging efforts. Participants will travel to several locations throughout the park as part of the experience.<\/p>\n
Those interested in weather and science can attend Wild Weather: Workshop and Hike on September 4, where park educators will introduce the fundamentals of meteorology before leading a beach hike to observe weather phenomena in the field.<\/p>\n
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Young children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers are invited to the final session of Outside the Window: Beautiful Birds on September 8 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. The program combines story time, games, crafts, and outdoor exploration to encourage early appreciation for nature and wildlife.<\/p>\n
Later in the month, participants can discover the tiny ecosystems often overlooked in nature through Mysterious Mosses, a hands-on laboratory session scheduled for September 28. Attendees will examine specimens under microscopes and learn how to identify moss species using field guides.<\/p>\n
The educational offerings continue with Erie Bluffs After Dark: Bats of Pennsylvania on September 29, where participants will explore the park at sunset, visit a bat box, and learn about Pennsylvania’s only flying mammals during a guided evening hike.<\/p>\n
The month concludes with Virtual: Natural Wonders of Presque Isle on September 30, an online presentation highlighting memorable wildlife encounters and the diverse landscapes that make Presque Isle one of Pennsylvania’s most treasured natural destinations.<\/p>\n
In addition to September programming, the parks are also offering educator-focused workshops in October, including the PA Songbirds Teacher Workshop and Aquatic WILD Teacher Workshop, both of which provide Act 48 professional development credits for K-12 educators.<\/p>\n