Elk State Park to host several community programs in June
MT. JEWETT- The Kinzua Bridge State Park Complex will be host to a plethora of fun activities coming up in June at Elk State Park, with the free guided kayak programs getting things started on June 5 from 11 a.m. through 1 p.m.
This program will entail a guided paddle trip with a park educator around the Seven Mile Bay area of East Branch. You can use your own watercraft, but a fleet of kayaks, as well as PFD’s (Personal Flotation Devices) and paddles will be on hand if needed. Any personal kayaks must have a current DCNR Launch Permit and all participants must wear a PFD when kayaking on the lake.
Matt Schenck, an Environmental Interpretive Technician for the Kinzua State Park Bridge Complex, sees this program as a great opportunity to take in the beautiful environment around us.
“Being on a kayak, canoe or any sort of paddlecraft is a great way to observe nature because you can really blend in with the surroundings,” Schenck said.
Healthy outdoor recreation is a big part of our mission with the Bureau of State Parks.”
There will also be a second session held on June 19 at the same time of the first guided kayak program.
Registration is required, and it is important to pre-register so that Schenck and his counterparts know how many kayaks to get for these programs. There are a limited number of kayaks and will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. Participants must be 18 years or older to attend.
Additionally, the history of Instanter will be highlighted by a park educator on June 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Instanter Boat Launch. This will give attendees a chance to see that the particular area is more than just a boat launch, and historical photos will be shown of what once was an old town in the late nineteenth century.
Capping off the June events will be a Mighty Mustelids program held on June 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for kids at the Instanter Boat Launch. Youngsters will learn about highly adaptive predators and complete a craft as part of the program.
To register for the guided kayak program or to find out any additional information about these activities coming up in June, call (814) 778-5467.