Friends of Maurice K. Goddard State Park

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2026 Park Activities

(from DCNR Calendar of Events)

Saturday, March 28 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM

PA Amphibians with a Focus on Vernal Pools

Join naturalist April Claus for an in-depth examination of the amphibians of PA. This class will introduce you to the species that rely on vernal pools for reproduction and highlight the behaviors of some of our most endearing salamander/frog species.

Participants will learn to identify amphibian species/egg masses and meet some live salamanders, toads, and frogs. The topics covered will include discussions about vernal pond inhabitants, mole salamander genetics, symbiotic relationships, and the best management practices for protecting vernal ponds in your area. Participants will head out into the field to visit some local vernal ponds near MK Goddard State Park.

Registrants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch, water bottle, notebook, boots, headlamp and be prepared to get muddy! Registration is required; please call the office at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov..

Saturday, April 4, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Vernal Pool Probe

Join the park naturalist for a family-friendly investigation of the park’s vernal pools and discover species who call these temporary pools home. We will meet at the dam and hike a half mile up the Goddard-McKeever trail to the site.

Note that this hike is steep and considered more difficult hiking, so please wear study footwear and dress to get wet. For those that need accommodation, please contact Megan McDowell at megmcdowel@pa.gov or call the park office, (724)253-4833.

Friday, April 10, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Intro to Grafting

Once a commonplace agricultural skill, grafting – the ancient technique of cloning trees – is rising in popularity as individuals rediscover the value of backyard fruit trees as well as fruit diversity. Participants will not only learn the basics of the whip and tongue graft, but also have the opportunity to graft and take home two apple trees. All tools and materials will be provided.

Cost will be $10 per participant to help cover the cost of the plant material. We will be outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Space is limited and registration is required; please call the park office at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov.

Friday, April 10, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Woodcock Walk

Come learn about the wacky bird called the American Woodcock. While it goes by many names – timberdoodle, bog sucker, mud snipe, night partridge, or big eye – it truly only answers to one call… the peent! After you learn about their unique habitat needs and the park’s management efforts, we will try our luck at finding one.

If conditions cooperate at sunset, the woodcocks should be going up into the sky for their mating sky dance, a spectacular sight. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, and bring binoculars if you have them.

Saturday, April 11, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Wings Over Wilhelm

Calling all birders! Come out to the third annual bird festival at Maurice K. Goddard State Park. This family-friendly event will showcase local bird-loving organizations that can help your birding with tools and resources for both beginner and advanced birders. Learn how you can support birds in northwest PA and in your own backyard.

There will be activities, giveaways, informational tables, a bird walk, and three 45-minute breakout sessions: 1) snakeskins for natural predator guards, 2) tale of the tail of the hooded warbler, 3) habitat management is for the birds.

To end the event, Tamarack Wildlife Center will be bringing their ambassadors birds for an educational program. Consider supporting the wonderful efforts of Tamarack through donations of bleach, paper towels, and Dawn dish soap.

Saturday, April 25, 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Earth Day Park Cleanup

Celebrate Earth Week by joining park staff and Friends of Goddard (FRoG) for a park cleanup event. This is your chance to give back to the park that you love and keep it clean. Please bring water. We will provide trash bags, gloves, and safety vests. To register, please call the office to register at 724-253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov. We’re utilizing a new volunteer system; please create a profile and signup for this opportunity at Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Contacts:

FROG Contact

Webmaster

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Maurice K. Goddard State Park

To view a slideshow of park photos, click on "Goddard Photos" at the top of the page.

Mercer County boasts a 2,800 - acre wonder — the lake, wetlands, fields and forests of Maurice K. Goddard State Park.

Lake Wilhelm marina at Maurice K. Goddard State Park

The park marina basks under a summer sun.

Named for the father of Pennsylvania’s state park system, Goddard is a perfect place for biking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. It’s also close to hunting opportunities at Gamelands 270.

Founded in 2002, the Friends of Goddard (or FROG) assist the park in many ways: They raise funds for special projects, help coordinate cleanups, and have organized the annual Pioneer Frolic—more recently called Country at the Crick—the last weekend in June, as well as Music at the Marina in August. FROG's accomplishments include donation of a shelter for the park’s 12-mile paved bike trail and of a playground for children at the marina.

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A wildlife educator demonstrates the grasping power of a hawk.

FROG membership is free. Become a "friend" and get involved. Your help is needed with :

wildlife inventories
bluebird and purple martin nesting programs
monitoring walking and bicycle trails
developing ideas to improve the park
the annual Music at the Marina
litter clean-up
historic research of the Sandy Creek Valley
wildlife habitat improvements
wildflower gardens and plant inventories

Young reenactors cross wooden swords at the Pioneer Frolic.

The Friends of Goddard State Park meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM at the park office building. We are looking for people with all types of interests, including nearby landowners, boaters, birders, hunters, bikers, and others.The Friends of Goddard are a partner group with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation (PPFF).

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