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Park Activities

(from DCNR Calendar of Events) 

Tuesday, June 10, 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Bird Banding

Come to the marina pavilion and join Jennifer Houtz, Assistant Professor of Biology from Allegheny College, to learn about the bird banding process. Then you will get to watch researchers band tree swallow nestlings.

 

Wednesday, June 11, 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Strawberry Full Moon Paddle

You have probably seen the sunrise, but have you ever seen the moonrise over the water? Join us for some fun at Launch 3 as we explore the lake during the full moon. Start the evening off by paddle off into the sunset, then turn around and watch the moon rise and light up the night.

A limited number of kayaks are available. Ages 12 and up, under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Kayak and gear provided or bring your own. Life jackets required to be worn. Registration is required, please call the office to register at (724) 253-4833.

 

Friday, June 13, 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Fireflies

Come out to the Launch 3 pavilion and watch the night light up with flickers from fireflies. Learn about this unique little beetle and why it is so special here in Pennsylvania that it got named our state insect.

Then we will make our own firefly that you can take home with you before you chase them across the field to catch as many as you can, gathering data to help in a citizen scientist project. This program is for the young and the young at heart.

 

Saturday, June 14, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Frogbit Frenzy Pull

Join park staff and Penn State Master Watershed Stewards at Launch 3 for a volunteer work day on the water. Learn about the aquatic invasives you can find in Lake Wilhelm. Then, bit by bit, we will pull European Frogbit to make a difference.

Ages 12 and up. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A kayak and gear will be provided or you can bring your own. Life jackets are required to be worn and registration alsois required. Please call the office to register at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov.

 

Saturday, June 14, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Leap Into Herpetology

Join local naturalist, April Claus, at the Launch 3 pavilion as she introduces you to things that creep, swim, and slither at our beloved M.K. Goddard State Park. April will show you the differences between native “herp” species using LIVE frogs, toads, turtles, and snakes. 

Learn how to identify frogs and toads by their call!  You will be amazed at these animals' important role in our park's ecosystem! Appropriate for children ages 7 and up.  All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

Thursday, June 19, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

DiscoverE Outdoor Explorers

Tweet, Tweet! The birds are calling for you to come out to the park for two days of fun at the Launch 3 pavilion. On day one we will learn all about birds from their wings, beaks, nest and eggs. On day two, we will explore bird migration, calls, and go on a bird walk.

For children ages 6-8. All materials will be provided. Cost is $10/student, due the day of the event. Registration is required, please call the office to register at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

hawk

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 :

 

Young reenactors cross wooden swords at the Pioneer Frolic

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).

 

milkweed

Milkweed and many other flowers grow wild at Goddard State Park.

 

bike trail

The bike trail at Goddard State Park provides scenic views year-round.

 

car show

Classic autos gleam at the Music at the Marina car show.

 

Music at the Marina

Children play in front of the stage at Music at the Marina.

 

Boaters enjoy a summer day at the lake.

 

Park visitors chat during a wagon ride.