NEWPORT -- Winter may be settling in across the Juniata River Valley, but Little Buffalo State Park is keeping things lively with a full lineup of free programs designed for families, homeschoolers or anyone curious about the natural world.
From birdwatching and maple sugaring to prehistoric Pennsylvania, the park is offering hands-on learning opportunities throughout January and February at the Park Office Classroom in Newport.
The season begins with Homeschool Day: Winter Birds on Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon, a morning built for young learners who want to explore how birds survive the cold months.
Participants will study feather anatomy, learn how birds stay warm, and practice identifying species at the feeders. If the weather cooperates, the group will head outside for a short bird walk using binoculars provided by the park. Children will also make a pine-cone bird feeder to take home. Registration is required through the DCNR Calendar of Events due to limited space.
Pennsylvania's Ice Age
On Friday, Jan. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., the park will host Pennsylvania's Ice Age, an adult-oriented look at what the region was like 10,000 years ago. The program explores the species that once lived here and how scientists uncover clues about prehistoric life. Students with an interest in ancient wildlife are welcome. No registration is needed, but participants are encouraged to check the park's social media or call ahead in case of weather-related cancellations.
Visitors interested in learning a new seasonal skill can attend.
Basics of
Backyard
Maple Sugaring
Backyard Maple Syrup on Saturday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. This introductory program covers the basics of backyard maple sugaring, including tree identification, tapping, evaporating, and bottling. While the evaporator will not be running, the group will tap a tree after a short indoor presentation. No registration is required. Those needing accommodations should call the park office at least three days in advance.
Homeschool Day
Homeschool families can return on Friday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, for Homeschool Day: Maple Sugaring, a hands-on science program geared toward fifth- through eighth-grade students. Students will learn what makes sap flow, how to identify maple trees, and how tapping works. Registration is required through the DCNR Calendar of Events.
Coffee with Birds and
Colonial
Crafting
The winter schedule wraps up with Coffee with the Birds and Colonial Crafting on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. Guests can enjoy coffee or hot chocolate while watching the feeders as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Colonial-era craft materials will also be available for anyone who wants to try traditional handiwork. Those needing accommodations should call the park office ahead of time, and weather-related updates will be posted online.
All programs are free and open to the public.
For more information, visit www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr and search for "Little Buffalo" or find them on Facebook.