HUNTINGDON — Morning mist still clings to the ridgeline at Greenwood Furnace in Huntingdon when the first families wander toward the park office, drawn by the soft hum of bubbling water and the promise of seeing trout before they ever touch a hook.

Inside, a tank glows under the lights — a miniature world where young fish flicker like quicksilver, each dart and turn hinting at the wild lives waiting for them beyond the glass. For two hours on Saturday, March 28, that quiet room becomes the heart of “All About Trout,” a hands-on celebration of Pennsylvania’s favorite freshwater icon.

“It’s a great day to stop in and learn about trout as it is Youth Mentored Fishing Day,” said Jen Moore, environmental education specialist at the Greenwood Furnace State Park Complex. “You’ll see young trout swimming around our tank and get hands-on with the critters they eat.

“Then head down to the lake to fish with one of our park volunteers during the designated program time,” Moore added. “Youth are welcome to fish longer but will need to bring their own equipment.”

The free program, running from 10 a.m. to noon and open to all ages, invites visitors to step into the life of a trout from the moment it hatches. Park staff and volunteers will guide guests through the tank, explaining how trout grow, what they need to survive and why their presence in local streams tells a larger story about water quality and conservation.

Kids can press close to the glass to watch the young fish hover and glide, while adults learn about the delicate balance that keeps these species thriving.

Just a few steps away, another world waits to be explored. Tables will be lined with live stream critters — mayfly nymphs, caddisfly cases, stoneflies and other macroinvertebrates that trout depend on for food.

Visitors can view and identify the tiny creatures, discovering how their presence signals the health of the waterways that wind through the region. For many families, it’s the moment when the ecosystem snaps into focus: trout don’t exist alone, and neither do the streams that sustain them.

Throughout the morning, guests can take part in a trout survival challenge or try a scavenger hunt designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration. Both activities are self-paced, making them easy for families to enjoy before heading toward the lake.

From 11 a.m. to noon, the shoreline becomes the final stop in the experience. A park volunteer will lead a fishing session, offering poles and bait for anyone who wants to cast a line. It’s an ideal chance for first-time anglers or young participants to feel the thrill of a tug on the rod, guided by someone who knows the lake well.

The program will be held rain or shine, and no registration is required. Organizers encourage visitors to dress for the weather and plan to spend time both indoors and outdoors as they move through the stations. Whether guests stay for a few minutes or the full two hours, “All About Trout” aims to deepen appreciation for the fish that have long been part of Pennsylvania’s outdoor heritage.

For more information, call (814) 667-1800 or find Greenwood Furnace State Park on Facebook.