Diverse menu of FREE public programs for all ages offered in Parks throughout the County including Park Ranger programs, hikes, and opportunities for hands-on learning
Opportunities to learn, engage and move!
ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has announced an extensive schedule of seasonal public programs for the fall 2024 season, giving individuals and families numerous opportunities to get outside and explore topics nature in our county parks. In 2024 to date, 1,214 individuals have participated in 58 formal public programs with Park Rangers while over 3,800 individuals have engaged in tabling events. Rangers have experienced over 11,000 natural contacts with individuals in the Parks (natural history questions, navigation assistance, off-leash dogs, other info/contacts, etc.).
“The Park Ranger program has been tremendously successful and integral to visitors’ enjoyment of these great natural spaces and the flora and fauna within,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Opportunities to learn and explore happen all year long and there is something for everyone’s interest, so I encourage families and anyone interested in free outdoor learning in the parks to register and participate.”
Registration is required for programs and registration links are online on the parks’ Department website at www.erie.gov/parks . While public programs in Erie County Parks are often led by Park Rangers, this Fall the parks department is adding new programs led by our Forester and Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist, as well, to diversify program offerings.
The Fall 2024 Seasonal Schedule for Parks’ Public programs includes:
- Final Senior Hiking Club program of the year in partnership with Erie County Senior Services will be on Wednesday, Oct. 9: Senior Hiking Club at Ellicott Creek Park followed by Cooking with the Commish in the Friendship Building at Ellicott Creek Park. This Revived Senior Hiking Club partnership has been a great success this year with 39 participants overall in 5 different programs over the Spring and Summer.
- Expanded! Citizen Science Programs and Workshops include:
BioBlitz at the Ridge! ~ Chestnut Ridge Park ~ Sunday, October 6, 2024
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Identification and Survey Training ~ Akron Falls Park ~ Thursday, October 10, 2024
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Identification and Survey Training ~ Chestnut Ridge Park ~ Thursday, October 24, 2024
- New! Hands-On Forestry Programs:
Preparing Field Grown Trees for Transplanting ~ Chestnut Ridge Park ~ Saturday, November 16, 2024
Transplanting Trees into the Nursery - Sunday, November 17, 2024
- Ongoing! Centennial Scavenger Hunt
The Parks’ Department’s Centennial Scavenger Hunt is ongoing as we move into 2025 and celebrating the Centennial Year of four of our Erie County Heritage Parks!
Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel said, “Our Parks are a tremendous learning laboratory at all times of year and are good places to explore nature at your own pace. With such a variety of programs happening it’s easy to find something and plan on learning and exploring the great outdoors.”
Throughout October and November 2024 public programs include:
- Family Fishing ~ Chestnut Ridge Park ~Wednesday, September 25, 2024
- Fall Fest ~ Como Lake Park ~Saturday, September 28, 2024
- BioBlitz at the Ridge! ~ Chestnut Ridge Park ~Sunday, October 6, 2024
- Senior Hiking Club ~Ellicott Creek Park ~Hike and Cooking with Commish Wednesday, October 9, 2024
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Identification and Survey Training ~ Akron Falls Park ~ Thursday, October 10, 2024
- Sounds of Nature ~ Sprague Brook Park ~Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Identification and Survey Training ~Emery Park ~Thursday, October 17, 2024
- Bureau of Forestry Hike Saturday, October 19, 2024
- Eternal Flame Hike (Peak Fall Colors!) ~ Chestnut Ridge Park ~ Sunday, October 20, 2024
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Identification and Survey Training ~ Chestnut Ridge Park ~ Thursday, October 24, 2024
- Fall Bird Migration ~ Wendt Beach Park ~ Saturday, October 26, 2024
- Intense Fall Hike Sunday, November 3, 2024
- Como Lake Park History Saturday, November 9, 2024
- Preparing Field Grown Trees for Transplanting ~ Chestnut Ridge Park ~ Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Transplanting Trees into the Nursery Sunday, November 17, 2024
For more information:
On Parks events and programs, visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/events
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