Click this link to find:

FROG on Facebook

Park Activities

Saturday, April 13,
8:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Wings Over Wilhelm

Calling all birders! Join us for our first annual bird festival at Maurice K. Goddard State Park. This family-friendly event is for all levels of birders. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just looking to attract birds to your backyard, we’ll have information for you. Local organizations will be available throughout the event to provide information on topics ranging from wild turkey to birdsong to falconry—and so much more.

There will be activities, giveaways, informational tables, and four one-hour breakout sessions featuring an introduction to waterfowl identification, forest management for birds, tree swallows and cavity nesting, and bird photography.

To end the event, Tamarack Wildlife Center will be bringing their ambassadors birds for an educational program. To help support the wonderful efforts of Tamarack donations of bleach, paper towels, and Dawn dish soap will be accepted. Arrive early for coffee and light refreshments. For lunch, Dad Bodz Burgers and more food truck will be onsite for food for purchase.

Sunday, April 14, 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Introduction to Grafting

Join DCNR for an introduction 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 apples trees.

All tools and materials will be provided. Cost will be $10 per participant to help defray 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 by contacting the park office at 724-253-4833 or by email at goddardsp@pa.gov.

Friday, April 19, 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Earth Day Weekend Evening Hike

Come kickoff the Earth Day weekend by joining the park naturalist for a 2.25-mile hike. The hike will be a loop that combines part of the Goddard-McKeever Trail and the John C. Oliver Multi-Purpose Trail. While enjoying the beauty the park has to offer, you will learn about the many conservation-minded folks that this park claims name to.

Please wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. Then to end the evening, we will plant some native wildflower seeds. Please wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather and bring water.

Saturday, April 27 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Earth Day Park Cleanup

Join park staff and Friend of Goddard (FRoG) of an Earth Day park cleanup event. Please bring a water. We will provide trash bags, gloves, and safety vests. For more information, or questions, please contact the park office at 724-253-4833 or email us at goddardsp@pa.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contacts:

FROG Contact

Webmaster

frog logo

 

 

 

 

 

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 organize the annual Pioneer Frolic, now 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 Tuesday of each month at 6:30 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.