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Friday, September 11, 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Orienteering 101

Saturday, September 12, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Girl Scouts Love Maurice K. Goddard State Park: Secrets in the Soil

Girl scouts, come learn the hidden history at Maurice K Goddard State Park that was found in the soil, dating back 10,000 years ago. A short hike in a mowed field will lead us to the water's edge and an area where artifacts were unearthed. After learning about this ancient history, you will try your hand as an archeologist in a mock archeology dig box. 

This program is best suited for upper elementary scouts and up. Registration is required, please call the office at (724)253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov.

 

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 Wednesday, September 16, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

History Hiking Series: Georgetown Road Overlook

Take a hike with the park naturalist and learn the history about the ground beneath your feet prior to the park. On this hike, we will look back to the Paleoindians 10,000 years ago, and we will then trace the site history up to what was a proposed public beach. 

This 1.5-mile hike will be on mowed field trails and the paved bike trail, with slight rolling terrain. Please wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.

 

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Wednesday, September 23, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

History Hiking Series: Park Road

Take a hike with the park naturalist and learn the history about the ground beneath your feet prior to the park. On this hike, we will look at how land use has changed in the last 150 years along with the remnants of this shift from field to forest. 

This 1-mile hike will be on mowed field trails and dirt road, with slight rolling terrain. Please wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.

 

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Saturday, September 26, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Harvest Full Moon Paddle

You have probably seen the sunrise, but have you ever seen the moonrise over the water? Join us for some fun as we explore the lake during the full moon. Start the evening off by paddling 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. A kayak and gear will be provided or you can bring your own. Life jackets must be worn. Registration is required; please call the office at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov.

 

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Wednesday, September 30, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

History Hiking Series: New Vernon

Take a hike with the park naturalist and learn the history about the ground beneath your feet prior to the park. On this hike, we will look back on the residents and the town of New Vernon. 

This 1.5-mile hike will be on the paved bike trail, with slight rolling terrain. Please wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contacts:

FROG Contact

Webmaster

• Goddard State Park
• Goddard Volunteers
• FROG Meetings
• Goddard Projects
• Goddard Photos
• Music at the Marina

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

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 :

• wildlife inventories
• bluebird and purple martin nesting programs
• monitoring walking and bicycle trails
• developing ideas to improve the park
• the annual Music at the Marina
• litter clean-up
• historic research of the Sandy Creek Valley
• wildlife habitat improvements
• wildflower gardens and plant inventories

 

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 and many other flowers grow wild at Goddard State Park.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

 

The banner is adapted from an image by Louis Hall, it and some of the left column images courtesy of freeimages.com. The right column photos are by Audrey Stallsmith.