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Pennsylvania State Parks
Educator E-Blast
Fall 2026 Edition
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It's our favorite time of the year - Halloween 🎃! This year October is speeding by in a flash of bat 🦇 wings! As the big day approaches, classrooms become hives of excited energy. We're here to make it easier!
In Section 1 ⬇️, we've shared a carefully curated collection of lessons & activities that quickly fit into your teaching & get some of that energy meaningfully spent.
It's BAT 🦇 WEEK! As our days grow shorter, & the seasons change, bats are hibernating or migrating. Around the world, October brings the opportunity to give bats 🦇 their due appreciation. As Halloween, Día De Los Muertos, Samhain, & general fall festivities are celebrated, bats are suddenly popular, beloved, & festive. Please take this time to educate your students & communities about bats & how essential they are to our ecosystems & habitats year-round. They don't deserve their spooky reputation throughout the rest of the year.
Good News! The Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) "Teaching Green" Newsletter is back! "Teaching Green" is for formal & non-formal environmental educators, partners, & communities across Pennsylvania. Subscribe Now.
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Check out DCNR's Fall 🍂 Foliage Report!
Leaf peepers, it’s time! 👀 Beautiful colors are now bursting statewide! Our late summer rains helped revive drought‑stressed forests, the leaf colors are GORGEOUS this year! Plan your fall adventure with our Fall Foliage Reports which offers regional updates, photos, & expert tips to help you experience the Commonwealth’s vibrant seasonal landscapes. The report is released every Thursday during peak foliage season.
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Support Your PA State Parks!
Buy a 2027 Calendar!
A great holiday present! 🎁
Cost is $17.22 + tax (only available online. Cost includes shipping & handling).
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PA State Parks Educator E-Blast Contents ⬇️
- Section 1: Halloween 🎃, Bats 🦇, & More Teaching Ideas
- Section 2: Educator Professional Development (PD) Trainings
- Section 3: Webinars & Grants 💰for Educators
- Section 3: Explore the Outdoors!
- Section 4: Striving Towards Inclusion
- Capstone: PA State Park Info. & Updates
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Section 1:
Halloween, Bats, & More Teaching Ideas
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🦇 Simple & Rustic Bat Craft! All you need are a few small sticks, leaves 🍂, scissors, & glue! - from Little Pine Learners
🍁Make Fall Leaf Nature Crowns for Kids - from Run Wild My Child
🍁Trees Awake: Climate Change & Phenology Lesson for grades 6-12 - In this phenology video (with extensions), students will explore how climate change is affecting the seasonal patterns of trees. Using graphs & research, the host shows how warmer temps in the NE are causing seasonal changes to happen earlier, connecting what students see outside with real-world science. - from SubjectToClimate
🦉 Spooky Animals: Halloween Lesson Collection - This FREE collection adds a touch of Halloween fun to your classroom with lessons that fit right into units you may already be teaching, like nocturnal animals or forest life. Turn bats 🦇, owls 🦉, & spiders into real science lessons on nocturnal animals & forest life, using stories, games, & hands-on activities your class can use right now. Each resource shows that 'scary' animals are actually fascinating & important for our environment. Separated by grades K-2, K-5, 3-5, 5-6. - from SubjectToClimate
👻Kahoot! is offering a free Halloween-themed Template - includes Halloween- themed background music (13 questions)! The template is free, but you need at least a Kahoot Education subscription to use some of the question types; these could be easily changed or deleted).
🎃FREE Science-Focused Fall/Halloween Kahoot! (27 questions)
🧟♀️ Invasion of the Body Snatchers - Ever wonder where Hollywood gets some of their crazier sci-fi ideas? From nature, of course! Parasites that consume their hosts from the inside out or turn them into walking zombies🧟♀️are quite common. Check them out... if you dare! - from The Chesapeake Bay Program
🐿️ Squirrel Awareness Month Children's Book list - from Iowa City Public Library
🆓 New Teaching Resources for US Elections to engage students & build an understanding of free & fair elections for grades 6-12. Facing History’s US election resources were designed & curated to help students explore the role of elections, voting, & civic participation in creating and sustaining a just & healthy democracy. - from Facing History
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It's the most wonderful time of the year – BatWeek! 🦇 October 24-31, 26
“Bat Week is an annual international celebration designed to raise awareness about the need for bat conservation. Bats are amazing creatures that are vital to the health of our natural world and economy. Although we may not always see them, bats are hard at work all around the world each night - eating tons of insects, pollinating flowers, & spreading seeds that grow new plants & trees.” Bat Conservation International (BCI)
Be a Bat 🦇 Hero! Learn + Teach About Bats 🦇! (many lessons offered in English & Spanish)
🦇 Check out the amazing array of BatWeek educational resources, background info. & ideas to help you educate others at http://batweek.org/
🦇 Project Learning Tree (PLT) compiled & curated a great list of Bat Week Resources
🦇 BatsLIVE – host of Project EduBat offers lesson plans, videos, recorded webinars, & more!
🦇 Bat Conservation International (BCI) is offering NEW & Updated Bat lessons (includes PPTs, videos, activity pages, & more)!
🦇 20 Bat activity ideas, crafts, & more – from ChildsPlayABC (note – this is a UK resource)
🦇 "Bats Eating Snacks!" - try not sing 🎵 along
🦇 Some adorable bat comfort - "Baby Bat Burritos!"
🦇 Halloween Mindfulness/BAT BREATHING! 55 secs. – from The Mindfulness Teacher on YouTube
🦇 Halloween Animals in REAL Life! 🎃 Learn Facts about Bats, Spiders, & Owls! 4:43 min.- from Nat Geo Kids on YouTube
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Who: Formal & non-formal educators, grades 3-8
Open: 9/1/26 - 12/31/26
Cost: $25.75
To Register, go to Conservation Learning Campus
In this 3-hour self-paced course, learn how to implement the Project WILD activity "Bat Blitz." Students simulate bats feeding on insects & then perform calculations based on the # of insects caught. Students explore the ecosystem services bats provide, threats to bat populations such as White-Nose Syndrome, & stewardship actions to help bats. This mini-course also provides resources & background info. on bats & conservation.
- Requirements: Computer with internet access.
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No need to have a paper copy of "Bat Blitz" (part of the Project WILD K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide). Course provides (Dropbox) access to a downloadable copy of "Bat Blitz" + links to course resources.
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Become a Bat 🦇 Ambassador with Bat Conservation International (BCI)! FREE 🆓!
Bat Conservation International's new Bat Ambassador Training is a free, self-paced, online course for anyone who would like to learn about bats. The 5 hr. course is designed for educators & volunteers from nature centers, zoos, public gardens, conservation organizations, & backyard bat enthusiasts. Become a certified Bat Ambassador and & teach your friends, family, neighbors, & students about these intriguing & adorable keystone animals.
After completing the course, sign up to learn bat skills & science, such as leading community Bat Walks or planting Bat Gardens. Become part of a global movement to protect bats!
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REMINDER - PA School Districts - Complete the Environmental Literacy Indicator Tool (ELIT) Questionnaire by 11/20/2026! 📋
ELIT is a federally-directed effort to collect info. from all public school districts in the Mid-Atlantic region every 2 years to monitor the status of environmental literacy efforts at a district level. The results help the Chesapeake Bay Program Education Workgroup to effectively support local efforts to implement strategies that support students’ environmental literacy. The workgroup supports the entire state of PA under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement (revised & signed in 2025).
Only 1 person per district should complete the ELIT. The best respondent works at the district-level & is most familiar with environmental education (EE) activities across the district. If your district does not have a position similar to an EE coordinator, consider a Science Curriculum Coord. or similar role.
📋Complete & Submit the ELIT 2026 Questionnaire by November 20, 2026.
Questions? Contact Elise Trelegan, Coordinator, Chesapeake Bay Program Edu. Workgroup, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office at elise.trelegan@noaa.gov or 204.628.4507.
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Section 2: In-Person Educator Professional Development (PD) Trainings
View ALL of the Upcoming Educator PD on the DCNR Calendar
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Project WILD Aquatic Educator PD 🦆
Thursday, October 29, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
In-Person at Susquehannock State Park, 1880 Park Dr., Drumore PA 17518
Act 48: 5.5 hrs.
Fee: $15.00; pre-registration required
The award-winning Project WILD Aquatic K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide utilizes a simple, science-based format to cover concepts, principles, & issues relating to aquatic wildlife, aquatic habitats & ecosystems, & actions for sustaining aquatic species & habitats. Each activity contains all the info. needed - from objectives to extended learning. This PD aligns Aquatic Wild activities with STEELS standards & focus on local water quality issues. It is for any educator who is interested in teaching about aquatic wildlife such as classroom teachers, non-formal educators, college students studying to be teachers (pre-service), school administrators, youth leaders, homeschoolers, & more. Aquatic WILD K–12 Curriculum & Activity Guide will be provided to all attendees. Register NOW. Kelly Ford, EES at Kelford@pa.gov or 717-252-1134.
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MWEE in Your Schoolyard Teacher PD
Thursday, November 5, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
In-person at Carbon County EE Center, 151 E. White Bear Drive, Summit Hill, PA 18250
Act 48: up to 15 hrs.
Fee: FREE! 🆓 pre-registration required
Are you a Pennsylvania K-12 teacher or non-formal educator who is passionate about bringing local environmental education (EE) into your classroom or schoolyard? Learn how to implement the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Framework to address the Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (ELS) standards while increasing student achievement! MWEEs are learner-centered experiences in which students investigate local environmental issues & complete informed, place-based action projects. It’s an awesome way to connect with the new PA STEELS & get outside!
Experience field work & network with potential EE providers in your region while advancing your MWEE Certifications. To earn your MWEE Ambassador Certification & 8 additional Act 48 hours, the asynchronous MWEE 101 course must also be completed. Register NOW! Questions? Contact Monica Pangaio, IU #21 STEELS Facilitator at pangaiom@cliu.org or 610-769-4111. This PD is a partnership between Carbon-Leigh IU (IU #21), DCNR - PA State Parks, & Carbon County EE Center.
Built By Lumber, Shaped by STEELS🌳Educator PD
Thursday, November 5, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
In-person at Seneca Highlands IU9, 119 S Mechanic St, Smethport, PA 16749
Act 48: 6 hrs., plus additional 8 hrs. for completion of online MWEE 101 training
Fee: FREE! 🆓 pre-registration required - lunch provided
Presented by Seneca Highlands IU9 in partnership with Lumber Heritage Region & PA State Parks. Join us to design student-centered science experiences grounded in local phenomena, community context, & PA’s STEELS standards. Training will also highlight how to use the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Framework to enhance student learning by connecting local history, local issues, & student actions. While not required, participants have the opportunity to earn their MWEE Ambassador certificate. To earn the certificate, participants must also complete the asynchronous MWEE 101 course (adds 8 additional Act 48 hrs.). Register NOW! Questions? Contact Bonnie Burgess, at bburgess@iu9.org or 814-887-5512 ext. 121.
Project WET Climate, Water & Resilience Educator PD 💧
Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
In-person at Lackawanna State Park, 1839 Abington Rd., N. Abington Township, PA 18414
Act 48: 5 hrs.
Fee: $15.00; pre-registration required
Project WET's Climate, Water, & Resilience Module provides the tools for educators to teach middle & high school students about climate, climate change, & sustainability utilizing interactive, objective, science-based activities that are student-centered. This PD training is open to all educators who work with students in grades 6-12. All participants will receive Project WET's Climate, Water & Resilience Educator Module, plus other take-home materials. Register NOW. Questions? Contact Tony DeSantis, EES at antdesanti@pa.gov or (570) 945-7110
Aquatic Academy: Water💦Treatment Learning Lab for Educators
Friday, November 20, 9:30AM — 3:30PM ET
In-Person at the PgH20 Water Treatment Plant, 900 Freeport Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Act 48: 5.5 hrs.
Fee: $10.00; pre-registration required; lunch provided
Back by popular demand! Join Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) & Pittsburgh Water for this dynamic one-day educator PD hosted at Pittsburgh Water’s treatment facility. This immersive experience will equip teachers with valuable insights into water quality, treatment processes, & how we protect our vital water resources. Explore current & future trends related to the STEELS standards, climate change, & water education through hands-on learning. The day includes expert presentations + resources & guidance on introducing students to careers in the water industry, emphasizing the importance of workforce development. This PD includes, lunch, curricula guides, + $100 worth of materials! This is the 1st in the 6-part PD series. Register NOW. Questions? Contact Julie Travaglini at julie@alleghenylandtrust.org or 412-783-0757. Generously funded by a DEP EE grant.
| Section 3: Webinars & Grants for Educators | | |
Check out the free new Bat 🦇 Webinars for Bat Week!
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Building Observation Skills: Implementing Bioacoustics in the Classroom
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Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00 - 8:00 PM EST Register NOW 🆓
- This specialized session guides K-12 educators on how to integrate sound science, passive acoustic monitoring, & wildlife vocalizations into their science curriculum. Features special guest Bioacoustician Karianne Kapfer
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Hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology K-12 Education program
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2027 Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental (EE) Education Grants
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)’s EE Grants Program welcomes applications for the development of innovative formal & non-formal EE projects that:
1) Address grant program priorities
2) Provide opportunities to expand the public’s understanding of PA’s environmental issues
3) Develop skills required to make informed decisions & take responsible action on behalf of the environment. Grant funding is provided on a reimbursement basis
➡️ Application Round is now open -- Application Instructions Apply NOW
➡️ Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
➡️ 2027 Project Period: July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028
Three levels of funding:
- Seed Grant (up to $5,000) for local EE projects
- Grow Grant ($5,001 $30,000) for large scale EE projects, such as school district wide projects, multiple community, or county collaborations, countywide, regional, or statewide projects.
- Impact Grant ($30,001 $65,000) for program capacity & sustainability development. Impact projects must target broad-scale audience engagement at county, regional, & state levels.
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Section 4:
Explore the Outdoors!
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Fall is the Perfect Time to Get Outdoors in PA State Parks!
🥾 Get to know the trails near you by joining a guided hike with PA State Park Educators!
PA's State Parks are ALWAYS FREE! 🆓
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Be Seen, Be Safe! Non-hunters now required to wear Orange while using PA State Game lands. Regulation was effective October 1, 2026.
New PA Game Commission (PGC) regulations now require ALL state game lands users NOT engaged in hunting, trapping, or fishing to wear fluorescent orange from October 1 through January 31. PA state game lands users are required to wear a minimum of 250 sq." of fluorescent orange on head, chest, & back combined OR a fluorescent orange hat. The PGC also recommends an orange vest, harness, or leash for dogs & horses, as well as orange bandanna for your backpack.
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For full details, check the 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Digest.
- The new rule does not apply to state parks & state forest lands, but everyone wearing orange or other bright colors during hunting season keeps everyone safer.
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Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11th, making November an ideal time to honor service members with hands-on, reflective, & community-based teaching ideas.
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Download the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Teachers Resource Guide for structured lesson plans & history materials.
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2026-27 Programming Opportunities through Mikayla’s Voice
The PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education announces Mikayla’s Voice programming for the 2026-2027 school year. This programming is grant-funded & available at no cost to districts.
It includes all of the following:
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2 school-wide assemblies held in which the book Our Friend Mikayla is shared. One of the presenters is a young adult with a disability who shares their personal story.
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1 Art Project - Participating schools choose 1 project in which 24 students of all abilities work together to create large-scale artwork to celebrate kindness & friendship in their school.
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Artwork Unveiling and Installation - All student artists unveil their collaborative artwork & share its message with the entire school community before permanent installation in their school.
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Books about Belonging - Mikayla’s Voice has published 4 children’s books written & illustrated by kids for other kids about having a friend with a disability. Two of each book are provided for your elem. school library &/or your MS/HS school students to share with younger students.
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Our Friend Mikayla, High Fives and A Big Heart, Super Brady ~ Always on the Move!, & The Spot
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Mikayla’s Bookshelf Enrichment Website - “Mikayla’s Bookshelf” includes electronic versions of all 4 books. The books are available in alternate formats such as read aloud & braille.
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Mentor Program - Middle & HS students are encouraged to serve as mentors to read books to the younger students & complete several enrichment lessons from Mikayla’s Voice bookshelf.
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Ease of Programs - Mikayla’s Voice assigns a Program & Outreach Coordinator who will facilitate on-site programming at schools & bring all materials & supplies.
Schools interested in participating can contact:
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PA State Parks are YOURS!
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Book your virtual, in-person programs, and field experiences with PA State Park Educators! Find a PA State Park. Need help connecting to a PA State Park with an Educator on staff? Reach out to Carissa Longo at calongo@pa.gov.
DCNR facilities and Programs are OPEN to ALL👐
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Many Environmental Education programs require pre-registration. Explore the DCNR events calendar for details & to register.
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Plan your outing before you leave. Learn about facilities, download a park map on your phone or print it, & review regulations here: Find A Park
- Take care of & respect the resource. Park, hike, hunt, explore, & more only in designated areas.
- Check the weather before you depart wear proper footwear, dress in layers, & bring water 💦.
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Wear orange if hiking in designated hunting areas.
- Please clean up after pets 🐕.
- Do not litter 🚮.
- Alcohol is not allowed in PA State Parks.
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Make a Reservation (up to 11-months in advance) at a PA State Park campground, camping cottage, cabin, yurt, or pavilion.
You can help keep state parks safe for all by following these practices:
- Use the restroom before you leave your house 🏡 Take hand sanitizer with you & use it
- LNT! Bring a bag & either carry out your trash or dispose of it properly
- If you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick, stay home
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🎃🦇 Happy Halloween!! 🐈⬛👻
Carissa Longo, Natural Resource Program Specialist
(Coordinating Project WILD & Pennsylvania Songbirds Curricula for all of PA)
&
Kim Lott, Natural Resource Program Specialist
(Coordinating DCNR's Watershed Education, PA Land Choices, & Project WET curricula for PA State Parks)
&
New Staff Coming Soon 🔜, Natural Resource Program Specialist
Congratulations to Christine Ticehurst on her promotion. We miss her so.
(Coordinating PLT & DCNR's GO Teach Curricula for PA State Parks)
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