Public Programs

To learn more about a program, fees, and how to register, select "Register Now" next to each program, or visit Centre Region Parks and Recreation's registration website.

Program Fee Guide: Resident Fee: For residents of State College Borough and the Townships of College, Ferguson, Harris & Patton Non-Resident Fee: For residents of all other municipalities
Lavender Scouts - Scholarships available!

Lavender Scouts1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, February - May. Register Now
6 - 7:30 PM
Ages 13 - 17 Years
$35 Residents; $52 Non-Residents
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center

Lavender Scouts is an affinity scouting group designed for queer (LGBTQIA+) and questioning youth. In addition to providing a safe space for youth in the queer community to make connections and grow together, badges will be earned by participating in activities that merge natural history, cultural history, creativity, and community service. Themes of strength, resilience, and identity will be juxtaposed with the flora, fauna, and habitats of the marsh.
Participants should expect to enjoy time naturalizing in the marsh on nature walks, doing nature-themed arts and crafts, as well as learning about the cultural history of the queer community and the Gay Rights movement in the United States.
The program is designed for ongoing enrollment (season-long), though can easily accommodate scouts who sign up after the season begins.


Growing Wonder with Tinkergarten

TinkergartenSpring Session: Fridays, April 5 through May 31 - Register Now
10 - 11:15 AM
Ages 2 - 8 Years
$199 Residents; $298 Non-Residents
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Join Tinkergarten teacher, Ms. Fernanda for an outdoor, play-based program at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. Enjoy a peaceful setting with a small class while exploring the changing seasons throughout the year. Each class begins by attuning to their outdoor classroom. At the end of each series your child will receive a one-of-a-kind skill badge. Co-create a joyful community while creating lasting memories with your child through child-led, play-based learning.


Woody Plant ID in Winter

Woody Plant ID in WinterSaturday, February 17 Register Now
2 - 4 PM
Ages 18 Years and Older 
$5 Residents; $7 Non-Residents
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
This outdoor program emphasizes the characteristics of leaf arrangement to get you in the ballpark of a positive identification, then plant form, bark, and buds to narrow the choices. Along the way we’ll discuss which plants provide good habitat, and how to remove undesirable species from your landscape.


Marsh-ology

MarshologyDesignated Wednesdays March through June - Register Now
1 - 3 PM
Ages 8 - 15 Years
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Spark your child's interest in science! A new scientific topic will be explored during each program; from animal flight to the weirdness of water. Join instructor Ryan Reynolds for experiments, demonstrations, and science-based games. This program is free, thanks to the sponsorship of MilliporeSigma.

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Tyke Hikes

Tyke HikesSaturdays, March 23 through April 27 - Register Now
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Ages 3 - 6 Years 
$65 Residents; $97 Non-Residents
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Trek the trails together with your tyke! Explore something new at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center with this six-week, hour-long, outdoor program led by a Millbrook Marsh Naturalist. Tyke Hikes incorporates short, hands-on activities, nature play and stimulates curiosity in the surrounding natural environment. Program held outdoors rain or shine; please dress for the weather. Registration is required.


Release the Natives! Improve Your Habitat

Release the Natives!Saturday, March 23 Register Now
2 - 4 PM
Ages 18 Years and Older 
$5 Residents; $7 Non-Residents
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
The Arthropods (bugs) that feed your birds need native plants to feed themselves. We’ll hike the Center to view native and exotic (invasive) woody plants, and discuss and demonstrate how to remove the exotics from your landscape to give your natives more room to grow. Emphasis will be on non-chemical control techniques, but questions about herbicides are welcome.


Birds and Bagels

Birds and BagelsSaturday, March 30 Register Now
9 - 10:30 AM
All Ages 
$10 Residents; $15 Non-Residents
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Join us for a delightful morning of birds and bagels with the State College Bird Club! Enjoy a light breakfast and a brief introduction to the basics of bird watching then end your morning with a short walk along the trails to practice your skills.


Bird Walks with the State College Bird Club

Bird Walks with the State College Bird ClubTuesdays, April 9 through May 14
8 - 9:30 AM
All Ages 
Spring Creek Park
Start your day off right by observing birds that are migrating to and through the Centre Region. Walks take place at Spring Creek Park and are led by members of the State College Bird Club. This program is open to all ages and is great for beginners. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars. In the case of heavy rain, the walk that morning will be canceled. A suggested donation of $5 per participant supports Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. Registration is not required. For more information about the State College Bird Club visit www.scbirdcl.org


Get the Dirt on Backyard Composting

Get the Dirt on Backyard CompostingWednesday, May 1 Register Now
6 - 7 PM
Saturday, May 18 Register Now
1 - 2 PM
Ages 18 Years and Older 
$40 Residents; $60 Non-Residents
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Turn your kitchen and yard waste into garden gold. Backyard composting is an easy, inexpensive, and natural process that transforms your kitchen and garden waste into valuable, nutrient-rich food for your garden while keeping these organic wastes out of our landfills. Learn the basics of backyard composting: why it's important to compost, what to add and not to add to your compost pile, how to maintain a compost pile, and how to use finished compost. Receive a home compost bin included with registration to get started. Led by Centre Region COG Refuse and Recycling staff.