Public Programs | Centre Region Parks & Recreation

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!

1st 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.

Marsh-ology

Marshology Designated 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.

March	April	May	June
March 13	April 3	May 1	June 5
March 20	April 10	May 8	June 12
March 27	April 17	May 15
	April 24	May 22
		May 29

Tyke Hikes

Saturdays, 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.

Bird Walks with the State College Bird Club

Bird Walks with the State College Bird Club Tuesdays, 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 Composting Wednesday, 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.

Sunset Paddle

Sunset Paddle Saturday, May 25 - Registration Opens May 13
6:30 - 9 PM
Colyer Lake
Saturday, June 1 - Registration Opens May 13
6 - 9 PM
Black Moshannon State Park
Saturday, September 21 - Registration Opens May 13
5 - 7:30 PM
Bald Eagle Creek

Ages 18 Years and Older
$35 Residents; $52 Non-Residents per program
meet and return at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Enjoy a leisurely sunset paddle, 3 separate dates offered. Kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices and transportation are provided. Participants will meet at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center and be transported to locations. No experience needed. More information will be emailed to registrants closer to the date.

Summer Solstice Celebration

Summer Solstice Celebration Saturday, June 22 - Registration Opens May 13
11 AM - 12 PM
All Ages
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
During this intergenerational seasonal celebration, we look beyond the typical summer traditions. Align your family with seasonal rhythms, celebrate the new season, and take home a nature-based craft. Join us for future programs in the cycle of the year! Fee is per family of 6 individuals. Families of 7 or more individuals, please register twice.