Category: Events

Yellow Creek Messabout

(a fall, sailing festival)

Noon, Sunday 9/27

You are invited to a fall sailing festival at Yellow Creek State Park. Come join us for sailing, socializing and food. Beginning at noon, we expect sailors from University of Pittsburgh and Gannon University to join IUP for informal racing. We’ll have social sailing on FOYC boats and SUPs (stand-up paddle boards) for Friends members. But if you’re not a member, come join the festivities and find out about our sailing lessons and growing community sailing opportunities.

The Messabout is a relaxed alternative to the formal regatta. Bring your boat, if you have one … or hitch a ride with the friendly sailors at Yellow Creek. We’ll provide hotdogs, BBQ supplies and drinks. You’re welcome to bring your own favorite food to grill and share.

Yellow Creek Messabout is co-sponsored by Friends of Yellow Creek (FOYC.org) and the IUP Sailing Club (http://iblog.iup.edu/iupsailing/).

The Yellow Creek sailing base is accessible via College Lodge Road off of Rt. 422. (Beach launching only at the sailing base; if you are bringing a trailerable boat, please launch from one of the park launch ramps on the north shore.) Email FriendsOfYellowCreek@gmail.com for more information.

Sunset Kayak
Friday, 9/4/15: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
MUST PRE-REGISTER AT 724-357-7913, Meet at Boat Rental
Come join us for a sunset kayak to learn about the wildlife on the lake and catch a beautiful sunset (if the weather cooperates). You are welcome to bring your own kayak or borrow one of ours. Children must be 12 or older and accompanied by a parent. YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT by calling 724-357-7913. LIMIT 10 people. Please let us know if you have your own kayak or need to borrow one.

Owl Outlaws
Saturday, 9/5/2015 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center
People didn’t always like owls. In fact, owls were actually considered enemies to livestock and wildlife. Come solve a mystery with us as we learn about the history of owls and their relationships with people. This program is better suited for families with children, age 6 and up.

-Fall Weed Walk-
Thursday, 9/10/2015 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center
Come join us for a lovely walk to learn about local fall plants and flowers with our local volunteer, Cindy Rodgers. Many plants are referred to as weeds, actually play a very beneficial role to the environment and wildlife. This program is best suited for people, age 10 & up.

-Stake Church and Herb Garden-
Saturday, 9/12/2015 10:00 AM – 12:00PM
Meet at the Stake Church Call 724-357-7913 for directions
Come join our local herb/native garden volunteer, Sue Weiland, and Park Educator to learn about the fascinating history of the Stake family and their herb garden. Herb gardens played an essential role in helping settlers to flavor their food and treat sickness. Bring water and wear sunscreen. This program is best suited for people, age 10 & up.

Ridgetop Trail Habitat Hike (2 Mile Hike)
Sunday, 8/2/2015: 10:00 AM-12:00PM

Meet beside Lakeview Pavilion (Main Day-Use Area)
We will take a nature hike through the Ridgetop Trail to explore a variety of habitats in the park. This 2-3 mile hike can be physically challenging on hilly, wet, and sometimes rocky terrain. Please dress appropriately for weather, bring water & snack, and wear proper hiking footwear.

Evening Dog Hike (2-3 miles)
Thursday, 8/6/ 2015: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Must RSVP at 724-357-7913 Meet beside Lakeview Pavilion (Main day-use Area)

Would you like to take a casual hike with your best friend? Come join us for a 2-3 mile guided hike. Dogs attending will need to be friendly and be leashed. Limit one dog per person. Hiking footwear, bug spray, and water are recommended. Registration is required for this free program.
Native Plants and Pollinators
Saturday, 8/8/ 2015: 2:00 PM- 3:30PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center

Join the park educator to learn fun facts about native flowers and pollinators, like bees, moths, and butterflies. We will be looking at live flowers inside and then take a short walk around the native plant garden and pond. This program is best suited for children & families, ages 10 and up. Children must accompanied by an adult.

Stream Bugs and Dry Flies
Sunday, 8/9/2015: 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Must RSVP at 724-357-7913 Meet beside Lakeview Pavilion (Main day-use Area)

Meet with special guest from Allegheny Fly-Tyers & park naturalist to learn about stream bugs and other macro-invertebrates living in the stream. Our special guest will show how fly fishermen tie flies to match the living creature. In addition, we will search the stream to for macros. Please wear old shoes for the water and bring dry shoes to change into. This program is best suited for children and families, ages 8 and up. Children must accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for this free program.
Creatures of the Night: Bats
Wednesday, 8/12/ 2015: 7:30 PM- 9:30PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center

What do you know about bats? Do you see them as important to the environment? If not, come and learn about these misunderstood creatures and learn how the PA Game Commission uses specialized acoustic equipment to conduct surveys for bats. Presenters will be Samara Trusso and Tammy Colt, wildlife biologists with the PA Game Commission.

Managing Stormwater at Your House
Saturday, 8/12/ 2015: 10:00 AM- 11:15PM
Meet at the Environmental Learning Center

What can your family do to help storm water issues in our communities? For answers, come to our program with Adam Cotchen, District Manager for the Indiana County Conservation District and learn ways you make an impact at your home with rain gardens, rain barrels, and other storm water management techniques.