The Governor's Invasive Species Council will hold a press event at Big Elk Creek State Park. We encourage everyone to plan an activity or event to celebrate PA Native Species Day in 2024. Possible activities include hosting a guided native species hike, holding a native species planting event, and invasive species pull, or holding a workshop or webinar. Please tell us about your event by completing this brief survey. If you would like more information, please email Kris Abell at krabell@pa.gov.
PA Native Species Day Partner Events
While not meant to be an exhaustive list, the sources above may help you learn which species are native and more.
Pennsylvania is home to diverse native plants, trees, insects, fish, birds, and mammals that originated thousands of years ago and thrive in mutual dependence. This native ecosystem provides us with natural resources that benefit our lives by enabling agricultural food production, recreation, fisheries, timber, and more.
As humans have increased worldwide commerce and travel, nonnative species have crisscrossed the world with us. When species are transported to areas outside their native range, they have no natural predators. They often invade, crowding out and threatening the survival of native species.
The council created Pennsylvania Native Species Day to celebrate the state’s diverse native species and increase Pennsylvanians’ understanding of the importance of protecting them against the proliferation of invasive species.
2023 Pennsylvania Native Species Day
In 2023, leaders from the state Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources; the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission; and the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association visited North Creek Nurseries in Landenburg, Chester County.
They highlighted actions state agencies are taking to help counter the proliferation of invasive species and their increasing ecological, economic, and public health impacts in Pennsylvania. North Creek owner Steve Castorani gave a tour of the grounds of this 70 percent native plant grower and wholesaler.
| Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania | skoenig@aswp.org | Native Plant Education and Make-Your-Own Seed Ball | Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve | 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Allegheny | May 16, 2024 | Noon to 4pm | http://www.aswp.org/pages/programs-events |
| Penn State Master Gardeners of Blair County | pmr5444@psu.edu | Master Gardner Demonstration Tour | NatureWorks Park | 108 Bedford St, Hollidaysburg, PA | Blair | May 16, 2024 | https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/blair/demonstration-gardens |
| PA DCNR, Bureau of State Parks | kmartens@pa.gov | Tree ID Paddle | Giving Pond Recreation Area | 1125 River Rd. (PA-32), Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 | Bucks | May 16, 2024 | |
| Snipes Farm and Education Center | pwalter881@verizon.net | Snipes Farm Native Species and World Bee Day Celebration | Snipes Farm and Education Center | 890 West Bridge Street, Morrisville, PA 19067 | Bucks | May 16, 2024 | https://www.snipesfarm.org/ |
| Penn State Extension, Butler County | dad5926@psu.edu | "Growing for Pollinators" Presentation | Alameda Park | Pool Drive, Butler, PA 16001 | Butler | May 16, 2024 | https://bcpr.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=625 |
| Penn State Extension, Butler County | dad5926@psu.edu | Importance of Native Species Information at Family First Initiative | Steamfitters Event Center, Harmony, PA | 230 Wise Rd, Harmony, PA 16037 | Butler | May 16, 2024 | https://www.repscialabba.com/events |
| Friends of Beltzville State Park | Earth Day Hike | Beltzville State Park EIC Building | 2950 Pohopoco Drive Lehighton, PA 18235 | Carbon | April 21, 2024 | https://www.facebook.com/beltzvillestateparkfriends | |
| PA DCNR - Beltzville State Park | rbergstres@pa.gov | Native Species Day: How to Renature Your Yard | Beltzville State Park, Environmental Interpretive Center | 2950 Pohopoco Drive, Lehighton, PA 18235 | Carbon | May 16, 2024 | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/native-species-day-how-to-renature-your-yard |
| DCNR | ryreed@pa.gov | Native Species Day at Big Elk Creek State Park | Big Elk Creek State Park | Walker Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 | Chester | May 16, 2024 | 10am | |
| Ohiopyle State Park | bawallace@pa.gov | Constance Ranson Native Plant Sale | Ohiopyle State Park | 950 Sugarloaf Road, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 | Fayette | May 16, 2024 | |
| PA Game Commission | mmelo@pa.gov | Workshops, Guided Tours and Children's Crafts & Activities | State Game Lands 176, Scotia Shooting Range | Scotia Range Rd, Warriors Mark, PA 16877 | Huntingdon | May 16, 2024 | |
| Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery | louise@edgeofthewoodsnursery.com | Invasive Plant ID Hike | Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery | 2415 Route 100 Orefield PA 18069 | Lehigh | May 16, 2024 | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/859604980637?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| DCNR - Hickory Run State Park Complex | alweber@pa.gov | Golden Series: Gardening for Wildlife Program | Nescopeck State Park Office | 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums, PA 18222 | Luzerne | May 17, 2024 | 9-10am | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/golden_series_gardening_for_wildlife |
| DCNR Pymatuning State Park | smarendt@pa.gov | Wildflower and Weed Walk | Meet at the Beach One Parking area along West Lake Road in Pymatuning State Park. | 2660 Williamsfield Rd, Jamestown, PA 16134 | Mercer | May 17, 2024 | 7 - 8:30pm | |
| DCNR - State Parks - Maurice K Goddard State Park | megmcdowel@pa.gov | Spring Wild Teas Discussion and Tasting | Maurice K Goddard State Park - Launch 3 Pavilion | 684 Lake Wilhelm Rd, Sandy Lake, PA 16145 | Mercer | May 17, 2024 | 9 - 10:30am | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/spring-wild-teas |
| DCNR | Joshheath@pa.gov | Native Species Day: Native Mammals Public Program | 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426 | 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426 | Pike | May 16, 2024 | |
| Penn State Master Gardener | lightgarden515@gmail.com | Native Species Day Talk with Michael Douchett, DCNR Forester | Ligonier Country Market | 6 Old Lincoln Hwy W, Ligonier, PA 15658 | Westmoreland | June 5, 2024 | 10am to Noon | https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/westmoreland |
| DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Buchanan District | dscamardel@pa.gov | Every year the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders from McConnellsburg Elementary School come to the Kerper Tract of Buchanan State Forest. The 3rd graders learn about stream ecology and get to see/touch some aquatic invertebrates in Big Cove Creek with staff from the Fulton County Conservation District. The 4th graders hear about wildlife and outdoor ethics with Ranger Logan Glessner, and the 5th graders take a small hike around the trails to learn about biodiversity, native and exotic plants, and measuring big trees with Forester Dave Scamardella. This year this event will be held on May 6 and 16. | Kerper Tract (Big Cove Tannery, PA) of Buchanan State Forest | Fulton | May 6 and 16, 2024 | ||
| Penn State Extension | elf145@psu.edu | Tap Talk: Celebrating Native Species on 5/19: | Portch Tea, | 3502 Main Rd E Emmaus, Pennsylvania 18049 | Lehigh | May 19, 2024 | https://extension.psu.edu/tap-talks-celebrating-pennsylvania-native-plants |
| DCNR Bureau of Forestry | cwhipple@pa.gov | Native Species Day Hike | Tioga State Forest Bear Run Nature Trail | 1 Nessmuk Ln, Wellsboro, PA 16901 | Bradford | May 16, 2024 6-7:30pm | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/native-species-day-hike |
| Asbury Woods and FirstEnergy Corp | mmaiuro@firstenergycorp.com | Invasive Species Pull and Native Species Planting | Asbury Woods | 4105 Asbury Rd, Erie, PA 15605 | Erie | May 16, 2024 9am-1pm | http://www.asburywoods.org |
| Lake Erie Arboretum | mmaiuro@firstenergycorp.com | Speakers and Native Species Planting | Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park | 1501 West 6th St, Erie, PA 16505 | Erie | May 16,2024 1-4pm | https://www.leaferie.org |
| Bureau of Forestry and Bureau of State Parks | sfreidhof@pa.gov jswift@pa.gov | The Bureau of State Parks and The Bureau of Forestry are teaming up in Sullivan County to put on an event we are calling "Native Plants Discovery Walk" on May 17th, 2024 for Native Species Day. | Worlds End State Park, Double Run Trail Chapel | 82 Cabin Bridge Rd., Forksville, PA 18616 | Sullivan | May 17, 2024 10am | |
| Longwood Gardens | pevans@longwoodgardens.org | Native Species Walk and Talk | Longwood Gardens | Longwood Gardens, Kennet Square, PA | May 17-18, 2024 | https://longwoodgardens.org/events-performances/events/pennsylvania-native-species-day | |
| Heartwood Nursery | heartwoodnurseryinc@gmail.com, dklenotic@gmail.com | Native Species Walk and Talk | Heartwood Nursery | 8957 Hickory Rd. Felton, PA 17322 | May 17, 2024 | https://www.heartwoodnurseryinc.com/ | |
| DCNR/State Parks | rhsummers@pa.gov | Spring Wildflower Walk | Ricketts Glen State Park | 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814 | May 16, 2024 | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/spring-wildflower-walk-for-pa-native-species-day | |
| Butterflies For Kids - Addresses Earth Kids Program | Addressearth1@gmail.com | Native Species Walk and Talk | FloraRoze Forest | 9203 South Creek Rd., Girard 16417 | May 18, 2024 | ||
| Penn State Extension & Pennsylvania Sea Grant | ars26@psu.edu | Native Species Walk and Talk | Gospel Hill Golf Course | 4415 Steimer Rd. Erie, PA | May 21, 2024 | https://extension.psu.edu/native-species-walk | |
| Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club | lindaphred@yahoo.com | Native Species Walk and Talk | Rentschler Arboretum | 200 Arboretum Rd. Bernville, PA 19506, Berks County | May 18, 2024, 9-11am | bmecc.org | |
| Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club | lindaphred@yahoo.com | Native Species Walk and Talk | Port Clinton, PA | Schuylkill County Call 610-413-1754 for directions | May 18, 2024,12:30-2:30pm | bmecc.org |
-
Pennsylvania-responsibility species: Members of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey compile comprehensive lists of native and invasive species statewide and determine the conservation status of each. Check out their website to find out about rare, threatened, and endangered Pennsylvania native species of all kinds.
-
Native plant fact sheets - From the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program.
-
Biota of North America Program - an authoritative academic native plant atlas, listing genus and species and what states they're native to.
-
Native plant information sheets and native plant identification and use webinar - From Penn State Extension. The Extension website offers many other resources as well.
-
Pennsylvania Native Plant Society - Offers lists of information sources and native plant garden centers and nurseries.
-
Lehigh Valley Native Plant Directory – Offers a list of nurseries and garden centers that offer native plants in the Lehigh Valley area
-
Landscaping with native plants - Templates for shade, sunny, dry, and wet locations and more, from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
-
Native plant finder - From the National Wildlife Federation; search by zip code.
-
Threatened and endangered fish species - From the Fish and Boat Commission.
-
Pennsylvania native reptile and amphibian species - from the Fish and Boat Commission.
-
Invasive species of concern in Pennsylvania - The Governor's Invasive Species Council identifies the approximately 300 invasive plants, insects, pathogens, and animals with the current or potential greatest negative impacts for Pennsylvania.
-
Center for Rural PA legislative hearing on invasives, August 2021: State, business, and academic leaders described the impacts that invasive species are having on Pennsylvania and called for invasive management statewide.
-
Aquatic invasive species of concern - From the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
-
What happens when a butterfly native to Pennsylvania mistakes nonnative invasive garlic mustard for its host plant, native toothwort - Helpful example of native species' mutual dependence, written for a general audience.
-
Hemlock woolly adelgid: How the Pennsylvania state tree and state fish are harmed by this one nonnative insect - A look at the ripple effects from one invasive species.
-
How aquatic biologists are working to protect threatened freshwater mussels in French Creek, Crawford County - Video from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
For more information:
If you have any questions about Pennsylvania Native Species Day, contact Kris Abell, Council Coordinator, at krabell@pa.gov.
| Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania | skoenig@aswp.org | Native Plant Education and Make-Your-Own Seed Ball | Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve | 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Allegheny | May 16, 2024 | Noon to 4pm | http://www.aswp.org/pages/programs-events |
| Penn State Master Gardeners of Blair County | pmr5444@psu.edu | Master Gardner Demonstration Tour | NatureWorks Park | 108 Bedford St, Hollidaysburg, PA | Blair | May 16, 2024 | https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/blair/demonstration-gardens |
| PA DCNR, Bureau of State Parks | kmartens@pa.gov | Tree ID Paddle | Giving Pond Recreation Area | 1125 River Rd. (PA-32), Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 | Bucks | May 16, 2024 | |
| Snipes Farm and Education Center | pwalter881@verizon.net | Snipes Farm Native Species and World Bee Day Celebration | Snipes Farm and Education Center | 890 West Bridge Street, Morrisville, PA 19067 | Bucks | May 16, 2024 | https://www.snipesfarm.org/ |
| Penn State Extension, Butler County | dad5926@psu.edu | "Growing for Pollinators" Presentation | Alameda Park | Pool Drive, Butler, PA 16001 | Butler | May 16, 2024 | https://bcpr.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=625 |
| Penn State Extension, Butler County | dad5926@psu.edu | Importance of Native Species Information at Family First Initiative | Steamfitters Event Center, Harmony, PA | 230 Wise Rd, Harmony, PA 16037 | Butler | May 16, 2024 | https://www.repscialabba.com/events |
| Friends of Beltzville State Park | Earth Day Hike | Beltzville State Park EIC Building | 2950 Pohopoco Drive Lehighton, PA 18235 | Carbon | April 21, 2024 | https://www.facebook.com/beltzvillestateparkfriends | |
| PA DCNR - Beltzville State Park | rbergstres@pa.gov | Native Species Day: How to Renature Your Yard | Beltzville State Park, Environmental Interpretive Center | 2950 Pohopoco Drive, Lehighton, PA 18235 | Carbon | May 16, 2024 | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/native-species-day-how-to-renature-your-yard |
| DCNR | ryreed@pa.gov | Native Species Day at Big Elk Creek State Park | Big Elk Creek State Park | Walker Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 | Chester | May 16, 2024 | 10am | |
| Ohiopyle State Park | bawallace@pa.gov | Constance Ranson Native Plant Sale | Ohiopyle State Park | 950 Sugarloaf Road, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 | Fayette | May 16, 2024 | |
| PA Game Commission | mmelo@pa.gov | Workshops, Guided Tours and Children's Crafts & Activities | State Game Lands 176, Scotia Shooting Range | Scotia Range Rd, Warriors Mark, PA 16877 | Huntingdon | May 16, 2024 | |
| Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery | louise@edgeofthewoodsnursery.com | Invasive Plant ID Hike | Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery | 2415 Route 100 Orefield PA 18069 | Lehigh | May 16, 2024 | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/859604980637?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| DCNR - Hickory Run State Park Complex | alweber@pa.gov | Golden Series: Gardening for Wildlife Program | Nescopeck State Park Office | 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums, PA 18222 | Luzerne | May 17, 2024 | 9-10am | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/golden_series_gardening_for_wildlife |
| DCNR Pymatuning State Park | smarendt@pa.gov | Wildflower and Weed Walk | Meet at the Beach One Parking area along West Lake Road in Pymatuning State Park. | 2660 Williamsfield Rd, Jamestown, PA 16134 | Mercer | May 17, 2024 | 7 - 8:30pm | |
| DCNR - State Parks - Maurice K Goddard State Park | megmcdowel@pa.gov | Spring Wild Teas Discussion and Tasting | Maurice K Goddard State Park - Launch 3 Pavilion | 684 Lake Wilhelm Rd, Sandy Lake, PA 16145 | Mercer | May 17, 2024 | 9 - 10:30am | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/spring-wild-teas |
| DCNR | Joshheath@pa.gov | Native Species Day: Native Mammals Public Program | 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426 | 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426 | Pike | May 16, 2024 | |
| Penn State Master Gardener | lightgarden515@gmail.com | Native Species Day Talk with Michael Douchett, DCNR Forester | Ligonier Country Market | 6 Old Lincoln Hwy W, Ligonier, PA 15658 | Westmoreland | June 5, 2024 | 10am to Noon | https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/westmoreland |
| DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Buchanan District | dscamardel@pa.gov | Every year the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders from McConnellsburg Elementary School come to the Kerper Tract of Buchanan State Forest. The 3rd graders learn about stream ecology and get to see/touch some aquatic invertebrates in Big Cove Creek with staff from the Fulton County Conservation District. The 4th graders hear about wildlife and outdoor ethics with Ranger Logan Glessner, and the 5th graders take a small hike around the trails to learn about biodiversity, native and exotic plants, and measuring big trees with Forester Dave Scamardella. This year this event will be held on May 6 and 16. | Kerper Tract (Big Cove Tannery, PA) of Buchanan State Forest | Fulton | May 6 and 16, 2024 | ||
| Penn State Extension | elf145@psu.edu | Tap Talk: Celebrating Native Species on 5/19: | Portch Tea, | 3502 Main Rd E Emmaus, Pennsylvania 18049 | Lehigh | May 19, 2024 | https://extension.psu.edu/tap-talks-celebrating-pennsylvania-native-plants |
| DCNR Bureau of Forestry | cwhipple@pa.gov | Native Species Day Hike | Tioga State Forest Bear Run Nature Trail | 1 Nessmuk Ln, Wellsboro, PA 16901 | Bradford | May 16, 2024 6-7:30pm | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/native-species-day-hike |
| Asbury Woods and FirstEnergy Corp | mmaiuro@firstenergycorp.com | Invasive Species Pull and Native Species Planting | Asbury Woods | 4105 Asbury Rd, Erie, PA 15605 | Erie | May 16, 2024 9am-1pm | http://www.asburywoods.org |
| Lake Erie Arboretum | mmaiuro@firstenergycorp.com | Speakers and Native Species Planting | Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park | 1501 West 6th St, Erie, PA 16505 | Erie | May 16,2024 1-4pm | https://www.leaferie.org |
| Bureau of Forestry and Bureau of State Parks | sfreidhof@pa.gov jswift@pa.gov | The Bureau of State Parks and The Bureau of Forestry are teaming up in Sullivan County to put on an event we are calling "Native Plants Discovery Walk" on May 17th, 2024 for Native Species Day. | Worlds End State Park, Double Run Trail Chapel | 82 Cabin Bridge Rd., Forksville, PA 18616 | Sullivan | May 17, 2024 10am | |
| Longwood Gardens | pevans@longwoodgardens.org | Native Species Walk and Talk | Longwood Gardens | Longwood Gardens, Kennet Square, PA | May 17-18, 2024 | https://longwoodgardens.org/events-performances/events/pennsylvania-native-species-day | |
| Heartwood Nursery | heartwoodnurseryinc@gmail.com, dklenotic@gmail.com | Native Species Walk and Talk | Heartwood Nursery | 8957 Hickory Rd. Felton, PA 17322 | May 17, 2024 | https://www.heartwoodnurseryinc.com/ | |
| DCNR/State Parks | rhsummers@pa.gov | Spring Wildflower Walk | Ricketts Glen State Park | 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814 | May 16, 2024 | https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/spring-wildflower-walk-for-pa-native-species-day | |
| Butterflies For Kids - Addresses Earth Kids Program | Addressearth1@gmail.com | Native Species Walk and Talk | FloraRoze Forest | 9203 South Creek Rd., Girard 16417 | May 18, 2024 | ||
| Penn State Extension & Pennsylvania Sea Grant | ars26@psu.edu | Native Species Walk and Talk | Gospel Hill Golf Course | 4415 Steimer Rd. Erie, PA | May 21, 2024 | https://extension.psu.edu/native-species-walk | |
| Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club | lindaphred@yahoo.com | Native Species Walk and Talk | Rentschler Arboretum | 200 Arboretum Rd. Bernville, PA 19506, Berks County | May 18, 2024, 9-11am | bmecc.org | |
| Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club | lindaphred@yahoo.com | Native Species Walk and Talk | Port Clinton, PA | Schuylkill County Call 610-413-1754 for directions | May 18, 2024,12:30-2:30pm | bmecc.org |
-
Pennsylvania-responsibility species: Members of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey compile comprehensive lists of native and invasive species statewide and determine the conservation status of each. Check out their website to find out about rare, threatened, and endangered Pennsylvania native species of all kinds.
-
Native plant fact sheets - From the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program.
-
Biota of North America Program - an authoritative academic native plant atlas, listing genus and species and what states they're native to.
-
Native plant information sheets and native plant identification and use webinar - From Penn State Extension. The Extension website offers many other resources as well.
-
Pennsylvania Native Plant Society - Offers lists of information sources and native plant garden centers and nurseries.
-
Lehigh Valley Native Plant Directory – Offers a list of nurseries and garden centers that offer native plants in the Lehigh Valley area
-
Landscaping with native plants - Templates for shade, sunny, dry, and wet locations and more, from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
-
Native plant finder - From the National Wildlife Federation; search by zip code.
-
Threatened and endangered fish species - From the Fish and Boat Commission.
-
Pennsylvania native reptile and amphibian species - from the Fish and Boat Commission.
-
Invasive species of concern in Pennsylvania - The Governor's Invasive Species Council identifies the approximately 300 invasive plants, insects, pathogens, and animals with the current or potential greatest negative impacts for Pennsylvania.
-
Center for Rural PA legislative hearing on invasives, August 2021: State, business, and academic leaders described the impacts that invasive species are having on Pennsylvania and called for invasive management statewide.
-
Aquatic invasive species of concern - From the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
-
What happens when a butterfly native to Pennsylvania mistakes nonnative invasive garlic mustard for its host plant, native toothwort - Helpful example of native species' mutual dependence, written for a general audience.
-
Hemlock woolly adelgid: How the Pennsylvania state tree and state fish are harmed by this one nonnative insect - A look at the ripple effects from one invasive species.
-
How aquatic biologists are working to protect threatened freshwater mussels in French Creek, Crawford County - Video from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.