Ranger Programs

Park Rangers Public Programming

A common question Park Rangers hear is, "what do Rangers do in the winter?" Offer programming, of course! No matter the season, there are ways for everyone to get involved with learning about and exploring the nine beautiful Allegheny County Parks.

The Park Rangers offer a variety of programs throughout the year, ranging from guided hikes in the woods to learn about the local plants and animals that call the parks home, to presentations and programs about the history of the parks, interactive demonstrations, and more.

Ranger Programs for Every Season

This is not a comprehensive list of all the scheduled Park Ranger activities. For a full list of upcoming programs and events, please check the online schedule or contact the Allegheny County Park Rangers with questions.

Spring

Spring Programs

About

Guided Hike:
Signs of Spring

Explore the wonderous transformation as the parks transition from winter to spring.

Junior Ranger:
Explore Meadows

Enjoy a walk through the meadow and discover more about the habitat through hands-on exploration tables and insect collection activities.

Summer

Summer Programs	About
Guided Hike: Fascinating Fireflies	As the sky darkens, fireflies will light the way. Learn about the official state insect and the fascinating lives they lead.
Junior Ranger: Explore Streams	Learn about the thriving aquatic life in and around the parks' waterways, and find out which insects skate on the surface, or what critters might be lurking beneath the rocks.
Guided Tour: Round Hill Farm	Tour a working farm with cows, pigs, goats, ducks, geese and even alpacas. While tours can be requested year-round, weekend tours are scheduled during the warmer months.

Fall

Fall Programs	About
Guided Hike: Decomposers	Mother Nature is an instinctive recycler, and has a special group of organisms that reclaim living things after they die to help maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Park After Dark: Owl Prowl	Traverse the woods and join the nocturnal guardians of the parks to discover the wonderful world of owls.

Winter

Winter Programs	About
Guided Hike: Winter Trees	Learn to identify trees without the help of their leaves and discover how trees survive harsh winters.
Junior Ranger: Winter Animals	Find out how animals adapt and strategize to survive the cold winter conditions.

Year-Round

Year-Round Programs	About
History of Allegheny County Parks	The Allegheny County Parks are almost 100 years old! The Rangers' History presentations offer unique insights into the century-long background of the Allegheny County Parks.
Women in Conservation	Hear the stories of the women who have shaped the modern environmental and conservation movements.
Beaver Habitat Exploration	Beavers are some of the most unique and intelligent engineers in the animal world. Try to replicate their prowess in hands-on activities designed to showcase the beaver's singular skills.