Facility Activities

At the Erie NWR visitors will be able to become one with nature through the various activities at the refuge. Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, environmental interpretation/education, and wildlife photography are all things that you can experience at the Erie NWR.

Just for Kids

Let's Go Birding!

Erie National Wildlife Refuge is offering a free program for children who want to be a part of the fast growing world of birding. Obtain a copy of the "Let's Go Birding" booklet from the refuge office or download it by clicking here.

Once you complete the activities, turn in the booklet to receive an embroidered "Let's Go Birding" patch, a certificate of participation and have your picture taken to be added to Erie National Wildlife Refuge Wall of Fame.

Be a Nature Explorer!

You’re Invited to Explore Erie National Wildlife Refuge. The “Nature Explorer Program” turns children into nature detectives who must complete tasks or answer questions about the refuge.

Obtain a copy of the "Nature Explorer" booklet from the refuge office or download it by clicking here and start exploring. Once you complete the activities, turn in the booklet to receive an embroidered "Nature Explorer" patch and a certificate of participation.

Hunting

Erie National Wildlife Refuge affords hunters the opportunity to pursue nearly every game species available in Pennsylvania. In the fall, hunters can pursue white-tailed deer, black bear, waterfowl, pheasant, ruffed grouse, woodcock, snipe, rail, cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel, woodchuck,...

Fishing

Refuge waters include Hanks Road (one-acre pond and stream access), Pool 9 (some bank fishing and non-powered-boat fishing), Meyers Small Ponds (15 acres), Pool K (10 acres with access for disabled anglers) and Reitz Pond (five acres). Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations....

Hiking

The refuge has five nature trails: Beaver Run Trail, Deer Run Trail, Tsuga Trail, Muddy Creek Holly Trail and Trolley Line Trail. Since hunting is permitted on nature trails, all visitors should wear blaze orange during hunting season (September 1 – the end of...

Wildlife watching

In addition to five nature trails and the Deer Run Overlook, the refuge maintains an observation blind on Boland/Ritchie Road in the Sugar Lake Division which overlooks Reitz's Pond. Visitors can also travel along refuge roads and view wildlife from their vehicles.

The Visitor Contact...

Education programs

The refuge offers Discovery Kits for Educators (Forests, Wetlands, and Migratory Birds) to use in teaching their students in a self-guided format. The kits contain lesson plans, props, videos and other materials. Teachers may borrow the kits for up to one month.

Over 40 videos on a wide...

Ranger-led programs

Interpretive signs are posted throughout the Tsuga Trail, highlighting nature concepts as well as refuge management techniques.

The refuge hosts Summer Fest on the last Saturday in June - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm with nature exhibits, demonstrations, activities and games for the entire family....

Photography

Nature trails and observation blinds provide opportunities for visitors to photograph wildlife and scenic areas.

Waterfowl migrations occur from March to early April and again from September to November. Bird enthusiasts may readily see Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, blue-winged teal...

Cross-country skiing

The Tsuga Nature Trail is a two-loop trail that follows a 1.2 or 1.6 mile route through a variety of habitats. Interpretive signs are posted along the trail, highlighting nature themes. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted in season. The trail is located near the headquarters/...