Events

****51st Annual Seedling Sale—2026

The Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association and Schuylkill Conservation District are again cooperating to sell quality seedlings for your property. Tree seedlings increase property value, enhance wildlife habitat, beautify the landscape, improve the environment, and can provide a source of income. The best part is that all proceeds raised in the seedling sale directly support our local Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, located just outside of Pine Grove off Rt. 443. Past sale proceeds have paid for programs and projects at the lake and for materials for a children’s nature camp. Sweet Arrow Lake offers many recreational, social and educational opportunities for people of all ages. Almost 590,000 tree seedlings have been sold in the past to benefit the beauty of Schuylkill County. Offerings are available for small yards to large tracts of land. Evergreens offered include: Eastern White Pine, Eastern Red Cedar and Norway Spruce. These trees are excellent ornamentals or Christmas trees and are good for windbreaks, landscaping, and dense screens. Hardwoods for sale include: White Flowering Dogwood, Washington Hawthorn, Sugar Maple, Swamp White Oak, Red Oak, White Oak, Black Chokeberry, Silky Dogwood, Elderberry, and Cranberry Viburnum.

These trees and shrubs will compliment any mix of evergreens and are beautiful no matter the time of year. Order forms can be downloaded at www.sweetarrowlake.com Or, you can request a form or more information by contacting Porcupine Pat at porcupinepat@yahoo.com or 570.391-3326. You can also get more information from Kathy Stefanick at 570.345.4963.

The order deadline is Saturday, March 21 or until supplies last. Pick up date is Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for a pickup at the large Waterfall Road Pavilion at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Your support is greatly appreciated!.

Click here for the order form and variety descriptions.

****This BUD is for YOU! Winter Tree Identification Walk

The “This Bud Is for You! Winter Tree Identification Walk” scheduled for this Saturday has been cancelled due to frigid temperatures and high winds. The program has been rescheduled for February 21st.

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: Frog Hollow Natural Area. Meet at the parking area off Stone Mountain Road outside of Friedensburg.

Join Will Thomas, Service Forester with the PA Bureau of Forestry and expert dendrologist, for a guided winter walk focused on tree identification.

Discover how to recognize native trees and shrubs in their winter form by learning unique characteristics:

Tulip Poplar: Buds shaped like a duck’s bill

Sweet Birch: Distinctive horizontal lines on its bark

Many Others: Clues to identify common native trees

These simple tips will sharpen your tree ID skills while you enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape.

Wear sturdy shoes as trails are not manicured and may be wet. Dress for the weather.

More information is available by contacting Will Thomas at 570 449-4127.

****Sunday March 1st 2:00pm-3:00pm “Lorax Led Walk” (designed specifically for kids)

The Lorax Speaks for the Trees! Celebrate world reading and Dr. Seuss Day (March 2nd) by learning about local trees and their history. Meets at Sweet Arrow Lake Waterfall Pavilion Parking Lot. Children of all ages and well-behaved dogs are welcome! Led by the Lorax. (1 mile, easy).

****Annual Betty Dietz and Bruce Schneck Memorial 2026 Fishing Event At Sweet Arrow Lake County Park

Kick-off April 11. Thousands of stocked trout and thousands in prizes. Click to download information and registration form.

****Sunday May 3rd 2:00-4:00pm “History of Foraging”

Learn basics of foraging and how many wild foods were historically utilized by indigenous people, colonists, and modern foragers.

Meets at Sweet Arrow Lake Waterfall Pavilion Parking Lot. This longer walk takes MANY stops for observing, so bring dogs and children at your own discretion. Led by Hemlock Hannah.

(2-3 miles, easy).

****Sunday July 26th 2:00-4:00pm “Summer Foraging Walk”

Check out local edible plants in midsummer. Beginner forager friendly! Meets at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Waterfall Pavilion parking lot. This longer walk takes MANY stops for observing, so bring dogs and children at your

own discretion. Led by Hemlock Hannah. (2 miles, easy).

****Schuylkill County Sketchers

Every 3rd Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

Meet with like-minded people who enjoy nature and creativity at this monthly nature journaling walk. No art experience is necessary. You only need something to draw on and draw with. Bring your favorite color tools along if you have them (colored pencils, watercolors, etc). Drawing helps you to see more and connect with what you are seeing. Learn about supplies and get art tips to help you get more on your page. This is free for all ages and held outdoors. Meet at the Waterfall parking lot off Waterfall Road.

For more info e-mail skooksketchers@hotmail.com

****Wildlife Day Camp (ages 4-9)

Monday, June 29 to Wednesday, July 1, 2026 — 9:30 to 11:00 am

Camp is on a “donation only” basis with thanks to the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation.

SWEET ARROW LAKE WILDLIFE DAY CAMP REGISTRATION FORM

To insure a quality learning experience, the camp size is limited

Camp Features: Hikes, crafts, mystery bag, learning about the surrounding water, forest and fields – all designed to inspire curiosity about the natural world around us! "Our popular day camps provide, fun learning by doing and discovery, environmental experiences."

Day Camp Director: “Porcupine Pat" McKinney, Educator for the Schuylkill Conservation District.

Site Information: Camps will be held in the Waterfall Road Pavilion at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park located near Pine Grove. The site features a variety of wildlife habitats and nature trails. Modern bathroom facilities are available.