Third annual Environmental Education Expo to offer hands-on experiences for all ages Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Montour Preserve

The Montour Preserve will be hosting the third annual Environmental Education Expo from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, as an ideal way to beat cabin fever with hands-on nature-based learning for all ages, according to Vernal School Program Supervisor Marissa Crames.

"The Environmental Education Expo offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn from local experts and explore activities designed for learners of all ages," she said. "Whether you are an educator, a family or just curious to learn more, the expo offers inspiration, resources and connections."

Previous events have brought hundreds of people to the Montour Preserve each February, giving the venue increased awareness a few weeks before its annual popular maple sugaring program, scheduled in 2026 for Feb. 28.

"Our Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership includes a wide assortment of state agencies, local universities, nonprofits, businesses and other groups, and this expo is the ideal place to showcase these partners and what they have to offer," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. 

Some of the groups registered so far to have tables include the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Vernal School, Montour Area Recreation Commission, Columbia-Montour Visitor Bureau, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Susquehanna University, Bloomsburg University, PA Master Naturalists, Central PA Geology Club, PA Game Commission, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Bloomsburg Children's Museum, PA Association of Environmental Educators, United Way and DegenSTEAM Foundation, Pheasants Forever. the River Valley Nature School and more.

​"There are a lot of outdoor shows across the region in late winter, but many of them are focused mostly on hunting and fishing. This event is designed for the whole family to learn and have fun together with interactive displays and booths that represent many of our incredible partners," he said. "It is a great way to not only get out of the house and do something different, but also learn what is new in the world of environmental education, gather info on events and programs for 2026 and start mapping out adventures and learning for the entire family."

Each table will offer a different hands-on activity for people of all ages to learn about science, nature and the world around them. Among the opportunities on tap for the day:

• Virtual reality tours of the Susquehanna River
• Fly-tying
• A maple-sugaring scavenger hunt
• Birding ID and bingo
• A dinosaur dig kit for kids
• Guided hikes and nature apps
• Birding environmental technology coding with Bird Song Hero game
• Interactive water runoff display
• Look-and-touch fossil experience
• Climate coding (where computers meet environmental science)
• Strawberry DNA extraction
• Beading, stained-glass art and other hands-on craft opportunities
• Seed butterflies 
• Pollinator pizza activity
• Build-a-macro experience
• Books
• Live turtles & other guests
• And much more

"We will also be giving out door prizes throughout the day, have some cool nature and education-based items up for a ticket auction, offer some homemade food items to keep people nourished and more," said Zaktansky. "It is an event you can come and spend the day at and hopefully walk away with plenty of info, resources and ideas for 2026 and beyond."

The ticket auction, run similar to the Chinese auction style, will include numerous items that have been donated for the event available during the day in which people can purchase tickets and then place them in bags that correspond with the items they are interested in. At 2 p.m., a winning ticket will be drawn for each item. Among the many items on our growing list of donations include: 

• A family of four pass to any Floating Classroom program this summer aboard the Hiawatha from the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association
• A pair of Zebco Dock Demon kids fishing rods from the Vernal School 
• A nature education basket from the River Valley Nature School
• Toy basket with free museum passes from the Bloomsburg Children's Museum
• Unique, rare rocks and crystals from Andrew Rockhound
• Two books (What's it Like to be A Bird and Pennsylvania's Birds) from the Seven Mountains Audubon Society
• Homemade Rider Park coffee mug from Rider Park
• Bag of eco-appropriate items from the Citizen's Climate Lobby
• Covered Bridge puzzles and other items from the Columbia-Montour Visitor Bureau
• Books (Good Morning Susquehanna and Walk With Me) from author Alyssa Maddalena
• Wildlife print from the PA Game Commission
• Flint striker fire-starting tool with fire starters from QuickSurvive
• Two bags Starbucks French Roast coffee
• Variety of nature-related T-shirts
• Rainbow trout Snapback hat
• Billy Yargus box turkey call, hats and other donations from the National Wild Turkey Federation
• Assorted fishing lures
• Mystery tackle box from B&D tackle
• Three-pack of #WildFlavor seasoning from HuntChef (a $30 value)
• Pair of Pennsylvania Juniata County hickory syrups (hunter's blend and black cherry)
• Delta Waterfowl gift package including cooler bag, hat, cup, duck ID book, etc.
• Decorative concrete fire bowl from Fire Bowls by Elizabeth
• Thrivent T-shirts
• Smart bird feeder with built-in camera for 24/7 viewing
• Ecosystem card game
• Fishing lures advent calendar with 24 fishing lures
• Inflatable kayak package
• And more!

There is also going to be a special in person demonstration (as long as weather permits) of an Intro to ice fishing with safety tips from Chris Feese and Kenny Young (Young's Sporting Goods). This session is slated to begin at 1 p.m. Registration is required for this session to make sure we have enough to hold the course. Include your interest in the form below.

People are encouraged to pre-register to help with planning. Those that do will be entered into a special drawing for additional prizes and opportunities. If you have questions, comments or want to get involved or donate toward the event, you can indicate that in the form below or send an email to organizers.