10th Annual FrogFest to be held this Saturday in Penns Valley
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AMBER MORRIS/FOR THE EXPRESS
Muddy Paws Marsh is beautiful in all seasons.
PENNS VALLEY -- If you're looking for a hopping good time this weekend, then leap on over to Spring Mills on Saturday, May 13, to the Muddy Paws Marsh and learn everything about frogs and their neighbors, at the 10th annual FrogFest.
The fun and educational event is co-hosted by owners of the marsh, Greg and Mary Kay Williams, and the Penns Valley Conservation Association (PVCA).
Muddy Paws Marsh looked a lot different for a large portion of the 20th century after being drained in 1940 to make way for farmland. In 1991 the Williams saw potential to restore the property to its natural state, and purchased the grounds, bringing back the wetlands, as well as homes to numerous creatures who thrive there year round.
Today, the area is home to five different species of frogs including spring peepers, bullfrogs, green frogs, pickerel and American Toads, as well as numerous migratory birds and other wildlife.
FrogFest is a family-friendly day amongst nature learning about amphibians and their cohabitants, and the organizers are hoping that everyone will take a bit of that knowledge along back home with them.
The event will take place rain or shine and will run from 1 to 4 p.m.
FrogFest will offer informative stations throughout Muddy Paws' 30 acres of wetlands, where guests can participate in locating and discovering the importance of macro-invertebrates in streams; bird watching and learning about avian migration paths; paint pictures of the beautiful landscape; and find and identify native and pollinator plants.
During this unique occasion guests will learn about the life cycles of butterflies; how to have fun in nature; the best approach to finding tadpoles, how to tune our ears to hearing frog sounds; and also finding out about the different types of frogs that live in the marsh.
"We are very excited to have some local music. Centre Wildlife and Shaver's Creek Environmental Center will be bringing animals for people to engage with and learn about," explained Mary Kay Williams. "Also there will be some country line dancing demos in the barn to participate in, and kids can create a Mother's Day art project with Centre County Master Gardeners. This event is not to be frog-otten!"
The event is free and open to the public; however, all children must be supervised by an adult. Parents may bring along drinking water and lawn chairs, and all guests are encouraged to wear sunscreen. Children will also want to wear their rain boots and play clothes so that they can get their "paws muddy."
Muddy Paws Marsh is located at 4158 Penns Valley Road in Spring Mills, next door to the Cooke Tavern Bed and Breakfast.
For more information on FrogFest 2023, or any of the Penns Valley Conservation Association's upcoming events, please visit their website at http://www.pennsvalley.net.