FrogFest '24 this Sunday near Spring Mills — fun for the whole family | News, Sports, Jobs

AMBER MORRIS/FOR L'EXPRESS The Muddy Paws swamp is photographed. The Spring Mills location will host FrogFest '24 this Sunday.

SPRING MILLS — If you're looking for a good time this weekend, head to Spring Mills on Sunday, June 2, to the Muddy Paws Swamp and learn all about frogs and their neighbors at the 11th annual FrogFest. The fun and educational event is co-hosted by marsh owners Greg and Mary Kay Williams and the Penns Valley Conservation Association (PVCA).

The Muddy Paws Marsh looked very different for much of the 20th century after being drained in 1940 to make way for farmland. In 1991, the Williamses saw the potential to restore the property to its natural state and purchased the land, bringing back the wetlands, as well as homes for the many creatures that thrive there year-round. Today, the area is home to five different species of frogs, including spring peepers, bullfrogs, green frogs, pike and American toads, as well as many migratory birds and other wildlife.

FrogFest is a family day out in nature learning about amphibians and their co-inhabitants, and organizers hope everyone takes a little of this knowledge with them. The event will take place rain or shine and will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be information stations throughout Muddy Paws' 30 acres of wetlands, where guests can learn about the frogs' life cycle, their calls and many other fun facts. Guests are encouraged to relax and bird watch while learning about bird migration routes, then make a bird feeder out of pine cones. Stations set up along the boardwalk will allow visitors to paint pictures of the beautiful landscape, and Center County Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to share their knowledge about pollinators.

What better way to end the day than with a frog jumping competition to see if you can jump as far as some of the frogs that live in the swamp, then with some impromptu Zumba and country dancing in the historic barn of Cooke Tavern.

The event is free and open to children, young and old; however, all children must be supervised by an adult. Parents can bring drinking water and lawn chairs, and all guests are encouraged to wear sunscreen. Kids will also want to wear their rain boots and play clothes so they can have “muddy paws.”

Muddy Paws Marsh is located at 4158 Penns Valley Road in Spring Mills, next to the Cooke Tavern Bed and Breakfast.