From national anniversaries to park-specific programming, DWGNRA always has something special going on! Please visit the park website for a full list of events.
Friends Events
The Friends staff a variety of events throughout the year. Look for our table, and come learn how you can make a difference in the park today.
May 20, 2023: The Past and Present of the Lenape
On Saturday, May 20th, the Friends of the DWGNRA will be hosting an event covering a history of Lenape people of our area, presented by Chief Adam DePaul, Tribal Storykeeper and Director of Education of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. Anyone can attend for the requested donation of $5 per person, but members of the Friends are free! See details under Events on the Menu Bar above and click on The Past and Present of the Lenape and let us know that you will be attending.
April 1, 2023: Cemetery Talk and Walk
Did you ever wonder what was planned and what happened with the cemeteries that were a part of the land taken to be part of the Tocks Island project or part of the National Recreation Area? Dave Pierce, local journalist and author of "Tocks Island: Dammed if you do", will be talking about just that on April 1st and taking us on a walk to view one of the family cemeteries still in the park. See details under Events on the Menu Bar above and click on Cemetery Talk and Walk and let us know that you will be attending. You must register to attend!
March 23 and April 20, 2023: History of Art in the Park - 2 part series
On Thursdays, March 23rd and April 20th, the Friends of the DWGNRA will be hosting an event covering a history of art in our area, presented by local artist and art history buff, Marie Liu. Anyone can attend for the requested donation of $5 per person, but members of the Friends are free! See details under Events on the Menu Bar above and click on History of Art in the Park and let us know that you will be attending.
October 23, 2022: Ramirez Solar House Architectural Review & Walking Tour
Jessica Jamroz will be presenting the history and amazing architectural features of the very early example of a passive solar house. Jessica is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary design and construction professional who has consulted on the Ramirez Solar house in the past. The presentation will take place at PEEC starting at 11:30AM followed by a tour of the Ramirez Solar House property. For more details and to register for the event, click here or use the Event drop down to go to Ramirez Solar House Review and Tour. You must register to attend the property tour at this very special event.
October 12 2022: Bringing Back the American Chestnut
Mike Aucott, a retired researcher and now a board member of the American Chestnut Foundation, will be presenting the history and the current on-going effort to restore the American Chestnut to our landscape. It is being held at the Shoppes at Castle Inn starting at 6:30PM where American Chestnut logs were used as the ceiling beams. Anyone can attend for the requested donation of $5 per person, but members of the Friends are free! For more details and to register for the event, click here or use the Event drop down to go to Bringing Back the American Chestnut to let us know that you will be attending.
July 30, 2022: Resorts of the Delaware Water Gap In History
Please visit the drop down under Events for details of this special Event at the PEEC (Pocono Environmental Education Center). Jennifer Palmer will once again (she presented in April of 2021) present a history of the resorts of the area that were the amazing and popular destination year ago. It was a magical time for our area. It will begin at 2:00 PM and is free to members of the Friends of DWGNRA. All others are asked for a donation of $5 per person.
June 16, 2022: Old Railroads from the Gap Area to Bushkill
Please visit the drop down under Events for details of this special Event. Kim Williams, a local historian, will give a presentation on the old railways of our area on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 6:30 pm at the Shawnee Inn. Please use the Events drop down menu to see details on attending this engaging event.
April 21, 2022: Why a National Park and Preserve?
Please visit the drop down under Events for details of this special Event John Donahue, a former superintendent of the Park and leading advocate for making the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA) into the Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve, will speak on the reasons he supports this change on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 6:30 pm as an online event via Zoom. Pre-registration is highly recommended.
Nov 6, 2021 and March 26, 2022: Tocks Island Historical Walking Tour
Please visit the drop down under Events for details of this special Event starting at Smithfield Beach. David Pierce, local writer and journalist, will be leading a walk/hike along the McDade Trail to Tocks Island while discussing the history of area as it was effected by the prospect of the Tocks Island Dam. It will begin at 10 AM and is free to members of the Friends of DWGNRA. All others are asked for a donation of $5 per person. Pre-registration is required due to COVID-19 restrictions - only 20 persons will be allowed.