Frogfest
Come to Muddy Paws Marsh for Frogfest, a unique and inspiring program for kids and adults! Completely Free! Enjoy nature through art, science, and play at hands-on learning nature stations. Live music, food vendors, and a whole host of partner organizations are coming together to make this special event happen. We just need you there!
Thanks to everyone who came, it was a lovely time. See you in 2027, @ Muddy Paws Marsh.
4158 Penns Valley Rd, Spring Mills, PA 16875
Fun kids’ activities for all ages! A full itinerary is found below.
Get out into nature and explore the wetlands on a gorgeous May afternoon!
Leave transformed, instilling a love of nature in the next genration.
Festival Activity Stations
Tadpoles, Toads & Frogs Program
Pollinator Activity
Native Plants Station
Educational Display with Shaver’s Creek
Bird Activity Station
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Display
Discover Macroinvertebrates Program
Kids Activity & Craft Station
Frog Jumping Contest & Activities
Nature Journaling Station
PVCA Informational Display
Music in the Marsh
Guided Walks
- Bird Walk
- Wetland Plants Walk
A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who came together to offer this free event, and especially to Greg and Mary Kay Williams for the use of their outstanding venue, Muddy Paws!
MEET OUR FEATURED EXERTS
Jim Julian is an Ecological Program Specialist with the PA Bureau of Forestry, who has worked with amphibian and vernal pool conservation, research, and outreach for over 20 years. His vernal pool programs stress the connections between the pool, the forest, and the organisms, as well as the importance of experiencing vernal pools in a responsible manner.
Angie Spagnoli is an aquatic resource professional with experience in Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, where she focuses on protecting and managing aquatic resources for ecological and public benefit. Her work centers on invasive species management, shoreline habitat restoration, and maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Wetland ecology and vernal pool systems are among her professional specialties, with particular emphasis on the conservation of amphibian breeding habitat and other specialized seasonal wetland species.
Through considerable effort, PVCA has arranged for a beautiful May afternoon on the 30th. If, through some unavoidable mishap, our plans run amiss, the day will still go on despite the weather!
Discover Muddy Paws Marsh: A Restored Wetland with Deep Roots and a Bright Future
Nestled along the scenic banks of Penns Creek, Muddy Paws Marsh is a beautifully restored 30‑acre wetland in the Upper Penns Creek Watershed. Like many wetlands, the area was drained around the 1940s to make space for agriculture. When Greg and Mary Kay Williams purchased the property in 1991, they saw an opportunity not only to revitalize the historic 1808 Colonial Tavern but also to bring the wetland back to life.
Named after their dog Max—who fully embraced every muddy adventure—the marsh is the result of years of dedication and collaboration. In 2004, the Williams family partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Penns Valley Conservation Association (PVCA), and Ducks Unlimited to restore the wetland. Today, the wetland is protected under a permanent NRCS easement, ensuring it will remain a thriving natural habitat for generations to come.
Wetlands like Muddy Paws Marsh play a vital role in supporting a healthy watershed. They reduce pollution, store greenhouse gases, and provide essential habitat for waterfowl and wildlife. With Pennsylvania having lost more than 50% of its original wetlands, restoration efforts like this are crucial for protecting water quality, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.
Since 2001, Muddy Paws Marsh has proudly offered free environmental education programs to the community, welcoming more than 5,000 students to learn, explore, and connect with the natural world. Since 2010, there has also been an exciting event celebrating the life of the wetlands: Frogfest! Now run by PVCA, one of the original partners in reclaiming Muddy Paws, this fun, free, and family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to get out into the wetlands in an engaging afternoon.
We invite you to experience the beauty, history, and ecological importance of Muddy Paws Marsh for yourself at Frogfest! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a lifelong learner, or simply looking for a peaceful place to explore, the marsh offers something meaningful for everyone.
PVCA Sponsorships make events like this possible
Support environmental education and community events while gaining exposure for your business or organization.
Volunteer for Frogfest?
Frogfest at Muddy Paws is the premier event of the spring season! Every year, I dust off the old caravan, gather up the lads, pack a basket of watercress sandwiches, and trek over to Penns Valley so that I don’t miss a moment. It’s a right laugh, and I hope to see you there!