Conservation and Natural Resource Students Graduate from LCEEC

Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center

News & Events Spring & Summer 2018

Shown above, from left, Lackawanna College President Mark Volk; Adjunct Faculty Mike Freidlin; Troy Heckman, of Shoemakersville; Zach Pigga, of Dunmore; Donald Clark, of Taylor; Amanda Fobes, of Waymart; Ryan James Gracia, of Lakeville; Pádriac Foley, of Olyphant; Environmental Education Center Director Sharon Yanik-Craig; Environmental Education Center Ecological Educator Michelle Wheeler; and Lackawanna College Director of Continuing Education Georgia Egan.

Last fall, students from several counties ranging in age from 18 to 50 embarked on a new career training opportunity to become park rangers.

The Conservation and Natural Resource (CNR) certificate program prepares students for entry-level park/forest ranger and interpreter positions in state, county, and municipal park systems. It is also a great addition to a resume for anyone seeking a career in environmental education, recreation, or natural resource conservation.

Students who enroll in this 15-week fall semester complete five undergraduate level field biology courses at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) located on 211-acres of diverse habitat in Covington Township, PA.

The program focuses on the conservation and interpretation of our natural environment. Courses include Wildlife Management, Field Ornithology, Dendrology and Wildflowers, Freshwater Ecosystems, and Park Management and Environmental Interpretation. All courses are taught by experts in their field.

Students experience classroom and hands-on field training at more than a dozen ecologically unique locations in our region including Hawk Mountain, Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Wallenpaupack, six local state parks, and a hike to Bake Oven Knob, Lehigh County's highest point with an elevation of nearly 1,600 feet above sea level on a stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

While most of our students are moving on to the Lackawanna College Police Academy, some of our students are in the process of applying to the Civil Service Commission to take the DCNR Ranger Trainee exam to apply for immediate openings.

The next class is set to begin in August 2018. Applications are currently being accepted. To apply, go to

http://www.lackawanna.edu/admissions/apply/. For more information about the program, please

contact Sharon Yanik-Craig at yaniks@lackawanna.edu or call (570) 842-1506.

Lackawanna College Environmental

Education Center

93 MacKenzie Road Covington Township, PA 18444

(570) 842-1506

Sharon Yanik-Craig Director

yaniks@lackawanna.edu

Michelle Wheeler Ecological Educator

wheelerm@lackawanna.edu

lackawanna.edu/LCEEC

Our Mission

The Environmental Education Center is

committed to educating the students of Lackawanna

College and the citizens of Pennsylvania through

innovative approaches leading to ecological sustainability.

INSIDE

Nature Walks…….………....2

Indoor Programs……........2

Program Info…...……....…..2

Directions…..……..............2

Early Explorers….…..........3

Summer Camps……...…….3

Field Trip Info………….......3

Beekeeping Certificate….4

Birthday Parties……...…...4

facebook.com/LCEEC instagram.com/lceec93/

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March 14 Wednesday 5:30 p.m.

Home & Business Solar Discovery with Noel Segui Have you ever thought about adding solar panels to your home or business? Join Sustainable Energy Management System’s Co-founder, Noel Segui to answer your solar energy questions. Topics will include different types of solar energy technology, the value of solar energy, net metering, permits and inspections, incentives and grants, and financing options. Bring a recent PPL electric bill to get a solar estimate after the program. Geared toward adults. $5 per person.

April 22 Sunday 1-2:30 p.m.

Family Earth Day Hike with LCEEC Educator, Casie Berkhouse Celebrate Earth Day by using your senses to connect with nature! Enjoy a guided interpretive family hike along the trails of LCEEC. We will stop throughout the trail to listen, smell, touch, and observe nature in the spring. Family friendly. $5 per person.

May 9 Wednesday 5:30 p.m.

Family Birding 101! with The Pocono Avian Research Center Join the crew from The Pocono Avian Research Center on a family birding hike. This introduction to birding will include how to use binoculars and field guides, common PA bird identification, and a walk in search of birds. Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow for the program. Family friendly. $5 per person.

May 19 Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Basic Chainsaw Skills for Homeowners with Mike Leggiero Sandcut Outdoors will teach new chainsaw users the basics of using a chainsaw including operation, safety, and some basic first aid. This class will demonstrate how to read compression and tension in wood, as well as how to understand kickback and pinching and how these forces work on your chainsaw. Part of this class with be outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Hearing protection is recommended. Not suitable for children under 14. $10 per person.

May 23 Wednesday 5:30 p.m.

Spring Mushroom Walk with Nathaniel Whitmore Back by popular demand! Join herbalist, Nathaniel Whitmore in search of wild spring mushrooms along the trails of LCEEC. This class will discuss proper identification of spring mushrooms, including the celebrated morel mushroom, along with the best habitat to find them. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. For ages 16 and above. $10 per person.

Nature Walks & Sustainability Talks

Directions to the Environmental Education Center: From Rt. 81 take Rt. 380 South

Bear left onto exit 2, Rt. 435 to Elmhurst.

Travel approx. 10 miles through the blinking light in Moscow.

Turn right onto Rt. 2018 Dorantown Rd. (pass ShopRite Plaza)

Make a left onto Sandy Beach Rd. Make a right on MacKenzie Rd.

Follow MacKenzie Rd. until you reach LCEEC on the left.

Program Information:

Programs are about 1.5 hours long unless otherwise noted.

Programs are $5 unless otherwise noted.

Pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register call (570) 842-1506.

Family Friendly

Family Friendly

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Early Explorers Early Explorers is a unique program series for children ages 3-6 and a guardian that offers discovery-based learning about the natural world through stories, art, and outdoor explorations. The cost is $40 for the six class series. Registration is limited and pre-registration is required. Classes run every other Monday.

Inside of an Egg: March 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children will learn which animals lay eggs and go on an egg hunt to find animals that ley eggs.

Super Seeds: April 6, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children will learn the tricks of seed dispersal and the ingredients for growth. Each child will plant a seed to take home.

Awakening Amphibians: April 23, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children will use all their senses to learn about frogs and salamanders as we search for critters around the property.

Animal Mothers: May 7, 1 to 2:30 p.m. In celebration of Mother’s Day we will take a closer look at how animal mothers raise their young.

For the Birds: May 21, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Learn about birds unique adaptations and go on a walk searching high and low for our fine-feathered friends..

Little Sprouts: June 4, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children will learn where their food comes from and how to grow vegetables by helping plant seedlings in LCEEC’s learning gardens.

Field Trips to LCEEC

School field trip registration is open for Spring 2018!

Programs combine hands-on activities with an exploratory walk on LCEEC’s 211-acre property and meet many of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology and Science and Technology. Contact LCEEC to schedule a field trip.

Forest Fun: Pre-K & Kindergarten

Habitat Explorations: Grades 1-3

Amazing Adaptations: Grades 1-3

Ecosystem Investigations: Grades 4-8

Say WATT!: Grades 4-8

Fueling Our Future: High School

Join us for a week of fun and adventure exploring the natural habitats of the 211-acre LCEEC property!

A Closer Look (Ages 5 & 6) Cost: $80

Session 1: June 18-22, 9 a.m. to noon

Session 2: June 18-22, 1 to 4 p.m.

Backyard Habitats (Ages 7 & 8) June 18-22 or June 25-29

ArtVentures (Ages 7 & 8) July 2-6* or July 9-13

Eco Explorers (Ages 9 to 11) June 25-29 or July 2-6*

Wilderness Survival (Ages 9 to 11) July 9-13 or July 16-20

Eco Quest (Ages 12 to 15) July 16-20

New! Environmental Quality ESC 115 (Must have completed sophomore year in high school.)

July 23-27 & July 30 - Aug. 3, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $300 Please use a separate check when registering for the Environmental Quaintly ESC 115 course. Completion earns students three credits towards LC’s Environmental Science degree and can be transferable!

Time: Camp runs from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Cost: $120 per camper unless otherwise noted. *Camp will be closed July 4th.

Day Camps at LCEEC

Applications are now being accepted for LCEEC Summer Day Camp Counselors and Jr. Counselors.

Call for more information or an application.

Summer Camp Staff

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Looking for something unique, hands-on, and exciting for your child’s birthday party? We offer several fun-filled options to make your child’s birthday memorable. Choose from one of our five nature-themed birthday parties or talk to staff about tailoring a program based on your child's interests!

Discovery Hike

Insect Safari

Animal Adaptations

PA Mammals

Stream Explorations

Birthday parties cost $200 for a 1-hour program, which includes the use of LCEEC’s facility for one hour after the program, for up to 15 children. Additional children are $7 per child for a maximum of 20 children. Adults are free. LCEEC will provide tables, chairs, recycling, and garbage bins.

Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center 93 MacKenzie Road Covington Township, PA 18444

Nature Birthday Parties at LCEEC

Lackawanna College extends its thanks to the following businesses that support

LCEEC’s K-12 education programs through their generous tax credit donations:

The new Multi-level beekeeping certificates is a three-step program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of honey bees and beekeeping. The Intermediate beekeeping Certificate will run Thursday nights from March 1 to May 3, 2018. The next Beginner Beekeeping and Advanced beekeeping Certificates are

planned for Fall 2018. For more information including topics and beekeeper bios visit www.lackawanna.edu/environmentaleducation Call (570) 842-1506 to register.

Beekeeping Club: Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at LCEEC. Club meetings are free and open to the public.

Intermediate Beekeeping Certificate