2014 Press Releases
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October 11, 2014 – PEEC Article on MilfordNow.com
September 23, 2014 – PEEC Raises over $100,00 at its 2nd Annual Wild Things Ball!
September 8, 2014 – PEEC’s 2014 Harvest Festival
August 25, 2014 – PEEC’s Wild Things – 1000 Cranes
May 12, 2014 – Waterfall Photography at PEEC
April 28, 2014 – Plant Sale & Gardening Weekend at PEEC
March 24, 2014 – Wild Things 2014 “1,000 Cranes”
March 17, 2014 – Earth Day Festival
February 10, 2014 – Sugar Shack Scramble
January 12, 2014 – Sun Saluter Solar Panels at PEEC
The Pocono Environmental Education Center: Grass Roots Sustainability
October 11, 2014
Written by Ariel Guerra for MilfordNow.com
Welcome to PEEC
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, or PEEC, is located on the Pocono Plateau within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It strives to enrich the community by teaching about sustainable living and by fostering an appreciation for nature in everyone from children to adults.
Jeff Rosalsky was a volunteer at PEEC for more than a decade and a trustee, before the opportunity to become executive director presented itself to him.
“This was something that was always very near and dear to my heart; my three kids all went to day camp here. My family was always involved. I loved what the place stood for and everything that PEEC was doing,” said Rosalsky.
Read the entire article: PEEC Article on MilfordNow.com
PEEC Raises over $100,000 at its Second Annual Wild Things Ball!
September 23, 2014
PEEC is delighted to announce that its second “Wild Things” ball, this year entitled “1000 Cranes,” raised over $100,000 for its 21st Century Sustainability Campaign. Last year’s ball, PEEC’s first ever major fundraiser, was a success, but this year’s exceeded it in every way. More than 100 guests attended and more than two dozen corporate and individual sponsors (fifty percent more than last year) underwrote the entire cost of the event. As a result, all of the proceeds from the auction and raffle represent funds available for PEEC’s new Peter Bohlin-designed Sustainability Lodge and other aspects of the sustainability campaign. Four of PEEC’s trustees agreed to match the funds raised from the auction, so that the total proceeds reached the six-figure mark.
Ed Raarup of Milford served as emcee and auctioneer and the Robbi Kumalo band, one of whose members attended camp at PEEC as a child, once again provided the music. A highlight of the evening was the décor, by Randy Auman of Milford. Eight foot spirals of origami cranes decorated each table and the entire 60 foot length of the tent. “We actually used far more than the legendary 1000 cranes,” said Randy. “Jeff Rosalsky (PEEC’s Executive Director) personally designed and poured the concrete bases and the PEEC staff did an amazing job of stringing the cranes. But wait until you see what we are going to do next year!”
For event photos, please see PEEC’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pocono-Environmental-Education-Center/48733335833
PEEC’s 2014 Harvest Festival
September 8, 2014
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will be hosting its fourth annual Harvest Festival on September 27, 2014. The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine.
The Harvest Festival is an event that celebrates the autumnal equinox and traditional harvest season that occurs in September. The Harvest Festival will include local farms, handmade items, and environmental activities.
Families are invited to stroll around the exhibits, support local businesses, make a craft or two, go on a hike, and play some games! For a more laid-back experience, several options are available – relax, grab a bite to eat, and listen to music around lunch time.
PEEC staff and volunteers will lead a number of activities throughout the festival, including tie dye, cider making, autumnal crafts, EcoZone tours, and interpretive hikes around the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, a non-profit facility, is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, between Milford and Bushkill, PA. PEEC advances environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park.
PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
PEEC’s Wild Things – 1000 Cranes
August 25, 2014
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is delighted to announce that many of its supporters have agreed to serve as sponsors for the second annual Wild Things Ball, to be held September 20, 2014. AM Skier Insurance, Hawley, and The Dime Bank, both of whom sponsored last year, are the corporate sponsors for the event. To date, the following generous individuals have also agreed to sponsor the event: Dan Abramson; Peter & Sally Bohlin; Barbara & Tom Brummer; Art & Shari Cirkus; Michael & Elizabeth Geitz; Kirkwood Family Foundation Corporation; Alan Leventen; Richard & Rebecca Lindsey; Litzenberger Family Foundation; Lee & Sonda Miller; Marvin & Frances Naftal; Tom O’Keefe & Theresa Stack; Jeff Rosalsky & Gail Shuttleworth; Gary Roth & Czashka Ross; Sam & Brenda Ruello; Paul & Carolyn Shuttleworth; Maleyne M. Syracuse & Michael Trenner; Albert & Joan Waldman; Howard Whidden & Jennifer White; Andrew & Julie Wilshinsky. PEEC is deeply grateful for this support.
The second annual Wild Things ball will again be held at the Hotel Fauchere, from 6:00-10:00pm on Saturday, September 20. The enormously popular Robbi Kumalo ensemble will play for both dinner and the dance. This year’s theme is “1000 Cranes” and the event promises to be both beautiful and fun. A kayak generously donated by Action Bikes & Outdoor will be raffled and a small auction will take place.
Jeff Rosalsky, PEEC’s Executive Director, has announced that receipts from this year’s event will continue to support PEEC’s Sustainability Campaign. The Sustainability Campaign will fund the retrofitting of existing PEEC cabins with a variety of sustainable energy sources and construct the new Sustainability Lodge designed by architect Peter Bohlin.
Tickets for the event are $125 per person and individual sponsorships, including 2 tickets, are $500. Call PEEC at 570-828-2319 or purchase tickets online at www.peec.org.
Expedition River Trip with PEEC
May 19, 2014
Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is presenting an Expedition River Trip June 20-22. It will be the experience of a lifetime as participants enjoy the summer solstice with a camping trip along the Delaware River.
Friday afternoon will be spent at PEEC preparing for the trip and learning canoe camping skills. Participants will canoe all day on Saturday and spend the night at a primitive campsite. No experience is necessary – PEEC staff will teach participants everything they need to know.
The river trip includes lodging, meals, tents, sleeping bags, and group camping equipment for $260/adult and $195/child. Call PEEC for details and to register: 570-828-2319
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Waterfall Photography at PEEC
May 12, 2014
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will host Waterfall Photography Weekend from June 13 – 15. Kathy Peoples, Professional Photographer and Educator, will lead the 3-day workshop. Participants will learn how to pinpoint focus, blur the background, saturate colors, use Photoshop, and more.
The weekend workshop includes lodging and meals for $205. Commuter rate is $155 and day rates are also available. To relax in the Poconos while learning from an amazing teacher, please call to register: 570-828-2319.
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information, call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC online at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Plant Sale & Gardening Weekend at PEEC
April 28, 2014
Celebrate the blossoming of spring with the Pocono Environmental Education Center’s (PEEC’s) Native Plant Sale! The annual Native Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 from 9:00am-4:00pm. There is no admission to attend the sale and many varieties of native and deer resistant flowers, shrubs, and grasses will be available. Perennials will include coneflowers, bee balm, asters, foxglove, yarrow, cranesbill, lungwort, and may more! PEEC Members will be able to attend a pre-sale on Friday, May 9 from 6:00-8:00pm.
Gardening programs continue throughout the weekend of May 17 & 18 with PEEC’s Go Native! Gardening Weekend . The Penn State Master Gardener Volunteers will teach fun and fascinating workshops and participants will learn low cost, low stress, highly effective ways to create a pollinator habitat in their existing yard, planters, and window boxes. The all-inclusive weekend includes lodging, meals, and workshop sessions for $150; day rates are also available for $5 per session.
For more information or to register for the Go Native! Gardening Weekend, please call 570-828-2319 or email peec@peec.org.
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Upcoming Birding Programs
April 7, 2014
As spring arrives in the Pocono Mountains, many species of birds are returning from warmer climates. Birders of all levels, novice to experienced, are invited to spend the weekend of May 9-11 at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in search of warblers, raptors, and other migrating birds.
Warbler Weekend will begin on Friday evening, May 9 & continue through Sunday afternoon, May 11. Field trips will be led by experienced guides who will identify birds by sight, sound, and habitat. Enjoy a variety of habitats as the group searches for birds in the beautiful Pocono Mountains.
Join us for a weekend with the birds! To register, call PEEC at 570-828-2319. The cost of the weekend is $205, which includes 2 nights of lodging & 6 meals. The commuter rate is $155 and day rates are also available.
A second birding program, Bird Walk, will be held at PEEC on Saturday, May 17 from 8:00-10:00am. This $5 program is for anyone interested in learning more about birds. Darryl Speicher, from the Pocono Avian Research Center, will lead a hike focusing on the identification of birds and their unique natural history. The program is most appropriate for ages 10+; binoculars and field guides will be provided. Please visit www.peec.org for a complete list of all upcoming PEEC events and programs.
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC online at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Wild Things “1,000 Cranes”
March 24, 2014
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is pleased to announce that its second annual Wild Things Ball, “Wild Things 2014—1000 Cranes” will take place on Saturday September 20, at the Hotel Fauchere. The Ball will again support PEEC’s 21st Century Sustainability Campaign, which last year’s Ball launched so successfully. Jeff Rosalsky, PEEC’s executive director, noted, “We were delighted with the response to last year’s Ball, which was our organization’s first major fundraiser in its 40 year history. We had great food and a great band, and as a result, everyone had a great time. This year will be even better.”
Wild Things 2014 will take place, like last year’s ball, at the Hotel Fauchere in Milford, and the Robbi Kumalo Ensemble, which played last year to great acclaim, will be back as well. The Ball will take place five weeks earlier this year, however, to avoid cool nights, and the theme, based on the Asian tradition of 1000 cranes, is new as well. According to Japanese legend, cranes live a thousand years. They thus symbolize good health, good luck, long life, and – a because they mate for life – fidelity and truth. In Japan, cranes are “birds of happiness” and in Japanese tradition a crane will grant a wish to anyone with the patience and commitment to fold a thousand origami cranes (one for each of the bird’s years), because that person has shown the crane loyalty and recreated its beauty.
Wild Things 2013 allowed PEEC to launch its 21st Century Sustainability Campaign. PEEC has made material progress towards the Campaign’s goals as a result of the funds raised last year, and has plans for major improvements this year following Wild Things 2014. Erica Cullman, PEEC board member and dinner committee member, stressed “We want everyone in the community to join us at the party. Our invitation mailing list is as complete as we have been able to make it, but we know that there are omissions, and we want everyone who supports PEEC, environmental education, and the Pike County Community to consider this a personal invitation to attend the Ball and celebrate with us.”
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Earth Day Festival
March 17, 2014
Where better to celebrate Earth day than an environmental center?
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will be hosting its 19th annual Earth Day Festival on April 13, 2014. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., rain or shine.
Families are invited to stroll around the exhibits, support local businesses, make a craft or two, go on a hike, and play some games! For a more laid-back experience, several options are available – relax, grab a bite to eat, and listen to music.
PEEC staff will be leading interpretive nature hikes around the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as well as giving guests the chance to go canoeing on a pond.
Crafts will include decorations made with recycled materials as well as PEEC’s popular tie-dye station. Tie dye can be a great way to add additional years to old or lightly stained clothing. Bring white cotton shirts, pillowcases, bandanas, or other items and add some color! A limited number of t-shirts will also be available for purchase at the PEEC store.
PEEC will also be featuring a summer camp table – stop by and say hello to real camp counselors! Families who sign up their campers during the Earth Day Festival will receive $5 off per registration.
PEEC’s Earth Day Festival is a fun opportunity to learn more about recycling, the environment, and how to make small (and big) changes to reduce your environmental footprint.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, a non-profit facility, is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, between Milford and Bushkill, PA. PEEC advances environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Nuno Felting & Knitting
March 10, 2014
Join our fiber arts crew for a brand new program! From April 3-6, 2014, the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will be offering a new workshop, Nuno Felting & Knitting. Participants will join workshop leader, Patti Shreiner, and guest instructor, Bette Rycroff, in creating a felted scarf or an embellished headband. Beginners are always welcome. You’re welcome to bring your own projects to work on as well. Regardless of your project, expect a relaxing, education weekend!
Nuno Felting & Knitting will begin Thursday, April 3 and continue through Sunday, April 6. This wonderful program includes 3 nights lodging and 9 meals for $255. A shortened session is available from Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6, for a cost of $205. Commuter & day rates are also available. To register, call PEEC at 570-828-2319.
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC online at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Women’s Weekend
March 3, 2014
A relaxing nature hike through the forest with friends, canoeing across a peaceful pond, morning yoga, and evening star gazing and campfires. Participants in the April 3-6, 2014, Women’s Weekend at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will have the opportunity to experience all of these and more. Women will have a chance to get away from the stresses of daily life to revitalize themselves, relax, and connect with the natural world. The weekend is open to all women ages 18+. This gentle introduction to the outdoors is perfect for novice & experienced nature lovers alike.
Women’s Weekend will begin Friday, April 4, and continue through Sunday, April 6. This wonderful program includes lodging in a comfortable yurt and six delicious meals. To register, call PEEC at 570-828-2319. The cost of the weekend is $195. Commuter & day rates are also available.
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC online at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Sugar Shack Scramble
February 10, 2014
Enjoy an orienteering expedition to the “Two Saps” Sugar Shack! The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is hosting its annual Sugar Shack Scramble on Saturday, March 8, from 9:00am-12:30pm. The cost is $10 per person.
Participants will travel in guided groups, using a map and compass to find the sugar shack. Upon arrival at the sugar shack, participants will learn about the maple sugaring process, see the maple sap as it boils down to syrup, and enjoy hot cocoa and pancakes with fresh PA maple syrup.
Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. Please call PEEC at 570-828-2319 for more information & to register for a 9:00am or 9:30am start time.
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC on-line at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Vegetable Gardening Weekend
January 13, 2014
Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is hosting an exciting new Gardening Series for 2014! The first program is a Vegetable Gardening Weekend on February 8 – 9, 2014. Classes will be taught by the Pike County Master Gardeners and participants will learn how to design, prepare, and cultivate a vegetable garden. During the weekend, PEEC will also offer fun recreational activities (Cross Country Skiing, a Nature Hike, and a Campfire with S’mores).
Participants can enjoy an all-inclusive weekend (lodging, meals and programming) for $150. For anyone that lives locally, the commuter rate is only $99 and includes all meals and programming. Participants also have the choice of registering for individual gardening and recreational programs. Call for scheduling details and a cost option sheet. For more information or to register, call PEEC at 570-828-2319. Don’t miss this great new program with the Pike County Master Gardeners, full of useful, hands-on gardening information. Learn from the best!
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information, call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!
Students from Delaware Valley and East Stoudsburg erect a Sun Saluter at PEEC
January 12, 2014
On Sunday January 12, 2014 students from the Delaware Valley High School Engineering Club and East Stroudsburg High School North came to Pocono Environmental Education Center to help build and install Sun Saluter www.sunsaluter.com a low cost solar panel.
The Sun Saluter is a unique device created by Eden Full a student at Princeton University and currently being used by third world countries. The event was hosted by Air Soil Water, an environmental non-profit group whose mission is achieving sustainability through education. The full day schedule kicked off with a live Skype presentation and Q&A with Eden Full who told students about her inspiration for Sun Saluter and her experience starting a company while still a student. The day concluded with the successful installation and operating solar panel that will be used by PEEC to power a greenhouse fan.
January & February Eagle Watches at PEEC
January 8, 2014
Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will be presenting several Eagle Watches during January & February. Each of the Eagle Watches will be led by Jan Lokuta and will include visits to the Mongaup Reservoir, the Delaware River, and the Eagle Institute. Participants will look for resident nesting pairs and winter visitors. Eagle Watch for Eagle Enthusiasts will be held Saturday, January 25 from 8:30am-3:30pm and will include a special stop at the PPL Environmental Center’s “Eagle Day.” PEEC’s second Eagle Watch will be Sunday, February 2 from 9:00am – 3:00pm. The cost for each of the programs will be $20 per person, which includes transportation and natural history information on bald eagles. Eagles congregate along open water during this time of year and are easier to see. Call now to register for this amazing opportunity!
For more information or to register, call PEEC at 570-828-2319. Participants should call to register and reserve a seat in the van. Participants should bring a lunch and a camera and dress in warm layers. The groups will all meet at PEEC’s main building to begin the eagle watching adventure.
PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The environmental center is located near mile marker 8, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry, PA (Lehman Township). For more information call (570) 828-2319 or visit PEEC on-line at www.peec.org. PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!