2018/2019 Press Releases
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2018/2019 Press Releases
PEEC’s 9th Annual Harvest Festival: Hikes, Games, Music, Crafts & More!
October 4, 2019
On Saturday, October 12, join the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) for the 9th annual Harvest Festival, complete with vendors, exhibits, live music, classes, guided hikes, crafts, and more! Harvest Festival will run from 11:00am until 4:00pm for $5.00 per car. Join PEEC in welcoming Fall and celebrating the beautiful planet we live on!
This year, 4 guided hikes will be available throughout the day, hosted by PEEC staff and guest speakers. Topics will include edible and medicinal plants, the many changes of autumn, and the updates to PEEC’S trails after the damage from Winter Storm Riley in 2018.
Harvest Festival is hosted in partnership with the Alliance for Watershed Education on the Delaware River as part of PEEC’s River Days events. For River Days, PEEC will be hosting basic kayaking lessons and instruction on the pond led by an American Canoeing Association certified kayaking instructor. While spaces will be limited for kayaking, open canoeing will be available throughout the day.
For many years, PEEC has been proud to support local businesses, and this year is no exception. A variety of local vendors will be selling goods ranging from crystals and fossils to soaps and candles to baked goods and jams. Many community organizations and craftsmen will be presenting on topics ranging from blacksmithing to therapeutic horses.
PEEC will also be hosting crafts and games for visitors of all ages. The always popular tie-dye station will be back, along with upcycled and traditional crafts.
Friends of PEEC will be performing and hosting activities during Harvest Festival. Donna, a volunteer, will have an open hula hoop station with instruction to introduce visitors to hula hoop dancing; Dr. Bob will bring his chainsaw and carve a new work of art; and Larry will be playing live music. The event will conclude with an animal presentation by Pocono Snake and Animal Farm which will introduce visitors to animals from around the world!
At Earth Day in the spring, PEEC began a plastic film recycling challenge in partnership with Trex. Trex will be taking the bags donated to PEEC and turning them into a durable and environmentally friendly building material. This challenge ends at Harvest Festival, and PEEC is still working toward the 500 pound goal! You can bring any clean plastic bags or similar material to PEEC during the Harvest Festival or any time PEEC is open beforehand!
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, 501 (c)(3) non-profit, 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.
Marketing & Outreach Grant Award to PEEC
September 5, 2019
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) received a $3,750 grant award from The Greater Pike Community Foundation: Richard L. Snyder Fund to support marketing & outreach for 2019-2020.
With this grant award, the Greater Pike Community Foundation: Richard L. Snyder Fund will support PEEC’s 4th Annual 5k Run, Hike, Crawl Trail Race; the annual fall Harvest Festival; and the ever popular PEEC Earth Day Celebration, along with other weekend community activities. A list of PEEC’s public programs can be found at www.peec.org.
PEEC Executive Director Jeff Rosalsky stated, “The Greater Pike Community Foundation is a wonderful organization and we appreciate their support. This grant will enable us to continue to offer educational and fun environmental programs to the community.”
The Greater Pike Community Foundation was created to enable generous individuals, families, and local businesses to maximize their charitable support through organized, targeted, long-term community philanthropy. The Foundation provides a permanent and personal way to give back to the region we love and have worked so hard to nurture and maintain. For information about establishing a fund in memory of a loved one, or to discuss how to realize your charitable goal for the future, please contact Jim Pedranti at: info@greaterpike.org or 570-832-4686, or visit our website at www.greaterpike.org or our Facebook page at Facebook.com/GreaterPike.
PEEC is located within the 77,000 acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, along the Delaware River, and is within driving distance of New York City & Philadelphia. PEEC’s mission is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with nearly a half century as the education partner of the National Park Service. Since 1972, over 1 million visitors have come to PEEC at an average of 25,000 per year.
Sanofi Funds PEEC’s Sci-Q Project for 2020
July 17, 2019
Sanofi awarded the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) a grant of $29,586 to fund the Sci-Q Project for 2020. PEEC’s Sci-Q Project is a week-long summer science experience for talented 8th to 10th graders interested in pursuing science careers. As the exclusive funder of the Sci-Q Project, Sanofi continues its strong commitment to STEM education in Northeast Pennsylvania.
The Sci-Q Project provides students with the opportunity to interact with college professors, hand-picked for their fun, approachable nature, as they showcase their research in a variety of fascinating fields. Students engage in hand-on science and engineering projects that challenge them and provide opportunities for finding novel and creative solutions. The professors share their personal career stories and the challenges and rewards of becoming scientists.
Executive Director Jeff Rosalsky stated, “PEEC is proud and privileged to receive the generous funding from Sanofi for the Sci-Q Project. Sanofi has supported PEEC and this program for many years and the results are truly remarkable.”
PEEC is located within the 77,000 acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, along the Delaware River, and is within a short driving distance of New York City & Philadelphia. The mission of PEEC is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with nearly a half century as the education partner of the National Park Service. Since 1972, over 1 million visitors have come to PEEC at an average of 25,000 per year.
A PEEC Day of Winners at the 3rd Annual 5k Run, Hike, Crawl Trail Race
May 7, 2019
To the delight of spectators, PEEC supporters, and fellow runners, Noah Hinger, a 12 year old from Summit, New Jersey, sprinted across the finish line in a swift 32 minutes and 53 seconds to take first place in PEEC’s 3rd Annual 5k Run, Hike, Crawl Trail Race. Right behind was his dad, Chris Hinger who finished second and Jerry Sandaldjian ended in third place.
A cool and cloudy day, with temperatures hovering in the mid-fifties, was perfect for running. Sandra Orson, Jennifer Nagy and Yazmin Malpica were the first, second and third place winners in the Women’s category.
2019 PEEC 5k Run, Hike, Crawl Trail Race Winners:
|
Men |
Women |
|
Overall 1. Noah Hinger 2. Chris Hinger 3. Jerry Sandaldjian |
Overall 1. Sandra Orson 2. Jennifer Nagy 3. Yazmin Malpica |
|
12 and Under 1. Jackson Hancock 2. Maxwell Hancock 3. Sean Winship |
|
|
20-29 1. Jason Van Duyne |
20-29 1. Natasha Sandaldjian |
|
30-39 1. Joe Geib |
30-39 1. Amanda Schwartz |
|
40-49 1. Charles Peters 2. Mitchell Malpica 3. Adam Shedd |
50-59 1. Joyce Trentacosta 2. Karen Macaulay 3. Mariedyth Gayas |
|
50-59 1. Marco Castillo 2. George Bevans 3. Dennis Greenland |
|
|
60+ 1. Anthony Batko 2. Warren Hecker 3. Jeffrey Van Duyne |
60+ 1. Sheri Bone 2. Jane Jacobs 3. Diane Van Duyne |
The 3rd Annual 5K Run, Hike, Crawl Trail Race was an all-around winner. This year, PEEC raised over $15,000 to further the environmental education of school groups; 40% more than 2018. We thank all of our sponsors who enthusiastically gave generously this year. We are humbled and privileged to have so many local and regional businesses support PEEC’s mission.
Presenting Sponsor
AM Skier Agency, Inc.
Platinum Sponsors
Greater Pike Community Foundation
Pine Forest Camp
The Dime Bank
Silver Sponsors
B&K Tax Service, Inc.
Dingmans Choice & Delaware Bridge Co.
Manko Gold Katcher Fox LLP
Patagonia
PennyWise Fuel Company
Ready Set Run
Reinhart Foodservice, LLC
Kilometer Sign Sponsors
Abel HR
Ann & Joseph Farda Foundation
Belle Reve Senior Living
CPA Rifles
Davis R. Chant Realtors
Dingmans Ferry Stone
ESSA Bank & Trust
George Ely & Associates
Hotel Fauchere
Mander Fire and Safety, Inc.
Myer & Myer CPA
Pie’s On Italian American Family Restaurant
Pike County Light & Power Company
Pike County Outfitters
State Senator Lisa Baker
Paid for by the Baker for Senate Committee
Strand Pool Supply
Target Fire Protection
Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers
Wrenches Auto Repair
PEEC’s 3rd Annual 5k Run, Hike, Crawl Event
April 11, 2019
Executive Director, Jeff Rosalsky, remarks, “The trail is challenging, but the scenery is amazingly varied and beautiful, so you hardly feel the hills.”
If you enjoy running through the woods, leaping over streams, glimpsing a wild turkey, and breathing the spring air, then you need to join us on May 4th for the 3rd annual 5k Run, Hike, Crawl in the wilds of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area! The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is hosting its 3rd annual fundraiser for its environmental education programs. Over 15,000 students attend PEEC’s environmental education programs annually.
The race will begin at 10am and takes place almost entirely on the hiking trails located at the center. Local support for the event has grown since its first year and this year PEEC is looking to increase the number of competitors. The top 3 finishers in each age category will receive a special medal and the overall first place winner will receive the grand prize. As a non-profit, PEEC depends heavily on the goodwill of others and race participants will be supporting PEEC directly by registering to compete.
This race provides a great opportunity to enjoy the PEEC campus trails in an entirely different perspective. PEEC’s Executive Director, Jeff Rosalsky perfectly summed up his experience as a fellow competitor, “The trail is challenging, but the scenery is amazingly varied and beautiful, so you hardly feel the hills.” This course certainly isn’t for the faint hearted, but it’s that sense of challenge and accomplishment that keeps previous participants coming back. Sheri Bone, who has raced the previous 2 years had this to share, “It was an exhilarating, albeit exhausting, race! I am going to run again!”
Those who are interested in registering can visit: https://peec.org/5k. Guests who register by April 13th, 2019 are also guaranteed a special PEEC 5k t-shirt in the size of their choice.
PEEC is located within the 77,000 acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, along the Delaware River, and is within a short driving distance of New York City & Philadelphia. The mission of PEEC is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with nearly a half century as the education partner of the National Park Service. Since 1972, over 1 million visitors have come to PEEC at an average of 25,000 per year. For more information, please contact George Johnson, Weekend Workshop Manager, at (570) 828-2319 or gjohnson@peec.org
PEEC 2019 Earth Day Celebration
March 29, 2019
Celebrate Earth and learn how you can join in the stewardship of our beautiful planet this Earth Day!
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is hosting its 24th annual Earth Day festival. This year, it will be Saturday, April 27th, and will run from 11 A.M. until 4 P.M., rain or shine, at PEEC’s campus in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
PEEC’s dedicated staff and volunteers are excited to host a day of learning, celebration, and appreciation for nature. Their regular Earth Day activities—everything from vendors and exhibitors to creative crafts to games and activities to live music—will make a return this year. You can visit the hands-on exhibits in the EcoZone and hike a local trail with an expert guide. At the end of the day, see a presentation by Eyes of the Wild, who will be introducing animal friends from around the world. For $5 per car, you have full access to all that the festival has to offer! Food & drinks will also be available at the Dining Hall for an additional charge.
New for Earth Day in 2019 will be an electronics recycling program in partnership with Electronics Recyclers International. For the cost of admission to the event, you can recycle computers, laptops, monitors & televisions, and most computer accessories. Items with Freon in them can also be recycled for the price of $15 per item, and any other acceptable electronics will be charged based on weight. PEEC reserves the right to refuse to accept items.
PEEC is also kicking off a recycling challenge in partnership with Trex! Did you know that plastic bags, including grocery bags, bread bags, and storage bags, can be recycled if you take them to the right place? Beginning at Earth Day, and continuing until Fall Family Fun Day, PEEC will be collecting plastic bags to be recycled by Trex and turned into a durable building material. With your help, PEEC is hoping to collect 500 pounds of plastic, or the equivalent of 42,000 grocery bags!
“Our Earth Day festivals keep getting better every year,” said Nathan Lanan, the Special Events Coordinator and Assistant Camp Manager at PEEC. “Between our consistently amazing returning attractions and the new recycling programs, I couldn’t be more excited for the event this year!”
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, 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 Announces Angling and Hunting for Conservation Luncheon
A celebration of conservation in the Poconos will take place at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee on the Delaware, PA.
On March 23, 2019, the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will convene the Angling and Hunting for Conservation Luncheon at the Shawnee Inn. The luncheon is intended to celebrate the wonderful heritage of hunting and fishing in the Poconos and invite outdoor enthusiasts from throughout the region to learn about conservation opportunities for the legacy lands, the region’s hunt clubs. PEEC expects the public event to draw a healthy crowd in the run up to open season on trout fishing in the Poconos, which takes place on March 30, 2019.
The luncheon will feature keynote speaker, conservationist and noted writer, Thomas Gilmore. The author of six books on fly fishing will sign his book titled “Flyfisher’s Guide to Pennsylvania”. He will present a new program titled, “Fly fishing the Delaware and its Tributaries”. The afternoon will also feature a slate of speakers including Susan LaCroix, Land Protection Coordinator of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, “Conserving Your Land”; Michele Long, Executive Director of the Pike County Conservation District, “Manage Your Woodlands”; and Chris Barrett, CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau will close with a plea for their Pocono Mountains’ “Anti-Litter Campaign”.
Executive Director Jeff Rosalsky stated, “PEEC is proud and privileged to host a wonderful event that acknowledges the success of the first conservationists, the angling and hunting community of the Poconos, who have helped preserve this treasured region for decades. We are hopeful that PEEC can inspire further education and conservation of the Delaware River watershed and we can work more closely together on future challenges.”
The event is funded by the Alliance for Watershed Education and sponsored by the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau. Register at www.peec.org/luncheon.
Sanofi Funds PEEC’s Sci-Q Project for 2019
March 7, 2019
Sanofi has awarded the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) a grant of $28,061 to fund the Sci-Q Project for 2019. PEEC’s Sci-Q Project is a week-long summer science experience for talented 8th to 10th graders interested in pursuing science careers. As the exclusive funder of the Sci-Q Project, Sanofi continues its strong commitment to STEM education in Northeast Pennsylvania.
The Sci-Q Project provides students with the opportunity to interact with college professors, hand-picked for their fun, approachable nature, as they showcase their research in a variety of fascinating fields. Students engage in hand-on science and engineering projects that challenge them and provide opportunities for finding novel and creative solutions. The professors share their personal career stories and the challenges and rewards of becoming scientists.
Executive Director Jeff Rosalsky stated, “PEEC is proud and privileged to receive the generous funding from Sanofi for the Sci-Q Project. Sanofi has supported PEEC and this program for many years and the results are truly remarkable.”
PEEC is located within the 77,000 acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, along the Delaware River, and is within a short driving distance of New York City & Philadelphia. The mission of PEEC is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with nearly a half century as the education partner of the National Park Service. Since 1972, over 1 million visitors have come to PEEC at an average of 25,000 per year.
For more information about Sci-Q, please contact PEEC at 570-828-2319 or check www.peec.org/sci-q.
PEEC Receives $2,500 Donation from Waste Management
January 2, 2019
The Pocono Environmental Education Center received a $2,500 donation today from Waste Management. The company made the contribution as part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center is a non-profit organization that provides environmental education programs throughout the year to over 15,000 youth. EITC funding will support several varied weekend education programs for students including the EcoZone Discovery Room free program days.
“Waste Management is dedicated to environmental education and we believe in the great programming facilitated at the Pocono Environmental Education Center,” commented Waste Management’s Community Relations Manager, Adrienne Fors.
“PEEC is extremely grateful for the generous support of Waste Management through the EITC program,” said Jeff Rosalsky, Executive Director of PEEC, “and we look forward to providing many new environmental and sustainability education programs in 2019.”
Waste Management of Pennsylvania is dedicated to environmental protection, education and supporting the communities where we operate. Since the EITC program was launched, Waste Management has made grants worth over $15,791,307 that have improved the educational opportunities of thousands of public school students and helped thousands of other children and young adults attend private schools.
ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT’S GREATER MID-ATLANTIC AREA
Waste Management’s Greater Mid-Atlantic Area (GMA) includes the company’s operations in eastern and central Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York City, Delaware and on the DelMarVa Peninsula. The area’s central office is in Ewing, N.J. The GMA employs about 3,000 professionals dedicated to protecting and improving the environment.
POCONO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER TO HOST RIVER DAYS EVENT OCTOBER 6, 2018
One of 23 Environmental Education Centers in PA, NJ and DE to Host River Days, a Month-long Series of Events on Local Trails and Waterways
September 12, 2018
WHAT: River Days will take place concurrent to PEEC’s Annual Harvest Festival. We’ll be hosting paddling programs and interpretive hikes to encourage our guests to recreate within the Delaware River Watershed, while at the same time discussing the importance of stewardship. Those who participate will be entered in a chance to win a kayak or an inflatable raft while also receiving River Days canvas bags and an ice cream treat!
WHEN: October 6, 2018 – 11:00am-4:00pm
WHERE: Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
WHY: September marks the start of the second annual “River Days”, a month-long recreational event series hosted by the Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River with a mission to encourage individuals of all ages to explore, enjoy and engage in activities along their local rivers and streams with the ultimate goal of increasing awareness and fostering protection of this critical resource. Funded and supported by the William Penn Foundation, the Alliance is a regional initiative of 23 partnering environmental education centers located on the Delaware River Watershed and the Circuit Trail in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The Delaware River watershed is a 13,500 square mile system that provides clean drinking water for more than 15 million people, nearly 5% of the United States’ population. The watershed is important to a multitude of species and ecological habitats, and provides recreation for cyclists, hikers, paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts. This is especially important in the area surrounding PEEC given our location upstream from a large portion of the population that relies on the Delaware River. There’s a wide array of fun and environmental-minded activities scheduled for River Days by 23 partnering environmental organizations on the watershed. Find details at: watershedalliance.org
WHO: Pocono Environmental Education Center, Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River, the William Penn Foundation
For more information, visit watershedalliance.org.
PEEC 2018 Harvest Festival
September 5, 2018
Enjoy the changing seasons here at PEEC’s Harvest Festival. Spend a day surrounded by family and friends at a place that rejuvenates the mind and inspires our natural curiosity.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will be hosting its 8th annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 6th, 2018. The event will take place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine. New to our Harvest Festival event for 2018 will be our “reduce, reuse, recycle” scarecrow contest. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite scarecrow.
PEEC’s Harvest Festival is a fun, holistic opportunity to learn more about sustainability, the local environment, and a chance to connect to nature. Families are invited to stroll around the exhibits, support local businesses, or simply enjoy an interpretive hike. There will also be awesome crafts and plenty of games to play! For a more casual experience, come and relax among friends, grab a bite to eat, and listen to live music. The cost to attend is $5 per car and includes a live animal show and much, much more. Food and drink will also be available at an additional cost.
Crafts will include face painting, stick wands, and 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 to add a creative color burst. A limited number of white bandanas will be available for purchase. Vendors and exhibits at the 2018 festival provide a way for community members to meet and interact with local organizations, businesses, and artists.
PEEC’s 2018 River Days event will also take place during Harvest Festival. Join us for interpretive hikes and paddle programs to encourage use of the Delaware River Watershed and enter a free raffle for a chance to win a kayak or inflatable raft.
According to Ricky Bennett, PEEC’s Special Events Coordinator, “Our Harvest Festival is more than a festival; it is time spent with family and friends, a time to slow down and enjoy nature, a time to rejuvenate. Come be a part of our community; we have something for everyone.”
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, 501 (c)(3) non-profit, 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 Gains Grant for Outreach in Northeast PA
Greater Pike Community Foundation entrusts PEEC with $5000 to Attract Families
August 16, 2018
On August 7, 2018 the Greater Pike Community Foundation awarded the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) a $5000 grant to subsidize the 2019 PEEC Marketing and Outreach Plan. The grant will cover the cost of publicity, literature and material for a half dozen events scheduled in 2018 and 2019 with the primary goal of attracting the general public from Pike County and communities from northeast Pennsylvania and northwest New Jersey.
The targeted events are part of an ongoing series of activities designed and proven to attract residents, especially families from the region. PEEC’s annual 5K Run, Hike, Crawl Trail Race will enter its third year. The other events include the Harvest Festival, Farm to Table Dinner, Earth Day Festival and the Game Dinner, along with 9 tours of the interactive Eco Zone Discovery Room. In previous years, these events have attracted thousands of attendees as they have increased in popularity.
Executive Director Jeff Rosalsky stated, “PEEC is proud and privileged to receive funding from the Greater Pike Community Foundation for our programming.”
PEEC is located within the 77,000 acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, along the Delaware River, and is within a short driving distance of New York City & Philadelphia. The mission of PEEC is to advance environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with nearly a half century as an education partner of the National Park Service. Since 1972, over 1 million visitors have come to PEEC at an average of 25,000 per year.
PEEC 2018 Watershed Weekends
July 25, 2018
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) hosted its first Watershed Weekend event on July 21, 2018. Visitors at PEEC had the opportunity to learn more about the birds that live in the Delaware River Watershed, including summer tanagers, warblers, and towhees through fun hands-on activities and interpretive hikes.
Visitors also learned about the importance of the Delaware River Watershed and conservation of this vital ecosystem. The event had something for every age, and all of the program fees were waived. PEEC will be hosting another three Watershed Weekend events highlighting different species in the watershed including insects, plants, and reptiles & amphibians. These events will also be free.
The Insect Edition of Watershed Weekend will be on Sunday, July 29, and will feature aquatic and terrestrial insect searches, a dragonfly hunt, watershed games, and a late night moth survey. The Plant Edition will take place on Saturday, August 4, and will feature a plant identification hike, public access to PEEC’s EcoZone Discovery Room, watershed games, and arts and craft projects. The final Watershed Weekend will take place on Sunday, August 12, and will feature reptiles and amphibians. This event will include a reptile and amphibian search, watershed games, and public access to the EcoZone Discovery Room.
For more information, visit PEEC’s website at www.peec.org, the Pocono Environmental Education Center Facebook page, or Instagram at peec_pa.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, 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!
Pocono Mountains Blog
Insider’s Guide to Delaware Water Gap
Read about the history of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and learn about current activities and recreation spots, including PEEC!
The Delaware Water Gap, which straddles the Delaware River along the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state line, is an historic destination that offers some of the Poconos’ best hiking, cycling, boating, and camping. With is concentration of waterfalls and scenic outlooks, this 70,000-acre protected area draws visitors from across the East Coast to enjoy its natural beauty. Read More
Environment Wins at PEEC 5K Run
Second Annual Run, Hike, Crawl Musters 50+ Runners
May 7, 2018
The second annual Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) 5K Trail Race – Run, Hike, Crawl, through the ravines, gurgling streams and deep forest of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s Pocono Plateau, was a celebration of intrepid runners, a brilliant spring day and the rich environment we enjoy. Fifty+ runners of all ages negotiated the campus walkways and portions of the Fossil and Scenic Gorge Trail on a seasonably cool and cloudy May Saturday.
Six age groups, 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+ produced both male and female winners of a field of 55 runners. The top runners are Roman Zhmurenka for the Men’s category and Bonnie Sacher for the Women’s category. The prizes for the winners were outdoor outerwear donated by Patagonia, Inc.
Dozens of local and regional businesses and donors enthusiastically supported the PEEC 5K Trail Race – Run, Hike, Crawl. PEEC would like to thank:
Presenting Sponsor: AM Skier Insurance
Platinum Sponsor: The Greater Pike Community Foundation, The Dime Bank; Ready, Set Run
Silver Sponsor: ShawneeCraft Brewery; ReppertFactor; Patagonia; CPA Rifles; Manko, Gold, Katcher &Fox; PennyWise Fuel; Walmart; Dingmans Choice and Delaware Bridge Company, B & K Tax Service
Kilometer Sign Sponsor: Myer & Myer CPA, 108 Lotus Yoga, Weis Markets, Nikki Jones Agency, Target Fire Protection, Belle Reve Senior Living, Comanche Tree Service, Davis R. Chant Real Estate, Edge of the Woods Outfitters, DP Luhrs True Value Hardware, Pike County Power and Light Company.
Together we raised nearly $11,000 for environmental education. Kudos to all of our loyal and generous sponsors whose support enables PEEC to continue its mission!
PEEC is located within the 77,000 acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, along the Delaware River, and is within driving distance of New York City & Philadelphia. PEEC advances environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. PEEC is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with nearly a half century as an education partner of the National Park Service. Since 1972, over a million visitants have explored PEEC while 25,000 come to our campus annually.
PEEC 2018 Earth Day Celebration
March 27, 2018
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than surrounded by family and friends at a place that rejuvenates the mind and inspires our natural curiosity.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will be hosting its 23rd annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 28th, 2018. The event will take place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine. New to our Earth Day event for 2018 will be a poetry contest.
PEEC’s Earth Day festival is a fun, holistic opportunity to learn more about sustainability, the local environment, and a chance to connect to nature. Families are invited to stroll around the exhibits, support local businesses, or simply go on an interpretive hike. There will also be awesome crafts and plenty of games to play! For a more casual experience, come and relax among friends, grab a bite to eat, and listen to live music. The cost to attend is $5 per car and includes a live animal show and much, much more. Food and drink will also be available at an additional cost.
Crafts will include face painting, weaving, and 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 to add a creative color burst. A limited number of white bandanas will be available for purchase at the PEEC store.
According to Ricky Bennett, PEEC’s Assistant Camp Director/ Special Events Coordinator, “Our Earth Day festival is more than a festival, it is time spent with family and friends, a time to enjoy nature. Come, be a part of our community; we have something for everyone.”
Vendors and exhibits at the 2018 festival provide a way for community members to meet and interact with local organizations, businesses, and artists. Some of the planned activities and opportunities with vendors and exhibitors include casting demonstrations by members of Trout Unlimited, planting seed opportunities with Dingmans Ferry Bridge Historical Society as well as our local 4-H organization, and spinning and weaving demonstrations by Quiet Valley Farms.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, 501 (c)(3) non-profit, 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.