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Natural Events

March:

  • Beginning in March, the alternating pattern of freezing nights and sunny thawing days cause sap to rise in sugar maple trees.  Red squirrels know the sugar maple’s sweet secret…look for their teeth marks in the bark.
  • During the second week of March, migratory birds are returning.  Look for Canada geese, blackbirds, bluebirds, robins, flickers, phoebes, and the many species of raptors that fill the skies.
  • During the third week of March, take some time at dusk to watch the unusual and entertaining evening courtship ritual of the woodcock.  The nasal “peeeent” call of the woodcock accompanies their dramatic display.
  • The warm rains bring out thousands of amphibians.  Spotted salamanders, wood frogs, spring peepers, green frogs, and American toads all migrate from the thawing forest soil to their watery birth places to breed.   

April:

  • Resurfacing reptiles greet the warmth of spring.  Look for painted turtles, garter snakes, and black racers all basking in open sunlight.
  • During the middle of April, millions of shad leave the Atlantic Ocean and return to the Delaware River and other coastal rivers to spawn.  During this amazing migration, the shadbush or downy service berry begins to bloom with masses of white flowers.
  • On warm April days, thousands of hawks, falcons, eagles, and vultures fill the skies.  These raptors ride the thermals of rising warm air as they return from their southern wintering grounds.
  • By the last week in April, the spring ephemerals are growing out of the thawing ground.  These colorful woodland flowers include hepatica, trailing arbutus, bloodroot, spring beauty, trout lily, Dutchman’s breeches, red trillium, and over a dozen species of violets.

May:

  • Look for gypsy moth caterpillars, tent caterpillars, Swallowtail butterflies, and Luna moths.  The caterpillars hatch just in time to feed on the fresh new tree and shrub foliage. 
  • Insects are also back in full force and the hungry songbirds returning from their wintering grounds eat them up.  These tropical migrants fill the air with their melodic calls. 
  • The beaches of Delaware Bay are taken over by thousands of horseshoe crabs that come ashore to mate and lay eggs.  The eggs provide food for migrating shorebirds.
  • Late breeding amphibians can be heard at the end of May.  Listen for the green frog, gray tree frog, Fowler’s toad, and bullfrog.  The gray tree frog and bullfrog both produce exceptionally loud calls.

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 PEEC Events

View our Calendar Page to see programs available at PEEC during the spring season.  

 

Natural Events

December:

  • Animals have many adaptations to survive the winter.  Some, like weasels and snow shoe hares, have white fur to act as camouflage in the snow.  Ruffed grouse bury into deep snow to stay warm.
  • “False hibernators” like skunks, raccoons, and black bears enter into a shallow winter sleep.  They maintain a nearly normal body temperature, but a much reduced metabolism.
  • Our winter resident songbirds adapt by producing up to 50% more feathers.  By fluffing up their feathers, warm air is trapped and helps to keep them warm.  
  • During the last week of December, enjoy the winter solstice.  This cyclical natural event marks the lengthening of the days.  

January:

  • Bald eagles (resident pairs and visitors from up north) congregate near open water.  Visit lakes, rivers, and reservoirs to see them feeding on fish and carrion (carcasses).
  • Pennsylvania is home to more than 8,000 black bears.  The females mate every other year.  During the second week of January, they give birth to 2-5 cubs in their winter dens.
  • Winter is not completely devoid of insect life.  Snow fleas are found in large colonies near the bases of tree trunks and stonefly nymphs live in icy streams.
  • The great horned owl begins nesting in late January.  Known as “flying tigers”, these large owls prefer deciduous forests with hemlocks and white pines.

February:

  • Some mammals, like woodchucks and bats, experience true hibernation. Their body temperature drops to near freezing and their heartbeat slows way down, saving vital energy reserves.
  • Many mammals mate in the cold of winter.  Skunks, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, red foxes, and gray foxes all synchronize the birth of their young with the fresh, available foods of spring.
  • Longer hours of sunlight trigger the winter resident songbirds.  Males begin singing to attract females and stake out their territories. Listen for black-capped chickadees, cardinals, mockingbirds, and finches. 
  • During the last week in February, the first and slinkiest flower of the spring breaks through the frozen ground. Skunk cabbage melts its way up through the ice and snow by producing its own heat (up to 72º F).

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PEEC Events

View our Calendar Page to see programs available at PEEC during the winter season.

Natural Events

September:

  • The beginning of fall triggers the migration of warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other songbirds to their tropical winter destinations — Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands.

  • As September continues, the raptors join the migrating birds. Thousands of broad-winged hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey head south for the winter.

  • Monarch butterflies begin their long migration to Mexico.  These insects may cover up to 80 miles per day, traveling 10-30 mph, as they float on the breezes.

  • By the end of September, the fall wildflowers have started to bloom.  Beautiful gold, white, and purple flowers bloom on asters, goldenrods, sunflowers, and daisies.

October:

  • With winter migration and hibernation approaching, animals compete for the high fat and carbohydrate concentrations of berries and nuts.  

  • Cooler temperatures and shorter days cause the green chlorophyll to disappear from deciduous leaves, allowing for bright, colorful pigments to emerge.

  • Snakes, turtles, frogs, and salamanders sound their retreat during the month of October.  Retreating to underground dens, these animals have adapted to the cold of winter by entering a state of dormancy or suspended animation.

  • At the end of October, over 30 species of waterfowl begin to migrate south.  Listen and look for Canada geese flying in a “V” formation that decreases wind resistance for the entire flock.

November:

  • The largest raptos round up the fall migration.  Northern harriers, goshawks, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, and turkey vultures fly south for the winter.

  • After the fall leaves have fallen to the ground, billions of microorganisms, earthworms, sow bugs, and millipedes feed on the fallen leaves. Nutrients are returned to the soil through their droppings.  

  • During third week of November, the white-tailed deer breeds.  They give birth in May or June, often to twins.  The white-tailed deer is the state mammal of Pennsylvania.  

  • During the last week of November, birds from Canada migrate to our area for the winter.  Look for purple finches, evening grosbeaks, fox sparrows, and tree sparrows at your feeders.

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PEEC Events

View our Calendar page to see programs available at PEEC during the autumn season.

Natural Events

June:

  • During the first week of June, look for painted turtles and snapping turtles that have left the water to dig their nests and lay eggs.  Many of the eggs are dug up by predators.
  • Mountain laurel blooms of pink and white flowers appear in the well-drained soils of woodlands, just before the beginning of summer.  This flower was chosen to be Pennsylvania’s state flower in 1933.  
  • Male song birds are actively singing throughout June.  Their songs are used to establish territories and attract mates.  
  • There are 20 species of firefly (a.k.a. lightning bug) and their average lifespan is only one week.  Female fireflies do not fly, but produce light to attract mates.

July:

  • In the beginning of July, butterflies emerge from their chrysalises to eat the sweet nectar of summer wildflowers.  Butterflies bask in the sunshine because their bodies need to be at least 80ºF to fly.
  • As July progresses, gypsy moths begin to emerge from their brown pupae.  Only male gypsy moths fly because the females are too heavy with eggs.  The females attract males by secreting pheromones.
  • Look for blueberries, huckleberries, raspberries, blackberries, and dewberries. These bushes are low growing and accessible to wildlife, making their seeds easily dispersed.
  • As July ends, the chorus of cicadas, grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids can be heard.  The songs are produced by the rubbing and vibrating of wings and legs. Like most noises in nature, the calls attract mates and establish territories.

August:

  • As summer comes to a close, millions of shorebirds head south.  Over twenty different species pass through our region during the fall migration, including the solitary sandpiper.
  • The second week of August begins the season of the spiders.  Look for webs in the fields and forests as many different spider species mate and lay eggs.  In the ponds, fishing spiders are active, preying on tadpoles, salamanders, and very small fish.
  • Search for mushrooms after a late summer rain.  Enjoy the diversity, but do not eat them unless a professional has properly identified them as being edible. Many species are toxic.  
  • During the last week of August, over twenty different species of snakes give birth.  Baby snakes are completely independent at birth.  As summer comes to an end, they must find a place to hibernate.  Many snakes will hibernate together in one den.

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PEEC Events

View our Calendar Page to see programs available at PEEC during the summer season.

 

Seasonal Highlights

A Sense of Place…
“There is a great deal of talk these days about saving the environment.  We must…for the environment sustains our bodies.  But as humans we also require support for our spirits … and this is what certain kinds of places provide.

The catalyst that converts any physical location – any environment if you will – into a place, is the process of experiencing deeply.  A place is a piece of the whole environment that has been claimed by feelings.  Viewed simply as a resource that sustains our humanity, the earth is a collection of places.

We never speak, for example, of an environment we have known; it is always places we have known- and recall.  We are homesick for places, we are reminded of places.  It is the sounds, the smells and sights of places which haunt us against which we often measure our present”

Alan Gussow

At PEEC, our environment and all that it provides is driven by nature and natural systems, celebrating all of the celestial seasons.  Opportunities for experiencing profound learning and connecting are offered all year long. Nature’s calendar designs our calendar.

Read a little more about the Summer Solstice, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice and Vernal Equinox and then celebrate the seasons…celebrate the diversity:

  • Naturally – in what you see, hear, smell, touch and taste
  • Celestially – in what you can imagine
  • Actively – in what you can do at PEEC
  • Sustainably – in what you can do (simply) to sustain and conserve

Vernal Equinox – March through May

Every year, around March 20, the sun is directly over the equator, causing night and day to be roughly the same length. The vernal equinox also signals the first day of spring.

Summer Solstice – June through August

Yearly, around June 21, the sun lingers longer than any other day of the year.  Since this is the longest day, it is the shortest night. The end of June signals the beginning of summer and the days begin to get gradually shorter.

Autumnal Equinox – September through November

Once again the sun is directly over the equator, and night and day are again roughly the same length.  Fall is here, the trees are turning, and the birds are beginning to leave for their wintering grounds.  Winter is right around the corner.

Winter Solstice – December through February

Every year, around December 22, winter officially begins.   The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year …or the longest night of the year…when the sun is furthest south in sky.  As the days gradually get longer, we remember that spring is on its way again.

 

Thank you to all photographers who have graciously agreed to allow us to use their photos on our website:

John Barclay
Eli Rivera
Heather Chadwick
Maria Schramm
James Maloney
Jennifer Loven
Alex Westner
Clay Spencer
Richard Frear
M. Woodbridge Williams
Don F. Mitchison
Office of Sustainability, Princeton University

PEEC has nurtured and sustained partnerships with some of the area’s leading field study resource persons and workshop leaders.  

Kathy Ambrosini

  • Has been working in the field of Environmental Education for over 20 years.
  • The Director of Education at the Mohonk Preserve located in New Paltz, NY
  • Adjunct instructor with SUNY New Paltz, teaching graduate courses in Environmental Education
  • Originator of NatureAccess™, an inclusive program of accommodations for visitors with disabilities, for which she received the 2006 Beyond the Letter of the Law award from the Resource Center for Accessible Living 

John Barclay

An award winning freelance photographer based in Bucks County, PA, John is a passionate photographer and enthusiastic workshop leader.  He is also an inspirational speaker, presenting his program Dream – Believe – Create to audiences around the world.  John’s work has been published in a number of books and magazines and is treasured by a number of private collectors.  Recently, John was the recipient of an excellence award from B&W Magazine.  You can see his work and view his workshop schedule at www.barclayphoto.com or on his blog at http://blog.barclayphoto.com

Mike Dennis

Mike Dennis of Traditional Earth Skills of North America, can be reached at 973-570-2882.

  • Step back in time to see the day-to-day life of our local native people.
  • Lenape educational programs
  • Hands-on, interactive, native wilderness skills workshops
  • Designed for schools, scouts, educators, and outdoor enthusiasts
  • Handmade artifacts exhibits
  • Try your hand at the Atlatl, or fire by friction.
  • Programs encourage land stewardship and sustainability
  • Please visit www.traditionalearthskills.com for more information.

John Jose

Otter Creek Environmental Education Services

  • Multifaceted background in natural resource conservation, particularly wildlife ecology and water resource monitoring, and 11 years providing environmental education
  • Participated in endangered species (osprey, bald eagle, river otter) reintroduction and research projects; herpetological field work, including documenting species of conservation concern and vernal pools in PA; and implemented a county-wide, stream-based water quality monitoring (focus on aquatic macroinvertebrates) program for 8 years
  • Specializing in innovative education program origination, development and delivery to pre-K through adult audiences in a wide variety of settings
  • Proprietor of Otter Creek Environmental Education Services since 2007, providing programming and consulting services, including Schoolyard Habitat and Program Development, wildlife tracking and sign interpretation, and aquatic ecology (lake, river, and stream explorations)
  • Innate pedagogical abilities and a passion for teaching and sharing with others, of all ages, the same excitement, appreciation and understanding experienced in realizing and interpreting the mystery and wonders of the natural world
  • 2007 Excellence in Conservation Education Award for the Upper Delaware River Region

Raymond Klass

  • Raymond’s images have been published in magazines, advertising, and books.  He is the author and photographer of Mammoth Cave National Park: Reflections, now in its second printing.  Raymond is currently a photography instructor with the New York Botanical Gardens, Natural Tapestries Photography Workshops, and the Adirondack Photography Institute.  He is also the chair person for the North American Nature Photography Association’s High School Scholarship Program.
  • Recipient of three prestigious artist-in-residence positions through the National Park Service, Raymond has made the diverse resources of our wild lands available to everyone.  He is a popular speaker and has presented his images to thousands of people, been involved with 2 PBS documentaries, and been interviewed on National Public Radio.
  • Publishing credits include The National Geographic Society, National Parks Conservation Association, NANPA, Nature’s Best, Smithsonian, Inner Reflections Calendar, American Heritage, PBS, and Outdoor and Nature Photographer to name a few.
  • A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, Raymond incorporates the latest technology into his workflow, and works to help other professionals utilize these advancements.  By explaining the newest technology in plain English, within the context of nature photography, Raymond’s teaching breaks down the wall between your equipment and your art.  Raymond feels that photography should be about the interaction with the subject and environment – not about frustrations over technology.

James Maloney

James has been an instructor at PEEC since 2007.  Often found out on a trail with his binoculars around his neck and a camera over his shoulder, he loves to get out and hike Tumbling Waters on campus or the Fire Trail up Mt. Tammany in the Water Gap.  He often fantasizes about packing up an old VW mini-bus and traveling cross-country, stopping at many national parks along the way.

Del Morgan

An award winning Fine Art Photographer who resides in the Lehigh Valley and currently teaches, “Creating Visually Stunning Images,” a course designed to encourage us to approach our photography from an art concept.  

You can see his work at www.delmorganphoto.com.   

Patti Shreiner

A graduate of Flagler College, Patti learned to quilt in 1995 while working at PEEC.  In 1997, she became a quilting teacher.  Known for her patience in teaching quilting and knitting, she leads a number of PEEC workshops each year in addition to her traveling programs.  Patti and her husband, Jeff, reside in a log cabin in Shohola, PA.

Darryl Speicher

An Environmental Educator with the Monroe County Conservation District, he holds a BS in biology from Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts.  For 8 years he managed the Caratunk Wildlife Sanctuary for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and was the property manager for the Audubon Naturalist Society in Chevy Chase, MD.  In 2000, Darryl and his wife Jackie founded the Pocono Avian Research Center. He is a federally licensed Master Bird Bander and has been conducting research on the birds of the Poconos for OARC and other organizations such as the Institute for Bird Populations and the Nature Conservancy.  He is an avid birder and naturalist leading numerous birding adventures throughout the Poconos and far afield including southeastern Arizona, the Everglades and south Florida, south Texas, and all over New England.  His writing has been published in various magazines and newspapers and technical papers have been presented at conferences for the Association of Field Ornithologists and published in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology.

Kathy Uhler

Along with the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center, Kathy Uhler provides live wildlife education programs using a wide variety of hawks, owls, falcons, mammals, and reptiles that are all native to Pennsylvania.  See species that could actually live right here at PEEC, up close and personal, and their adaptations explained by folks with years of experience in providing exciting educational experiences for all ages.  The director, Kathy Uhler, has been certified in K-12 Environmental Education for 25 years and has earned a MS+ 30 in wildlife biology.  Programs are tailored to subject and age group. Choose our General mixed species program, Raptors only, Creatures of the Night, or the Unhuggables.  You may also prefer a 1 or 1 ½ hour program.  Our all-volunteer facility rehabilitates more than 1100 animals of all native species annually, including being the only black bear rehabilitation center in Pennslyvania.

 

 

 

Contact PEEC:

Phone: 570-828-2319
Fax: 570-828-9695
Email: peec@peec.org

Federal Agencies

National Park Service
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
United States Forest Service
United States Fish & Wildlife Service
United States Information Agency
Grey Towers National Historic Site
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreation River

Pennsylvania Agencies

PA Dept. Conservation and Natural Resources
PA Dept. Education
PA Dept. Environmental Protection
PA Dept. of Agriculture
PA Game Commission
PA Fish & Boat Commission
PA Council on the Arts
PA Center for Environmental Education
Promised Land State Park
Lacawac Sanctuary

Local Affiliations

Lehman Township, Pennsylvania
Pike County Conservation District
Pike County Office of Community Planning
Penn State Cooperative Extension
Delaware Highlands Conservancy
Northeast PA Audubon
Bushkill Watershed Conservancy
Pinchot Institute
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Alliance to Keep Pike Green
Pike County Historical Society at The Columns
Black Bear Film Festival
Easter Seals Eastern PA – Pocono Division
Pocono Services for Families & Children (570-421-2711)
Peters Valley
Kindred Spirits Arts Program
Pocono Arts Council

Multi-State Agencies

Delaware River Basin Commission
Upper Delaware Council
Delaware River Sojourn
Friends of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
No Child Left Inside Coalition
Leave No Trace

Volunteer Organizations

United Way Pike County
United Way Monroe County
RSVP – Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Telecom Pioneers
Volunteer Match
Pike County Workforce Development

Chambers of Commerce

Pike County Chamber of Commerce
Tri-State Area Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Water Gap Chamber of Commerce
Greater Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce

Education

Brandwein Institute  
National Science Teachers Association
Pennsylvania Alliance for Environmental Education
Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Educators
New York State Outdoor Education Association
North American Alliance for Environmental Education
Association of Nature Center Administrators
Educators for Gateway
PP&L Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Education Center
The Nature Conservancy
New Jersey Science Teachers Association
Northampton Community College
Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association
Science Teachers of New York State
Science Council of New York City

Local Schools/Districts

Delaware Valley School District
East Stroudsburg Area School District
Stroudsburg School District
Pleasant Valley School District
Pocono Mountain School District
Wayne Highlands School District
Western Wayne School District
Montague School District

Birdwatching

National Audubon Society
PA Audubon
Project Feederwatch
Pocono Avian Research Center
Delaware Valley Raptor Center
Monmouth County Audubon
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
The Eagle Institute

Scouting

Scoutorama
Minsi Trails Council
Patriots Path Council
Sarah Wells Council
Central PA Council

Related Organizations & Affiliations

Delaware Valley Orienteering Association
Environmental Advisory Council
Road Scholar (Formerly Elderhostel)
Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
The Ultimate Guide to Cheap Green Living
AppalachianTrail.com

Local Links and Marketing Partners

93.5 SBG 
Pocono 96.7
Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
Bushkill Inn & Conference Center
Great Wolf Lodge
Pocono Mountain Visitor Bureau
AmericanTowns.com – Dingmans Ferry
New Jersey Skylands Visitor Magazine
Pocono Mountain Rentals
PrintingCenterUSA – Great Customer Service & Great Prices

Miscellaneous Links 

Trip to PEEC Fundraiser Ideas

For a sustainable future, we have to understand that the structure and design of our planet require that we operate within natural ‘laws’ and principles, rather than attempt to overcome them.  We have to see that ‘it’s all connected’, and that systems thinking requires us to think about our choices and actions over time.  We need to understand that the pursuit of self-interest is best served through the development of mutually beneficial relationships.  And we have to believe we are all responsible, and that intergenerational leadership and collective action are required.  Everything we do and everything we don’t do makes a difference.”

Jamie Cloud
The Cloud Institute

 


 

  

“PEEC’s campus is the ultimate example of adaptive and innovative reuse. The Center has its origins as an old Poconos honeymoon resort that was seized under eminent domain, as part of the ill-fated Delaware River Tocks Island Dam Project. In 1972 PEEC’s cabins and public buildings were repurposed as a residential environmental education center. Subsequent replacement and refurbishment of buildings has created a campus that combines the environmental best practices of the new and the creative reimagining of the old.”

PEEC Executive Director Jeff Rosalsky
Commentary: The Pocono Environmental Education Center — Engaging Young Scientists, Sustainability in Action
Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, December 2013

 


 

  

PEEC’s Dining Hall / Visitor Activity Center – Sustainable Design Features

 


 

Sustainable Steps You Can Take at Home

 

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