FAQ

Where is CCEEC?

CCEEC is part of Mauch Chunk Lake Park. We’re just outside beautiful and historic Jim Thorpe, minutes from the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension, and quickly accessible from routes 309, 209, 903, and 902. Entering our physical address into your GPS will get you here easily.

151 East White Bear Drive, Summit Hill, PA 18250

What will I see there?

Inside: In our main building, you’ll find two classrooms full of nature displays. We’re very kid-friendly and invite all our visitors to touch just about everything in the building, and to ask plenty of questions.

We offer restrooms, drinking water, and advice or pamphlets on other things to do in the area. Inside you’ll also find live animals such as ferrets, doves, bats, and snakes.

Outside: A boardwalk trail leads past enclosures housing injured, non-releasable hawks, owls, eagles, and other birds. Most have been hit by cars, though a few have been illegally shot, or suffered some other injury. Since none of these raptors can be returned to the wild, they now help educate others about the natural world.

In addition to the boardwalk, there are other outdoor trails winding through farm fields, mixed forests, and a spring seep wetland. The west end of Mauch Chunk Lake is about a ten-minute walk from CCEEC’s main building.

A lakeshore bird blind, picnic pavilion, and children’s play area are also available.

Is there an admission fee?

No. CCEEC is open free of charge.

Sometimes there are bird boxes or T-shirts for sale, but there is no gift shop. We’d rather you left here with a new idea or experience instead of a souvenir.

Where do you get your funding?

Full-time staff are employees of the Carbon Conservation District. Part-time staff and all of CCEEC’s operating expenses are paid for through program fees, memberships, donations, fundraising and, in a few cases, grant money.

What are your hours?

Inside: The building is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekend hours are scheduled Memorial Day through Labor Day and are posted on our website.

Weekend or after-hours visits can sometimes be arranged. Give us a call and tell us your plans. We may be able to have the building open for you.

Outside: The grounds are open every day, year-round, dawn until dusk.

How can I arrange a program for my school or group?

Call us. Spring and fall are our busiest seasons, and usually require scheduling far in advance. In summer and winter, we can sometimes accommodate program requests on short notice.

What can you offer for teachers?

In addition to offering phenomena-based teaching in programs work with the Pennsylvania Department of Education curriculum framework, CCEEC offers teachers a lending library full of curriculum guides, DVDs and other resources.

Teachers are also invited to borrow bones, feathers, furs, hides and other interpretive specimens for multi-modal classroom use.

Can you help with my animal problem?

Maybe. CCEEC is a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, able to accept and care for wildlife in distress. We can also offer advice on dealing with nuisance wild animals.

In most cases, we cannot come to pick up an animal, but can advise on safe transport if needed. In all cases, it’s best to CALL US before interfering with any type of wildlife.

We cannot help with domestic animals.

Do you accept volunteers?

Yes. Volunteers can help with many things: school programs, gardens and trails, animal care, carpentry, cleaning, fundraisers and other annual events. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and comply with CCEEC’s volunteer policy.

CCEEC also accepts school or court-mandated community service volunteers on a case-by-case basis. Individuals seeking court-mandated community service stemming from any kind of violent offense are not accepted.

Volunteer hours are usually only available during regular weekday business hours.

What’s with that hawk outside?

A non-releasable red-tailed hawk, perched near the front door, greets visitors to CCEEC during normal business hours. “Lazarus” was hit by a car in 2002, and efforts to repair his wing were unsuccessful.

While we’re sad to think he’ll never fly again, we’re grateful this red-tail has agreed to help us teach people about raptors and other wildlife. Injured at a young age, Laz has grown up around people, and is accustomed to visitors. It’s why he always looks so calm.

Wild red-tails spend much of their time perched somewhere patiently watching for food. What Lazarus does now is very similar. But instead of having to hunt, he comes in at the end of each day to a meal we provide. Please respect the boundaries set up for Lazarus and give him his space. Be sure to read the plaque near his perch to learn more about red-tails.