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

Two classrooms full of nature displays. We’re very kid-friendly, inviting all visitors to touch just about everything in the building, and to ask questions.
Restrooms, drinking water, and advice or pamphlets on other things to do in the area.
Live animals such as 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.
Outdoor trails winding through farm fields, mixed forests, and a spring seep wetland, all leading to the west end of Mauch Chunk Lake.
A lakeshore bird blind, picnic pavilion, and children’s play area are also available.

What are your hours?

Inside

The building is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Weekends, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

After-hours visits can sometimes be arranged.

Give us a call and we'll see what we can do.

Outside

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

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.

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

Call us at (570) 645-8597.

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.

How much would a program for my school or group cost?

This depends on where the program is. Fees are higher if we come to you. They are also higher for non-school groups.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

$67 per hour, per class at CCEEC

$100 per hour, per class in Carbon County

$150 per hour, per class in an adjacent county

$250 per hour, per class in a non-adjacent county

(Note: one class is considered roughly 30 students)

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES AND EAGLE PROGRAMS

$200 in Carbon County

$250 in an adjacent county

$250 in a non-adjacent county (additional fuel charge may apply)

NON-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

$100 per hour at CCEEC

$150 per hour in Carbon County

$200 per hour in an adjacent county

$250 per hour in a non-adjacent county (additional fuel charge may apply)

Adjacent Counties

Schuylkill, Lehigh, Northampton, Luzerne, Monroe

What do you offer for teachers?

Lessons on a variety of topics, aligned with Pennsylvania Department of Education standards.
A lending library of activity guides, DVDs and other resources.
Free owl pellets, as available, for teachers or schools taking out a family-level membership ($35)
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.

We cannot come to pick animals up, but can often advise on safe transport if needed.

In all cases, it’s best to CALL US before touching or interfering with any type of wildlife.

We cannot help with domestic animals.

Do you accept volunteers?

Yes. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, supply current clearances, 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 only available during regular weekday business hours.

Where do you get your funding?

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