​Carbon County
Environmental Education Center
Upcoming Programs
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Space is often limited. Advanced registration is required.
Please register by phone only (no email or facebook) at (570) 645-8597.
Leave a message with your name and phone number if you get the machine.
Additional information can be found on CCEEC's facebook page.
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Children's Programs
Creepy Crawlers--Monthly
Mondays, 10:00-11:30 am
Open to all 2, 3 and 4-year-olds, each session focuses on some aspect of the natural world. Children participate in age-appropriate games, crafts, stories and other activities. Programs are free for members, and a $5 per-child donation is requested of non-members. Register by phone.
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September 30—"Fall Fun” October 28—“Dem Bones”
November 18— “Spiders” December 16— “Crafts”
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Nature Club--Monthly during school year
Sundays, 1:00-2:30 pm*
The Nature Club is open to all students in grades K through 6. Each meeting begins in an official session where children will discuss and vote on club business. The afternoon concludes with hikes, games, or other nature-oriented activities.
Programs are free for members, and a $5 per-child donation is requested of non-members. Register by phone. All topics to be announced.
September 22
October 20
November 15*
December 15
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* NOTE: Friday, November 15 at 6:00 pm is a special evening meeting, celebrating the super moon. Nature Club invites everyone to join for a memorable “black light” night hike/moon walk with skywatcher Dr. Carl Frankel.
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Yarn Tuesdays
October 22 Through December 10, 6:00-7:30 pm
Knitters and crocheters of every skill level are welcome, with a special invitation to beginners. Participants may bring their own materials or use the yarn, needles, and hooks provided. Attend one, several, or all sessions for a single $15 donation. Light refreshments provided.
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Jean Perry's Art Programs
10:00 am-Noon
Each session features personalized instruction in watercolor, acrylics, or colored pencil. Participants are invited to bring their own supplies or use those provided. A $20 fee per person covers the cost of all needed materials.
Space is limited and registration is required for each session. Ages 16 and up.
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September 28—Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a frequent subject for artists of all kinds, and for good reason. The iconic flowers embody the color, warmth, and abundance of the early fall season. Come be inspired by a variety of interpretations of sunflowers in bloom and create your own.
October 19—Squirrels
Reference photos and taxidermy displays help participants capture the spirit of this bold backyard visitor on paper. With nearby birdfeeders well-stocked for the season, several of the rodents could serve as live models from outside CCEEC windows, too.
November 9—Turkeys & Pheasants
There really is no better time of year to think about turkeys. Though the colorful and iridescent wild bird of Penn’s Woods is nothing like that storebought butterball. Bring the bird “back to life” on paper or choose the equally colorful pheasant as your subject. Feathers and reference photos provided.
December 7—White-tailed Deer
We’re all familiar with this, one of Pennsylvania’s largest mammals, and a frequent visitor to many backyards. But re-examining an animal with an artist’s eye always brings depth and renewed appreciation. Come prepared to see white-tailed deer in a new way that sparks your creativity.
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Lectures, Hikes, & More
Photographers’ “Raptor Shoot”
Saturday, September 21, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
This is a unique opportunity for those photographers in search of the perfect shot. CCEEC resident non-releasable raptors will be on hand throughout the day, available for photography without screens, wires, or other caging to interfere. Species include bald and golden eagles, along with hawks and owls.
Open to ages 16 and up, for a $50 per-person fee. Limited space is available and pre-paid registration is required. Rain date is October 5.
Yoga With Lori
Sunday, September 22, 1:00 pm
CCEEC volunteer and yoga instructor Lori Wolf offers gentle flow yoga appropriate for all levels of interest and ability. Gentle stretching, breathing and imagery will bring awareness inward. Held outdoors in the perfect setting to connect with the natural world.
Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat if possible, and to dress comfortably for outdoors.
The program is offered free for EEC members. A $5 donation per person is requested of non-members. Register by phone.
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Jazz Night “For the Birds”
Friday, October 11
Café Arielle on Broadway, Jim Thorpe
A very special night brought to you by Café Arielle and the Stabin Museum of Jim Thorpe. The event combines a relaxing evening of jazz with an appearance by Carl Safina, ecologist, musician, and Professor for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University In New York.
Safina is a MacArthur award-winning writer who speaks to the importance of connecting with the natural world—a lesson he learned first-hand courtesy of an orphaned owl.
Live owls will be on hand to complement the evening, and all proceeds benefit CCEEC. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for details.
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Creating Backyard Wildlife Habitats
Saturday, October 12, 10:00 am
The ideal habitat offers wild animals everything they need to survive. Native gardening guru Katie Fisk returns to CCEEC with a talk on how to meet those needs for food, water, shelter, and space on any property. From bird feeding and brush piles, to bird baths and DIY ponds, learn how to turn your yard into a 5-star wildlife resort!
All ages welcome. The program is free for EEC members and a $5 donation is requested of non-members.
Plant Swap
Saturday, October 12, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Come with—or without—garden plants to share. This is a great opportunity for novice and veteran gardeners alike to save money and to meet for some gardening “shop talk”. No registration necessary.
Native plants encouraged but not required. Houseplants welcome too! No invasive species, please.
“Stick” with Me, Kid
Friday, October 18, 6:00 pm
What kid hasn’t bent down while in the woods to pick up the perfect hiking stick? Even adults are often drawn to downed branches as simple hiking aids.
Choosing the right one can make for a more enjoyable outdoor trek. As a bonus, a good hiking stick can serve a variety of other purposes.
Children of all ages are welcome at this free program. Bring a hiking stick if you have one or set off with Naturalist Franklin Klock to search during this fun exploration.
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Fall Foliage Hike
Saturday, October 19, 10:00 am
Volunteer Naturalist Michael Blacketter leads this annual trek to delight in the colors of fall. Join him to identify trees and other plants. Enjoy an easy walk at the perfect time of year to explore the natural world.
Field guides and binoculars available on loan or bring your own. This free event is open to all ages. The rain date/time is October 20 at 1:00 pm.
Trivia Night
Friday, November 8, 6:00-8:00 pm
A night of family fun, testing your nature knowledge with some fast-paced trivia! Join Naturalist Jeannie Carl, serving as host for the evening, as she quizzes participants on a variety of nature and science related topics. Prizes awarded to winning teams! The program is free and open to all ages, but pre-registration is required.
Making the Dead Come Alive:
Turning Your Classroom into a Natural History Museum
VIRTUAL TEACH WORKSHOP
Wednesday, November 20, 5:30-7:30 pm
Teachers, scout leaders, homeschool parents and other educators are invited to learn how to collect and prepare natural history items for use in education.
Co-presenters Susan Gallagher of CCEEC, and Carissa Longo of PA-DCNR, have presented similar workshops throughout Pennsylvania and the entire Mid-Atlantic region. They team up to help teachers bring skulls, skins, bones, and other items into the classroom in a safe and legal way.
A $15 donation per person is suggested. Space is limited. Email carbchief@ptd.net for sign-up information.
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Holiday Crafts
Wednesday, December 11, 6:00-8:00 pm
A variety of materials are supplied at this annual event, including natural items such as holly berries and evergreen boughs, with plenty to inspire creativity. Participants are encouraged to bring their own craft supplies to use or share, such as ribbon, candles, and small decorations.
Children are welcome to join in the fun with simple painting and stamping activities. A $5 per-adult donation is requested.
Soap Making
Saturday, December 14, 10:00 am
Learn the art of handmade soap through the “melt and pour” method, choosing your own oils, natural fragrances, and colors. Participants will leave the program with three to four bars to take home. All materials are supplied for a $25 fee. Adults only, please.
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