Upcoming Programs

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.

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.

March 25— “Who Lives in a Tree?”

April 15— “Bugs Don’t Bug Us”

May—No Meeting

June 17— “Frogs”

July22— “Going Hiking”

Nature Club--Monthly during school year

Sundays, 1:00-2:30 pm

Formerly known as “Ranger Rick”, 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.

March 17 April 21 May 19

Kids’ Week Day Camp

Monday through Friday, June 24-28

10:00 a.m. to Noon

Our summer day camp is full of outdoor activities, crafts, and games. Each day features a different nature theme, with topics to be announced.

The camp is open to children entering grades K through 6, but pre-registration is a must. There is a $45 fee per camper for the week, payable in advance. A limited number of spaces are available, so parents are encouraged to begin the registration process quickly to secure a spot. Call to register.

Jean Perry's Art Programs

10:00 am-Noon

Each session features personalized instruction in watercolor 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.

Saturday, April 20: Bluebirds

Bluebird populations have been given a boost by the birdhouse boxes now popular in many parks and backyards. Although they rarely sit still long enough for a true artist’s study. Reference photos supplied in this step-by-step class, along with information on attracting these colorful birds to your own backyard.

Wednesday, June 12: Bobcats

It’s hard to “capture” this elusive predator—unless it’s on paper! Come create watercolor or colored pencil inspired by what is now Pennsylvania’s only native feline. Reference photos and furs on hand to help you get shapes and colors just right.

Wednesday, July 17: Turtles

Who doesn’t love a turtle? And with so many species to choose from, every artist is bound to find one that inspires their own unique watercolor or colored pencil work. CCEEC’s box turtles, along with a collection of shells and reference photos will be on hand to help you capture a proper reptilian image.

Wednesday, August 21: Great Blue Herons

With their long legs, curved neck, and graceful stature, the great blue heron makes for ideal subject matter. Learn more about these birds as you work in watercolor or colored pencil. Reference photos and feathers on hand to help inspire.

Lectures, Hikes, & More

Bird Brains

Saturday, March 16, 10:00 am

During this fun program we will learn some interesting facts about backyard birds, play a few games to understand how birds raise their families, and even get to meet one of the owls that resides here at the center.

Pennsylvania Invasive Plants

Saturday, April 6, 10:00 am

Join Volunteer Naturalist Mike Gogal on a virtual tour of some of the most damaging invasive plants in our area. Learn to identify and how to best remove each species on your own property, and find out why it’s important to battle these botanical invaders.

After the lecture, participants will take to the trails near the EEC for some hands-on experience, removing invasives and benefiting surrounding habitats.

Work gloves and pruners supplied or bring your own. Light refreshments afterwards. Raindate is Sunday, April 7 at 1:00 pm.

Is It Spring Yet?

Saturday, April 13, 10:00 am

Walk along the trails in search of spring with a scavenger hunt list in hand! After the hunt, we will complete two activities that will help sharpen our observation skills for looking and listening.

Tick Talk

Wednesday April 17, 6:00 pm

They’re out there! Ticks can be a problem for you, your children, and your pets. Find out how to identify the most common species, learn which diseases each may carry, and how much of a danger they really are to those who enjoy time outdoors.

Nicole Chinnici, Director of the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute of East Stroudsburg University presents this free program.

Plant Swap

Saturday, May 18, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

The annual and informal gathering of gardeners and other plant enthusiasts. Join in the fun even if you have nothing to share. Take home something for free, and bring something for others if you can. Houseplants and seeds are welcome too, but for outdoor plants, native species are preferred. Please, no invasives.

Help! There’s a Raccoon in My Trash

Wednesday, May 29, 6:00 p.m. Virtual (Zoom) Program

Raccoons, skunks, bears and opossums are just a few of the animals that can end up on the “nuisance” list, especially on trash night.

At this virtual program, come learn what draws certain animals to our garbage bins, so better to outsmart these nighttime marauders.

The program is free of charge for members and non-members alike, but registration is required. Please register by clicking on the following link: Zoom registration.

Spring Plant Hike

Saturday, June 1, 1:00 pm

Volunteer Michael Blacketter leads this springtime trek in search of mosses and ferns. Join him to discover and identify several species of these often-overlooked forest plants. Enjoy an easy walk at the perfect time of year to enjoy 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 is June 8.

Going Native

Saturday, June 8, 11:00 am to Noon

Join native garden geek Katie Fisk as she shares her story of turning a tangled mess of a backyard into a native plant oasis. Despite bumps along the way, her suburban garden now supports dozens of native wildlife species.

Katie joins us from Briar Bush Nature Center where she works as an educator and curator. No matter where you live or how much space you have, she can help you to begin your own native gardening journey. The program is free for CCEEC members, and a $5 donation is requested of non-members.

Teacher Workshop: Growing up Wild

Saturday, June 22, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

This early childhood curriculum builds on a child’s sense of wonder and invites them to explore the world outside. Through a range of activities and experiences, teachers learn skills for developing positive impressions about the natural world and lifelong social and academic skills.

All registered participants receive the activity guide, Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children, designed for educators of children ages 3-7. Light refreshments will be available, though participants are encouraged to bring a light lunch. A $20 fee covers all costs.

Acrylic Pour Art

Saturday, July 13, 3:00 pm

Acrylic pouring is an easy way to create stunning works of art. This technique is a very forgiving art Since finished pieces have random and unpredictable patterns the technique is very forgiving, and perfect for everyone from beginner to experienced artist. Space is limited so registration is a must. All materials are supplied for a $30 fee. Ages 16 and up only.

Yoga With Lori

Saturdays, 10:00 am

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 and appropriately for outdoors.

The program is offered free of charge for EEC members. A $5 donation per person is requested of non-members. Register by phone.

May 25 June 22 July 27 August 24

Special Summer Events

Rattlesnake Run 5k

Saturday, June 15, 8:00 am

This annual run/walk returns to Lehigh Gorge State Park for its 13th year. Open to anyone looking to complete one mile or 5k at any pace, the race is one of CCEEC’s largest fundraisers.

T-shirts guaranteed to early registrants, and plenty of awards across several age categories

Those interested also have the option to stop in and register in person at CCEEC.

Rafting Trek

Sunday, June 30, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

This fundraiser is made possible through the generosity of Whitewater Rafting Adventures, Nesquehoning. Participants aged 5 and up enjoy the summer float section of the Lehigh River at a discounted rate, with CCEEC members getting an additional percentage off.

Only pre-paid registrations are accepted. No walk-in registrations will be taken on the day of the trip.

Cost is $40 for CCEEC members and their households, $45 for non-members. Call for registration info.

Conservation Camp

Monday through Friday, August 5-9

This weeklong event takes place at Hickory Run State Park, allowing children ages 8 through 12 the opportunity to connect with nature through hands-on activities.

Campers enjoy hikes, crafts, games, campfires, even a rafting trip down the Lehigh River! Plenty of fun, fresh air, and good food keep kids from missing their electronic devices—tablets, laptops, and video games are prohibited.

Camp is strictly limited to 25 children. Community sponsors help cover the costs, allowing CCEEC to keep registration fees low. Registration begins in May.