Carbon County
Environmental Education Center
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.
Bird Box Sale
Today through March 4
Now is the time to get boxes installed for most species of cavity nesting birds. Assembled boxes and/or kits are available for purchase through early March, or later if the inventory lasts. Boxes are suitable for bluebirds, wrens, tree swallows and other small birds.
Assembled boxes, $20/$25 or kits $15/$20 for CCEEC members/non-members.
A limited number of assembled, screech owl/American kestrel boxes are available, pre-order only, for $40.
Monthly Children's Programs
Creepy Crawlers
Mondays, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
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.
February 27— “Critter Covers” June 26— “Let’s Stamp!”
March 20— “Reptiles” July 24— “Rock and Roll”
April 24— “Spring Fling” August—No Meeting
May—No Meeting
Nature Club
Sundays, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
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.
February 19 March 19 April 16 May 21
Public Programs
“Fly, Eagles Fly!”
Friday, February 10, 6:00 p.m.
Come hear the story of Rennie, CCEEC’s resident bald eagle. Learn about the hazards wild eagles face and how you can help them. Discover the history of the bald eagle as our national bird and its special connection to the City of Brotherly Love.
Come dressed in your Eagles’ gear to meet CCEEC mascot “Ace”, an unofficial relative of NFL mascot “Swoop”. Enjoy some super-bowl snacks, sing the Eagles’ fight song, and send some good vibes to the home team.
The program is free of charge, but members who have not renewed for the year are encouraged to do so on this day. Donations from non-members appreciated. No registration needed.
Science Sleuths
Saturday, February 18, 10:00 a.m.
Join CCEEC Naturalist Jeannie Carl for some fun scientific detective work. Use the scientific method to make some predictions, collect clues, and solve some of nature's riddles.
The program is free for EEC members, and a $5 donation is requested of non-members. All ages welcome. Snow date is February 25. Register by phone.
Art Class with Jean Perry: Rocky Raccoon
Saturday, March 11, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
A cute mammal who enjoys a night out raiding trash, the raccoon is common in woods and towns. With a grizzled brown coat and black mask, he’s the perfect subject for one of Jean Perry’s popular art classes.
All materials for an acrylic on canvas painting will be supplied, along with reference photos and samples of raccoon fur. Participants are invited to bring their own photos as well.
Cost is $20 per person, and space is limited. Register by phone.
Animal Signs
Saturday, March 18, 10:00 a.m.
Naturalist Jeannie Carl leads participants on an easy walk in search of tracks, scat, and other signs of wildlife activity on EEC trails. Binoculars and field guides available on loan or bring your own. Sturdy, waterproof footwear recommended. The program is offered free of charge for EEC members and non-members alike. Families welcome. Register by phone.
Help! There’s a Raccoon in My Trash
Thursday, March 30, 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, participants will learn what draws certain animals in 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, available through this Zoom link
Family Game Night
Friday, April 1, 6:00 p.m.
Remember the fun families used to have, gathered around a board game like Monopoly or Clue? Make those kinds of memories with children or grandchildren by joining in game night at CCEEC.
A variety of games with an environmental twist will be on hand, but participants are welcome to bring their own favorites, provided they are family friendly.
Light refreshments provided. The program is offered free of charge for EEC members. A $5 donation per person is requested of non-members. Seating is limited, so register early by phone.
Star Gazing: Looking for the Lyrids
Saturday, April 22, 8:30 p.m.
This year’s Earth Day includes a stellar event on Earth Night. Parents are invited to keep the kids up late for the annual Lyrid meteor shower. Dark skies could mean up to 15 meteors per hour, though some unpredictably exceptional years have brought nearly 100 per hour.
The program is led by Dr. Carl Frankel, retired PSU biology professor, and noted night sky enthusiast. Binoculars available on loan or bring your own. Dress warm! Hot cocoa and light refreshments provided.
The program is free for members, and a $5 donation per person is requested of non-members. Register by phone.
Spring Hike
Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m.
Naturalist Jeannie Carl leads participants on an easy walk in search of early spring flowers and other signs of seasonal change on EEC trails.
Binoculars and field guides available on loan or bring your own. Sturdy, waterproof footwear recommended.
The program is offered free of charge for EEC members and non-members alike. Families welcome. Register by phone.
Art Class with Jean Perry: The Kestrel
Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
This small and beautiful falcon is easily identified in flight by pointed wings and a long tail with black banded tip. Males and females sport differing colors: males with rufous back and blue-gray wings, females more camouflaged.
Seen on wires in towns and fields searching for food, the kestrel’s shrill call of “killy, killy, killy” spooks small animals into hiding!
All materials will be supplied for this watercolor on paper class, and a live model will assist.
Cost is $20 per person, and space is limited. Register by phone.
Plant Hike
Saturday, May 13, 1:00 p.m.
Volunteer Naturalist Michael Blacketter leads another of his popular plant walks. Participants will note native tree species beginning to green for the season, as well as mosses, ferns, and flowers.
Binoculars and field guides available on loan or bring your own. Sturdy, waterproof footwear recommended.
The program is offered free of charge for EEC members. A $5 donation per person is requested of non-members. Register by phone.
Plant Swap
Saturday, May 27, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Come with—or without—garden plants to share. This is a great opportunity for new and veteran gardeners alike to save money and to meet and talk with each other for planting tips and tricks.
No registration is required. Native plants are preferred but not required. Please note, no invasive species allowed.
Summer Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, June 10, 10:00 a.m.
Join Naturalist Jeannie Carl as she searches for signs of summer along EEC trails. June is a great time for baby bird fledglings, butterflies, and summer’s first wildflowers.
Binoculars and field guides available on loan or bring your own. Sturdy, waterproof footwear recommended.
The program is offered free of charge for EEC members and non-members alike. Families welcome. Register by phone.
Yoga With Lori
Saturday, June 10, 10:00 a.m.
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.
Kids’ Week
Monday through Friday, June 19-23
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 in order to secure a spot. Call to register.
Yoga With Lori
Saturday, July 15, 10:00 a.m.
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.
Resident Animal Round-Up
Saturday, July 29, 10:00 a.m.
Open to all those who’d like to learn more about the non-releasable, and other resident animals at CCEEC. Participants will meet hawks and owls, snakes and turtles, and hear the stories of how each ended up as an “animal ambassador”.
The program is offered free of charge for EEC members and non-members alike. Families welcome. Register by phone.
Special Summer Events
Wild Wednesdays
At Mauch Chunk Lake, 10:00 a.m.
There’s always something wild going on at the lake in summer. CCEEC brings crafts, nature activities, and live animals to the beach pavilion once each week.
Swimmers, campers, and other visitors to the park are invited to these free, informal programs. No registration required. Dates to be announced.
Rattlesnake Run 5k
Saturday, June 17, 8:00 a.m.
This annual run/walk returns to Lehigh Gorge State Park for its twelfth 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
Online registration will be announced soon. Those interested also have the option to stop in and register in person at CCEEC.
Rafting Trek
Sunday, July 16
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.
Registration details and cost information to follow soon, but only pre-paid registrations are accepted. No walk-in registrations will be taken on the day of the trip.
Conservation Camp
Monday through Friday, August 7-11
This weeklong event takes place at Hickory Run State Park, allowing children ages 8 through 11 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.
Call for more information or to begin the registration process.