Public Programs

Upcoming Programs

Most programs offered in-person with LIMITED ATTENDANCE. Some include a virtual option. See program descriptions for details. Additional information on CCEEC's facebook page.

In-person registration taken by phone only. CALL (570) 645-8597

Click on the links to register for virtual Zoom sessions.

Creepy Crawlers

Mondays, 10:00 to 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. Note there is no meeting in August.

June 28: Frogs!

July 26: Nature’s Alphabet

September 20: Fantastic Fall Fun

Summer Hike

Saturday, June 12, 10:00 a.m.

Join Naturalist Jeannie Carl to explore the trails around CCEEC. Summer is a busy time of year for wildlife, so signs such as scat and tracks abound!

The hike is along easy walking trails and is offered free of charge to all ages. Appropriate footwear, such as shoes that can get muddy or wet, is encouraged. Participants are also invited to bring binoculars and field guides, or to borrow them from CCEEC for the morning.

Attendance may be limited. Call to register and ensure your ability to attend.

Yoga with Lori

Saturday, June 12, 11:00 a.m.

CCEEC volunteer and yoga instructor Lori Wolf offers gentle flow yoga appropriate for everyone. Gentle stretching, breathing and imagery will bring awareness inward. Held outdoors in the perfect setting to connect with the natural world.

The program is offered in-person and virtually via Zoom and Facebook live.

There is a $5 per-person fee to attend in-person and in-person attendance is limited. Call to register and ensure your ability to attend.

Virtual attendance is free and open to all. Register for virtual session here.

Pennsylvania Bears

Wednesday, July 7, 6:00 p.m.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Information and Education Supervisor William Williams offers this educational program on one of our area’s most familiar, yet frequently misunderstood mammals—the black bear.

Williams will discuss bear history in Pennsylvania and highlight biology including diet, hibernation, and reproductive behavior. He’ll explain how his agency monitors and manages bears throughout the Commonwealth.

The program is offered in-person and virtually via Zoom or Facebook live. It is free and open to all, but in-person attendance is limited. Call to register and ensure space availability if you wish to join in-person.

What Bugs You?

Saturday, July 24, 10:00 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to join Naturalist Jeannie Carl on a hunt for insect mini-beasts! Learn why most bugs won’t really bug us and take home an insect-hunting kit to enjoy bug explorations of your own.

A $5 per child or per family donation is requested for this in-person program. Attendance may be limited. Call to register and ensure your ability to attend.

Yoga with Lori

Saturday, July 31, 11:00 a.m.

The program is offered in-person and virtually via Zoom and Facebook live.

There is a $5 per-person fee to attend in-person and in-person attendance is limited. Call to register and ensure your ability to attend.

Virtual attendance is free and open to all. Register for virtual session here.

The “No Camping” Camp

Tuesday, August 3, Noon to 8:00 p.m.

RAINDATE: Thursday, August 5

CCEEC’s solution to another year of cancelled Conservation Camp. We’re taking all the best experiences of a week-long camping experience and rolling them into a single day!

Children will enjoy lunch and snacks in between hikes, crafts, and sports. The day ends with a campfire cookout, complete with ghost stories and s’mores.

The camp is open to children ages 8-12 and cost is $100 per child. Attendance is strictly limited to the first 20 registered, pre-paid participants.

An Animal Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, August 28, 10:00 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to join Naturalist Jeannie Carl on an animal exploration. Participants will sharpen their observation skills and have fun searching for clues as to what kinds of animals share our space.

A $5 per child or per family donation is requested for this in-person program. Attendance may be limited. Call to register and ensure your ability to attend.

Rabies: History of a Vaccine

Wednesday, September 15, 6:00 p.m.

This program is co-hosted by CCEEC’s Susan Gallagher and retired PSU Biology Professor Dr. Carl Frankel. Gallagher will explain how CCEEC staff protects themselves from disease while working with wildlife and will highlight the remarkable story of Louis Pasteur’s development of the first rabies vaccine.

Frankel, who lectured on human disease while at Penn State, will offer insight into how the vaccine works, and how it differs from today’s “mRNA” COVID vaccines.

Adventure Challenge

Saturday, September 18, 9:00 a.m.

Think you have what it takes to navigate CCEEC trails while competing in a series of fun challenges? Some will take brains, some will take skill, and all are designed to challenge your abilities as a team player!

Open to teams of three only, with at least one member age 18 or older. Participants will be given minimal instructions and a list of outdoor tasks such as quick scavenger hunts, balancing acts, and true tests of team spirit, each worth reward points. Prizes for the top three teams, and fun for everyone!

Registration and payment of $25 per team required by September 4.

A History of Wildlife Conservation

Wednesday, September 22, 6:00 p.m.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Information and Education Supervisor William Williams offers insight into how habitat loss, the absence of game laws, and market hunting led to the demise of many wildlife species.

Williams will discuss how the establishment of Pennsylvania’s Game Commission, with help from other agencies and individuals, aided in recovery efforts.

Click here to register for virtual session.

Art Classes with Jean Perry

Artist Jean Perry joins us this summer for three nature-themed art classes. Her programs have become popular with our friends and members, and space is limited. So call early to register if interested in one or more of the following:

“Birds’ Nests”

Thursday, June 17, 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Who hasn’t spotted a nest fastened cozily to branches overhead, tucked away to ensure the safety of a little bird family? In this watercolor workshop, several birds’ nests will be observed and discussed, followed by a creative sketching and painting class.

In-person only. All materials and instruction provided for a $20 fee.

“Hummingbirds”

Wednesday, July 14, 10:00 a.m. to Noon

With summer comes that delightful visitor to backyard feeders—the hummingbird. The iridescent colors and ruby throat of the male make him easy to spot. Females and immatures lack the ruby throat but are just as cute.

Humming all the way, participants will enjoy this watercolor session with use of reference photos and magazine pictures.

In-person only. All materials and instruction provided for a $20 fee.

“Field Thistle”

Wednesday, August 11, 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Field thistle boasts a single purple bloom at the end of its branches and small, narrow leaves with spiny teeth. Its seeds are an edible delight for the goldfinch, and its colors an inspiration for the artist.

Participants are invited to study the plant’s textures and composition in this watercolor session.

In-person only. All materials and instruction provided for a $20 fee.

Carbon County

Environmental Education Center