The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is located within the 77,000 acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and is the education partner of the National Park Service in this area.
Pre-registration is requested until otherwise noted.
Breeding Birds of the DWG
Saturday, June 3, 7:00am-4:00pm
$20/person
Enjoy a day trip around the Delaware Water Gap searching for and learning more about the breeding species of birds in our area. Please bring binoculars and a lunch. Pre-registration required.
Bridge the Gap: National Trails Day
Saturday, June 3, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Free
Take part in a national effort to introduce more people to the great outdoors. One of our knowledgeable staff will guide and teach about our forests. We never know what exactly we’ll find out there, so don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions along the way. *Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation.*
Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk
Saturday, June 10, 10:00am-12:00pm
$5/person
Nature provides food & natural remedies for us in the form of many plants. Join us on a hike focused on wild edible & medicinal plants. No collecting will be done in the Park. Please call to register.
Bridge the Gap: River Paddle
Saturday, June 10, 9:00am-3:00pm
$10/person
Join us for a paddle down the Delaware! Bring a lunch, a water bottle, and don’t forget to dress for the weather. We will provide extra water and snacks. Choose between a canoe or kayak. Preregistration is required and begins at 8:30am on May 11. *Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation.*
Bridge the Gap: Fishing for Beginners
Saturday, June 11, 9:00am-12:00pm
Free
There are plenty of fish waiting to be caught in our ponds! Spend the morning learning some of the basics for fishing with a rod and reel and see how many you can get. Strictly catch and release! Call ahead to reserve your spot. Participants over 16 must have a valid fishing license. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Please call to register. This project received funds through the R3 Education Grant Program, administered by the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Frog Frolic
Sunday, June 11, 1:00pm-3:00pm
$5
Spend the afternoon with us at our ponds and streams! Learn about some of our frog friends as we gently catch and release these hopping amphibians. Wear boots and plan on getting wet and muddy. Please call to register.
Geology Hike
Saturday, June 17, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Free for PEEC Members / $5 for Non-PEEC members
Take a hike on the Fossil Trail with Paul Kovalski, aka Dr. Dinosaur, as we discuss the geology of our area and what makes our park unique. Please call to register.
Hiking & Camping Workshop Weekend
Saturday, June 17 & Sunday, June 18
Free
Interested in getting outdoors and hiking, backpacking or car camping with the family? Join us for a weekend of workshops led by experienced leaders from the Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter (See Agenda below). No need to commit to an entire weekend or even a day, as each session can be attended a la carte. Feel free to bring your gear and questions and take the opportunity to talk to many of our AMC leaders that will be floating around our venue.
Pre-registration is required! Please call (570) 828-2319 to register.
Hiking Essentials & SafetySaturday, 9:00am-12:00pm
For those that want to get out and hike for the first time or sharpen their hiking skills. Learn about gear, trip planning, map & compass basics, Leave No Trace, identifying and minimizing hazards and what to do if something goes wrong. This program is designed for those wanting to feel more comfortable hiking anywhere, from nearby local parks to more remote wilderness areas.
What’s in Your First Aid Kit?
Saturday, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Everyone knows you should bring some first aid essentials, but you don’t need a 2lb kit. Learn what is critical to have and how to improvise with other items in your pack. Just as important is knowing what to do and how to use it. It’s not a question of “If,” it’s a question of “When”.
Our Trails Don’t Maintain Themselves
Saturday, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Ever wonder how trails get built and maintained? Did you know that most are done by volunteers. Learn about basic trail maintenance, tools, and trail building techniques. Our trails always need help from volunteers, the next volunteer might be you!
Take the Family Camping
Saturday, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Round up your family, friends, kids and pets; pack the car and get outdoors. And don’t forget the S’mores! Learn how to plan your trip, about required and optional gear, and important safety considerations, and Leave No Trace. Also explore ways to make camping “FUN” for all ages and interests.
Essentials of Backpacking
Sunday, 9:00am-2:00pm
For those that want to explore the backcountry and sleep under the stars. Topics will include gear selection and demo, trip planning, the wilderness 10 essentials, backpack fitting/sizing, menu planning/nutrition, campsite selection, trail safety, Leave No Trace and more.
Nature at Night
Sunday, June 18, 8:00pm-9:30pm
$5/person
A pleasant summer evening is the perfect time to head outside. Take a walk in the woods to listen for owls, look at stars, and enjoy the music of the night. Enjoy fun activities that test your night vision. We recommend you bring a flashlight! Please call to register.
Bridge the Gap: Pond Paddle
Saturday, June 24, 10:00am-12:00pm
Free
Join us for a paddle around our ponds! Beginners are welcome – we teach you everything you need to know! Dress appropriately – you may get wet. Call in advance to reserve a boat. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation.
Bug Exploration
Saturday, June 24, 1:00pm-3:00pm
$5/person
Bugs are everywhere! Come join us as we go exploring to find as many as possible. Don’t worry, they won’t bite or sting you. Please call to register.
Bridge the Gap: Fishing for Beginners
Sunday, June 25, 9:00am-12:00pm
Free
There are plenty of fish waiting to be caught in our ponds! Spend the morning learning some of the basics for fishing with a rod and reel and see how many you can get. Strictly catch and release! Call ahead to reserve your spot. Participants over 16 must have a valid fishing license. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Please call to register. This project received funds through the R3 Education Grant Program, administered by the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Frogs, Salamanders, & More!
Sunday, June 25, 1:00pm-3:00pm
$5/person
Spend the afternoon with us at our ponds and streams! Learn about some of our frog friends as we gently catch and release these hopping amphibians. Wear boots and plan on getting wet and muddy. Please call to register.
For details on these and other PEEC events, please contact:
Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC)
538 Emery Road
Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
p. 570-828-2319
w. www.peec.org
e. peec@peec.org
Photo: Josh Hild