Details

Written by Super User

Category: Resources

Published: 16 August 2012

“For a sustainable future, we have to understand that the structure and design of our planet require that we operate within natural ‘laws’ and principles, rather than attempt to overcome them.  We have to see that ‘it’s all connected’, and that systems thinking requires us to think about our choices and actions over time.  We need to understand that the pursuit of self-interest is best served through the development of mutually beneficial relationships.  And we have to believe we are all responsible, and that intergenerational leadership and collective action are required.  Everything we do and everything we don’t do makes a difference."

Jamie Cloud
The Cloud Institute

 

---

 

  

"PEEC’s campus is the ultimate example of adaptive and innovative reuse. The Center has its origins as an old Poconos honeymoon resort that was seized under eminent domain, as part of the ill-fated Delaware River Tocks Island Dam Project. In 1972 PEEC’s cabins and public buildings were repurposed as a residential environmental education center. Subsequent replacement and refurbishment of buildings has created a campus that combines the environmental best practices of the new and the creative reimagining of the old."

PEEC Executive Director Jeff Rosalsky
Commentary: The Pocono Environmental Education Center -- Engaging Young Scientists, Sustainability in Action
Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, December 2013

PEEC's Dining Hall / Visitor Activity Center - Sustainable Design Features

Sustainable Steps You Can Take at Home

Details

Written by Super User

Category: Resources

Published: 16 August 2012

PEEC Gardens -- With a grant from Constellation Energy, PEEC is in the process of updating our gardens and transitioning the front flower beds into native gardens.  

PEEC Bird List — A comprehensive list of different birds you may see in and around PEEC and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Bird Checklist

The following checklist is designed to serve as an aid in keeping a tally of different avian species observed within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA). The DWGNRA and the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) encourage you to observe the birds. The Recreation Area offers many options for birding and we hope that you will take part and enjoy what is out there. Located within the Kittatinny Mountains, this area is home to numerous migrants, from our majestic Bald Eagles to the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Spring is a pleasant time to enjoy the massive northern migration of songbirds, with the potential of seeing 20+ species of warbler. Summer is alive with many neo-tropical migrants establishing nests and displaying vibrant colors, from the passionate red of a Scarlet Tanager to the captivating blue of the Indigo Bunting. Fall migration kicks off in August with thousands of migrating raptors flying south for the winter. Winter may be harsh, but the area provides a great chance to see some winter finches which during some years, will only migrate as far south as Northern Pennsylvania.

Birding seasons are broken down into:

The following letters found on the list refer to the likelihood of finding the species in its correct habitat during that season. For information on proper habitat, consult a field guide.

For some productive birding spots, visit the following locations within the park:

• Freeman Tract Road
• Raymondskill's Falls
• Zimmerman's Farm
• Eshback's Landing
• Pocono Environmental Education Center
• Milford Beach
• Park Service Headquarters
• Smithfield Beach

* - Denotes a known breeder in the DWGNRA within the previous five years of 2008

Blank species indicate insufficient data.

Details

Written by Super User

Category: Resources

Published: 16 August 2012

PEEC offers six trails that vary in distance and difficulty. All trails are loops that begin and end on the PEEC Campus. 

Hiking Trails are Open Daily Year-Round -- Dawn to Dusk 

Trail Maps are available outside the main building to the right of the front door or download the Trail Map PDF.

For your own safety and enjoyment, please follow these guidelines: 

• Motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited on PEEC trails.
• Remain on the marked trails.
• Do not drink water from ponds and streams.
• Dogs on the trails must be leashed at all times.
• Check-in with our staff for information & recommendations.
• Remember: Take only pictures & leave only footprints! 

      National Park Service Leave No Trace video

WINTER HIKERS (November -- February):  Please be mindful of weather conditions and daylight hours before heading out; we recommend you begin your walk by 2:00 pm.

 Fossil Trail - Blue Blazed

• 1.03 miles  / 1 hour -- Moderate Difficulty Level
• Pass a wetland area and descend into a beautiful, mature hardwood ravine. After crossing a small stream, the trail climbs back up the ravine.  Watch for the fossil outcrop sign.
• Please leave the fossils for others to admire.

Fossil Trail Guide PDF

Ridgeline Trail - Yellow Blazed 

• 3.63 miles / 3 hours -- Moderate Difficulty Level
• Walk through expansive oak-hickory forests, shady hemlock ravines, and wetland areas.
• Steep and rocky terrain; where the trail courses over a rock ledge, additional care should be taken -- Recommended for experienced hikers

Ridgeline Trail Guide PDF

Scenic Gorge Trail - Red Blazed 

• 1.5 miles / 1 hour -- Moderate / Easy Difficulty Level
• Experience an open hardwood forest ecosystem & a dark, cool hemlock canopy along Spackman's Creek.

Scenic Gorge Trail Guide PDF 

Tumbling Waters Trail - Orange Blazed

• 3.01 mils / 2 hours - Moderate Difficulty Level
• Enjoy the beautiful overlook of the Delaware Valley & the Kittatinny Mountains in New Jersey, then take a series of switchbacks down to the waterfalls.  Climb back up the switchbacks to continue on the main trail, which quickly ascends Killer Hill.

Tumbling Waters Trail Guide PDF

Two Ponds Trail - White Blazed 

• 1.4 miles / 1 hour - Easy Difficulty Level
• View towering pine plantations and two scenic pond environments. 
• Watch for various birds and wildlife along this trail.

Two Ponds Trail Guide PDF

Trail For Everyone - Purple Blazed 

• 0.2 miles / 20 minutes -- Easy Difficulty Level
• PEEC's most leisurely and flattest trail with numerous benches and interactive activities -- stroller-friendly

Trail for Everyone Trail Guide PDF

Sensory Awareness Trail

• A rope guides blindfolded users, focusing on other senses, around a short loop trail.
• The Sensory Awareness Trail is located just past the entrance to the Tumbling Waters / Fossil Trails.

Biodiversity at PEEC

The enjoyment and study of nature and natural systems is a focal point at PEEC.  Our proximity to 200,000 acres of public lands, including the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, numerous state parks, forests, and game lands offers a world of opportunities for our guests to explore.