Located in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, the Pocono Environmental Education Center is dedicated to spreading environmental awareness and promoting sustainable living and nature appreciation through a variety of recreational and educational activities.
Located in the Pocono Plateau, which is within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Pocono Environmental Education Center was established in 1972 after the controversial Tocks Island Dam project was abandoned. The National Park Service and Keystone Junior College came together to create the Pocono Environmental Education Center, which would serve as an educational stopping point for people exploring the Delaware Water Gap.
Although the first year proved to be difficult for the Pocono Environmental Education Center, the Center persevered and quickly created new initiatives and began renovations. What used to be the honeymoon resort quickly became the perfect and ideal facility for the Pocono Environmental Education Center. Within one year of opening, approximately 1,800 people participated in at least one of the Center’s programs.
Although the Pocono Environmental Education Center spent their early years within a partnership with the Keystone Junior College, the Center incorporated as their own non-profit organization, which was also private, in 1986. With this change, the Center’s Board of Trustees went from only seven members to more than twenty. The number of staff also increased. In 1972, the Center only had four employees, but by the mid-1980s, the Center had around 24 employees. With a larger staff and Board of Trustees, as well as new initiatives and sole control, the annual visitors and participants exponentially increased.
In recent years, the Pocono Environmental Education Center has continued to expand its programs and facilities. During the early 2000s, the Center renovated their Dining Hall, as well as open the Visitor Activity Center and YURT village.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center has a variety of attractions that will intrigue everyone to learn more about the environment.
Main Education Building is the premier location for most of the Pocono Environmental Education Center’s activities, presentations, gatherings, and classes. The Main Education Building contains offices, classrooms, educational displays, and even a bookstore.
The Nature Lodge is the perfect location for smaller gatherings, as well as smaller sized classes and activities. Many private events take place at the Nature Lodge.
Outdoor Teaching / Meeting Venues are a series of pavilion and gazeboes, which serve as the perfect place for outdoor activities, gatherings, and classes.
For more information about the attractions at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, head over to the Center’s website. Since the Center is primarily used as a public park for exploration, recreational activities, and outdoor sports, majority of visitors spend their time exploring the natural outdoor elements of the Center, and head to one of the attractions to participate in a short class or presentation.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center offers a variety of hiking trails, which can be accessed all year long. It’s important to note that each trail varies in difficulty and potential hazards, so consider these factors, as well as the weather, prior to committing to exploring a trail.
Fossil Trail – Blue Blazed is a moderately difficult hiking trail that is approximately 1.03 miles long. Visitors can explore the hardwood ravine and various fossils located near the trail.
Ridgeline Trail – Yellow Blazed is a moderately difficult hiking trail that is approximately 3.63 miles long. This trail takes visitors around oak0hickory forests, wetlands, hilly terrain, and the shady hemlock ravines.
Scenic Gorge Trail – Red Blazed is a moderately easy hiking trail that is 1.5 miles long, and perfect for people who want to explore the hardwood forest and Spackman’s Creek.
Tumbling Waters Trail – Orange Blazed is a moderately difficult hiking trail that is 3.01 miles long and features gorgeous views of mountains in New Jersey, waterfalls, and forests.
Two Ponds Trail – White Blazed is an easy hiking trail that is approximately 1.4 miles long. This trail takes visitors through pine plantations and along scenic ponds. Visitors will also be able to see various wildlife, such as birds.
Trail For Everyone – Purple Blazed is an easy hiking trail that is approximately 0.3 miles long. While exploring this trail, visitors can take a break along one of the benches and resting spots to soak in the nature and wildlife around them.
Sensory Awareness Trail is a short looped trail that features a rope to guide guests. This trail features various sensory engaging posts, which are curated to intrigue everyone.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center offers a variety of educational opportunities, such as family, school, and scout programs, as well as summer camps and team building courses. For more information about the Center’s educational opportunities, visit the Center’s official website.
538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania 18328, Phone: 570-282-2319
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