Education and Outreach
The Environmental Education & Outreach Coordinator provides education opportunities to all ages including youth, schools, libraries, municipalities, and adults in the general public. Throughout the school year, hands-on lessons are provided to students on different subject areas that tie into state curriculum. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, virtual lessons have been carried out successfully through zoom meetings, while still being able to engage students with a hands-on activity that relates to the subject.
The LCCD partners with Lehigh County, municipalities, and local organizations to obtain grant funding to carry out environmental education workshops and “green” projects for Lehigh County residents. For partnership opportunities, please contact Laura Hopek at LHopek@LehighConservation.org
ENVIROTHON
A High School and Middle School Environmental Education competition testing students’ skills in Aquatics, Forestry, Wildlife, Soils, and Current Environmental Issues.
2026 BUCKETS FULL OF NATURE PROGRAM
Designed to peak a child’s curiosity for nature, science and exploration.
2026 poster contest
“Home is where the Habitat is”
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Activities for students, compiled by The DCNR.
Envirothon
The Envirothon is a FREE, hands-on outdoor competition that challenges middle and high school students to explore real-world environmental concepts and apply what they’ve learned. Students compete in teams of five, guided by an advisor, and participate in five core ecology areas: Aquatics, Forestry, Wildlife, Soil & Land Use, and a Current Issue topic. The 2026 topic is “Non-Point Source Pollution: It Begins at Home.”
Volunteers and sponsors are essential to the success of this annual event. If you’re interested in volunteering for one or both days, or becoming a sponsor, please contact Laura Hopek, Environmental Education & Outreach Coordinator, at LHopek@LehighConservation.org
All volunteers, students, and advisors receive a complimentary event t-shirt, light breakfast, and hot lunch on their day of participation. Sponsors are recognized according to their sponsorship level in event publications, on social media, and on the event t-shirt.
The 2026 High School Envirothon will be held on Wednesday, April 29, and the Middle School Envirothon will take place on Friday, May 1. Both events will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Covered Bridge Park in South Whitehall Township.
Get your feet wet in the Joran Creek, take a tour through The WoodMobile, and get up close to live animals from conservation professionals including the City of Allentown staff, Wildlands Conservancy, DCNR Bureau of Forestry, PA Game Commission, and PA Fish & Boat Commission.
All students attending public, private, parochial, and home schools in Lehigh County are invited! See registration and sponsor forms to the right.
For more information about the 2026 event, please contact Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator, Laura Hopek at LHopek@LehighConservation.org
Useful Links
Announcements
Events
There are no upcoming events at this time
Buckets Full of Nature program peak a child’s curiosity for nature, science and exploration. Bring your budding conservationist to one of our partnering Libraries (Allentown Public Library, Emmaus Public Library, Whitehall Township Public Library, Parkland Community Library, and Southern Lehigh Public Library) for one of these nature-themed learning experiences that combine reading, art, experimentation, and hands-on activities designed to immerse your child in learning and fun!
These Preschool and Elementary Programs are available FREE of charge at participating Libraries.
Please contact your host library to register for Buckets Full of Nature progam.
2026 POSTER CONTEST
The Lehigh County Conservation District hosts an annual nature-themed poster contest in partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts. The 2026 theme, “SOIL: WHERE IT ALL BEGINS,” invites students to explore the importance of soil through creative expression. This nationwide outreach initiative gives students the opportunity to have their artwork showcased as part of a broader conservation effort.
Winning posters are chosen by the District’s staff and Board, with first-place prizes awarded in each age division. First-place winners from each grade category move on to the state competition, and state winners advance to the national level.
All poster entries must be submitted to Laura Hopek at the Lehigh County Conservation District, 4184 Dorney Park Road, Suite 105, Allentown, PA 18104, or emailed to LHopek@LehighConservation.org by May 1, 2026.
We encourage your school to take part in the 2026 Poster Contest and look forward to celebrating your students’ creativity.
For additional details, please contact Laura Hopek at LHopek@LehighConservation.org
Educational Resources
Activities for Students
Encourage your students to explore their own backyard as a classroom- Ideas from Project Learning Tree (PLT)
Take a walk in your local park! Ask you students to check out their local state or community park and use it as a learning space. Here are activities from Project Learning Tree (PLT) to make it more meaningful.
Go for a hike! Introduce your kids to their local PA State Park. They can find their local PA Stat Park here.
Try bird watching! Have your students record backyard birds (through April) with Project FeederWatch
Free! Environmental Education activities from Project Learning Tree (PLT)!
Are your students able to start a garden or plant seeds in a pot? Even one seed pack can lead to tons of learning investigations. Learn more here (includes lesson plans).
Encourage your students to work with their family to make their home greener (from PLT)
Learn outside! Utilize these amazing, printable nature activity and information sheets from the NY Department of Environmental Conservation
Have you tried Yogarate yet? It is the brainchild of Ron Shuali, M,Ed. that combines yoga, karate, Reiki, and other martial arts to improve health, behavior management, and relaxation. Ron is offering 25 different Yogarate videos for free to engage and educate your students (from YouTube).
Workshops And Resource Lists For Teachers And Adults
Adult EE Webinars Posted by Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators.
View Webinars
Reach Out To LCCD Northeast Region Director of Pennsylvania Association Of Environmental Educators (PAEE)
Lehigh County Conservation District is honored to serve as the Northeast Regional director for PAEE. Become a member of PAEE today and receive advice about programming, education resources, the ability to advertise a professional development opportunity, or information about education, ecology or grant opportunities. This membership connects you with the diverse network of environmental educators in your region and throughout Pennsylvania.
For more information, please visit the PAEE website.
