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 municipalities, the Penn State Extension, and Lehigh County Authority to carry out Rain Barrel workshops throughout the year. Participants that register and attend an informational workshop on the importance of reducing stormwater and non-point source pollution are eligible to receive a free rain barrel. For upcoming workshops, 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.
2023 Summer Reading Program "Oceans of possibilities"
Designed to peak a child’s curiosity for nature, science and exploration.
PA Master Naturalist Program
The LCCD will be hosting the PA Master Naturalist Program for the 2023-2024 year.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Activities for students, compiled by The DCNR.
Envirothon
The Envirothon is a FREE, fun, outdoor event that challenges High School and Middle School students to learn practical concepts and application of environmental topics. Students work in teams of five with one team advisor to learn material in each of five ecology subjects: Aquatics, Forestry, Wildlife, Soil & Land Use, and Current Issue (the 2023 current issue was “Adapting to a Changing Climate).
This extra-curricular activity exposes students to a range of disciplines and potential career paths. Students develop study skills, practice effective teamwork, and learn natural resource management and ecology. The overall winning team of the county competition moves on to the state level to compete for scholarships.
For more information, 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 Classes bring the out-of-doors “in” during fun-filled classes designed to 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 programs.
PA Master Naturalist Program
The LCCD is hosting the PA Master Naturalist Program for the 2023-2024 year. The PA Master Naturalist Program is a national initiative that is designed to train master volunteers to conduct conservation education and outreach, citizen science, and service in their community. The program promotes awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the natural environment by developing a local corps of well-informed citizens dedicated to conservation of natural resources in their communities.
For more information, 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.
