Lacawac Sanctuary is an ecological field research station, nature preserve, and public environmental education facility located in the Northern Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania and nestled on the shore of Lake Wallenpaupack. It was founded in 1966, via the donation of 341 acres (now totals 632 acres) and a group of historic buildings. Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) membership organization.
Lacawac is most notable for 52 acre Lake Lacawac - the southernmost glacial lake in the hemisphere that has been preserved in pristine condition totally free from development or encroachment. The property also features over nine miles of hiking trails which include a natural boreal bog, the Wallenpaupack Ledges Natural Area, and Heron and Golden Ponds. Lake Lacawac was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1966. The 1903 historic “Adirondack Great Camp” building complex at its core has been named to the National Historic Register.
Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a rich outdoor educational experience and exposure to a blend of diverse habitats including wetlands, open fields, forests, and bodies of water.
Fulfilling Our Mission
To fulfill our mission of Research, Education and Preservation, Lacawac offers opportunities to conduct environmental research and participate in environmental education programs. These experiences shape the next generation of Earth stewards and scientists by communicating the core values of environmental responsibility, citizenship, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Lacawac works with a multitude of colleges and universities to provide research partnerships and a unique location for undergraduate and graduate research and learning.
Lacawac also provides 9 miles of hiking trails open to the public, free of charge, from sunrise to sunset year-round.
