Lacawac's Collegiate Partner Membership Program was founded in 2013 to advance scientific understanding of the natural world through research and education. Lacawac maintains a 545-acre forest and glacial lake preserve and a biological field station with laboratories and a lodge in the Pocono Mountains. The Partnership Program collaborates with its members – prominent universities, K-12 schools and research institutions – in conducting scientific research, creating education programs for K-16 audiences, and offering resources and support for early-career scientists, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
What kinds of institutions become members?
Our member institutions are varied, including public and private schools, nonprofits, land trusts, government organizations. research universities and liberal arts colleges, schools with undergraduate programs only, and those with graduate programs.
What are the benefits of membership?
Becoming a member of the Lacawac Collegiate Partnership Membership Program (CPMP) connects your institution to a vibrant community of researchers, educators, and environmental stewards. Member institutions gain exclusive access to resources and benefits that support field-based learning, collaborative research, and student development.
Institutional Affiliation with a Renowned Ecological Field Station
Membership signifies a formal affiliation with Lacawac Sanctuary—home to one of the region’s key sites for long-term ecological monitoring and field-based environmental research. Member institutions are:
- Recognized on Lacawac’s website as CPMP partners.
- Provided with a high-resolution Lacawac logo for use on institutional websites, research posters, publications, or other promotional materials.
- Encouraged to highlight this partnership as part of their commitment to sustainability, research, and experiential learning.
Significant Discounts on Research Stays, Lodging, and Workshops
- Member institutions receive reduced rates on:
- Research site fees and overnight accommodations
- Professional staff assistance, use of lab facilities, and rental of meeting or classroom space
- Workshops and conferences, with a 20% discount on all annually hosted educational events.
Priority Access for Research and Educational Use
- Lacawac prioritizes use of its facilities and resources for faculty and students from member institutions. This includes: First access to reserve lab space, research equipment, and teaching spaces
Priority booking for faculty bringing classes for field trips, research, or immersive learning experiences - Preferential scheduling for graduate and undergraduate research projects conducted on-site.
Early Access to Programs and Internships
Students at member institutions receive advance notice and priority consideration for internship opportunities and professional development programs hosted by Lacawac as well as competitive placements in research experiences and citizen science projects, including those related to the Pocono Lakes Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON).
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What other privileges do member institutions enjoy? As a member of the Collegiate Partnership Membership Program (CPMP), institutions gain access to a variety of exclusive opportunities that support research, education, and professional development for both faculty and students. Faculty Involvement and Governance Member institutions may nominate a faculty representative to serve on Lacawac’s Science Committee. This advisory body plays a key role in reviewing research proposals and is periodically consulted on matters related to Lacawac’s policies, programs, and strategic direction, particularly as they pertain to teaching and research activities at the station. Benefits for Member Institutions Include:
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2025 Partners
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How much does it cost to become an institutional member?
Basic Membership:
$500 annual fee, partner rates apply until $1,500 cap is reached.
Sustaining Membership:
$2,500 annual fee, partner rates apply until $7,500 cap is reached.
How does a school join as a partner?
Membership is easy: Contact President Craig Lukatch ([email protected]) to arrange for payment of the annual membership fee (payable to the Lacawac Sanctuary).
To nominate someone from your school for the Science Committee, contact President Craig Lukatch ([email protected]) and we will assist with your nominee and with any questions you may have. We will provide you with information about research and workshop and course opportunities, and send you a link to download a high-resolution image of the Lacawac logo.
Basic Membership:
$500 annual fee, partner rates apply until $1,500 cap is reached.
Sustaining Membership:
$2,500 annual fee, partner rates apply until $7,500 cap is reached.
How does a school join as a partner?
Membership is easy: Contact President Craig Lukatch ([email protected]) to arrange for payment of the annual membership fee (payable to the Lacawac Sanctuary).
To nominate someone from your school for the Science Committee, contact President Craig Lukatch ([email protected]) and we will assist with your nominee and with any questions you may have. We will provide you with information about research and workshop and course opportunities, and send you a link to download a high-resolution image of the Lacawac logo.
Membership in the CPMP is more than access—it's a gateway to collaboration, exploration, and hands-on learning that connects students and faculty to the natural world in meaningful ways.
