Shaping the Next Generation of Scientists & Earth Stewards
Lacawac.org
  • HOME
  • About
    • History
    • Staff
    • Forest Notes Newsletters
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Foundation/EITC Supporters
    • Governance
    • Equity and Diversity
    • Privacy Policy
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
  • Our Impact
    • Research >
      • Research at Lacawac
      • Grants for Researchers
      • Consortium
      • Facilities
      • College Classes
      • Internships
    • Education >
      • Field Trips
      • Lacawac in the Classroom
      • High School Programs
      • Summer Camps
      • Conservation Leadership Academy
    • Preservation >
      • PLEON
      • Land Protection
  • Support Us
    • Membership
    • Annual Fund
    • Weddings
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Planned Giving
    • Endowments
    • Volunteer
    • Merchandise
    • Trail Signage Program
  • Programs/Events
    • Programs
    • Cocktails for Conservation
    • Farm to Plate
    • Tapas on the Trail
    • Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run
  • Visit Us
    • Trails
    • Get Outside, Get Healthy
    • Lodging
    • Lacawac Artists' Residency

Lacawac Plans to Establish an Environmental Science Education Center

3/18/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
Picture
​LAKE ARIEL, PA (March 2017) – Lacawac Sanctuary’s mission is to educate the next generation of environmental stewards and scientists and strengthen academic achievement by providing hands-on, indoor and outdoor STEM education programs for Preschool-12 students. 
 
Lacawac is currently seeking funding from Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and private foundations and donors to develop an environmental science education center where children and educators can come together to understand, appreciate and protect our natural resources. Lacawac’s future Environmental Science Education Center will also be a gathering place in a stunning setting for the entire community.
 
For more than 50 years Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center has inspired a love for nature and ecology among families, researchers, and students throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. Nearly a half century of footprints on the trails and the natural evolution of our diverse ecosystems have created a critical need to revitalize and expand the aging facilities and to preserve our forests, wetlands and other natural areas for future generations.
 
Lacawac is currently the only environmental education center focusing on PreK-12 students and schools in Wayne County. The majority of children Lacawac serves come from schools where over 50-75% qualify for a free or reduced lunch program. The opportunities provided by Lacawac are likely to be the only affordable opportunities for experiential, environmental education for the vast majority.
 
Lacawac has begun a major fundraising campaign to transform its field station into a hub for research and environmental education in Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.  This initiative will expand opportunities for students, researchers, and the public within 550 acres; enhance hands-on learning for youth and adults; and increase awareness of one’s place in nature.
 
Generous community support will help us develop our new Environmental Science Education Center, which will increase our capacity to serve more students, allow us to provide environmental science programs year round both indoors and outdoors, and offer a venue where everyone can reconnect to nature and world around us.
 
Lacawac’s Board of Trustees has agreed to purchase the residence of Lacawac’s founder, Arthur Watres, situated on less than one acre within the heart of the Sanctuary. The new center will include a teaching classroom, multipurpose spaces and environmental education instruction areas.  The Center will located next to Heron Pond and in walking distance to Lake Lacawac and 500 acres of forested trails.
 
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), Lacawac is funded solely by its members, benefactors and program participants. These fund only the day-to-day operational expenses of Lacawac. To further our mission to provide environmental education, train the next generation of scientists and earth stewards, conserve our natural resources and preserve our history, Lacawac has launched its first ever capital campaign and has set a goal of $1.7 million to establish a new research laboratory, environmental STEM education center, upgrade educational programming and improve accessibility to the property and facilities. We are inviting and encouraging our friends, supporters and everyone who cares about our work to participate in this campaign to prepare for the next 50 years.
 
This year marks the beginning of the public phase of the Campaign with a goal of raising $877,588. Currently Lacawac has raised $542,788 and are in the final phases of our campaign.
 
Lacawac invites the public to join us and help us secure the needed funding for the project by making a pledge or gift to our campaign.
 
A generous benefactor and friend of Lacawac have offered a limited-time Matching Challenge gift. If friends and members of Lacwac can raise $25,000 between now and July 1st – the benefactor will match our fundraising efforts in full.
 
The Matching Gift Challenge is a 1:1 campaign that would provide Lacawac with $50,000 towards the purchase of the Watres Property valued at $220,000 Lacawac’s growth and transformation for half a century is in large part due to the generous support of our loyal, faithful supporters. With your help, we continue to accomplish our mission.
 
Lacawac is accepting monetary contributions and pledges of any amount.  The matching pledge offer will expire on June 30, 2017.  For more information, to make a pledge or a gift visit www.lacawac.org/matching-gift-challenge.html. 
​

###
Picture
1 Comment

Lacawac Receives $10,000 for PiER Mentoring Program from PennEast Powering STEM Grant Program

3/18/2017

0 Comments

 
PennEast Pipeline Company is pleased to announce its first class of PennEast Powering STEM Grant recipients, who will receive nearly $130,000 to advance the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in their local communities and within the footprint of the proposed PennEast Pipeline.​

“PennEast was very happy with the overwhelmingly positive response we received to our Powering STEM Grant Program, demonstrating schools and educators across the region acknowledge our bright economic future thanks to abundant energy supplies,” said Pam Witmer of PennEast Pipeline Company. “From Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to Chatham, NJ, PennEast is excited to work with our STEM grant recipients to prepare individuals, young and old, to take advantage of the many opportunities affordable energy is delivering.”

Organizations receiving PennEast Powering STEM Grants include New Jersey’s Harvest Family Success Center, as well as Pennsylvania’s Bethlehem Area School District, Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center, and the United Way of Bucks County.

“PennEast’s STEM Grant will expose our community to a host of innovative and inspiring STEM programs,” said Penni Trionfo, volunteer and resource coordinator for Harvest Family Success Center. “Many of the families we serve are low-income, and many of them don’t have access to STEM curriculum or aren’t aware of the career opportunities related to STEM. PennEast’s generosity will have an enormous impact on low-income families in our area and enable us to increase interest in STEM higher education and careers.”

In Pennsylvania, Bethlehem Area School District applied for a PennEast Powering STEM Grant to expand engineering courses through Project Lead the Way to its STEM curriculum.

“Bethlehem Area School District is proud to offer Project Lead The Way’s Engineering program – the best of its kind – to our students,” explained Jodi Frankelli of Bethlehem Area School District. “Thanks to PennEast’s generous Powering STEM Grant, we will be able to bolster the program and fund the costs of supplies and materials for roughly 40 students’ engineering projects. With PennEast’s support, we can continue to prepare students to be innovative and productive leaders in science, engineering and math and to make meaningful contributions to society.”

Craig Lukatch of Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center explained PennEast’s grant will support the Education Center’s Pathways in Ecological Research program.

“Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center is grateful for PennEast’s continued support and their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and education,” said Lukatch. “The Pathways in Ecological Research (PiER) program promotes women in STEM and science careers, as well as in leadership positions. The program focuses on mentoring a diverse group of high-achieving female high school students, and PennEast’s grant will help us serve approximately 100 students. We couldn’t be more thankful for PennEast’s assistance.”
In Bucks County, Pa., PennEast’s Powering STEM Grant will support the United Way of Bucks County’s 2017 #girlSTEM Conference.

“The 2017 #girlSTEM Conference is funded entirely through grants and sponsorships, and wouldn’t be possible without the support of companies like PennEast,” said Katie Matarazzo of the United Way of Bucks County. “For most girls, the Conference is their first opportunity to visit a university and interact with professional women. PennEast’s Powering STEM Grant will enable the more than 800 girls attending from across Bucks County to experience a full day of STEM workshops – we couldn’t be more thankful.”

Additional PennEast Powering STEM Grant recipients include:
  • Allentown Central Catholic High School
  • Cybersonics Technology Team (Palisades High School, Kintnersville, Pa.)
  • Governor’s STEM Scholars (New Jersey)
  • Lehigh Career & Technical Institute
  • Lehigh Valley Zoological Society
  • Minsi Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America Organization (Lehigh Valley, Pa.)
  • Moore Elementary (Bath, Pa.)
  • Roosevelt Elementary School (Allentown, Pa.)
  • Wilkes University
  • Wilkes-Barre Area School District
For additional information on the PennEast Powering STEM Grant Program and eligibility requirements, visit PennEastPipeline.com/Powering-STEM.
0 Comments

The Dime Bank Support Lacawac's EITC Programs

3/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Hawley PA / March 10, 2017/ The Dime Bank donated $7,500.00 to Lacawac Sanctuary through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. The Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit conservation, research, and education center providing the community with a host of quality environmental, historical, and cultural programs. This donation will help provide free or reduced-cost programs in-the-classroom or at various field sites. Lacawac’s educational outreach programs serve K-12 students and directly support hands-on science and environmental experiences.
 
Craig Lukatch, Lacawac Sanctuary president stated, “We are grateful to The Dime Bank for their financial assistance. This funding will help children in our community learn through our watershed connections program and K-12 field trips.”  For more information, visit www.lacawac.org.
 
The Dime Bank is dedicated to supporting education in our communities through the support of many different programs and venues. The Dime Bank has been participating in the EITC program since 2001. The program, which is administered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, provides a tax rebate program for participating businesses. The Dime Bank has been helping customers meet their financial needs since 1905. Serving its primary market of Northeast Pennsylvania, the bank offers a full array of financial services and solutions. Community banking yields community benefits. For more information on The Dime Bank, visit www.thedimebank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
 
Pictured left to right: Melanie Seagraves, The Dime Bank Assistant Vice President/Greentown Branch Manager and Lacawac Member; Craig Lukatch, Lacawac Sanctuary President; Jack Spall, The Dime Bank Director and Lacawac Director/Trustee.
 
Source: The Dime Bank, March 10, 2017, Deborah Unflat

0 Comments

Lacawac Invites Students to Apply for Summer Conservation Academy

3/9/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
Picture
Lake Ariel, PA (March 2017) – Youth interested in pursuing environmental careers are invited to apply by April 28 for Conservation Leadership Academy. 
 
Conservation Leadership Academy is a weeklong residential camp for high school students ages 13-16 filled with fun, adventure and hands-on learning. Participants will be immersed in STEM and environmental education activities at the beautiful and historic Lacawac Sanctuary and Field Station. Participants will experience science and hands on programs along-side local conservation professionals and resident university researchers.  Field trips include a day kayaking the upper Delaware River, sustainable agriculture, forestry, aquatic research, avian ecology and leadership skills!
 
The five-day camp begins Sunday, June 25, at Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel, Wayne County.  The
camp is near Lake Wallenpaupack and minutes off of Interstate 84.  The camp will introduce 16 students ages 13-16 to conservation and STEM careers, and encourage their pursuit.
 
Through local business sponsors and the Wayne Pike Conservation Partnership we are able to offer this week long camp for only $300 and a special discount for Wayne and Pike county resident for $75.
 
Francesca Samony , a participant camper in 2016 described her experience: “CLA has taught me many things about science, leadership and myself.  Before attending this camp, I was unsure of my interests, but now my love for biology has been solidified and I plan to study that in college.”  “Thanks to volunteers like you (Dr. Meg Hatch), I have had an amazing one of a kind experience that I will never forget.”
“I learned many virtues about leadership and conservation that I will have for probably the rest of my life,” wrote Chris Wallace, another 2016 camper, “and have 16 new best friends that I will know for a very long time.  My week at camp was truly an amazing adventure, and I hope the next generation of campers can have the same experience next year.”
For more details and applications, visit www.lacawac.org/summer-leadership-academies.html.  For more information contact Jamie Reeger at 570-689-9494 or jamie.reeger@lacawac.org.
 
Lacawac Sanctuary is a nonprofit association founded in 1966 for the purpose of protecting a gift of the original Connell Park lands by Arthur and Isabel Watres and facilitating environmental education and research. Located on Lake Wallenpaupack, the Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation plays an important role in the preservation of Lake Lacawac which is one of the southernmost glacial lakes in the hemisphere and has been preserved in pristine condition free from development and encroachment.  For more information visit www.lacawac.org.
 

1 Comment

  NBT Bank Supports Lacawac Sanctuary’s EITC Program

3/1/2017

1 Comment

 
​Lake Ariel, PA (February 2017) –NBT Bank donated $4,000.00 to Lacawac Sanctuary through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit research and education center providing the community with a host of quality environmental, historical, and cultural programs. This donation will assist with academic enrichment programs such as Watershed Connections Program, Youth Environmental Leadership Academy and Day Camps, K-12 Field Experiences and Youth Environmental Sciences Afterschool Outreach.
 
Craig Lukatch, Lacawac Sanctuary’s president stated, “We are grateful to NBT Bank for their financial assistance. Our programs help children in our community so the local funds support our local residents. Lacawac’s goal is to educate people of all ages about northeast Pennsylvania’s unique and diverse habitats and natural resources keeping true to our mission of education, research and preservation,”
 
Jamie Reeger, Lacawac’s Environmental Education Manager noted that “Our hands-on academic enrichment programs directly complement what students are learning in school, and address the Pennsylvania State Education Standards for Science and Technology and Environment and Ecology.”
 
Businesses can make a charitable donation to approved organizations based on the amount of state taxes they owe. In return, the businesses receive a 75 percent tax credit (up to $400,000) when they file their state taxes. A two-year commitment at the same funding level earns a business a 90 percent tax credit.
 
Lacawac Sanctuary is a nonprofit association founded in 1966 for the purpose of protecting a gift of the original Connell Park lands by Arthur and Isabel Watres and facilitating environmental education and research. Located on Lake Wallenpaupack, the Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation plays an important role in the preservation of Lake Lacawac which is one of the southernmost glacial lakes in the hemisphere and has been preserved in pristine condition free from development and encroachment.  For more information visit www.lacawac.org.
 
Photo:   Laura Rowe, NBT Bank, Hamlin Branch Manager; Mary Ellen Bentler, NBT Bank Vice President and Retail Market Manager Northeast PA Market; Craig Lukatch, President Lacawac Sanctuary 
Picture
1 Comment

    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Lacawac Hours:  Open to the public sunrise to sunset

Picture
LACAWAC SANCTUARY FOUNDATION
94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436
570.689.9494 - info@lacawac.org
Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center is an independent, non-profit, environmental education organization located on the shore of Lake Wallenpaupack in the Northern Poconos.  We operate solely on grants and private donations from people like you.
​
Sign Up Today! Receive Updates from Lacawac



Email & Social Media Marketing by VerticalResponse

Proud Member:

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Maple City Anesthesia
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture