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The Importance of Environmental Education

5/28/2020

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​Credit: The Growing Green Room.  www.growinggreenroon.org

We have all heard the refrain that our obligation as a society is to leave behind a better world for our children. In a world that will be inherited by our children, it would seem that the best way to ensure a better, healthier planet is to equip today’s youth with the knowledge and leadership skills to meet tomorrow’s environmental challenges. This requires parents taking an active role in educating the next generation. Our commitment to providing children with an environmental education will help them become environmental citizens that will be the thought leaders of tomorrow. Nurturing a respect for nature and all living things is an imperative that parents can convey to their children. Parents can do this by supporting and encouraging attitudes at home and at school that emphasize the importance of environmental education.
 
Break the Indoor Habit: Reconnect Children with Nature
Society is in the midst of one of the most profound paradigm shifts in history. Technological advances are changing the way we live. This societal shift is leading to more screen time for children. As a consequence, today’s generation of children is the first to grow up indoors. Children must first experience nature on their own terms before they can be asked to consider and address our more complex environmental issues. Parents can help by encouraging their children to spend time outdoors. Children need the opportunity to develop a personal connection with nature. This means hands-on learning, which encourages gentle observation. Walks around the neighborhood, trips to nearby forests or parks, day trips to the beach or mountains all provide opportunities for discovery that generate curiosity and passion. Discovery is the precursor to environmental literacy and advocacy for our children.
Encourage Academic Study
Helping children correlate school subjects with environmental interests is a great tool to help children “connect the dots” between classroom study and their outdoor experiences. Math and Science provides a means to problem solving and information gathering, while social studies can serve as a model for civic action. The combination of academic and practical knowledge sets a strong foundation for future environmental or conservation studies.

What More Can Parents do?
When it comes to environmental education there is much parents can do to promote responsible environmental citizenry. Parents are the single-most influential influence in a child’s life; the role of parents as educators, role models, and mentors is of paramount importance. As society becomes more aware of the self-inflicted dangers that it has imposed upon the planet, the need for parents to teach children about environmental stewardship grows evermore important. These teaching opportunities can also encourage parents to reflect upon the manner in which they are positively or negatively contributing to their family’s view of environmental protection and conservancy.
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Be a Scientist While Social Distancing

5/14/2020

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This summer is likely to be a bit different than expected and you may be looking for fun outdoor activities while social distancing. Lacawac has citizen science opportunities for all ages.
 
Document Environmental Change with your Cell Phone
Lacawac is part of the Chronolog Project, an effort to create time lapse records of environmental change through the power of citizen science. Time lapse records are important because they help scientists identify gradual but important changes in ecosystems such as changes in species composition or the timing of season changes. There are two Chronolog sites at Lacawac: one located on the Boardwalk overlooking Lake Lacawac (accessible via the Lake Lacawac Trail) and one located along the Big Lake Trail overlooking a plot of recently planted hardwood saplings. Participating in the project is easy. Simply place your cell phone in the plastic bracket, take a photo, and email the photo to the address on the posted sign. Your photo will be added to the time lapse video of the site which can be viewed on the Lacawac Chronolog Project website. The process takes minutes and adding more photos creates a more complete time lapse – so take a photo each time you pass by a bracket!
 
Monitor the Water Quality of Lake Wallenpaupack
We are looking for volunteers for the 2020 Wallenpaupack Citizen Science Program! Here is how it works: the program requires sampling from the same location on Lake Wallenpaupack (such as a dock or moored boat) every Saturday during June, July, and August. Sampling methods are easy to learn and are appropriate for school age children and adults of all ages. This program makes a great summer school science project or a citizen science participation badge. To join, attend one of the virtual training workshops. Following the workshop, you will receive a sampling kit following the training. If you have participated previously and already have a kit, you will receive a “kit refill”, which includes a 2020 sampling schedule and clean bottles, labels, and baggies for water sample collection. Then simply choose a sampling location and follow the sampling schedule. At the end of the summer, PLEON scientists summarize the data and communicate the results and their implications to program participants and the larger community.
 
Survey Aquatic Plants in Your Lake
Aquatic plants are vital components of lake ecosystems. However, several species of aquatic plants are not native to the Pocono region. Once established, these invasive species can be difficult and costly to remove. Help us understand the distribution of native and invasive aquatic plants in Pocono lakes by participating in the PLEON Aquatic Plant Survey. Start by attending a PLEON Aquatic Plant workshop or by viewing the PLEON Aquatic Plant slideshow. Choose a calm day in July or August and follow the self-guided survey protocol to map the aquatic plants in your lake.
 
Be sure to follow all federal and state mandated social distancing guidelines while participating in Lacawac citizen science programs!

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Results of the 2019 Citizen-Led Water Quality Monitoring of Lake Wallenpaupack

5/12/2020

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In 2019, Lacawac’s PLEON program started a citizen-led water quality monitoring program on Lake Wallenpaupack. Lake Wallenpaupack is the 3rd largest lake in Pennsylvania and is an important economic resource for the area. This program trains lake community members as citizen scientists in order to collect water quality data from many locations around the lake over many time points. These data can then be used to identify pristine or problem areas and identify changes in water quality over time.

Thank you to our 2019 Lake Wallenpaupack citizen scientists: Bill Leishear, Peter Paul Olszewski, Sheryl McClosky, the Bouchard Family, Terri Marcellus, Quinn Williams, Sinclaire Ogof, Mary Ellen Bentler, and the Heck Family! These dedicated volunteers recorded lake temperature, Secchi depth (a measure of water clarity), water color, and the types of particles present weekly during June, July, and August. They also collected water samples which were analyzed at the Lacawac Environmental Laboratory for the amount of algae in the water.

One of the major findings of the 2019 program was the lake-wide algae bloom that was present during much of the summer. Water samples collected by citizen scientists showed a marked increase in the chlorophyll concentration in the lake staring in mid-July. Chlorophyll is the green pigments found in algae cells and is used as a measure of the amount of algae present. This increase in algae abundance was seen across all sampling locations.

Around the same time, citizen scientists recorded a decrease in Secchi depth. Secchi depth is an indication of water clarity. It is measured by lowering a black and white disk straight down into the water. The depth at which the disk just disappears from view is the Secchi depth. Lakes with clear water have deeper Secchi depths than those with more murky or dark water. The fact that Secchi depth declined in Wallenpaupack at the same time the chlorophyll concentration increased suggests that the algae bloom was negatively impacting water clarity.

The full 2019 Wallenpaupack Citizen-Led Water Quality Report is available on our website. The 2020 program is accepting volunteers now (more details found in this issue of Forest Notes). One of the key questions moving forward is how often does Wallenpaupack experience prolonged, lake-wide algae blooms such as the one observed in 2019?

 

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Figure 1: The 2019 Wallenpaupack sampling sites
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Figure 2: Chlorophyll a concentration (a proxy for algae abundance) over time in all sites. Blue, yellow, and gray symbols represent SW, NE, and mid-lake sites.
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A Message of Hope During Covid-19

4/3/2020

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hese are difficult times for all of us yet we are unwavering to provide hope for the future through nature! As you know Lacawac is a very special place and those of us that are in charge of its preservation understand the importance nature has to heal the mind, soul and body! Our desire during these days is that you will find hope in the little things found around you - especially those found in nature!

Exploring the outdoors is a way to connect with something other than our phones and any other type of technology. I’m talking about just you and the outdoors; raw, real and air so fresh that you can’t help but indulge in every single breath you take. There's no wifi out in nature, but I promise, you will not find a better connection. There really is no other great connection that is so unique and often surprising.

As we sit home wondering, worrying, possibly even fearful, one thing will not change and that is nature! The beauty of Lacawac is open for those close enough to visit. We encourage you will connect to nature in these times whether it is through a visit to Lacawac, a stroll down your street, a visit to a local park while remembering to use social distancing.
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Lacawac Receives $300,000 in Grants to Support its New Environmental Education Center and Programs

12/2/2019

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The Watres Environmental Education Center at Lacawac Sanctuary will undergo rehabilitation and upgrades thanks to state grants awarded by DCNR, Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20th, and Rep. Mike Peifer, R-139th, announced.

Lacawac Sanctuary received $198,400 will be used for renovations and upgrades at the Watres Environmental Education Center. Restroom and garage renovations; construction of a classroom; installation of a solar panel system and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, and other related site improvements will be completed with the funds.

Lacawac Sanctuary President Craig Lukatch said the organization “is extremely honored to have received a DCNR C2P2 grant to support the addition and renovation of our new environmental education center. This funding will help us educate more students by providing them classroom space to explore nature and STEM (science technology engineering math) education opportunities.  The new center will be the heart of environmental education for both students and the public at Lacawac.”

Both Baker and Peifer lauded the funding and the benefits to community members and visitors.
“As our municipal parks expand and add recreational activities, they become even more popular with residents. They are safe and relaxing centers for people young and old,” Baker said. “We are becoming more aware of their environmental significance, in terms of green space provided and the capacity for helping absorb storm water. The communities receiving state funding deserve credit for good planning and generating local support.”

Peifer noted that “these grants give our townships the opportunity to enhance our community’s recreational opportunities as well as provide an area for residents and tourists to engage in educational activities.”

Recently Lacawac also received a grant from the William E. Chatlos Foundation who made a contribution in the amount of $118,525 to be used for programming and the renovations and construction of the environmental education center.  This partnership will have Lacawac make its dreams of building a new environmental education center come to fruition. 


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Fall Newsletter 2019 Now Available

10/14/2019

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In Our Fall 2019 Edition:

-Chestnut Tree Restoration Project
-Harmful Algae Blooms: A Primer
-Watershed Educators Institute

​Read the Fall Newsletter HERE!

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Scartelli Olszewski to be Title Sponsor of 6th Annual ‘Lake to Lake’ 8K Trail Run and Walk

9/30/2019

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LAKE ARIEL AND SCRANTON, Pa. (October 2019) – Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Pa. personal injury law firm Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. will be a title race sponsor for Lacawac Sanctuary’s 6th Annual Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run, Woods Walk and Dog Wag to be held on Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Sanctuary.
 
The race course will lead participants over the trails of Lacawac Sanctuary in Lake Ariel, Pa., offering views of 400 acres of rich biodiversity and natural resources.
 
Attorney Peter Paul Olszewski, Jr., a shareholder and managing partner with Scartelli Olszewski and the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Lacawac Sanctuary, noted that “protecting the environment is important to Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are happy to support such a worthy cause in order to help preserve and educate the public about one of the region’s natural landmarks.”
 
“The Lake to Lake event is a great way to get out and enjoy the beauty of Lacawac and nature while supporting the work that takes place at Lacawac’s environmental education facility,” said Craig Lukatch, President of Lacawac Sanctuary.
 
Race registration is $30 for the 8K and $20 for the woods dog walk after October 4th.
 
Cash awards will be given in the Trail Run for Overall male and female and medals for top three finishers in age groups. The race results will be overseen by The Scranton Running Company using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip timing.
 
To register, visit www.lacawac.org/lake-to-lake-8k-trail-run.html or https://runsignup.com/lacawac
For more information about sponsorships and athlete and participant packets or to volunteer, contact Lacawac at 570-689-9494 or email craig.lukatch@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 scientific 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.
 
Lacawac Sanctuary has hosted many events to bring environmental awareness such as an annual ecology conference, various K-12 education programs and workshops, seminars and fundraisers. Lacawac Sanctuary is an ecological field research station and public environmental education facility.
 
PHOTO:  L to R- Melissa A. Scartelli, Esq, Scartelli Olszewski President and Founder with Sophia; Craig Lukatch, President of Lacawac Sanctuary; and Peter Paul Olszewski, Jr., shareholder and managing partner with Scartelli Olszewski with Miranda.
 
About Scartelli Olszewski, P.C.: Founded in 2001, Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. handles personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of auto and truck accident victims, malpractice victims and other injured individuals and their families, as well as criminal defense. Practice areas include medical malpractice, automobile accidents, tractor trailer accidents, auto defects, criminal defense, defective drugs and medical devices, insurance bad faith, liquor liability, nursing home negligence, premises liability, and product liability. Scartelli Olszewski is small enough to care, yet large enough to win for their clients in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Pa., region. 
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Save the Date: 6th Annual Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run, Woods Walk and Dog Wag

8/20/2019

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Lacawac recently announced the 6th annual Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run, Woods Walk and Dog Wag.  The event will take place on Sunday October 20th beginning at 9:30 am.  Sponsorships are available for businesses who would like to support a good cause and a great yearly event.  Event registrations will be available soon.  For more information on the Run/Walk visit https://www.lacawac.org/lake-to-lake-8k-trail-run.html.  
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Tickets On Sale For Uncorked: A Northern Poconos Wine and Spirits Festival

7/2/2019

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​Lake Ariel, PA (July 2019) – Get ready for the BEST wine and spirits festival in the Northern Poconos: Uncorked, featuring hand selected wines and spirits from across region and the finest local establishments in the area.  Enjoy live entertainment and food available for purchase from Hop Barons. Uncorked: A Northern Poconos Wine and Spirit Festival is a great way to enjoy the summer season! Proceeds benefit The Cooperage Project and Lacawac Sanctuary. This collaborative event will allow you to support two great community nonprofits while highlighting regional wine and spirit producers. This is a 21 and over event.
 
Uncorked: A Northern Poconos Wine and Spirits Festival will take place Sunday July 21st from 3 to 6 pm at the Cooperage Project in Honesdale.  Tickets are available for $25 per taster or $10 for a nontaster. 
 
Participating Wineries and Distilleries include: Antler Ridge Winery, Wood Winery, Deep Roots Hard Cider, Lucchi Family Wine Cellars, Space Time Mead & Cider Works, Lang Beverage Company, Mountain Lake Winery, Marilake Winery and Restaurant, Capra Collina Winery and Talerico's Tropical Winery LLC.
 
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.lacawac.org/uncorked-wine-festival.html.
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Lacawac Announces Honorees for 4th Annual Farm to Plate Dinner

5/22/2019

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LAKE ARIEL (May 2019) – On August 10th Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center will celebrate its 4th annual Farm to Plate fundraising gala at the Historic Watres Lodge at Lacawac. This year's event is presented by Rustic Charm Vintage Rental Company. Each year Lacawac chooses to honor community members and those that have helped shaped Lacawac’s future.  This year Lacawac’s dinner committee and Board of Trustees have chosen to honor the following:  Lifetime Achievement Award in Research – The Academy of Natural Sciences; Lifetime Achievement Award in Education – Wayne Bank; Lifetime Achievement Award in Preservation – Attorney John F. Spall and The Arthur Watres Community Service Award to the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WECCO). 
 
The Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest natural science institution in the Americas. It was founded in 1812 by many of the leading naturalists of the young American republic with an expressed mission of "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences." Throughout its existence the Academy has sponsored expeditions, conducted original environmental and systematics research, and amassed remarkable collections containing more than 18 million specimens, an extensive library and archive, and arguably the finest rare natural history book collection in the world. The Academy’s academic enterprise was strengthened considerably in 2011 when it merged with nearby Drexel University — a leading private non-profit research institution that focusses on innovation and entrepreneurship and provides a unique cooperative education program for its students. Two centuries after the Academy’s founding it remains one of the most important natural science institutions in the world.
 
Wayne Bank
Founded in 1871, Wayne Bank will celebrate 148 years of community banking in 2019.  The Bank has 26 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware and Sullivan Counties in New York State. 
 
Employing more than 200 local people, Wayne Bank offers a full line of products and services to meet the financial needs of consumers and businesses.  The Bank is also committed to providing the most advanced, secure, and user friendly bank technology, along with a knowledgeable staff and innovative tools to demonstrate how easy and accessible it is to use.  This offers customers the convenience of banking from anywhere, combined with the comfort of personalized service from their local bank. 
 
As a community bank, Wayne Bank is an integral part of both the local community and economy.  Each year, the Bank contributes to hundreds of organizations throughout Pennsylvania and New York and Bank employees are passionate about helping their communities through event participation and service to local charities.  By supporting residents, businesses, schools, and charitable organizations, Wayne Bank is dedicated to reinvesting in the community and encouraging economic growth. 
 
John F. Spall Esq.
Attorney John F. Spall is a graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School, class of 1964; The University of Scranton, class of 1968; and Villanova University School of Law, class of 1971.
 
Attorney Spall is the firm’s senior partner and is an experienced real estate attorney with more than 45 years of experience.  He has served as the Pike Wayne Board of Realtors legal counsel since 1974.  He also has served Wayne County, as a 1st Assistant District Attorney and County Solicitor.
 
Attorney Spall is a member of the Wayne and Pike County Bar Associations, the Pennsylvania Bar Association and is admitted to practice before the Courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the United States Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
 
He is current President of the Wallenpaupack School District, he is also a Director and Secretary of the Dime Bank. He is a current trustee to the Lacawac Sanctuary. He was a past Chairman of the Board of the Pike Wayne Board of the American Red Cross and a past director of the Greentown Historical Society. He was a past solicitor for the Wayne County Housing Authority and Redevelopment Authority. He was also a Director for the Hawley Bank, and a director and regional chairman of First Eastern Bank and has served numerous other community organizations.
 
Wayne Economic Development Corporation
Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) incorporated nearly 65 years ago as a private, non-profit organization dedicated to creating jobs and improving the prosperity of the citizens of Wayne County. We are advancing our communities by integrating the County’s unique natural landscape and quality of life with forward-thinking technology, infrastructure and business support.  Initiatives include The Stourbridge Project, a new technology/media business incubator with free coworking space (named the 2018 Project of the Year by the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association).  Also, expanded broadband, a first-class business park, model workforce delivery system, agricultural planning, local financing and resource development.  In 2018, WEDCO brought nearly $1.8 million in grant funds to Wayne County for development and planning projects.
 
WEDCO is a Certified Provider for the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority.  We are a 501(c)6 non-profit corporation comprised of businesses in partnership with state, county, and municipal government that realizes a bright economic future depends on investing and planning today.
 
For more information on Lacawac’s 4th Annual Farm to Plate Dinner including sponsorship opportunities and tickets, visit lacawac.org/farm-to-plate or contact Craig Lukatch, President at 570-689-9494, craig.lukatch@lacawac.org.
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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 program fees, memberships, sponsorships, grants and private donations from people like you.
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