Blog Posts - Lacawac.org

Lacawac Welcomes New Environmental Educator

4/3/2019

Lacawac welcomes Devan George to its team as the newest environmental educator!

Devan joins the team after graduating from University of Delaware with a M.S. in Entomology. She grew up in Honesdale, PA, attending Honesdale High School and frequenting programs at Lacawac Sanctuary. While getting her B.S. in Environmental Conservation and Sustainability from the University of New Hampshire, she spent time volunteering at Lacawac. Prior to beginning work at Lacawac, Devan has worked for the United States Department of Agriculture, Dow AgroScience, Cornell University, and Camp Wiyaka, as their nature director. Environmental education is a lifelong passion, she always made time for sharing what she was working on and the things that she learned with the communities she lived in. She is so excited to begin the summer and work with all of you at Lacawac! (Pictured here holding a flat rock scorpion, Hadogenes troglodytes, and a whip scorpion, Phyrnus spp., on her shoulder)

HNB Donates to Lacawac's Education Programs

3/27/2019

The Honesdale National Bank donated $1,500.00 to Lacawac Sanctuary to support the nature preserve, environmental education center, and biological field station through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. This donation will help provide free or reduced-cost programs in-the-classroom or at Lacawac’s Field Station. Lacawac’s educational outreach programs serve K-12 students throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. The donation directly goes to support hands-on science and environmental experiences for children in over 30 school districts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties.

Founded in 1836, The Honesdale National Bank (HNB) stands as one of the area’s strongest, independent financial institutions serving Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier counties of New York. HNB offers full-service community banking through our eleven offices in Wayne, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike and Susquehanna counties.

HNB has earned the distinction as a leading community bank by offering customers security, experience and unparalleled service. A reflection on our banking tradition, in 2018, HNB was named one of the “100 Highest Performing Community Banks with assets of $500M to $1B in the 21st Century” by Alex Sheshunoff and The Partnership for Banking Excellence.

As a leading community bank, HNB is focused on reinvesting back into the communities in which they live, work, play and serve. Through their focus on growing opportunities for residents, local businesses and community organizations our corporate social responsibility efforts are rooted in activities that enable our local area to continue to grow thrive.

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: Craig Lukatch, President Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center; Charles Curtin, Vice President and Trust Officer.

Scartelli Olszewski Renews Support of Lacawac Sanctuary

3/27/2019

Scranton, Pa (March, 2019) – Wilkes-Barre and Scranton personal injury law firm Scartelli Olszewski, P.C., announces its continued support of local nonprofit organization Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station. The attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski are proud to be donors of such an impactful agency working fiercely for the good of the environment. Lacawac is an organization which promotes environmental preservation, education, and research. Learn more about the invaluable work being done by Lacawac by visiting www.Lacawac.org.

About Scartelli Olszewski, P.C.: Founded in 2001, Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. handles personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of medical malpractice victims as well as all personal injury matters. Scartelli Olszewski, with clients in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Pa region, lives by its slogan: “Small enough to care, large enough to win.” To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.scartelli.com.

NBT Bank Donates to Lacawac Sanctuary

3/27/2019

Lake Ariel, PA (March 2019) –NBT Bank donated $5,000.00 to Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center 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 Conservation Leadership Academy, PiER Mentoring Program for Girls in STEM; 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.”

Mary Ellen Bentler, NBT Bank Vice President and Retail Market Manager Northeast PA Market stated that “NBT Bank values the work that is accomplished at Lacawac Sanctuary and supports its work through donations such as the one made through the Pennsylvania EITC program.”

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; Craig Lukatch, President Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center; Mary Ellen Bentler, NBT Bank Vice President and Retail Market Manager Northeast PA Market.

Lacawac Sanctuary Plans for the Future with a New Education Center

3/20/2019

LAKE ARIEL, PA (March 2019) – 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 (Science Technology Engineering and Math) education programs for Preschool-12 students.

Lacawac is currently seeking funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and private foundations and donors to renovate and construct an environmental education center where children and educators can come together to understand, appreciate and protect our natural resources. Lacawac’s future Environmental Education Center will also be a gathering place in a stunning setting for the entire community.

For more than 50 plus 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.

Generous community support will help Lacawac develop a new Environmental Education Center, which will increase capacity to serve more students, allow Lacawac to provide environmental science programs year round both indoors and outdoors, and offer a venue where everyone can reconnect to nature and world.

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 will launch a capital campaign to build an 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.

Lacawac encourages the general public to view the plans for the new environmental education center on Lacawac’s website at: lacawac.org/environmental-education-center. Lacawac is asking the public to participate and provide feedback on the plans. A link to provide comments is found at Lacawac’s website. For more information on Lacawac’s future plans to develop an environmental education center, contact Craig Lukatch, President at craig.lukatch@lacawac.org.

The Best Wedding Venues for Your Special Day in the Northern Poconos

3/16/2019

What does your special day look like and where do you see yourself saying "I Do"? Have you considered the Northern Poconos? From outdoor weddings to an intimate indoor reception, here are a few perfect venues for you. These four beautiful venues are all unique in their own right and you will love checking them out.

Lacawac Sanctuary Historic Watres Lodge
Lacawac Sanctuary, in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, is a nature preserve that surrounds a 52-acre glacial lake. Lacawac Sanctuary was founded in 1966 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary came about with the donation of 341 acres and now totals 545 acres. The mission of the sanctuary is to preserve the glacial lake, its watershed, surrounding forest, and historic buildings.

Declared a National Natural Landmark, Lake Lacawac is free from development and is the southernmost glacial lake in the hemisphere. It has been referred to as “the southernmost unpolluted glacial lake in North America” due to the owners being careful to not allow wastewater into the lake. This is what makes Lacawac so special for your special day!

Lake-side outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour on the first floor of the Historic Watres Lodge, then dinner on the lawn of the lodge in a beautiful tented space and dancing in the 20th century carriage house make for a fabulous experience throughout Lacawac on your wedding day. Your creative flair can be added to the treasures found around every corner. These treasures provide a unique atmosphere for you and your guests. The centerpiece of Lacawac besides the lake, is our Watres Lodge built in 1903.

Our newly renovated Ice House Cottage is the perfect place for the bride and her maids to prepare for the big day and it is also available for the newlyweds to stay in while they prepare and/or the night of the wedding. Clients love these special options for their wedding party. More information on Lacawac weddings at www.lacawaclodge.com.

The Settlers Inn, Hawley
Couples hosting their romantic wedding in the Poconos at The Settlers Inn will have the choice of a garden or riverside outdoor ceremony. After you’ve said “I do,” you and your new spouse can take wedding photos while your guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, which includes an open bar and a scrumptious selection of hors d'oeuvres.

A champagne toast will take place during the reception, which is held in The Undercroft Room. The lovely dining room features a fireplace, beautifully set with willow tree tiles, windows and glass-paned doors to enjoy the natural light, a stone entryway that leads to our gardens, and accents of cherry wood, glass art, and Arroyo Craftsman wall sconces. The Undercroft Room is warm, inviting, and serene, creating the perfect environment in which to celebrate your nuptials. (From Settlers Website). For more information on weddings at Settlers Inn visit their website at thesettlersinn.com/weddings.

The Ledges Hotel, Hawley
Ledges Hotel, is the ideal Pocono Mountains location for a more intimate wedding. The settling is breathtaking with their decks offering views of the river gorge falls. The Waterfall Package at Ledges is ideal for 25 to 50 guests and is available from May to October. Bridal parties will have the ceremony on site, a cocktail reception, wedding cake, coffee bar, and an open bar with a champagne toast. Their Gorgeous Package can accommodate up to 125 guests year-round. This package offers guests 4 hors d’oeuvres, 2 small plate stations, an open bar and dessert displays like cream puffs or chocolate covered strawberries. Guests can end the evening with a coffee bar and after dinner cordials. Each bride and groom will also receive the assistance of a wedding coordinator to make sure all details are handled from beginning to end. (From Ledges Hotel website). For more information on this unique venue visit ledgeshotel.com/weddings-receptions.

The French Manor, Newfoundland
When it comes to romantic Pennsylvania wedding venues, no place compares to the French Manor Inn and Spa. Nestled atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland, PA, our enchanting stone chateau offers brides and grooms the ideal setting for their special day. The grounds at the inn offer unparalleled views, an inviting ambiance, and luxury accommodations for you and your guests. The knowledgeable staff is eager to assist with planning your Pocono wedding down to the smallest detail. Another great thing about having your reception at The Manor is that we will not host any other weddings on your special day. (From the French Manor Website). For more information on the beautiful French Manor visit them at thefrenchmanor.com/storybook-weddings/.

Photos credit Nicole Dumond Photography. nicoledumondphoto.com/

The Dime Bank Supports Lacawac Sanctuary

2/26/2019

The Dime Bank donated $6,000.00 to Lacawac Sanctuary to support the nature preserve, environmental education center, and biological field station. $5,000.00 was donated through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to support Lacawac Sanctuary’s mission to educate the next generation of environmental stewards and scientists and strengthen academic achievement by providing hands-on, indoor and outdoor STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education programs for Preschool to 12th grade students.

$1,000.00 was donated as a corporate sponsorship to help with the Sanctuary’s mission to promote environmental understanding through education and conservation – a worthy mission that aligns with the values of many organizations devoted to improving quality of life in the communities where they do business. 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.

Lacawac Sanctuary president Craig Lukatch-Setser stated, “The financial support offered by The Dime Bank makes it possible for Lacawac to educate over 2700 students each year with hands on STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) opportunities both in the classroom and at Lacawac' 550 acre outdoor classroom. We are grateful for the bank's continued support and their partnership to make education a priority in our region and communities we live in.” For more information, visit www.lacawac.org.

The Dime Bank is dedicated to supporting education in our school districts and to bringing the arts to our communities through the sponsorship of many different programs and venues. The Dime Bank has been participating in the EITC program since 2001. If you are passionate about your future, choose The Dime Bank as your financial partner. Serving its primary market of Northeast Pennsylvania since 1905, 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: John F. Spall, Esq., The Dime Bank Board Member and Lacawac Sanctuary Trustee; Craig Lukatch-Setser, Lacawac Sanctuary President; Cassandra Box, The Dime Bank Teller; Amanda Ferris, The Dime Bank Teller; Viktoria Thompson, The Dime Bank Customer Service Representative.

Spotted Lanternfly: What you need to know!

2/26/2019

The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper native to China, India, Vietnam. It was first discovered in Pennsylvania in Berks County and has spread to other counties in the southeast portion of the Commonwealth. This insect has the potential to greatly impact agricultural crops such as grape, hops, and hardwoods. It is also reducing the quality of life for people living in heavily infested areas.

What Is Being Done
Penn State University and Extension, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) have joined forces to control and contain the spread of SLF. Penn State University is leading the research efforts currently underway to answer the many questions we have about the insect’s biology, pesticide studies, and the ability of the insect to adapt to the environment in Pennsylvania. USDA and PDA are actively treating locations where SLF has been reported. USDA is treating on the outer edges where the populations are small and will begin to move inward towards the center of the quarantine. PDA is treating areas where the population numbers are high and is targeting high risk pathways which may contribute to moving the insect to other locations. As funding is available, both USDA and PDA will work on properties for treatment. PDA is also surveying all counties in the state outside the quarantine looking for SLF.

What Can Be Done
Spotted Lanternfly can be controlled with a combination of physical removal of life stages and host trees, as well as pesticide applications. Penn State Extension has developed information for homeowner management as well as a management calendar. Use of these management techniques are important to assist PDA and USDA in control of the spread of this invasive pest.

Businesses also play an important role. Business owners should incorporate pest management into their vegetation management plans and work to minimize the possibility of this insect hitching a ride on products they produce and ship. Businesses who ship products within and out of the quarantine zone are required to have or hire companies who have a Spotted Lanternfly Permit.

How You Can Help
This insect is easily moved if no one is looking. If you are in the quarantine area, please “Look Before You Leave.” Inspecting your vehicles, trailers, or any outdoor items before you move around or out of the quarantine is important. If possible, don’t park in tree lines and keep windows rolled up when you park your vehicle. Know the life stages of the insect and when to look for them.

Using the recommendations developed by Penn State Extension, take control measures on your own property. Any efforts you make in destroying the Spotted Lanternfly or it’s egg masses helps your property and community.

Report sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly. All reports of SLF outside of the quarantine are taken seriously and will be investigated. Reports within the quarantine are registered in a database for USDA and PDA. The database is used to help determine properties for treatment. Treatment is based on location, risk, and available funds.

Please join the effort to control and prevent the spread of Spotted Lanternfly. We need everyone to protect their properties, communities, and the Commonwealth from this invasive insect that has the potential to change our landscape and quality of life.

Report Spotted Lanternfly
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm:
1-888-4BAD-FLY
(1-888-422-3359)
Report Sightings Here

2019 Summer Day and Residential Camps Announced

2/21/2019

LAKE ARIEL, PA (February 2019) –Join Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center for its 2019 Summer Day and Residential Camps. Lacawac’s 550-acre field station has meandering trails, open fields, lakes and wetlands in which to explore. Experience nature through hands-on activities, artistic expression, thematic games, scientific experiments, and environmental observation. E-STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math taught through environmental education) is incorporated into all of our camps in order to foster problem solving, innovation, self-reliance, and logical thinking. Campers will be fully immersed in our living laboratory and discover how they fit into the complex web of our diverse ecosystem.

Weeklong Day Camps are open for children ages 5-12 and take place at Lacawac Sanctuary’s Environmental Education Center. For information regarding themes and dates visit www.lacawac.org/summer-camps.html.

Lacawac’s residential camp, Conservation Leadership Academy is a weeklong experience for middle and high school students ages 13-17. Participants will be immersed in STEM and Conservation activities at the beautiful and historic Lacawac Sanctuary and Field Station. Students will experience hands-on science programs along-side local conservation professionals and resident university researchers. Enjoy a day kayaking the upper Delaware River. Additional program highlights include water quality sampling on Lake Wallenpaupack, conducting tree surveys, canoeing on Lake Lacawac, fishing on Heron Pond, assisting with aquatic research in the field and in the lab, participating in bird banding, and gaining leadership skills!

For more than 50 plus 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. Lacawac offers signature programs throughout the year including: PLEON (Pocono Lakes Ecological Observatory Network) and K-12 Education Programs.

For more information on our day and residential camps, contact Jamie Reeger, Director of Environmental Educaton at Jamie.reeger@lacawac.org. Additional information can be found at Lacawac.org.

Wayne Bank Donates to Lacawac's Education Programs

2/18/2019

Honesdale, PA – Lewis J Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that the Bank will support the Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation with a donation through the Educational Improvement Organization Program in 2019.

Lacawac Sanctuary President, Craig Lukatch-Setser, accepted a check in the amount of $5,000.00 from Mr. Critelli.
The gift was made possible as a result of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Community and Economic Development.

“Wayne Bank is proud to continue to support the Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation through the EITC program,” stated Mr. Critelli. “The Sanctuary provides wonderful opportunities for local students to participate in numerous environmental education programs, and we are so pleased to be able to contribute to these valuable courses.”

This contribution will benefit Lacawac Sanctuary’s Youth Engaging Science (YES) program by providing opportunities for students, in kindergarten through twelfth grade, to participate in hand-on environmental programs both in and out of school. The YES program allows students to explore collegiate pathways and careers in environmental education, including ecology and environmental fields, by offering first-hand experiences and connections with professionals. The YES program also supports opportunities for students to participate in environmental education projects and experiences. Much of Lacawac’s YES program focuses on low and moderate income, rural, and other populations that are traditionally underserved or underrepresented. The program serves youth throughout a multi-county region of Northeastern Pennsylvania and, in 2017, supported over 2,500 local students.

Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 26 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Lackawanna Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware and Sullivan Counties in New York State. The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL.

PHOTO CAPTION - LEFT TO RIGHT: Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Bank; Craig Lukatch-Setser, President, Lacawac Sanctuary; and Bonnie E. Rutledge, Assistant Trust Officer, Wayne Bank.

Lacawac Hours: Open to the public sunrise to sunset

LACAWAC SANCTUARY
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.

Major Business Sponsors 2021