Highlighted Programs: Please note: Pre-registration is suggested for all programs offered. For more information, or to register for a program please contact our office at 570-629-3061.
2013 Seedling Sale
Home School Programs
2013 Maple Sugaring Season
Century Day 2013 - 100 Species or Bust
Field Trips
2013 Trinidad and Tobago Trip
Kettle Creek Art Gallery Schedule 2013
2013 Tannersville Bog Walks and Bog Day Celebration
Backyard Habitats
 Seedling Sale 2013
Seedling Sale Scheduled
2013 Seedling Sale Order Form
Plans are underway for the 2013 Seedling Sale at the Monroe County Conservation District. All proceeds from the sale of evergreen and hardwood seedlings benefit the environmental education programs at the EE Center. Bulk ordering information is available for orders of 250 or more at a reduced price. This year we will be offering Colorado Blue Spruce, Concolor Fir, Eastern White Pine, and Douglas Fir. Deadline for ordering bulk seedlings is Friday, February 8, 2013. Smaller quantities are also available and information on ordering will be available in March. The seedling pick-up day is Saturday, April 27, at the Conservation District from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information please call us at 570-629-3061.
Home School Programs
Announcing 2013 Home School Programs
Homeschool Information Sheet - click here Our Environmental Education staff will offer a hands-on environmental education experience for any interested home school students this fall. Activities will include classroom instruction and hands-on outdoor learning opportunities for all ages with participants divided into three age groups: Kindergarten through 2nd grade (parent accompaniment required), 3rd through 6th grade, and 7th through 12th grade.
Each month a different topic will be addressed and all classes will be led by a Monroe County Environmental Educator and be held 2-4pm (unless otherwise noted). Cost: $6/non-members, $3/EE Center members for most programs. Pre-registration and payment are required and limited by the Monday preceding the program date. Refunds given only if notification is given at least three days prior to the program date. For more information and to pre-register, please call 570-629-3061. Dates and Topics:
2/7 - Winter Plants
3/7 - Art in Nature
4/4 - Vernal Pools
5/2 - Tannersville Bog
6/6 - Insects
2013 Maple Sugaring Season and Maple Tree Sponsorship Program
Directions to our Meesing Outdoor Site - Click Here - location of our Maple Sugaring Programs
As winter arrives, the Meesing Sugarbush sits quiet and empty. It won’t be long, however, until the EE staff heads to the Sugarbush to begin the Maple Sugaring Season.
2012 was a wonderful year weather-wise to make syrup and at our Sugarbush it was a record breaker. We produced 30 gallons of sweet maple syrup and had great turnouts for all of our programs.
We hope you can make plans to join us this season and enjoy the sweet taste of pure maple syrup. Our 36th Public Maple Sugaring Day will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013, from 10am - 3pm. The day will feature a tour of the Sugarbush including stops to learn about Native American and early pioneer methods of making maple syrup, our evaporator process and methods of identifying and tapping a maple tree. After the tour, everyone will get a chance to taste some of our syrup on freshly made pancakes. Cost: $5/adult and $3/children under 12; all members of the EE Center and all tree sponsors attend free of charge.
We’ll be sponsoring a special day for scout groups on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Programs can be scheduled between 9am -2pm and are open to any level of scouts and their families. Cost: $5/adult, $3/scouts and children under 12 and includes our syrup on freshly made pancakes. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
Dates set for programs in the Sugarbush are Thursday, February 21 through Friday, March 15. All groups interested in scheduling a tour should call the Center to set aside a time block. Each program takes 1 ½ to 2 hours and includes learning about maple sugaring from the earliest methods used by Native Americans to present day collection/evaporation techniques. The group will also tap a maple tree and take home a sample of sweet maple syrup. Cost: $3/participant, spaces fill up fast, so please register early. The Sugarbush is located 5.5 miles north of Marshalls Creek on Creek Rd. For more information call (570) 629-3061, Mon. through Fri. from 8am to 4:30pm.
Sponsor a Maple Tree Program
In 2012 ninety three different groups, families or individuals sponsored trees in our Sugarbush. These sponsorships raised over $2,000 which was used to help pay the expenses for our group tours of the Sugarbush. We are hoping that in 2013 even more people will help us by sponsoring a tree. We tap around 200 trees each year, so there are plenty available.
For $25/tree each sponsor receives 1 pint of our fresh maple syrup, a handsome certificate, free admission to our Public Day Program on Saturday, March 2, 2013, for up to four people and a map showing the location of your tree in our Sugarbush. Don’t miss this opportunity to become involved with one of our most popular programs. Call the office or complete and return the Sponsor Form below by Friday, February 22, 2013 to become a sponsor. A tree sponsorship also makes a great gift!
Maple Tree Sponsor Form
GPS Coordinates for Meesing Site & Delaware State Forest:
Longitude (West) -750 08’ 58.7976” Latitude (North) 410 06’ 50.2956”
Google Map Directions - Click Here
 From I-80 take the Marshalls Creek Exit (exit #309) onto Rt. 209 North toward Marshalls Creek. Upon approaching the roundabout follow signs for Business Route 209 and Marshalls Creek. At the next traffic light after the roundabout, turn right and immediately get in the left turning lane. At this light turn left, and immediately after crossing the bridge take left fork onto Marshalls Creek Road. Proceed approximately 5.5 miles and look for signs on right-hand side of the road.
* Meesing Outdoor Site will be on the right upon entering the Delaware State Forest.
Century Day 2013 - 100 Species or Bust
Century day will be held on Sunday, May 19, this year. Join Environmental Educator, Darryl Speicher, as he scours the fields and forests, swamps and streams of Monroe County on a quest to find 100 species of birds or more. With the spring migration in full swing there is no better time of year to undertake an adventure such as this. Space in the van is limited to 12 participants so register early. This event is all day and includes lunch. We will leave the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary at 7 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. Cost: $65/non-member, $50/EE member. Pre-registration and payment are required and limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week prior to the trip.
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Field Trips
Pre-registration and payment are required for all field trips. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week prior
to the trip.
Poconos Naturally Hike Series on Open Space Property - Where the Brodhead Ends - April 28 - Sunday – 1 - 4:30 p.m. - Explore the Lower Brodhead near its confluence with the Delaware - Join long-time local naturalist, educator and open space advocate, Don Miller for this exploration of the Brodhead Creek along the newly completed Delaware Water Gap to Smithfield Township Cherry Creek Confluence Trail on the banks of the Brodhead and Cherry Creek and the Delaware River. Learn about the constantly changing course of the Brodhead Creek in this biologically interesting confluence/delta area where the Brodhead ends. Participants should be prepared to be outdoors for an extended period of time on level to moderate terrain both on and off trail. Appropriate outdoor attire and hiking footwear recommended. Hike participants should meet in the parking area of the Pennsylvania Visitors Center just off I 80 in Delaware Water Gap. Pre - registration required. Cost: $5/non-member, $3/EE Center member. End of hike donations also accepted to Pocono Heritage Land Trust’s Preserve Stewardship Fund and the Brodhead Watershed Association’s Steam Watch Projects.
Birding in the Bog - May 7 - Tuesday - Combine one of the most unique natural settings with one of the most spectacular natural phenomenon’s and you get a morning of migration birding at the Bog. After the long season of dormancy, spring is exploding as new leaves compete with flowers for sunlight. Add an image of returning migrating birds from the tropics for one of the world’s idyllic events. Meet at the Bog parking lot at 7 a.m. Cost: $6/non-member, $4/EE Center or Nature Conservancy members and children under 12. Please wear appropriate footwear. Pre-registration is required for all walks. Directions: Route 611, at the light at the Tannersville Inn turn onto Cherry Lane Road. The parking lot is 1.9 miles on your right from Route 611.
Geoff and Judy’s Big Backyard - May 18 - Saturday - Geoff and Judy Mehl have created an exquisitely landscaped yard full of various landscape and garden ideas, all of which utilize native plants. Environmental educator, Darryl Speicher, joins the Mehls in a tour from 1 - 3 p.m. of their property to show how conservation concepts can become a reality. Please call for directions. Cost: $10/non-member, $5/EE Center members.
Century Day - May 19 - Sunday - Join Environmental Educator, Darryl Speicher, as he scours the fields and forests, swamps and streams of Monroe County on a quest to find 100 species of birds or more. With the spring migration in full swing there is no better time of year to undertake an adventure such as this. Space in the van is limited to 12 participants so register early. This event is all day and includes lunch. We will leave the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary at 7 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. Cost: $65/non-member, $50/EE Center member. Pre-registration and payment are required and limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week prior to the trip.
Poconos Naturally Hike Series on Open Space Property - Where the Brodhead Doubles – June 2 - Sunday - 1 - 4:30 p.m. - Explore the Middle Brodhead near where the Brodhead and Paradise merge - Join long-time local naturalist, educator and open space advocate, Don Miller for this exploration of the Brodhead Creek and its tributaries near the confluence of the Upper Brodhead and Paradise Creek watersheds. Learn about the growing flow of the Brodhead Creek as it really begins to gather steam on its trip to the Delaware River in this biologically interesting “Middle section” near the confluence of the two primary upper Brodhead tributaries. Participants should be prepared to be outdoors for an extended period of time on level to moderate terrain both on and off trail. Appropriate outdoor attire and hiking footwear recommended. Hike participants should meet in the Stroud Township Pinebrook South parking area just off Rt. 191 (North 5th Street) near Analomink. Pre - registration required. Cost: $5/non-member, $3/EE Center member. End of hike donations accepted to Pocono Heritage land Trust’s Preserve Stewardship Fund and the Brodhead Watershed Association’s Steam Watch Projects.
Poconos Naturally Hike Series on Open Space Property - Mount Wismer Preserve – June 17 - Monday -Located on the border of Pike County along rte. 447 in Barrett Township this Open Space Property - Mount Wismer Nature Preserve is an excellent example of the forested slopes of the Pocono escarpment. The trail culminates with one of the most spectacular views in Monroe County from the very edge of the escarpment across the breadth of the Brodhead Creek watershed to the Delaware Water Gap. The hike beginning at 10 a.m. is moderately strenuous and will take approximately 2 ½ hours. We will meet at the gate for the Mount Wismer Preserve off of rte 447 north of Canadensis, PA. Cost: $5/non-member, $3/EE Center member and children under 12.
2013 Trinidad and Tobago Trip
Birding and Natural History Tour - January 7 – 17, 2013
The twin island country of Trinidad and Tobago is located off the coast of Venezuela and is the most biologically diverse of the Caribbean islands. Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman will lead this birding and natural history trip sponsored by MCEEC in conjunction with Caligo Ventures travel company. Participants will stay seven nights at the internationally known Asa Wright Nature Center and Lodge in Trinidad, and three nights at the Blue Waters Inn while in Tobago. Local expert guides will lead walks and field trips to sample the rich birdlife and varied habitats of both islands. The group hiked deep into the rainforest to visit an Oilbird The loud vocalization of the Great Kiskadee provided a
colony. (Oilbirds are the world's only nocturnal fruiteating bats.) wake-up call for the group each morning at Trinidad's Asa
Wright Lodge.
 
One of the easily seen birds at the Asa Wright Lodge was The tiny but spectacular Tufted Coquetts was one of many
the Purple Honeycreeper. hummingbirds observed on the trip.  
(L - R) Sara and Joe Bedrick and Bill and Nancy Clark enjoyed a
tasty lunch on the picturesque Trinidad beach.
For costs and more information on this tropical adventure, contact MCEEC’s Brian Hardiman at (570) 629-3061 or bhmccd@ptd.net.
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2013 Kettle Creek Art Gallery Schedule
The Kettle Creek Art Gallery displays artwork with natural themes by local artists and art groups. Opening receptions are free and open to the public.
Dec-Jan - Claudia Hill and Susan Pekala - “Gourd Art - Fantastic creations made from gourds! Woven, carved, painted, beaded, fashioned into containers, masks and decorations. Be amazed by these award winning gourdists. November 30, 2012 to January 31, 2013. Opening Reception: Saturday, December 1, 11am-1pm.  
Doll by Susan Pekala Monarch Bowl by Claudia Hill
February - Gary & Nancy Embich - “Watercolor & Photography - a Great Mix” - Gary's licensed Smokey Bear art depicts unique landscapes across the US. Nancy's photography captures nature in the backyard and beyond. Opening Reception: Saturday, February 2, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
 
Gary Embich Painting - New Jersey Smokey Nancy Embich photo - Wind Beneath My Wings March - Rain Barrel Art - “Retain the Rain” - Rain barrels beautifully painted by local artists as part of a water education project. Get a “first look” at these functional works of art before they are installed for public display at local homes and businesses. Opening Reception: Saturday, March 2, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
April - Terry Flatt – photographer - “The Nature All Around Us” - Emphasis will be on nature and scenic photography including images from a recent trip to eastern Africa! May - Kathy Bradley – painter - “Natural Wonderland” - Jersey raised, Kathy romped the mountains as a child, swam the lakes, and played in the rivers and brooks. Above all, she loves the wildlife she’s seen during her travels.
June - Dave & Lisa Reinhard – photography - “Reinhard Images” - Dave and Lisa Reinhard's love for nature and the outdoors is reflected in their award winning original photography of wildlife and the natural environment. Reception: Sat., June 1, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Tannersville Bog Walks and Bog Day Celebration 2013
Physical Address: 166 Cherry Lane Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Google Map Directions please click here
Sunday Bog Walks
Sundays - February10, May 19, June 23, July 14, August 4, and September 8,. These 2 1/2 hour Sunday walks begin at 1pm. Meet at the bog parking lot. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required. Saturday Bog Walks
Saturdays - May 4, June 8, July 20, August 24, September 28, and November 2,. These 2 1/2 hour Saturday walks begin at 2pm. Meet at the bog parking lot. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required. Special Bog Programs
April 16, Tuesday: Herpin’ at the Bog 1 p.m. - Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman will lead this exploration of the Bog’s wetlands and uplands searching for a variety of amphibians and reptiles. Learn about the identification and ecology of these animals in this two-hour walk. Meet at the bog parking lot. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required.
May 7, Tuesday: Birding the Bog 7 a.m. - Combine one of the most unique natural settings with one of the most spectacular natural phenomenon’s and you get a morning of migration birding at the Bog. After the long season of dormancy, spring is exploding as new leaves compete with flowers for sunlight. Add an image of returning migrating birds from the tropics for one of the world’s idyllic events.
Meet at the bog parking lot. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required.
June 13, Thursday: Canoe/Kayak Trip 10 a.m. - Join us on a paddling trip into the Bog Preserve on Cranberry Creek. The program lasts 3 hours. Participants are required to provide their own kayak or canoe. Meet at the bog parking lot. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required.
July 27, Saturday: of Bogs & Butterflies 1 p.m. - A special Saturday walk into the Tannersville Bog to count butterflies for the North American Butterfly Association annual butterfly count. Perhaps the elusive Bog Copper will make an appearance! This event ends at 3 p.m. Meet at the bog parking lot. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required.
August 22, Thursday: Hike to the Center 10 a.m. - The center of the Bog is a unique area with a “quaking matt” and several unusual plants. Participants should be prepared to get wet feet. Meet at the bog parking lot. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required.
September 19, Thursday: Full Moon Hike 6:30 p.m. - Explore the bog under the light of a full moon. The walk begins at 6:30pm and participants should bring a flashlight. Meet at the bog parking lot. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required.
Spring Wednesday Walks – May 1 through June 5
From 1 - 3:30pm we’ll be leading walks through a very unique National Natural Landmark - the Tannersville Bog. Spring is an excellent time to explore the Bog and learn about this unique wetland. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Meet at the bog parking lot.. Pre-registration is required.
Summer Wednesday Walks – June 12 through September 11
From 10 - 12:30pm we’ll be leading walks through a very unique National Natural Landmark - the Tannersville Bog. Summer is an excellent time to explore the Bog and learn about this unique wetland. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Meet at the bog parking lot.. Pre-registration is required. Fall Wednesday Walks - September 18 through November 13
From 1 - 3:30pm we’ll be leading walks through a very unique National Natural Landmark - the Tannersville Bog. Fall is an excellent time to explore the Bog and learn about this unique wetland. Cost: $6/non-members, $4/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Meet at the bog parking lot. Pre-registration is required. Bog Day Celebration 2013 - October - 13 - Sunday - Annual Bog Day - A unique environment with many beautiful and unusual plants and animals, the Tannersville Bog is certainly one of Pennsylvania’s authentic natural treasures. Long valued as an outdoor “museum” and laboratory by scientists, professional botanists, and educators, The Nature Conservancy has protected it since 1956. Join Bog Committee members and Environmental Educators from the Monroe County Conservation District's EE Center for one of many walks offered throughout the day from 9am to 4pm. Information on the bog preserve history as well as The Nature Conservancy . All walks are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required for all walks. To register call (570)629-3061, Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm and most Saturdays 9am - 1pm.
2012 Bog Newsletter
2013 Public Bog Walk Schedule Back to Top
Backyard Habitats - Making Our Yards Compatible with Wildlife Program
Backyard Assesment Brochure Click Here
Backyard Habitat Assessment Program is Evolving The Conservation District’s backyard habitat assessment program is underway and we want to thank everyone who has invited us to make recommendations for their properties. The intent of this program is to restore habitat functions in those areas of the county dominated with residential communities. The way the program exists now is that after a visit to the property, a written report with specific and general recommendations is made regarding the removal of invasive species and the additional use of native plants. Where desired, technical recommendations for stormwater control such as rain gardens and retentive grading are also made. Due to the time commitment required by District staff the fee for this program was set at $200 for less than 2 acre lots, $300 for 2 acres and more, with an additional fee for any technical drawings for stormwater retention ideas. We have heard from some members that although they would like to participate, it is cost prohibitive. Therefore, we are expanding the program by offering a one-time visit to make “on the spot” recommendations. During the visit we will identify invasive species, discuss options for reducing lawn and make recommendations for native plantings that will enhance the properties habitat potential for birds and other wildlife. There will be no follow-up report. All recommendations will be made at the end of the visit. The fee for a one-time visit will be $50. If you have any questions about the backyard habitat assessment program please contact Darryl Speicher at 570-629-3061.
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