United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office Of Water
(A-104F)
EPA-503-8-92CC1
November :99l
Guide To Wetlands
Educational Programs
and Materials
In Pennsylvania
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Guide To Wetlands Educational Programs
and Materials
In Pennsylvania
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
MAP OF PENNSYLVANIA WETLANDS EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES v
INTRODUCTION
WETLANDS
The Wetlands Resource
Wetlands Defined
Wetlands Values and Functions
Pennsylvania Wetlands 6
Regional Profile of Pennsylvania Wetlands 6
Protecting American Wetlands 7
Selected Federal Programs g
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service g
U.S. Soil Conservation Service 9
l/.S. Environmental Protection Agency 9
National Park Service ,Q
Selected Commonwealth Programs ,Q
Pennsylvania Wetlands Protection: Regulatory Program 10
Pennsylvania Wetlands Action Plan n
Financial and Technical Assistance U
Selected Private Efforts 12
The National Audubon Society High Priority Wetlands Campaign U
The National Wildlife Federation u
Professional Services
WETLANDS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 13
Bureau of State Parks 14
County Conservation Districts ,-
Wetlands Educational Programs by County 16
Programs Offered in Multiple Counties 33
Regional Programs Beyond Pennsylvania 33
PENNSYLVANIA WETLANDS EDUCATION 35
Pennsylvania Fish Commission 35
Programs and Training Opportunities 3e
KARE (Keystone Aquatic Resources Education) 55
Adopt a Stream 3e
Materials ,,
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Pennsylvania Game Commission 37
Wetlands Educational Opportunities at Three Wildlife Management Areas 37
Programs and Training Opportu ni tics 38
Project WILD 38
Kids, Wildlife and Their Environment 39
Wildlife Education In-Service Training 39
Materials 39
Regional Offices of the Pennsylvania Came Commission 40
Department of Environmental Resources 41
Bureau of State Parks 41
Bureau of Water Resources Management 41
Office of Environmental Education 43
MATERIALS 44
The Performing Arts 44
Audiovisual Materials 44
Instructional Materials 45
Information, Network Services and Wetlands Education for Teachers 52
Publications 55
APPENDICES
A. CONTACTS 57
B. MATRIX OF FACILITIES AND WETLANDS RESOURCES 65
AT STATE PARKS
C. LIST OF COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTS 68
ii
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am grateful to the cooperative efforts of many individuals toward completing the Guide to
Wetlands Educational Programs and Materials in Pennsylvania. I would like to acknowledge the
patience, support and expertise of the advisory committee throughout the preparation of the Guide.
From the Department of Environmental Resources (DER), Fran Koch, Division of Rivers and
Wetlands Conservation, Bureau of Water Resource Management, Paul Zeph, the Office of Public
Liaison, and Dean Steinhart and Patty Varthis in the Office of Environmental Education devoted much
of their attention and expertise in providing advice, information and resource material. Louis
Ritrovato and Jean Kling, Bureau of State Parks (DER) completed the comprehensive matrix,
"Facilities and Wetlands Resources at State Parks," as presented in Appendix A. I am very grateful to
Kim Mumper, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, for her commitment of time and expertise, and to
Carl Graybill, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, for his effort, information and resource material. I
would like to thank Walt Pomeroy, Mid-Atlantic Vice President of the National Audubon Society,
who contributed his time and ideas in the initial phase of this project. Congratulations to Laury
Zicari, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for her excellent cover illustration and drawings, and
the Map of Pennsylvania Wetlands Program Sites. 1 extend my deep appreciation to all the
organizations who submitted resource materials and completed assessments, and to Stan Franczak, for
preparing the appendices. Finally, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to colleague and supervisor ,
J. Glenn Eugster, for his support and encouragement throughout the development of the Guide to
Wetlands Educational Programs and Materials in Pennsylvania.
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MAP OF PENNSYLVANIA WETLANDS
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Following is a map of locations of Pennsylvania Wetlands Education Programs by county. In
addition to the program sites listed in the section on Wetlands Educational Programs beginning on page
13 it also includes the Penssylvania state parks with facilities and wetlands resources listed in
Appendix B, as well as a few other state parks. When necessary, Environmental Education is
abbreviated to "Env. Ed.", Conservation District to "Cons. Dis." and Management to "Mgt."
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vi
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Wetland Education
Opportunities
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vii
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"The American wetlands are some of our greatest resources. They purify
water, feed ami shelter wildlife and offer countless recreational
opportunities. Our wetlands aren't wastelands, they're wonderlands."
Barnes fticnener, 1987
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NOTES
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INTRODUCTION
The goal of the Guide to Wetlands Educational Programs and Materials in Pennsylvania, is to
provide information to teachers, kindergarten through grade twelve, to supplement lesson plans and
school curriculum and to identify programs available for classes and teacher training at an applied,
hands-on level in wetlands education. To achieve our goal the guide includes:
• Applied, hands-on wetlands opportunities for schools and teacher in-service training in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
• Instructional and informational materials for the classroom.
The guide was developed as a joint effort between the Environmental Protection Agency's
Outreach and State Program Section of the Wetlands Division, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
and nonprofit organizations. The guide is divided into five sections. The first section, "Wetlands",
provides background material on the wetlands resource and wetlands protection at the federal, state
and private levels. The second section, "Wetlands Educational Programs", contains information on
wetlands education and in-service programs in Pennsylvania. "Pennsylvania Wetlands Education"
identifies and describes wetlands education programs in Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania Fish
Commission, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Department of Environmental Resources.
"Materials" is an annotated list of available wetlands educational materials with a nationwide scope
and are arranged by category. There are three appendices: Appendix A, "Contacts", lists address and
telephone contacts for all organizations in the guide. Appendix B is a matrix of facilities and wetlands
resources available at state parks. Finally, a list of addresses and phone numbers for County
Conservation Districts in Pennsylvania is provided in Appendix C
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WETLANDS
THE WETLANDS RESOURCE
Wetlands Defined
Wetlands are areas thai may or may not be covered with water during the whole year but are
wet sometimes during the growing season and so support vegetation adapted to growing in wet areas.
Unlike deep water habitats such as lakes, any standing water is so shallow that plants often cover or
grow above the surface. Wetlands are generally defined and described in terms of the combination of
wet (hydric) soils, hydrology (soil saturation and/or inundation by water) and hydrophytic vegetation
(plants specially adapted to tolerate wet conditions).
Wetlands represent a diverse group of plant communities. Their sizes range from thousands of
acres to the size of a tabletop. They occur just about anywhere, from the Arctic tundra to the lush,
humid tropics; in wooded areas or sunny, open, wet grasslands; and often in people's backyards where
water collects in shallow depressions. Many are associated with rivers, streams, lakes, or oceans while
others are far from any body of open water.
The United States is losing it valuable and perhaps irreplaceable wetlands resource at an
approximate rate of 290,000 acres annually. This natural heritage of swamps, marshes, bogs, and many
other types of wetlands is rapidly disappearing. Once there were 215 million acres of wetlands in the
lower forty-eight states, now only 95 million remain-less than half the original wetlands. In the two
decades between 1955 and 1975, over 11 million acres were lost. The annual wetland loss during this
period was equal to an area the size of Rhode Island.
The major threats to wetlands today come from agriculture and commercial development.
During the time period 1950's - 1970's, nearly all wetlands converted to uplands were due to agriculture,
whereas from 1970's • 1980's the percentage of losses due to agriculture decreased to 54%. Many
agricultural activities are exempt from Federal and State regulatory programs. Urban and coastal
wetlands losses are attributed to housing, shopping centers, marinas and other recreational facilities
and supporting infrastructure of roads, utility corridors and sewage plants.
Wetlands may often be the only remaining undeveloped parcels of land, particularly in urban
areas. As a result, the social and economic pressures to convert them for business or development is
great. Being most commonly situated in topographic low spots, wetlands have traditionally been used
for all manners of waste disposal, including sewage effluent discharge, garbage dumps, hazardous
waste dumps and irrigation return-flow collectors. Finally, since floodplain and prairie wetlands
contain good agricultural soils, they have been systematically drained and diked to convert them to
cropland.
Historically wetlands were considered to be worthless and even forbidding. Wetlands were
seen as areas to drain and fill and the federal government offered incentives for "reclaiming" them for
agriculture and urban/suburban development. Only recently have we begun to recognize the value and
functions that wetlands play.
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Values and Functions of Wetlands
Wetlands are relatively fragile ecosystems that can be easily damaged or destroyed,
particularly through activities that alter their hydrology or water levels. Because of their unique
biological characteristics wetlands permit the furthering of our understanding of environmental
processes. When we lose our wetlands we also lose the many values and functions they offer, including:
• flood control
• water quality enhancement and water supply
• erosion control
• fish and wildlife habitat
• food-chain support
• _ inspirational source for fine arts and literature
• quality of life
• commercial products (fish, shellfish, furbearers)
* boating
• climatic influences
• recreation
Pennsylvania Wetlands
Although acreage estimates of wetlands in Pennsylvania vary, the 1990 Wetlands Report to
the U.S. Congress by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that wetlands in the Commonwealth
total approximately 499,014 acres, or 1.7 percent of the state's surface area. Ninety-seven (97) percent
of the wetlands in Pennsylvania are types commonly known as swamps, bogs, marshes, fens, seeps, wet
meadows and shallow ponds. The other three percent are nonpersistent emergent vegetation and
aquatic beds strictly associated with takes and rivers. The percent loss of Pennsylvania wetlands since
the 1780's is calculated to be 56 percent.
Wetlands fall under two general categories: coastal wetlands and inland wetlands. Coastal
wetlands consist mainly of tidal marshes and mud flats that are periodically covered by salt or
brackish water. Coastal wetlands and mud flats occur along tidal water and saltwater. Coastal
marshes (also called esruarine emergent wetlands) are the dominant type of coastal wetlands.
Pennsylvania's only saltwater marshes are found on the lower Delaware River in the Philadelphia
area at Tinicum Marsh. Inland wetlands include freshwater marshes, swamps and bogs that are
largely nontidal (unaffected by ocean-driven tides). They are found in floodplains along rivers and x.
streams, along lakes and in isolated depressions of uplands. Swamps, or forested wetlands, are the most
common type of inland wetlands in Pennsylvania.
Regional Profile of Pennsylvania Wetlands
The following section is a regional profile of Pennsylvania wetlands. A few definitions wall
help clarify the text. Palustrine wetlands has to do with bogs, marshes and swamps. A fen is
an area of low, flat, marshy land, bog or swamp. Emergent refers to plants that are part in and
part out of water. Many are amphibious, that is, they can live both on land and in water. Some
wetlands, particularly freshwater marshes have cattails, grasses and sedges with narrow
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leaves that emerge and are persistent through rhe year while other emergents have
broadleaves that die back at the end of the grov ;\,. ^ason. Aquatic beds harbor floating and
submerged aquatics. Scrub-shrub wetlands are dominated by woody plants, most commonly
known types being swamps. Limestone seeps occur where groundwater seeps out of the ground
carrying calcium from limestone deposits below.
Northwest Fens and slope discharge wetlands are of special interest in this region.
Additionally, palustrine deciduous forested and scrub-shrub wetlands are of primary
importance. Evergreen scrub-shrub and palustnne emergent (persistent) wetlands are typical.
Southwest. Lake/river wetland types (aquatic beds) and open water provide interesting areas
for study.
Midcentral. Evergreen forested and scrub-shrub wetlands, aquatic beds, deciduous forested
wetlands and open water are characteristics of midcentral wetlands. Limestone seeps in this
region are wetlands of special interest.
Southctntral. Wetland areas for study include: emergent wetlands, mixed deciduous
emergent/scrub-shrub and deciduous scrub-shrub, and deciduous forested wetlands.
Northeast Peat bogs constitute wetlands of major significance in the Northeast. Additional!;,
palustnne emergent (persistent) wetlands are ranked as a primary wetland type. Deciduous
scrub-shrub and deciduous forested wetlands, evergreen scrub-shrub and evergreen forested
wetlands types also provide worthwhile study.
Southeast. A priority list of wetland types for the Southeast Region includes: palustrine
emergent (persistent), mixed scrub-shrub/emergent wetlands and aquatic beds. This region has
the only estuarine wetlands (saltwater) in the Commonwealth.
PROTECTING AMERICAN WETLANDS
There is no "omnibus" wetlands protection law in the United States, so protection necessarily
requires the employment of a variety of laws, regulations, government programs and public or private
approaches in a coordinated, thoughtful, and effective manner. In the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, wetlands protection is assigned to several public agencies including the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Soil Conservation Service, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, the Pennsylvania
Department of Community Affairs, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission and Pennsylvania Game
Commission. The Pennsylvania Dam Safety and Encroachment Act of 1978 provides the authorization
for the Commonwealth to protect wetlands. The rules and regulations developed pursuant to the Act
are found at 25 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 105 and are administered by the Department of
Environmental Resources.
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Selected Federal Programs
At the federal level, wetlands protection can be divided into five genera) areas:
Direct regulation of activities conducted in wetlands is authorized to regulate the discharge of
dredged or fill material to waters of the United States, including many of the nation's wetlands. The
Clean Water Act also includes water quality standards for wetlands. In addition, the Endangered
Species Act can play an important rote where wetlands serve as cntical habitat for threatened or
endangered species.
Economic Disincentives are used to limit destructive activities. For example, "Swarnpbuster "
provisions of the 1985 and 1990 Food Security Acts (the Farm Bills) remove agricultural subsidies and
loan guarantees when wetlands are converted to crop production.
Planning can be an effective tool of wetlands protection particularly in the western United
States where the federal government owns and manages huge tracts of land. Also, guided by Executive
Orders #11990 and #11998 and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), agencies involved in
highway construction, land management and water planning are required to develop policies for
conserving wetlands under their control. The federal government encourages states to protect wetlands
by providing guidance and assistance, such as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants to
states for state wetland conservation plans. Finally, planning efforts are enhanced by extensive federal
efforts to map and monitor wetlands and to conduct research into the physical and properties of
wetlands.
Land Acquisition is also to protect wetlands. Two notable federal examples are the network of
354 National Wildlife Refuges which include significant wetlands acreage and land acquisition under
the Land and Water Conservation Fund. There are two National Wildlife Refuges in Pennsylvania,
the Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Crawford County (see page 20) and the Tinicum National
Environmental Center in Delaware and Philadelphia'counties (see page 28}.
Recognition is administered by the National Park Service (NTS) through the National
Natural Landmark Program. NFS recognizes valuable wetland habitats important to the nation's
natural heritage and encourages landowners to protect "the integrity of valuable natural resources."
Wetlands with National Natural Landmark status in Pennsylvania are Bear Meadows National Area,
Tannersville Cranberry Bog, Presque Isle, Tinicum Wildlife Preserve, Wattsburg Bog, Lake Lacawac,
Reynolds Spring and Algerine Swamp Bog. (For a description of these areas please refer to the section
entitled, "Wetlands Educational Programs beginning on page 13.)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. FWS) places a strong emphasis on public education and
outreach regarding the benefits and values of wetlands. Efforts by U.S. FWS and others have changed
public perception of wetlands being viewed as wastelands to be drained and filled for more "useful"
purposes, to being understood as valuable and productive natural resources deserving protection and
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wise management The U.S. FWS has prepared a multimedia public education program that includes
publications, video productions and other supplemental educational materials to promote awareness of
wetlands values. In the future, the development and implementation of an education-oriented Urban
Wetlands Initiative will promote an understanding of wetlands values and functions in urban areas.
The existing U.S. FWS Wildlife Habitat Conservation Series has several wetlands units and is listed
under Section IV, "Materials", in this guide.
U.S. Soil Conservation Service
U.S. Soil Conservation Service (U.S. SCS) administers the Swampbuster program and other
wetlands provisions of the 1990 Farm Bill, and provides technical assistance to private landowners and
federal, state, and local agencies. The Swampbuster provisions deny crop subsidy payments to farm
operators who convert wetlands to cropland after December 23,1985. The Service's soil scientists,
biologists, and engineers also provide technical assistance to landowners to foster conservation efforts,
including the restoration, creation, and enhancement of wetlands.
U.S. SCS is one of four agencies that cooperated in producing the Federal Delineation Manual to
establish a single federal approach to delineating wetlands. The other three agencies are the U.S.
FWS, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In the regulatory program in Pennsylvania, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service role in wetlands
protection is essentially advisory. It is the policy of U.S. SCS in Pennsylvania to aid in protecting,
maintaining, managing and restoring wetlands to ensure continued realization of their beneficial values-
-education is a vital component-while protecting the soil and water resource base for a viable economic
agricultural enterprise.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The protection of wetlands and environmental education are top priorities of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). U.S. EPA conunueS to play an increasingly important
role in efforts to reverse the trend of wetland loss. The U.S. EPA Action Plan (1989), in response to the
National Wetlands Policy Forum, states that in terms of "Information and Education," it will:
"work toward increased public awareness of wetland functions and values of the Gean Water
Act regulatory programs affecting wetlands, and of nonregulatory approaches."
U.S. EPA, in partnership with federal, state and local governments, is responsible for restoring
and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation's waters, and wetlands
are a valuable integral part of those waters. A major federal regulatory tool for this is Section 404 of
the dean Water Act, which is jointly administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. EPA.
A permit program, Section 404 regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the
United States, including most of the nation's wetlands. A key responsibility of U.S. EPA in
administering the program is development of the program s environmental standards, the section
404(b)(l) Guidelines.
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Protecting our nation's wetlands also requires the cooperation of federal, state and local
agencies; developers; environmental groups; the scientific and education community and others. Since
only dredged and fill material are regulated by Section 404, other nonregulatory approaches were
needed to protect this disappearing resource. U.S. EP A's wetlands protection program was developed to
meet the need to develop other means for protecting wetlands. The agency is committed to moving
forward in terms of regulatory and nonregulatory activities. Its goal is to increase public understanding
and support for wetlands protection while enhancing complementary, non-regulatory programs.
In addition to Section 404, other major program areas include enhancing state and local
wetland protection, increasing coordination between federal and state policies, enhancing public
awareness of wetlands values and expanding scientific knowledge of wetland functions.
The National Wetlands Policy Forum In 1987, at the request of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, the Conservation Foundation/World Wildhf* Fund convened the National
Wetlands Policy Forum to address major policy concerns about.-..-. w the nation should protect its
valuable wetlands resources. Members of the Forum represented as many perspectives about wetlands
as possible from public and private interests, including governors and legislators, fanners, nonprofit
groups and academic experts. In late 1988, the Forum released a report which included an interim goal
and long-term goal and over 100 recommendations. The interim goal of the report was to "achieve no
overall net loss of the nation's remaining wetlands base" and long-term goal to "increase the quantity
and quality of the nation's wetlands resource base." To be effective, wetlands programs require good
public understanding of their purpose and operation. Of critical importance is educating the public as
to the importance of protecting wetlands for the environmental and economic health of the country.
National Park Service
The mission of the National Park Service (NFS) is to conserve, preserve and manage resources
in units of the National Park System so that they remain for the enjoyment of people today and in the
future. The National Park Service carries out natural, cultural and recreational programs having
regional and cross-agency scope. In Pennsylvania, these include the National Natural Landmarks.
National Park Service Regional Water Coordinators are responsible for a wide range of activities
including education and outreach programs directly or indirectly involved with wetlands protection.
NPS general management plans for its park units which address interpretation which can employ
themes and media to interpret significant wetlands resources.
Selected Commonwealth Programs
Pennsylvania Wetlands Protection: Regulatory Program
The cornerstone of Pennsylvania's wetlands protection is the Chapter 105 Regulations Program
of the Department of Environmental Resources. These regulations provide guidance for the
Pennsylvania Dam Safety and Encroachment Act of 1978 which authorizes the state to regulate
activities or structures which would impact wetlands.
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Chapter 105 r ulations require that a permit must be obtained from the state for most
structures or activities that would disturb a wetland. Permit applications are reviewed for impacts to
the area's ecology, wildlife, flood and storm water management and recreation, as well as numerous
other factors.
Other Pennsylvania regulatory programs that involve wetlands protection include programs for
controlling the discharge of polluted water into waterways, construction of sewage treatment facilities,
flood plain management, storm water management, erosion and sedimentation control and river corndor
and coastal zone management.
Pennsylvania Wetlands Action Flan
In 1988, the Department of Environmental Resources (DER) issued a Wetlands Action Plan to
strengthen the existing wetlands protection program. Through this plan, DER made a commitment to:
• stop the loss and degradation of wetlands, and protect and enhance remaining wetland
ecosystems;
* coordinate federal, state and local efforts;
• reduce delays in the processing of permits; and
• train DER staff, local governments, the regulated community, and the general public about
wetlands protection, and develop educational materials.
Financial and Technical Assistance
The Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Program identifies, designates and inventories important nver
segments, and helps counties and municipalities manage watersheds to protect the rivers and wetlands
in those watersheds.
Since the 1940's, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has acquired over 16,000 acres of wetlands
for waterfowl habitat. Of these, Pymatuning Swamp, Siegel Marsh and Middle Creek Wildlife
Management Areas are mentioned in this guide.
The Pennsylvania Fish Commission has the responsibility to enforce the Clean Streams Act, -v.
i he Endangered Species Act (cold-blooded species), and other related wetlands regulations. In
addition, the Commission owns and manages many tracts of wetlands property. Two of the largest are
over 1000 acres on Lake Pymatuning in Crawford County and on Penns Creek in Centre, Mifflin, and
Union counties; in addition, many of the hundreds of access areas to the waterways of the
Commonwealth owned by the Commission contain wetland regions.
Grants are available to local governments to purchase wetlands and other areas for recreation,
parks and open space purposes. The Department of Community Affairs administers two programs
which provide funds for the grant programs: The Pennsylvania Recreational Improvement and
Rehabilitation Act Program; and the local government portion of the federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund program.
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Selected Private Efforts
The National Audubon Society's High Priority Wetlands Campaign
Already at the forefront in wetlands and environmental education the National Audubon
Society (NAS) as made wetlands protection a high-priority national campaign. The primary objective
of the campaign is to recruit and train a team of local wetlands activists to develop and implement
strategies to protect wetlands. Florida already has a local initiative well underway while the
campaign expands to other regions nationwide. A Pennsylvania wetlands campaign program is being
developed. Once the program is up and running slide shows, videos, and other wetlands educational
materials will be available. For further information contact NAS Mid-Atlantic Regional office (see
Section V). Section IV lists a few of NAS education materials. Particularly popular in schools and
environmental education centers are, Audubon Adventures Youth Program and Life in a Wetland (see
"Materials").
The National Wildlife Federation
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), a nonprofit conservation organization, undertakes a
comprehensive conservation education program by developing and distributing environmental education
in its effort to conserve natural resources and wildlife. In addition, NWF sponsors outdoor education
programs in conservation and litigates environmental disputes, many involving wetlands. With
5300,000 members, NWF is the largest conservation organization in the world. Its Wading Into
Wetlands from Ranger Rick's NATURESCOPE Environmental Education Series contains a wetlands
unit, (refer to 'Instructional under "Materials," Section IV).
Professional Services
Educators wishing to improve their profesional skills and knowledge of wetlands for instruction
are encouraged to pursue professional services through environmnetal network organizations offering
support in wetlands education and training . These include networks described under 'Information,
Netwrok Services and Wetlands Education for Teachers", page 52, in the Materials section,
particularly the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the North American Assoication for
Environmental Education (NAEE), the Pennsylvania Alliance for Environmental Education (PAEE) and
the National Assoication of Interpretation (NAI). Training in wetlands education is available from
the Pennsylvania Fish Commission in its KARE program (page 35) at most state parks and many other
locations identified under "Wetlands Educational Program" beginning page 13, Environmental Concern,
Inc. (page 33), Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) on page 29 and the National Audubon
Society sponsors a week long suumer workshop in Greenwich, Connecticut which focuses on wetlands
(page 52).
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WETLANDS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
This section contains a list of wetlands education programs for teachers and students available
at parks and environmental education centers in Pennsylvania. It includes state and private locations.
The programs are intended to provide a hand-on wetlands experience. For a map of locations of
Pennsylvania wetlands education opportunities please refer to page v in the beginning of this guide.
Unless otherwise indicated, grade level is for grades kindergarten through grade twelve (K-
12). Sites (parks, environmental education centers) offering wetlands educational programs are listed
alphabetically by county. For each location information is provided on its address; telephone; number;
type and size of wetlands; programs offered, including if given on-site (at park), off-site (off park
property) or at school, and materials provided; facilities on site and teacher training opportunities.
The majority of programs are free or have a low cost involved. To avoid the problem caused by rising or
changing costs, "fee" under "Programs" indicates a cost is involved. Teachers are encouraged to contact
the park or environmental education center for more detailed information on programs, teacher in-
service training, available picnic table area, public lavatories and cost. For clarity of terms used under
"Programs," "curriculum" refers to material that is for a specific course of study; "continuum" is similar
in that it refers to a unit with connected lesson plans; and "conceptual" refers to a general idea based on
specific units of knowledge. Conceptual learning may be applied to problem-solving activities.
Since many programs available at state environmental education centers and state parks are
similar, these general programs are described under "Pennsylvania State Parks" at the beginning of the
section. For more information on the Bureau of State Parks, please refer to Section III, 'Pennsylvania
Wetlands Education." The Department of Environmental Resources is represented as "DER" and "env.
ed. center" refers to "Environmental Education Center."
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BUREAU OF STATE PARKS
P.O. BOX 8551
Hamsburg, PA 17105-8551
717/783-4356
1-800/83-PARKS
Wetlands: Many different types of wetlands occur in Pennsylvania state parks. Some of the more
common types of wetlands that may be in the state parks are swamps, vernal ponds,
saltmarshes, marshes, bogs and even a few fens. Refer to individual state park for
types of wetlands found at that park.
Please refer to Appendix B, page 65, for a Matrix of Facilities and Wetlands Resources at PA
state parks. Below are descriptions of programs and in-service teacher training offered at
Pennsylvania state parks and environmental education centers. Although the following
programs are offered at 55 state parks and four state environmental education centers, please
contact individual parks and centers for specific details on each wetlands education program
and in-service training.
Programs: Activities for Environmental Learning (AEL)
Conceptual based continuum; aw ir :e programming for teachers or their students for
grades K-12. Available to educators only. Individual activities are administered year
round at state operated env. ed. centers and seasonally opened state parks;
Youth Environmental T gaming Series
Programs in which children ages 4-17 can enroll within Pennsylvania state parks and
state operated Environmental Education Centers. Topics often deal with water and
wetland issues. Curriculums: Activities for Environmental Learning, Aquatic Project
WILD, Nature Scope's "Wading Into Wetlands";
Water Q*1 Bitty Monitoring Program
Hands-on, problem-solving program for grades 9-12 and adults for monitoring the
quality of local waterways. Programs offered at state operated env. ed. centers . :ite
parks and schools.
Location: Varies with park.
facilities: See individual park.
Training: T>ach«r In-^ervicea and Seminars
A variety of teacher :v r.4r.g programs are held by state operated environmental
education centers on wetlands, including Chesapeake Bay; available supplemental
curriculum materials include Activities for Environmental Learning, Project Learning
Tree, Project WILD, KARE, OBIS (Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies), Class
Project, others. Educational materials are provided but vary with In-Service.
Water Quality frlonitering frefTfln* Seminars (WQMP)
Training provided for all groups interested in participating in program. Spring and fall
seminars are held for all teachers and participants. Topics can include wetlands,
Chesapeake Bay, and specific water quality parameters; materials available.
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COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
A list of County Conservation Districts is provided in Appendix C. Each county of Pennsylvania
has a District Office to provide technical assistance and education on agricultural and environmental
issues. Many County Conservation Districts also have educators to assist teachers or provide classroom
programs. The Monroe County Environmental Education Center, listed in the guide has very good
wetland education programs. Check the listing in the county section of your telephone directory for
your district office. Please refer to Appendix C for a list of addresses and telephone numbers for county
conservation districts. Be sure to contact them for county or local wetlands education programs or
information.
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WETLANDS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS by county
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
BEECHWOOD FARMS NATURE RESERVE
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
614 Dorseyville Road
Pittsburgh 15238
412/963-6100
Wetlands: 1/4 acre pond
Programs: Habitat
Support instructional materials
Outdoor discovery program for school children that focuses on the concept of habitat
with children exploring a field, forest and pond for comparative purposes; on-site;
maximum group size 60. NATUREWORKS FOR SCHOOLS is a pre- and post trip
materials "package" contains activity suggestions, natural history objects, audiovisual
materials and teaching equipment which teachers borrow for 2 weeks.
Home Sweet Hoq\e
Focuses on concept of animal homes. One component explores the pond area and studies
the needs of aquatic organisms. Includes NATUREWORKS FOR SCHOOLS pre- and
post-trip support materials; maximum group size 60; small fee.
Pond Study
Outdoor Discovery Program for school children focusing on ponds; maximum group size
30; fee.
Facilities: Environmental education center, outdoor education center, boardwalk over pond,
interpretive trail, accessible to handicapped, weather station connected to monitor m
environmental education center; measures rainfall, temperature at bottom of pond, etc.
Training: J&AHE (see programs under Pennsylvania Fish Commission)
Scheduled periodically throughout the year; fee.
Wetlands Workshops for Teachers
Teachers explore wetland, visit urban wetland threatened by development and leam
wetland activities for students; program varies with season.
BEAVER COUNTY
RACCOON CREEK STATE PARK
RDl Box 900, Route 18
Hookstowrt 15050-9416
412-899-3611
Wetlands: IS acres marsh
Programs: Activities for Environmental Teaming; Youth Environmental Learning
Quality Monitoring Program
Water
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For additional information on above programs see Pennsylvania State Parks.
Facilities: Indoor Classroom, Interpretive Trail, Wildflower Reserve; Spring, Summer, Fall
Interpretive exhibits; size to 75 capacity; offsite facility.
Training: Teacher In-5ervicg and
Water Quality Monitoring Program .^e.gunars
BEDFORD COUNTY
BLUE KNOB STATE PARK
RD#l,Box449
Imler 16655
814/276-3576
Wetlands: Less than 5 acres
Programs: Activities for Environmental Learning
Programs offered on-site, off-site; school.
Yoftttn EjlYirflnmifntel Ltfanying Series
Programs offered at State Parks; maximum group size negotiable; programming; on-site.
Water Quality Monitoring Program
Program given at parks, schools or other sites.
Facilities: Call for information.
Training: TMthw In«Sgrvicg ind Seminars
Water Quality Monitoring Program Seminars
SHAWNEE STATE PARK
Box 67
Schellsburg 15559
814/73*4218
Wetlands: 100 acres of swamps, marsh and vernal pond.
Programs: ActivitiM fur Environmental Learning
Program administered on-site, off-site or school.
Yguth Environmental L.{§jning Series
Continuums include Activities for Environmental Learning (Bureau of State Parks p. 14),
Aquatic Project WILD, Nature Scope's "Wading Into Wetlands"; Programs offered at
State Parks.
Water Quality Monitoring
Facilities:
Training:
Program given on-site, off -site or school.
Information unavailable.
"TVaghM* In-Sgrvifg and
Water Quality Monitoring Program
training workshops for teachers and college groups for groups up to 30.
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BERKS COUNTY
NOLDE FOREST ENVIRONMENTAL EDL . ATION CENTER
RD1 Box 392
Reading 19607
215/775-1411
Wetlands: One acre forested wetlands
Programs: Following programs are offered year round at env. ed. center
Activities for Erwifonmeptal Learning
Youth Environmental Learning Series
Water Qualify Monitoring Program
Facilities: Environmental education center, indoor classroom
Training: Following training offered year round at enviroiur
Teacher In-Service and Seminars
Water Quality Monitoring Program
~ um group size: 100.
education center.
BUCKS COUNTY
PEACE VALLEY NATURE CENTER
170 Chapman Road
Doylestown 18901
215/345-7860
Wetlands: 10 acres wetlands includes vernal pond, fen, and four ponds.
Programs: Ponds and Puddles
Program for 4, 5 and 6-year olds; all "hands-on" activities; collect pond critters with
nets, observe movement in bucket.
Pond and Spyaip Study
A 2-hour unit for grades 1-8; through collection and observation students learn about
survival adaptations of animals to life in the water; on-site; maximum group size 40;
fee.
MUD • Soil and Water
A 2-hour unit for grades 4-6; games, experiments and "hands-on" investigation, student
discover importance of mud to life on Earth; on-site; maximum group size 40; fee.
Facilities: Environmental education center, outdoor classroom v\ jsive solar building, meeting
room and exhibits, maximum group $12 ~ .n.
Training: Not provided
SILVER LAKE NATURE CENTER
1006 Bath Road
Bristol 19007
215/785-1177
Wetlands: 90 acres swamp, marsh, bog, freshwater tidal marsh plus 20 acres of Bristol Marsh.
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Programs: Pond Study
Fourth grade students learn -.bout water cycle, watersheds and how to monitor pollimon
through aquatic macroorganism (macroscopic organisms) diversity and using collecting
devices, identification charts; on-site; maximum group size 30; fee.
Facilities: Environmental education center, auditorium, indoor and outdoor classroom, giftshop,
boardwalk over wetlands, exhibits area in building and trails accessible to those with
minor handicaps.
Nature trails with about 2 miles trails including boardwalks over several wetland
areas and an observation platform.
Training: Not provided.
BUTLER COUNTY
JENNINGS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
RD1, Box 281
Slippery Rock 16057-8701
412/794-6011
Wetlands: Six natural wetlands, one manmade wetland; swamp, vernal pond, post-glacial
kettlehole (large, kettle-shaped depression in ground); 3.5 acres.
Programs: Activities far Environmental Lgam|ng
Youth Environmental Learning Serifs
Water Quality Monitoring Program
Facilities: Environmental education center, interpretive trails, two major wetland resources are
accessible to handicapped, man-made wetland treatment system for acid mine
drainage, multiple trails. Maximum group size 80.
Training: Teacher In»Servigg and Seminars
Water Quality Monitoring Program SciT'nfifS
CAMBRIA COUNTY
CAMBRIA COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Box 187
Ebensburg 15931
814/472-5502
Wetlands: Swamp, Vernal Pond, Marsh, Bog, Fen, wetlands not on site.
Programs: Slide programs; field trips; most activities come from KARE; maximum group size 50;
onsite, offsite, school; materials include slides; printed activities.
Facilities: Outdoor classroom, small nature center boardwalk over wetlands, interpretive trails;
maximum group size 25; handicap access; uses state park.
Training: KARE: One of their most important programs, three courses given to educators in spring,
summer, fall; fee.
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CARBON COUNTY
CARBON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
625 Lentz Trail
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
717/645-8597
Wetlands: An extensive wetland area of over 700 acres, including swamp, marsh, vernal pond,
littoral (shoreline) zone of pond, lake, and streams on many local public lands.
Program; Wetlands Wallowing
Third grade students in conjunction with field work; available on-site at the Center;
maximum group size 30; fee; materials: lesson plans, work sheets, slide program.
Pond Detectives (Let*s Explore A Pond): for grades k-4
A field activity but can be modified for classroom; Length of activity ranges from 1 -4
hours; maximum group size over 100; fee; materials—slides, (CARE work sheets,
additional work sheets, field equipment.
Program: Aquatics and Relatives; for grades K-2
Students engage in field activities relative to aquatic ecosystem and marsh; on-site, off-
site or school; work sheets, lesson plans, coloring sheet; fee.
Facilities: Environmental education center, indoor and outdoor classrooms, boardwalk over
wetlands, interpretive trail; over 250 maximum group size.
Training: In-service workshops in preparation.
CRAWFORD COUNTY
ERIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
RD1 Wood Duck Lane
Guys Mills 16327
814/789-3585
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Wetlands: Swamp, vernal pond, marsh, 2500 acres; also has forests, cropland, grassland.
Programs: Wetlands and Wetlands Conservation
Topics range from freshwater marsh to estuaries and tidal marshes and wetlands
conservation and use; given on-site, off-site, school maximum group size 30;
Materials available for loan include films, slide shows, videos, brochures, activities,
lesson plans, coloring book "A Look At Wetlands" grades 1-4;
Lesson plan on wetlands: Wildlife Conservation Habitat Series, 24 Outdoor Classroom
Guides with teacher's manual, OBIS (Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies), Project
WILD.
Available wetlands videotapes: "America's Wetlands", "A Swamp Ecosystem",
"Wetlands In Crisis".
Wetlands films: "Cry of the Marsh", "The Age of Alaska", and "So Little Time".
Facilities: Outdoor and indoor classrooms-indoor classroom is a 60-seat auditorium which converts
to classroom with tables for 30 students, boardwalk of wetlands, interpretive trail,
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teacher-training workshops, accessible to handicapped (visitor center, trail, fishing
pier).
Training: Wetlands Ecology
Full day workshop with hands-on activities exploring wetlands, 1 in-service credit;
explores using outdoor education in areas of science, art and social studies, spring.
Marsh Ecology
Full day workshop on different types of marshes and swamps including plant
characteristics and transitional zone to upland; 1 in-service credit.
KARE
PYMATUNING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
See page 37 under "Pennsylvania Game Commission" for information on Pymatuning Wildlife
Management Area.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
KINGS GAP ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
500 Kings Gap Road
Carlisle 17013
717/486-5031
Wetlands: 6 acres of swamp, vernal pond, stream.
Programs: Following programs are offered year round at cnv. ed. center:
Activities for Environmental Learning
Youth Environment! Beaming Sc"gs
Water Quality Monitoring Program
Facilities: Environmental education center, indoor and outdoor classrooms, interpretive trails,
accessible to handicapped, provides year round environmental education services; 1,443
acres with 15 mile hiking trails.
Training: Following training offered year round at env. ed. center
Teacher In-Service and Seminars
Water Quality Monitoring PrQgTlPH Stlftinars
DAUPHIN COUNTY
DAUPHIN COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1451 Peters Mountain Road
Dauphin 17018
717/921-8100
Wetlands: Preserved wetlands—information on type of wetlands provided.
Programs: Educational coordinator available to give presentations; Dauphin County
Conservation District is primarily a resource for materials to all schools in county;
Facilities: Preserved wetlands are available to public for educational purposes: please contact the
office at P.O. Box 1295, Harrisburg 17108, or telephone (717) 255-1382.
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Training: Not provided.
ERIE COUNTY
SIEGEL MARSH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
See page 38 Siegel Marsh Wildlife Management Area under Pennsylvania Game
FAYETTE COUNTY
OHIOPYLE STATE PARK
P.O. Box 105
Ohiopyle 15470-0105
412/329-8591
Wetlands: Two bog areas constructed to catch mine acid drainage, 2 acres.
Programs: Activities for Environmental Learning
Youth Environmental Learning Series
Water ualit Monitoring
Facilities: Outdoor classroom, artificial wetland-two bog areas constructed to catch acid mine
drainage, seasonal.
Training: Following training seasonally.
Teacher fit-Service and Seminars
Water Quality Monitoring Progym Seminars
FRANKLIN COUNTY
RENFREW INSTITUTE FOR CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
1010 East Main Street
Waynesboro 17268
717/762-0373
Wetlands: Marsh-wet meadow on-site wetland; Happel Meadow- shrub swamp-meadow, off-site,
Blue Ridge Summit Route 16 , 70 acres.
Programs: Culture and Environment: Discovering Wetlands
Two hour program for grades 5 to 8, may be adapted for younger students; clever, well
designed, hands-on activities using common materials for wetland model and easy to
follow procedures to convey physical concepts impacting wetlands; includes visit and
includes pre- and post-trip teacher packets; visit to wetlands with hands-on activities
collecting wetland samples, identifying plants; maximum group size 30; fee.
Happgl Meadow Wetland*
Facilities:
Training:
Plan to incorporate Happel Meadow, an off-site marsh recently donated to town, into
wetlands education program if it becomes open to public in future.
Environmental education center, outdoor classroom.
Developing training program for the near future.
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LANCASTER COUNTY
HOLTWOOD LAND MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Pennsylvania Power and Light
9 New Village Road
Holtwood 17532
717/284-2278
Wetlands: 2,600 acres wetlands includes swamp, marsh, stream and vernal pond; also, 2,400 acre
lake formed by dam on Susquehanna River.
Programs: Pond Study
Stream Study
Aquatic Project VVTLD
Materials include one page handout on plants and animals, other handouts available to
hose attending program; on-site, off-site, school with wetlands nearby; naturalist
speaks Spanish; maximum group size 120.
Facilities: Outdoor classroom, trail along stream with naturalist to interpret
Training: Unavailable.
MIDDLE CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
See page 37 under Pennsylvania Game Commission for information on Middle Creek Wildlife
Management Area.
MUDDY RUN RECREATION PARK
Philadelphia Electric Company
172 Bethesda Church Road West
Holtwood 17532-9746
717/284-2538
Wetlands: 2 acres of swamp and marsh
Programs: KARE
Workshops by trained KARE facilitator with hand outs and hands-on activities; on-
site, off-site, school; maximum group size 20; fee minimal, materials free;
Wetlands Intofpretivg Trail
Self-guiding trail booklet to 8 station self-guided nature trail on wetlands; on-site;
Aouatig Education
Hands-on exploration of an aquatic habitat using dip nets, boots;
Facilities: Muddy Run Recreation Center
Environmental education center, outdoor and indoor classroom, interpretive trail,
information center which is accessible to handicapped, 167 campground, 700 acres
fields, woodland, picnic area, boat rental, general store, snack bar;
Muddy Run Information Center
Environmental and energy information center with displays and exhibits
Training: KARE
Scheduled throughout the year and upon request.
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LEBANON COUNTY
LEBANON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
21 20 Cornwall Road SuiteS
Lebanon 17042-9788
717/272-3377
Wetlands: Palustrine (isolated from open water such as lakes and rivers) emergent wetlands and
wetlands along Lake Strauss, Memorial Lake, Camp Shand/Kiwanis; 9 acres.
Programs: KARE
Program available on-site, off-site or at school; maximum group size varies.
Wetlands fact sheets
Facilities: Environmental education center, outdoor classroom, interpretive trail;
Stoevei's Dam Nature Center includes grounds with lakes and stormwater/ wetland
areas; handicapped access to Stoever's Dam Nature Bam; maximum group size 30.
Lebanon Valley Agriculture Center
Home office for all county agricultural offices, maximum group size 70, handicap access.
Training: Regional Enyjrpnmgntal Education
Teacher training program designed to incorporate environmental education into existing
curricula; education materials for second and sixth grade section on water communities;
available at any site in Lebanon County for nominal fee throughout year.
OBIS Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies
Adaptations: aquatic animals movements in water -Attract A Fish, Damsels and
Dragons, Hopper Circus, others; complete module overview available to teacher
available at any site in Lebanon County for nominal fee throughout year.
LEHIGH COUNTY
FOOLE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
601 Orchid Place
Emmaus 18049
215/965-4397
Wetlands: Ponds, natural and artificial; pond-fed levee (embankment to prevent water from
overflowing , impacts and alters wetlands); hydric (wet) soils.
Program: Litri* Lghich Watershed fmricu luTTf Grades k-6
Program addresses biotic and abiotic factors in a watershed with some wetlands
activities but mainly centers on what lives in an aquatic environment with watershed
as Che emphasis; follow-up classroom activities; maximum group size 20-25; given on-
site, off-site, school; fee.
Facilities: E.E.C, indoor and outdoor classrooms, bird blind; offered year round.
Training: Projgrt Learning TPM
KARE
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Little
Watershed
In-service training, offered year round; recommended to be taken during dry and wet
seasons for comparing variations in watershed between spring and fall.
MERCER COUNTY
MCKEEVER ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
RR 3 Box 121
Sandy Lake 16145
412/376-7585
Wetlands: None on park property but visits Geneva Marsh annually.
Programs: Stream study of riparian habitat (river bank, often is a wetland habitat).
Canoe trip to Geneva Marsh
Activities for Environmental Learning
Youth Environmental Learning Series
Water Quality Monitoring'
Facilities:
Training:
Workshops for Aquatic Project WILD, KARE, Project WILD and Project Learning Tree
offered at marsh and Lake Erie where wetlands occur.
Water Quality Monitoring Prpgfim SflTlinitfft
KAEE
MONROE COUNTY
MONROE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
4225 Manor Drive
Stroudsburg 18360
717/992-7565
Wetlands: Tannersville Cranberry Bog, over 800 acres
Env. Ed. center, outdoor and indoor classroom, maximum group size 100.
Teacher In-Sgrvicp and
Program: Pocono
Studies
A teacher packet with supplementary activities for a field trip to the Tannersville
Cranberry Bog; materials include teacher packet with supplementary activities that
complement field trip to the Tannersville Cranberry Bog; maximum group size 100; on-
sight, off-site, school; fee.
Pond Study
A supplementary group of activities for field trip on pond life; maximum group size 250;
on-sight, off-sight, school; fee; materials include teacher packet/field trip.
Pncono Wrtlanda
Types and importance of Pocono wetlands; includes a slide show; maximum group size
250; on-sight, off-site, school; fee.
Facilities: Env. ed. center, outdoor classroom, boardwalk over wetlands, interpretive trail.
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Training: KARE
Follow-up materials available.
POCCN'O MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
P.O. Box 200
Swift water 18370-0200
717/839-7121 ext. 340, Science Supervisor
Wetlands: 175 acres of wetlands off-site at Tannersville Cranberry Bog.
Programs: Pro) get Search
Resource and activity guide for all grade four teachers; maximum group size 30;
environmental educator available.
Facilities: Env. ed. center
Training? EnvifflTglf P*al Education for Tgachf rs
Prepares teachers for Project Search and other local environmental activities upon
request at Meesing Environmental Education Center and Pocono Mountain Schools, fee.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
RlVERBEND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
P.O. Box #2
Springmill Road
Gladwyne 19035
215/527-5234
Wetlands: Vernal pond, under 1 acre, and stream.
Programs: Wading into Wedanda. Ranger Rick's NATURESCOPE
Project WILD
KARE
Lesson plans and specific wetland activities along with fact sheets and resources; on-
site and school; maximum group size 20; fee.
Facilities: Environmental education center, 2 miles trails, barn with office, small classroom and
library.
Training: Unavailable.
WISSAHICKON VALLEY WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
12 Morris Road
Ambler 19002
215/646-8866
Wetlands: Flopdplain wetlands of the Wissahickon Creek, 200 acres.
Programs: StT*an\ Study
Banks and wetlands of Wissahickon Creek; students observe and measure: depth,
width, rate of flow, abiotic or physical characteristics ( temperature, pH) and biota
(plant and animal life); hands-on materials.on-site, off-site; maximum group size 45;
fee.
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Pond
Activities on food webs of pond, its microscopic animals and plants , measuring abiotic
characteristics, hands-on materials include tools, recording materials, microscope; on-
site, off-site.
Facilities: Facilities at Wissahickon Valley include:
Environmental education center with outdoor and indoor classroom, interpretive trails,
teacher training/ workshops; Refurbished barn with classrooms and nature museum
Trails and study stations, maximum group size 45; handicap access at building
Penllyn Natural Area: 10-acre site along Wissahickon Creek with self-guided loop
trail, two outdoor classrooms; maximum group size 45.
Training: Stream Study and Pond Study; teachers learn how to implement above programs as
they learn the dynamics of wetland; materials available.
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
JACOBSBURG ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
835 Jacobsburg Road
Wind Gap 18091
215/759-7616
Wetlands: 100 acres swamp, bog, emergent and forested wetlands; visits Tannersville Bog, swamp,
Delaware Watershed Wetlands.
Programs: Following programs are offered year round at env. ed. center:
Activities for Environmental Learning
Youth Environmental Learning Series
Water Qualit Monitoring
Facilities:
Training:
Env. ed. center, indoor classroom (limit 20). outdoor classroom limit to 45
Following training offered year round at env. ed. center
Teacher In-Service and Seminars
Water Qualit Monitorin Pro am minars
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY
ANDORRA NATURAL AREA
Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia 19118
215/685-9285
Wetlands: Vernal pond, marsh, floodplain; includes 5 miles of trails in woodlands, old fields,
fields, vernal pond and 7 mile long park with wetlands alongside large stream
Programs: Lessons relating to pond or floodplain areas.
Exercises such as collecting organisms, measuring floodwater height, searching for
animal homes; materials are lesson plans; on-site, off -site in Wissahickon Valley and
Park; maximum group size 20-25; fee.
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Facilities: Environmental education center, outdoor classroom, handicap access, gravel trail near
large stream
Training: Limited training due to 1-person staff.
MORRIS ARBORETUM of the UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
9414 Meadowbrook Avenue
Philadelphia 19118
215/247-5777
Wetlands: Floodplaln wetlands, stream, wet meadows, 5 acres.
Programs: Unavailable
Facilities: Teacher training/workshops
Training: Ecology Teach* r Enhancement
Month long daily program designed for classroom teachers, k-8; development of lesson
plans is an important part of program, educational materials provided, teachers
receive stipend, July, funded by National Science Foundation.
Science Teachers Ecology Alliance
Professional organization meets throughout the year, bimonthly.
SCHUYLMLL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
8480 Hagy's Mill Road
Philadelphia 19128-9975
215/482-7300
Wetlands: Wetlands both on-site and off-site, including swamp, pond, vernal pond, marsh, fen; on-
site wetlands Shadow Pond, Wind Dance Pond and new wetlands site; off-site wetlands
include Quakertown Swamp, Tinicum Marsh, Manor Creek.
Programs: Wadinf Into Wetlands. Ranger Rick.'* NATURESCOPE
Why Wetlands.
The above programs are offered at Schuylkill include curricula materials, textbooks,
audiovisual materials; on-site, off-site.
Training: Wetlands Ecology and Conservation Emphasis in Pennsylvania
Wetlands course proposal for week long study for teachers. Theory with hands-on
activities for teachers; teachers have access to Schuylkill's Teacher Resource Center
and Library, including over 13,000 volumes; course to be available through
Pennsylvania State University; summer; tuition fee.
ICARE
TINICUM NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Scott Plaza 2, Suite 104
Philadelphia 19113
215/521-0662
Wetlands: Freshwater Tidal Marsh, 700 acres, largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in
Pennsylvania; administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Programs: Wildlife Habitat Conservation Series: Grades 4-7
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Presented on-site; materials include written guides with posters
Facilities: Env. ed. center; outdoor classroom, boardwalk over wetlands, observation platform,
blinds, walking trails, Visitor Contact Station: a small information center (15 people
maximum)
Training: Tinicum Marsh; Envirorynf ntfll Education Workshops for Te^cjigra
Four full six hour "hands-on" outdoor wetlands workshops providing teachers with 1-
credit in-service training; offered spring, summer, fall, follow-up materials available;
call for details.
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA (THE zoo>
34th Street and Girard Avenue
Philadelphia 19104
215/243-1100 ext. 311
Wetlands: None
Programs: KARE
Maximum group size 30; on-site, school; winter; fee; materials include lesson plans and
supplemental curricula material; interdisciplinary lessons plans and curricula
materials.
Facilities: Call for information.
Training: KARE
PIKE COUNTY
POCONO EhmRONJMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (PEEC)
RD 2, Box 1010
Dingman's Ferry 18328
717/828-2319
Wetlands: Ponds, acid bogs/ and bottomland hardwoods are some wetlands located at the 38-acre
facility plus 200,000 acres public lands.
Programs: KARE
Project Learning Tree
Project WTLD
Residential programs for school groups, teacher workshops, retreat, conferences or
other needs; PEEC instructors available; on-site and in neighboring public lands.
In addition to KARE. educational materials for Project Learning Treg. Project WILD.
and water quality monitoring and other teacher training programs.
Facilities: 38-acre campus with 45 winterized single-room cabins accommodating up to 350 at any
one time, dining hall, meeting rooms, computer lab and library.
Training: Environmental education in-service training is PEECs Specialty. It offers a wide
variety of training programs addressing wetlands. In-service credit is available for
participating in PEEC sponsored workshops throughout the year. PEEC training
programs include:
• KARE. Project WILD. Project Learning Tree workshops;
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• Thg Magir of Spriny explores wetlands and other habitats;
* Tm«mini]tg Field Trip visits a puddle around the school
POTTER COUNTY
POTTER COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
RD #3 Box 107A Maple View Center
Coudersport 16915
814/274-8411
Wetlands: Marsh, 2 acres off-site at park & school
Programs: Unavailable
Facilities: Teacher training workshop facility
Training: Workshops with educational materials sponsored by District including educational
materials available.
POTTSVILLE COUNTY
THE ROVING NATURE CENTER
Schuylkill Conservation District
Fairlane Village Mall Route 61 N
Pottsviile 17901
717/429-1744
Wetlands: 1-2 acres vernal pond and marsh.
Programs: Freshwater Marsh—Habitat Overview
Lesson plans 1: "Marsh Succession"; Lesson Plan 2: "Marsh Settlers"; Lesson Plan 3: "A
Model Marsh", U.S. FWS; on-site; fee.
Wetlands Leader/Teacher Guide
4-H member guide, defines wetlands and presents wetland types, values, products, loss
and regulation; on-site; maximum size one class; fee.
Bay Teaching Materials,
Elementary activities, lesson plans focusing on Chesapeake Bay; on-site; maximum sizs
one class; fee. *
Facilities: Environmental education, interpretive trail, 78 acres of various habitats including
ponds and small wetlands, maximum group size 50.
Training: £AflE
TIOGA COUNTY
TlOGA COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
5 East Avenue
Wellsboro 16901
717/724-1812
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Wetlands: None.
Programs: Soil $iuvyy of Tioga County. Pennsylvania. Grades 9-12
A complete description and maps of all the soils in Tioga County.
Hydrig Soil* of Tioga County. Pennsylvania. Grades 9-12
Listing of all hydric soils and potentially hydric soils and their hydric components.
Materials include reference literature.
Facilities: None
Training: Unavailable
VENANGO COUNTY
OIL CREEK STATE PARK
RDl,Box207
Oil City 16301-9733
814/6767-5915
Wetlands: Vernal pond, emergent scrub-shrub and forested wetland, 1,000 acres.
Programs: Activities for Environmental Learning
Youth Environmental Learning Series
Water Ou,aJJtY Monitoring Pp*gf "**
Material includes Wetlands Protection: A Handbook for Local Officials-what
wetlands are, fauna and flora, importance, etc., second part on local government
protection of wetlands.
Facilities: Outdoor and indoor classroom (amphitheater), boardwalk over wetlands {2 areas,
approx. 100 yards), interpretive trail, teacher training workshops, accessible to
handicapped includes some trails and boardwalks and paved 9.5 mile bicycle trail,
maximum group size 35.
Training: Following training offered seasonally:
Teacher In-Service and Seminars
Water Quality Monitoring Prpgrajy
VENANGO COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
RD2Boxl08
Franklin 16323
814/432-7456
Wetlands: Spedal project is management and development of a natural wetland to better treat an
inflow polluted by acid mine drainage.
Programs: Environmental educator available to deliver programs at school.
Facilities: Classroom at school needed.
Training: Unavailable
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WASHINGTON COUNTY
WASHINGTON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
602 Courthouse Square
100 West Beau Street
Washington 15301-4402
412/228-6774
Wetlands: Swamp, vernal pond, wetlands associated with streams; county parks and state game
lands; numerous wetlands in county for educational use.
Programs: Aquatic Project WTLQ
KARE
Workshops conducted by the Conservation Unit I for teachers, county-wide government
agency provides programs at many sites in county; on-site, off-site, school; additional
materials provided are DER Rivers ind Wetlands fact sheets.
Facilities: Outdoor classroom, teacher era..--. «; workshops; instructor available to conduct
educational programs at many racilities in county.
Training: KARE
Summer at Mingo Creek County Park.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY
POWDERMILL NATURE RESERVE
Star Route South
Rector 15677
412/593-2221 or 412/593-6105
Wetlands: 5 acres of ponds and riparian (along streams).
Programs: Aquatic Project WTLP
Activities on all aspects of aquatic life; on-site; maximum group size 30; fee.
KARE
Activities dealing specifically with Pennsylvania wetlands; on-site; maximum group
size 30; fee.
Facilities: Environmental education center, indoor classroom, hiking trail, exhibit area.
Training: Unavailable
WESTMORELAND CONSERVATION DISTRICT
932 St. Clair Way
Route 30 East
Creensburg 15601
412/837-5271
Wetlands: Wetlands vary throughout county land, contact County Conservation District for more
information.
Programs: No formal programs but offers the following services related to wetlands; Grades 10-12:
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Limited wetlands identification; agency contacts; general education activities like
"Landmark" newsletter. Materials include newsletter, occasional comic books
Facilities: Information not provided.
Training: Seminars/workshops (technical).
PROGRAMS OFFERED IN MULTIPLE COUNTIES
CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION
214 State Street
Harrisburg 17101
717/234-5550
Wetlands: Marshes off-site at Wildwood, Muddy Creek, Gilford Pinchot
Programs: SusquehjpM Watershed Education Program.
Field trip experience to investigate the complex relationship between land use and
aquatic habitats; offered to Pennsylvania school districts in Dauphin, Lancaster,
Lebanon, York, Chester and Cumberland Counties; grades 7-12; offered Spring/Fall.
Training: SuJBlTlfr 1991 Teaeher Tr3'n'ng Institute Course Offerings
"Pennsylvania and the Bay"; 3
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Programs: Bay B C'^ lower elementary grades.
Facilities:
Training:
Booklet with 13 lesson plans, children's pages and educational resources; 64 p.
Material provided is curriculum supplemental .
Horn Point env. ed.program, 850 acre plus campus; boardwalk over wetlands; primitive
campground, canoe shed, 2 miles of interpretive trails, open air pavilion and privies.
Maximum group size 40.
"Hands-on" aquatics workshops for elementary teachers; Bay Watershed and Aquatics
Teacher Workshops, July 8-12; includes teacher activity booklet with activities,
resources and day trip activity with follow-up activities and projects.
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PENNSYLVANIA WETLANDS EDUCATION
Pennsylvania is blessed with natural aquatic resources. Pennsylvania is noted for as
fine boating, hunting and fishing, and other outdoor water-activities. There is a need to educate people
about the strains put on the state's wetlands resources by increased urbanization, siltation, acid rain,
pollution from heavy metals and mining, solid waste and other serious concerns. A variety of wetland
education material is available from the following agencies in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION
P.O. Box 1673
Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673
717/657-4518
The Pennsylvania Fish Commission holds trusteeship for all fish and aquatic life living in
Commonwealth waters. The Commission is actively involved in protecting, conserving, and enhancing
these resources. Activities of the Commission include: enforcement of fishing and boating codes, fish
production and stocking, fish culture research, boating and water safety, magazines, public information,
Adopt-a-Stream, hatchery open houses, herpetology and endangered species, teacher education, youth
programs, sport fish restoration and stream monitoring.
PROGRAMS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
KARE. (Keystone Aquatic Resource Education Program
KARE is an environmental education program on water resources-streams, rivers, lakes and
their aquatic life forms. The program consists of both formal (classroom) and non-formal (recreational)
education programs.
Teacher workshops take place across the Commonwealth for kindergarten through twelfth
grade educators. Workshop participants learn about aquatic resources and engage in activities they can
use with their students. They receive three activity guides, student newsletters, posters and other
materials for classroom use. The workshops are 15-hours in length; materials are free of charge, and
are available only through the workshops,. Nominal fees are sometimes charged to cover the cost of
site use and refreshments.
Recreational basic fishing skills programs are available dunng the summer of 1991 in the
Pittsburgh area and should be available statewide beginning in the spring of 1992. Contact the Fish
Commission for the status of these programs.
Adopt a
Stream and fishing improvement projects performed by student or citizen groups are the focus of
this program.
MATERIALS
The following materials are available through the Fish Commission's KARE workshop:
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Water Resources in Pennsylvania
Educational activities for grades 7 - 9, earth and life sciences, on Pennsylvania's bodies of
water, wetlands, the water cycle, aquatic food webs and aquatic issues. Includes audiovisual
library listings, posters, publications. Will be revised in 1991. Available only through RARE
workshops.
Aquatic Project WILD
Supplement to Project WILD developed by Western Regional Environmental Education Council;
emphasis on both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Interdisciplinary covering variety of
topics, skills and instructional setting for grades K -12. Available only through KARE
workshops.
Living in Water
Hands-on activities on aquatic science curriculum supplement developed by National Aquanum
in Baltimore for grades 4 - 6. Focuses on properties of water, fresh and saltwater life adapted to
those properties. Available through KARE workshops or directly from the National
Aquarium in Baltimore.
Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth (PLAY)
Quarterly newsletter for upper elementary-aged students including stories, games, puzzles on
fishing and other water activities, environmental issues; excellent for learning enhancement;
elementary teachers participating in KARE workshops can receive classroom quantities of 25 of
the newsletter and instructor's guide for classroom use.
Children may join PLAY for small fee and in addition to newsletters, will receive a packet
including membership card, stickers, and other items.
The Bailey Twins Outdoor Adventures
Free; available from PA Fish Commission. Use school stationery to request.
Water Pollution
Free brochure available on types and causes of water pollution; available in lots of 25 from Fish
Commission. Use school stationery to request.
Acid Precipitation
Free brochure on causes and effects of acid rain on PA's aquatic resources; available in lots of 25
from Fish Commission. Use school stationery to request.
Wetlands: Natural and Necessary
Free pamphlet on types, importance, functions, and means to protect PA's wetlands. Available
in lots of 25 from PA Fish Commission. Use school stationery to request.
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PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION
2-jJl Hmerton Avenue
Harisburg 171KM797
717/787-6286 (educational programs)
717/783-7507 (educational publications)
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for the protection and management of the
Commonwealth's wildlife resources. It is also responsible for the management of wildlife habitat on
280 separate Game Lands m 65 counties comprising 1,335,334 acres.
Included in this total is 35,630 acres of wetlands. Wetlands are important to the life cycle of
waterfowl, shore birds, furbearers and other protected wildlife including endangered and threatened
species. The Game Commission places a high priority on wetlands acquisition and enhancement.
WETLANDS EDUCATION AT THREE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS
Three of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's wildlife management areas with
notable wetlands and wetlands education opportunities are:
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area (State Game Lands 46)
Long before wetlands conservation came to the public's awareness, the Game Commission
created the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area-a 5,000 acre impoundment and numerous small
ponds that provide ideal habitat for waterfowl and other game and non-game species. Historically,
wetlands were viewed as wastelands to be drained and developed. The establishment of Middle
Creek, which offers a wide variety of activities for outdoor recreationists, showed the Commission to
be a leader in habitat acquisition and preservation.
The Middle Creek Visitors Center is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and
12:00 p.m. noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 1, through November 30. The center has many educational
displays on the areas wildlife including an excellent interpretive area. Numerous educational
programs are available at the facility. Several hiking trails are located in the area. The Middle
Creek Visitors Center auditorium can accommodate over 150 persons. The center has specially designed
ramps and lavatories to accommodate the handicapped. For more information, please contact Middle
Creek at:
«
Box 110
Kleinfeltersville 17039
717/733-1512
Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area (State Game Lands 214)
Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area, at Pymaturung Lake in northwestern Crawford County
had previously been an inaccessible, wooded bog. Lack of marshlands and open water prevented many
species of water birds and even bald eagles from being more than casual visitors. In 1933 the dam was
constructed and the Pennsylvania Game Commission created a wildlife refuge, attracting many water
birds and bald eagles started nesting in the refuge Today, Pymaturung consists of 25,000 acres. The self-
guided nature trail is an easy, short walk along the east shore of Ford Island.
Baid eagles are one of the main attraction for visitors at the Game Commission's Waterfowl
Museum on Ford Island. Bald Eagles feed mainly on fish and may occur in or near wetlands. By 1986
Pymaturung had five nesting pairs. Visitors can watch bald eagles flying or fishing over the lake, or in
April or May, nesting nearby. Museum is open from March I to October 31, everyday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. with expanded hours from June 1 to September 30 on Friday and Saturday, from 8.00 a.m. to 9:00
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p.m. and has displays that will help later in exploring the marshes and lake shore. The Pymatuning
Visitors Center serves as a focal point for many activities during the year, with nearly 300 mounted
wildlife specimens, exhibits and dioramas. Numerous educational programs are available. The
Pymatiming Visitors Center auditorium can accommodate over 100 persons. The center has specially
designed ramps and lavatories to accommodate the handicapped. For special auditorium shows or
programs, please contact the center in advance at:
RDtfl Box
Linesville, Pennsylvania 16424
Phone: 1-SOO/ 533-6764 or 814/683-5545
Siegel Marsh Wildlife Management Area (State Came Lands 21.
Completed in 1972, this modern facility is administered thrL-^n the Game Commission's
northwest regional office. It is comprised of 1343 acres and is managed primarily for wild waterfowl.
Several impoundments provide shallow water resting and feeding habitat. The largest of these
impoundments inundates approximately 400 acres when full. A 203 acre propagation section provides
safe sanctuary for water fowl and other small birds and mammals where they can nest and feed
unmolested by humans. The sanctuary is maintained year round. Two nature trails are worth
investigation, the Beechwood Trail stretches about three miles, the Lake Trail ts about a mile long.
The Siegel Marsh Visitor Center auditorium can accommodate 60 persons. It has specially
designed ramps and lavatories to accommodate the handicap. It is open to the public May through
September 30, Saturday and Sunday only, 12:00 p.nt noon until 9:00 p.m. For information on group tours
or group use of Siegel Marsh facilities, contact either of the following addresses:
Pennsylvania Game Commission
POB116A RD2
Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441
Phone: 1-800/533-6764
Pennsylvania Game Commission
POB31
Franklin, Pennsylvania 16323
PROGRAMS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
District Wildlife Conservation Officers can provide a number of programs on wetlands and
wetlands species. Publications are provided to teachers upon request. The address and phone number
for each of the Game Commission's six regional offices is on the following page. Teachers need to
contact the appropriate office for programs, films, videotapes, and other educational materials.
Programs involving wetlands are limited but many can be adapted to use with the wetland
resource. Programs include:
Project WILD
Although many are directed at upland activities, both elementary and secondary guides have
wetlands activities such as "Pond Succession". More wetlands material is provided in "Extensions to
Existing Project WILD Activities" of Project Aquatic WILD.
As with Project Aquatic WILD listed under above Pennsylvania Fish Commission, teachers and
other educators participate in hands-on activities in the Project WILD described above. Elementary or
secondary activity guides provided to educators attending a 6-8 hour workshop; training available to
requesting school district.
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Kids. Wifldlift and Their Environment
Elementary teacher's guide to '.Vildlife Activities; while the activities are fairly general
they may be adapted for use in wetlands habitat. Materials are divided into three sections: 1)
Activities, 2) Follow-ups, 3) Resources (includes films).
Wildlife Education In-Sgfvice Training
Overview of resources and assistance available from Game Commission; matenals provided
upon request from school district; funded by Game Commission; contact Game Commission regional office
(see below).
MATERIALS
The following materials are available through the Game Commission:
• Ducks at a Distance
Pocket waterfowl identification guide published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
emphasizing fall and winter plumage as well as size, shape and flight characteristics of
waterfowl.
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area, Siegel
Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Brochures on three wildlife management areas in Pennsylvania, each with extensive wetlands
habitat.
• Endangered and Threatened Species of Pennsylvania
Publication; large percentage of species represented m publication are in wetlands habitat. It
may be noted that at least one-third of the nation's threatened of endangered species live in
wetland areas.
* Join Us In Partnerships
Informative brochure describing the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, an effort
between Canada, the United States and Mexico to protect the continent's disappearing
wetlands and associated wildlife populations.
Wetlands, Wildlife and You
Newspaper format; defines wetlands, illustrating adaptations of wildlife to wetland habitat
(beaver is cited), with games and puzzles.
* The Baily Twins' Outdoor Adventures
Grades 2-6; activity guide and nature protection comic book containing wetlands activities; for
instance, "Secret at Wildcat Swamp" followed by a "Wetlands Matching Game."
Wildlife Notes
These informative and attractive one to two page fact sheets are each on one or a group of
wildlife species, presenting their life histories, physical characteristics and identification
features. .A few Wildlife Notes on species associated with wetlands include:
"Eagle and Osprey"
"Wood Duck"
"Minks and Muskrats"
"The Heron Family"
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REGIONAL COUNTY OFFICES OF THE GAME COMMISSION
Northwest Region Southwest Region
P.OBox31 P.O. Box A
Franklin 16323 Ligonier 15658
814/432-3187 or 1-800/533-6764 412/238-9523 or 1-800/243-8519
Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest
Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango,
Warren
Northcentral Region
P.O. Box 5038
Jersey Shore 17740
717/398-4744 or 1-800/422-7551
Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Qinton
Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Porter, Tioga, Union
Northeast Region
P.O. Box 220
Dallas 18612-0220
717/675-1143 or 1-800/228-0789
Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna,
Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland,
Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming
Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver,
Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana,
Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland
Southcentral Region
P.O. Box 537
Huntindon 16652
412/238-9523 or 1-800/243-8519
Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland,
Franklin, Fulton, Huntindon, Juniata,
Mifflin, Perry, Snyder
Southeast Region
RD 2, Box 2584
Reading 19605
215/926-3126 or 1-800/228-0791
Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware,
Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, York
Game Commission State Headquarters
Pennsylvania Game Commission
2001 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg 17110-9797
717/787-4250
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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
The Department of Environmental Resources (DER) includes most of the state programs for
protecting and enhancing the environment. With over 60 field offices throughout Pennsylvania, DER is
responsible for managing the state's natural resources and enforcing laws and regulations to prevent
environmental pollution and degradation.
For a complete listing of DER programs and activities, or further information on any
environmental issue, contact the agency at: DER Public Liaison Office, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA
17105-2063, 717/783-7005.
BUREAU OF STATE PARKS
Environmental Education and Interpretive Section
Department of Education
P.O. Box 8551
Harrisburg 17105-8551
717/783-4367 or 1-800/63-PARKS
A major focus of the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks is to provide a program of services to
enable the visitor and citizens of Pennsylvania to better understand and appreciate Pennsylvania s
natural, cultural and historic resources. The aim of the Bureau's Environmental Education and
Interpretive programs is to not only increase people's environmental awareness but foster the necessary
knowledge, skills and commitment so that people can become responsible citizens doing their share to
help make a better world. Please refer to pages 14 and 15 for information on the Bureau of State Parks'
Wetlands Education programs and training opportunities. The Bureau of State Parks operates 115 state
parks and five environmental education centers. Environmental education centers differ from state
parks in the following respect:
Environmental Education Centers provide year-round Environmental Education services to the
surrounding educational and general community. Programming includes held learning activities with
visiting school groups, teacher in-service training and community programming on environmental issue
related topics.
State Parks provide seasonal interpretive programming to park visitors including, guided
hikes, evening programs and issue oriented programs. Topics often include wetlands.
BUREAU OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Division of Riven and Wetlands Conservation
Education and Technical Assistance Section
P.O. Box 8761
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8761
717/541-8902
As a result of the Department of Environmental Resources Wetland Protection Action Plan, the
Education and Technical Assistance Section in the Division of Rivers and Wetlands Conservation,
Bureau of Water Resources Management became a reality in June of 1989. The three staff people
develop wetland training workshops and other educational programs for DER staff, the regulated
community, local governments and the general public. The following educational information is free
and available upon request, depending upon supply, from the Bureau of Water Resources Management:
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Rivera and Wetlands Conservation Fact Sheets
RW-1-3/91 An Introduction to Wetlands
RW-2-3/90 Wetlands: Functions at the {unctions
RW-3-3/90 Urban Wetlands: Generously Gifting Our Cities
RW-4-3/90 Facts and Falsehoods: A True/False "Test" of Wetland Trivia
RW-7-3/91 Wetlands: Permit Required?
RW-8-3/91 Clues To Wetland Identification: Questions for Developers, Contractors, surveyors.
Farmers, and Landowners
Middle school through adult audiences; general information on the title topics; can be used as
introduction and/or follow-up to DER video, Wetlands: Maligned Treasures
Wetlands: Maligned Treasures
Middle school through a-uit audiences; a 24-minute VMS video on Pennsylvania's wetlands
focusing on the values and functions of wet ecosystems. Video includes the status and trends of
wetlands from the colonial period to the present.
Abridged National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: Pennsylvania
High school; manual is an abbreviated version of the National List complied by Porter Reed.
Jr., of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with a preface written by Robert J. Hill, DER.
Cryptic Clues: The Wetland Classroom
Middle school and lower high school grades; teacher's guide, glossary, resource information
list, quiz with answer sheet and a student's guide to slueth the swamps for signs of animals and
plants found in wetlands; written by Robert J. Hill.
Wetlands Protection: A Handbook for Local Officials
High school; useful information on wetlands, highlighting the key rote local governments can
play in protecting this valuable resource; prepared by DER Environmental Planning.
Wetlands: A Conspectus
High school; overview of purpose and operations of wet ecosystems and of Pennsylvania s
wetland protection program; PARTI: Regulations and Policy; PART II: Ecology, Values,
Functions and Trends; by Robert J. Hill, DER.
Draft Manual: Design Criteria for Replacement Wetlands to Assist Designers, Planners, and
Engineers
High school; manuals serve as a guide for the design and construction of replacement wetlands^
with DER's Rules and Regulations, Pennsylvania Code Chapter 105. >
Of Swamps and Swales
Newsletter, Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals, 6(2) p. 2-8, 1990; high
school; explains classification and types of wetlands and includes reference to DER's "Wetlands
Protection Action Plan;" by Robert J. Hill, DER.
Helpful Reading
High school; bibliography of selected wetland publications.
A Query into Quagmires
Pennsylvania Forests, 1989; 80(3) p. 3-5, high school; outlines, in a general way, wetland
ecology and regulation. Includes a section on forested wetland types in Pennsylvania.
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OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
333 Market Street
Eighth Floor
Harrisbufg 17126-0333
717/787-984S
Supported by DER, this office is located within the Department of Education to better serve
teachers of Pennsylvania. The Office of Environmental Education has wetlands materials for teachers
to use in the classroom. The Pennsylvania Alliance for Environmental Education worked with the
Office of Environmental Education to produce the classroom activities, "Watersheds", a hands-on
curriculum material that teaches about the watershed, grades K-12 9 (below).
• Watersheds
Grades K through 12; this activity packet contains four sections, each targeted to a different
grade level: K-3,4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Within each section are activities designed to guide
students to a better understanding of watershed, how they work and how people relate to them.
Each section contains activities on "Awareness," "Watershed Communities," "Watershed
Management," and "Global Watersheds." Topics progress within each section, taking the
student through a heightened awareness of watersheds, to understandings of components of a
watershed (one being wetlands) and peoples role in watersheds. Background information is
included along with a topograph of a watershed for use with some of the activities.
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MATERIALS
Many materials are specifically on wetlands while others treat wetlands as part of a broader
landscape, as in the watershed, estuary, home for endangered and threatened wildlife species and
others. Materials are divided into five categories: the performing arts, audiovisual material,
instructional material and, information and network services and publications. When possible,
acronyms are used but are spelled out in Appendix A, "Contacts". Many have a fee. Please contact
individual organizations for more in formation.
THE PERFORMING ARTS
ROMP IN THE SWAMP
Billy B, the Science Song-and-Dance Man
Media; Musical theater, song and dance
Program: High energy, well-received musical stage perforr _ . :e combining music and science
representing wetlands and the complex interdepei.Jence of swamp plants and animals;
includes teacher's guide; 45-minute record /tape available, grades K-6.
AUDIOVISUAL
AMERICA'S WETLANDS (26 minutes)
Available on lc-. :rom the PA Fish Commission
Media: Video, VHS
Content Presents the benefits to wildlife and man that wetlands provide, illustrating a variety
of wetlands throughout the United States and covers impacts threatening wetlands
- U.S. Fish and ""''life Service
CONSERVING AMEL^. iTLANDS (60 minutes)
Available on loan from PA Fish Commission
Media: Video, VHS
Content: Wetlands are the least understood of America's landscape. They are disappearing at
an alarming rate.
- WQEDj Pittsburgh in association with the National Wildlife Federation
EARTH S ENDANGERED ENVIRONMENTS: WETLANDS
National Geographic Society
Media: Fibnstrip, 30 minutes
Content Part of a filmstrip series for grades 5 through 8 emphasizing the importance of
wetlands worldwide and the many threats to (hem.
IN CELEBRATION OF AMERICA'S WILDLIFE
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. FWS) Publications Unit
Media: Video with teacher's guide
Content Video illustrates importance of protecting wildlife; one of four activities accompany
video, "Wetlands: Their Values, Function, and Conservation,"
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THE SCIENCE GUY
U.S. EPA Environmental Research Laboratory, Corvallis
Media: VHS Video
Content Humorous video on wetlands protection for high school.
WATER: A PRECIOUS RESOURCE (23 minutes)
Available on loan from the PA Fish Commission
Media: VHS Video
Content A familiar substance we use every day in countless ways, a powerful force that carves
major features on the earth's landscape, a substance upon which all life depends.
- National Geographic
WATER: WE CANT UVE WITHOUT IT
Available on loan from the PA Fish Commission
Media: 75 color slides with audio cassette
Content Slide-type program directed toward elementary students; stresses the importance of
water in our lives and the need to conserve it.
• National Wildlife Federation
WETLANDS: MALIGNED TREASURES
DER Bureau of Water Resources Management; also available on loan from the PA Fish
Commission, Intermediate Units and many County Conservation Districts.
Media: VHS Video: 24 minutes with fact sheets
Content Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources video depicting the status and
trends of wetlands from the colonial period to present and identifying the many
important functions of wetlands.
WINDOWS ON SCIENCE: WETLANDS
Optical Data Corporation
Media: Videodisc
Content Directed toward grades 5 and up; a collection of facts, field trips, many demonstrations
and experiments, and many hands-on, applied activities.
'INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
AQUATIC PROJECT WILD
Project WILD; available through KARE workshop, PA Fish Commission.
Level: Grades K-12
Material: Supplemental curricula materials on wetlands and related topics.
Content Very good; includes some activities specifically for wetlands.
BAY B CS: A Multidiscipllnary Approach to Teaching about the Chesapeake Bay
U.S. FWS - Chesapeake Bay Estuary Program
45
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Level: C ades K-4
Material: Supplemental educational materials
Content Companion to The Changing Chesapeake for younger grades; includes good materials on
wetlands. Materials not restricted to Chesapeake Bay.
THE CHANCING CHESAPEAKE: A multidisciplinary approach to teaching about the Chesapeake
Bay
U.S. FWS - Chesapeake Bay Estuary Program
Level: Grades 4-9, upper elementary and middle school
Materials: Supplemental educational materials.
Content Natural history and history includes good materials appropriate to wetlands, such as
the Chesapeake Bay and its Watershed, toxic materials in the Chesapeake Bay, and
food chains of the Chesapeake.
CRYPTIC CLUES: THE WETLANDS CLASSROOM
See Materials under DER, Bureau of Water Resources Management on page 45.
DECISION MAKING: THE CHESAPEAKE BAY: An Interdisciplinary Environmental Education
Curriculum Unit
University of Maryland Sea Grant College
Level Grades 6-12
Material: Educational unit, ISO p.
Content Excellent! Not all appropriate to wetlands but some deal with wetlands issues
directly.
DISCOVER WETLANDS
Washington State Department of Ecology
Level: Grades 4-9
Material: Supplemental educational material
Content Interdisciplinary guide on wetlands with teacher background information, activities,
wetlands field trips, lists of wetlands educational resources, 177 p.; fee.
FOOD WEBS IN AN ESTUARY
University of Maryland Sea Grant College
Level: Not provided
Material: Booklet with lesson plans.; #UN-SG-E5-79-02; 25 p.
Content Very detailed supplemental curriculum material.
KARE (KEYSTONE AQUATIC RESOURCES EDUCATION)
See Programs and Training Opportunities under PA Fish Commission section p. 37.
LIFE IN A WETLAND
National Audubon Society: Audubon Adventures Youth Program
Material: Leader s guide (8 p.), children s periodical, and support materials including posters.
46
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Level: Grades 4-6
Content Interdisciplinary materials with applied, hands-on activities for use within the
classroom with expansion into the true wetlands environment.
LIVING IN WATER
See Materials under PA Fish Commission, p. 38.
MICHIGAN WETLANDS: A HERITAGE WORTH SAVING
Michigan DNR: Natural Heritage Program
Level: Grades K-12 ^
Material: Spectacular, colorful, two-sided poster
Content: Colorful, freshwater wetland scene showing many species of wildlife found in the rrud-
Atlantic and central regions of states.
MY WETLAND COLORING BOOK
US. EPA, Region VI
Level: Grades 3-5
Material: Coloring book; 28 p.
Content: Good information using narrative style on the importance of wetlands.
OBIS (Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies)
University of California, available from Delta Education
Material: Supplemental curriculum modules
Level: Grades K-12
Content Several modules with real, hands-on applied learning approach, including wetlands
materials, such as "Ponds and Lakes" and "Streams and Rivers".
PROJECT ESTUARY
North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve
Level: Grades 5-9
Material: Curriculum supplement
Content Contains excellent activities suitable to freshwater wetlands: testing water quality,
population counts, food webs; 102 p.currently unavailable but plans an underway to
reprint.
PROJECT WILD
Project WILD
Level: Grades K-12
Material: Curriculum supplement
Content Units on plans, activities, background information; some wetland activities; see
"Aquatic Project WILD" for more wetlands material;
available trough Project WILD workshops-Pennsylvania Game Commission.
-------
RIVERS AND WETLANDS CONSERVATION FACT SHEETS
See Materials under DER Bureau of Water Resources Management, p. 44.
A TEACHER'S GUIDE TO THE STUDY OF WETLANDS
Kelly Communications
Level: Grades K-3
Material: Teacher's guide
Content Produced by National Children's Theater for the Environment (NCTE), the approach is
for children to learn about the environment (wetlands) through the arts. Students
integrate knowledge and experience to explore wetlands; excellent approach to
augmenting learning!
TEACHER'S KIT, WETLANDS
US. FWS~Publications Unit
Level: Grades 3-12
Material: Variety of materials, including work sheets, two posters, Puddler (bi-monthly
wetlands wildlife magazine for children magazine published by Ducks Unlimited),
"The Impact of Federal Programs on Wetlands" (report to Congress), and other
information.
Content There's something in the packet for everybody, teacher and student alike. Work
sheets, posters and wetlands magazine for younger students, booklets and reports for
older students and teacher.
TIDES AND MARSHES
University of Maryland Sea Grant College
Level: Grades 6-9
Material: Curriculum supplement; # UM-SG-ES-79-01; 36p.
Content Activities and lesson plans focusing on tidal wetlands.
WADING INTO WETLANDS: RANGER RICK'S NATURESCOPE
National Wildlife Federation, Laurel Ridge
Level: Pre-schoo! to grade 7
Material: Supplemental field and classroom materials.
Content Excellent! In widespread use, contains outdoor activities, games, arts and crafts and
reference section including books, films and wetland posters. Each chapter begins with
preschool (ages 3-5) or primary activities (grades k-2) and ends with intermediate
(grades 3-5) or advanced activities (grades 6-7); 65p.
WATER RESOURCES IN PENNSYLVANIA
See Materials under PA Fish Commission, p. 38.
WATER (WETLANDS) WATCH
Kentucky Division of Water
Material: Field guide to steps for adopting a wetland,
48
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Level: Grades 4 through 12
Content Process and materials easily adapted to classrooms within Pennsylvania.
WATERSHEDS
See Office of Environental Education page 43
WELCOME TO THE WETLANDS
EPA Region V
Level: Grades 3-6
Material: Coloring poster
Content Popular, two-sided fold up wetlands informational poster with one side for coloring.
WETLANDS AFFECT YOU AND ME
Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service
Level: Not provided.
Material: Members Guide, #4H-1038,20 p.; Leader/Teachers Guide, #4H-1039,12 p.
Content: Wetlands environmental education materials are good as they identify different types
of wetlands and address wetlands values and products; includes applied activities,
such as making your own wetland; fee.
IMPORTANT: The following "WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE " series had previously been part of two
curriculums from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The material has since been combined and adapted for much broader audience than Alaska.
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE: Alaska Wildlife Curriculum
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Level: Grades K-12
Materials: Two teacher information manuals. Part I and II
Content Teacher Information Manual, Part I explores wetlands habitats and relationship to
human. Part 0 focuses on waterfowl dependent on wetlands.
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE- Alaska Wildlife Curriculum, Field Trip Manual
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Level: Grades 4 through 7
Material: Field Trip Manual
Content Accompanies Alaska's Wetlands and Wildlife curriculum. Very good hands-on field
activities.
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE: Alaska Wildlife Curriculum and Teacher's Guides
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Level: See Material
Material: The Primary Unit for level grades K through 3 consists of.
Teacher Information Manual (Part I, above;; Teacher's Guide;
Energy Flow in an Alaska Wetland poster; and Migration Game.
49
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The Upper Elementary Unit for grades 4 through 6 consists or:
Teacher Information Manuals (Parts I and ID; Teacher's Guide;
Energy Flow in Wetland poster; Migration Game; Field Trip Manual; and Wetland
Cards.
The Junior and Senior High Unit for student in grades 7 through 12: Teacher Information
Manuals (Parts I and II); Teacher's Guide; Energy Row in Alaska Wetland poster;
Energy Flow Game; Field Trip Manual; Wetlands Cards; and Brant for the Future
Gameboard.
Content Originally developed by Alaska Department of Fish and Game in 1984 and six years
later joined by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this wetlands curriculum packet ts
intended to give students an awareness of wetlands, knowledge of the complex
interconnections occurring in wetlands and decision-making skills for assuming personal
responsibility for involvement in issues affecting wetlands and wildlife.
The many interdisciplinary activities are easily adaptable to urban and rural areas in
Pennsylvania.
WETLANDS AXI FAST DISAPPEARING
GEO/Resource Consultants, Inc.
Level: Grades 2-5
Material: Reprint from Minipage by Betty Debnam, Universal Press Syndicate; fact sheets, games
and puzzles.
Content Contains information on freshwater and saltwater wetlands, wetlands functions and
values and teachers section with suggested classroom activities.
WETLANDS ARE WONDERLANDS (Leader/Teacher and Member/Youth Guides)
by Christine Pennisi, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Marine Extension Project
Level: Grades 6-8
Material: Two 4-H marine wetlands guides, leader-teacher guide (23p.) and member-youth guide
(27 p.); updated guides will be available in Fall 1991.
Content Sponsored by NOAA, National Sea Grant Program these well done were developed in
the Great Lakes area and are easily adapted to Pennsylvania. Leader-teacher Guide
provides background information to activities sections of student Member Guide.
To order, send request with $2.50 per guide made payable to the University of Illinois,
to Robin Goettel, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program at the University of Illinois
(address in Section V, Contacts).
WETLANDS COLORING BOOK
U.S. FWS- Chesapeake Bay Estuary Program
Level: Grades 3-5
Material: Coloring book
Content Wetlands coloring book in comic book format with illustrations by Jack Elrod, artist and
SO
-------
writer of "Mark Trail" comics, 18 p.
WETLANDS DOODLE
Federation of Ontario Naturalists
Level: Not provided
Material: Coloring poster
Content Federation of Ontario Naturalists produced the excellent coloring poster, 'The Swamp,
also produce a food web poster, "A Healthy Lake Ecosystem", also contains matenal on
wetlands.
WETLANDS WATCH KIT and SAVE OUR STREAMS program
Izaak Walton League of America, Inc.
Level: Grades 5-12
Material: Fact sheets, publications list, activities, poster
Content Wetlands Watch Kit provides basic information on wetlands and how to protect them,
with fact sheets on wetland ecosystems, functions and values, the dean Water Act, one
fact sheet for children; includes publication resource list.
Also available from Izaak Walton League of America is information on their Save Our
Streams monitoring program, founded in 1969 with Maryland, which includes many
materials that can be used in conjunction with wetlands. Materials include fact sheets,
poster, student projects and activities, survey sheets, citizen s directory and stream
watchers guide.
WETLANDS-WONDERS WORTH SAVING: UFE IN A FRESHWATER MARSH (side 1)
WETLANDS- •VONDERS WORTH SAVING: LIFE IN A SALTWATER MARSH (side 2)
National Audubon Society (NAS), National Education Office
Level: Grades K-12
Material: Two-sided poster, companion teacher s guide also available
Content Delightful, informative and colorful two-sided poster, one side a cross-section of a
freshwater marsh the other a cross-section of a saltwater marsh.
WETNET
The Adirondack Teacher Center
Material: Wetlands environmental curricula ~»
Level: Grades 5-7 (middle school)
Content New unit is well done with complete lesson plans being foundation for compile unit;
lesson clans indude learning objectives, hands-on, applied activities and discussion
. .is.
WHY WETLANDS
Federation of Ontario Naturalists
Level: Not provided
Material: Activities, fact sheets, field trip tips and more.
51
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Content Very good kit of activities with slides, field trips; fee.
WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION SERIES.
U-S. FWS and National Institute for Urban Wildlife.
Level: Grades 5-7
Material: Series of habitat packets, each containing a two-sided color poster, lesson plans,
student activity pages and teacher overview;
Content: Habitat packets on wetlands topics include Estuaries and Tidal Marshes; Freshwater
Marsh; Rivers and Streams; Wetlands Conservation and Use; pretty good but short; fee.
WOW (the Wonder Of Wetlands)
Environmental Concern, Inc.
Level: Grades K-12
Material: Activity guide and restoration/action guide
Content Classroom and outdoor, hands-on activities. Activity guide with lesson plans and
supplementary materials. Guide to planning restoration projects included.
Teacher Training includes wetlands workshops with hands-on approach; tailored to
teacher needs; available at school. Environmental Concern, Inc. or other specified
location; fee.
INFORMATION. NETWORK JERVICES AND WETLANDS EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS
AUDUBON ECOLOGY CAMPS AND WORKSHOPS
National Audubon Society-Audubon Center in Greenwich, CT
Level: Teachers, grades K-12
Resource: Week long environmental education workshop
Content Of particular interest to educators is the Audubon Ecology Workshop in Connecticut-
workshop emphasizes practical teaching techniques for school classes and youth
groups, offering total immersion in major New England habitats—including wetlands.
CHESAPEAKE REGIONAL INFORMATION SERVICE (CRIS), HOTLINE
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Level: Teacher resource, grades K-12
Resource: Hotline, 1-800/662-CRIS
CRIS Wetland Action Pack
Content Background information, fact sheets, costs of resource materials and contacts,
suggestions for further information, Pennsylvania wetlands to visit and wetlands
bibliography.
DIRECTORY OF GREAT LAKES EDUCATION MATERIAL
Great Lakes Science Advisory Board
Level: Teacher resource, grades K-12
Resource: Resource guide for teachers
Content Resources categorize according to format, from audiovisual to printed form with as
much information as possible for each entry, such as title, source, publishing dates and
52
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subjects covered; updated biennially.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE 1990 COMPENDIUM: The Year of the Environment
Public Broadcasting Service
Level: Grades K-12
Resource: Resource guide to multimedia-broadcast programming, books, resource periodicals,
slide shows, filmstrips, lists of environmental groups and program distributors, and
other material; 66 p.
Content Spans all areas of the environment, many on or related to wetlands, such as A Swamp
Ecosystem (nonbroadcast video) and Class Project Program (National Wildlife
Federation's teacher's resource).
INTERPRETATION
-------
PENNSYLVANIA ALLIANCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (PAEE)
Level: Teachers, grades K-12
Resource: Professional association for environmental educators in Pennsylvania;
Content The mission of PAEE is to promote and support environmental education activities and
efforts throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its goal is a responsible
citizenry in terms of natural systems and positive personal action to solve
environmental problems.
PENNSYLVANIA CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE LIST
Bay Education Office
Level: Grades K-12
Resource Educational programs and resources
Content Appropriate for enhancing audience understanding about the Bay and related
environmental concerns with categories ranging from books and brochures to films,
videos and eight other types of resources.
RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
Environmental Concern, Inc.
Level: Grades K-12
Service: Information on wetlands aquatic resources
Content Information on wetlands curriculum supplements, organizations, catalogs, directories,
publications for kids, posters.
SAVING THE WETLANDS
National Audubon Society - Conservation Information Department
Level: Teacher, grades K -12
Resource: Information guide
Content Contains information on wetlands and wetlands protection efforts, National Audubon
Society s wetlands activities and additional wetlands resources.
WETLANDS PROTECTION HOTLINE
GEO/Resources Consultants, Inc. ^
Level: Teachers K-12
Resource: Wetlands hotline, information and publications
1-800/832-7828
Content Toil free telephone service to public interest, questions and requests for information on
wetlands functions, values and options for protection. It is a central point of contact for
Outreach and State Programs section in the Wetlands Division at U.S. EPA; provides
wide variation of publications and oral information. Hours of operation 9:00 am to 5.30
pm EST, excludes holidays; funded by EPA grant to the Environmental Law Institute.
54
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PUBLICATIONS
Many of these books are available through a library or may be purchased from a book shop.
AUDUBON ACTIVIST
National Audubon Society, Conservation Information Department
Level: Teachers, grades K-12
Material: Newsletter from National Audubon Society's Educational Division
Content Good source of current environmental events which would include wetlands issues, high
priority campaign of National Audubon Society.
GOLDEN GUIDE TO POND LIFE
Western Publishing Company, Inc., 1967,176 p.; available from many bookstores
Level: Grades 5-9
Material: Nature guide
Content: Popular Golden Guide, originally published in 1967, revised edition soon to be released;
guide to physical and biological characteristics of ponds, a special class of wetlands,
identification section on plants and animals characteristic of wetlands.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE, Magazine
National Wildlife Federation, Laurel Ridge
Level: Grades 7-12
Material: Magazine contains "Report to NWf Members"
Content Magazine carries wide variety of informative articles. Includes report on legislation,
education and the environment, including wetlands issues. Report can be obtained
without subscribing to magazine, if desired.
OUTBOUND JOURNEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA
By Marcia Bonta; available through book shops.
Level: Teachers, grades K-12
Material: Guide to natural and historic areas to visit in Pennsylvania.
Content Contains information on places to visit in Pennsylvania, many with wetlands, including
Erie National Wildlife Refuge, Tinicum National Environmental Center and
Pymatunig Wildlife Management Area.
PONDWATCH
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Level: Grades 10-12
Material: Booklet, 24 p.
Content Text on ponds as a type of wetland, including pond ecology, pond life and creating and
conserving a pond; teacher packet also available.
PUDDLER
Ducks Unlimited
Level: Grades 2-5
55
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Material: Bimonthly magazine
Content Wetlands wildlife magazine for childrer featuring information waterfowl and other
wetlands animals, with puzzles and easy, hands-on activities.
A QUERY INTO QUAGMIRES
Pennsylvania Forests 8
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APPENDIX A: CONTACTS
The Adirondack Teacher Center
P.O. Box 3000
Paul Smiths, NY 12970
518/327-3000 or 518/327-5012
Alaska Department of FUh and Game
Division of Wildlife Conservation
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, AK 99518
907/267-2241
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
225 Pine Street
Hamsburg.PA 17101
1-800/662-CR1S (HOTLINE)
Bay Education Office
225 Pine Street
Hamburg, PA 17101
717/236-1006
Billy B.
for performances:
Annie Tiberio, Agent
62 Mountain Road
Hampden,MA 01036
413/566-8980 or
1-800/4BILLYB
for records, tapes:
Billy B. Productions
710414th Avenue
Takoma Park. MD 20912
1-800/4BILLYB
Delta Education
P.O. BoxM
Nashua, NH 03061
800/258-1302
57
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DER; Bureau of State Parks
Dept of Education
Box 8551
Hamsbur&PA 17105-8551
717/783-1356
800/83-PARKS
DER: Bureau of Water Resources Management
Division of Rivers and Wetlands Conservation
P.O. Box 8761
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8761
717/541-7802
DER: PA Office of Environmental Education
333 Market Street
8th Floor
Hamsburg, PA 17126-0333
717/787-9845
Ducks unlimited, tnc.
One Waterfowl Way
Long Grove, []_ 60017-9153
708/438-4300
Environmental Concern, Inc.
P.O. Box P
St. Michaels, MD 21663
301/745-9620
Federation of Ontario Naturalists
355 LesmiU Road
Don Mills, Ontario
M382N8
416/444-8419
GECVResource Consultants, Inc.
1555 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22209
800/832-7828
703/527-5190
58
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Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Marine Extension Project
University of Illinois
65 Mumford Hall
1301 W. Gregory Drive
Urban*, IL 61801
217/333-9448
Great Lakes Science Advisory Board
Information Services
International Joint Commission
Great Lakes Regional Office
100 Ouellette Avenue, Eighth Floor
Windsor, Ontario N9A 6T3 519/256-7821
(or)
P.O. Box 32869
Detroit, MI 48232-2869
313/226-2170
The Izaak Walton League of America, Inc.
1401 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
703/528-1818
Kentucky Division of Water
Ken Cook
Kentucky Natural Resources and
Environmental Protection Cabinet
Water Watch Program
18 Rally Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
502/564-3410
Michigan DNR: Natural Heritage Program
Poster, Nongame Wildlife Fund
P.O. Box 30028
Dept P
Lansing, MI 48909
513/373-1263
59
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Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service
4-H Youth Programs
MSU Bulletin Office
10 B Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
517/355-0240
National Association of Interpretation (NAD
Judy Giles, Assoc. Manager
P.O. Box 1892
Fort Collins, CO 80522
303/491-6434 (phone)
303/491-2255 (fax)
National Audubon Society-Audubon Adventures Youth Program
Education Division
613 Riverside Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
203/869-5272
National Aadubon Sodety-Audubon Center in Greenwich, CT
613 Rivenville Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
203/869-5272
National Audubon Society-Conservation Information Department
950 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212/832-3200
National Audubon Society • Education Division
950 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212/832-3200
National Audubon Sodety - Mid-Atlantic Region
1104 Femwood Avenue, Suite 300
Camp Hill, PA 17011
717/763-4985 -
National Institute for Urban Wildlife
10921 Ridge Way
Columbia, MD 21044-2831
301/596-3311
60
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National Park Service - Mid-Atlantic Region
143 Third Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215/597-7013
National Geographic Society
Education Services
17th & M Streets, NW
Washington, D.C 20036
800/368-2728
301/921-1330
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
1742 Connecticut Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20009
202/328-5800
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) - Laurel Ridge
8925 Leesburg PUce
Vienna, VA 22180
703/790-4000
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) -Washington, D.C.
National Wildlife Federation
1400 Sixteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036-2266)
202/797-6800
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
P.O. Box 400
Troy, OH 45373
513/339-6835 or 513/698-6493
NC Division of Coastal Management
North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611-7687
919/733-2293
Optical Data Corporation
30 Technology Drive
Box 4919
Warren, NJ 07060
908/6884022
61
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PA Alliance for Environmental Education Inc. (PAEE)
601 Orchid Place
Emmaus, PA 18049
215/967-PAJEE
PA Fish Commission
P.O. Box 1673
Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673
717/657-4518
PA Game Commission
2001 Elxnerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797
717/787-6286 (educational programs)
717/783-7507 (educational publications)
Project WILD
P.O. Box 18060
Boulder, CO 80308-8060
309/444-2390
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Director of Education
Slimbridge, Glos.
GU7BT England
011/44-0453-890-333
U.S. EPA Environmental Research Laboratory
Technical Information Manager
200 SW 35th street
Corvaffls,OR 97333
503/757-4651
U.S. EPA Headquarters
CEO/Resource Cbraultsnts, Inc.
1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22209
1-800/832-7828
EPA Region m
Wetlands and Marine Policy Section (3ES42)
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215/597-9301
62
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US. ETA Region V
Water Quality Branch
230 South Dearborn Street
5W-TUB8
Chicago, IL 60604
312/886-0243
US. Region VI
Technical Assistance Section
6E-FT
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75202
214/655-2263
US. FWS. Alaska Office
Office of Resource Support
1011 Tudo Road
Anchorage, AK 99503
907/786-3351
US. FWS - Chesapeake Bay Estuary Program
180 Admiral Cochrane Drive Suite 535
Annapolis, MD 21401
301/224-2732
U.S. FWS - Publications Unit
Room 130 Arlington Square
1849 C Street N.W.
Washington, D.C 20240
703/358-1711
US. FWS Northeast Regional Office
One Gateway Center - Suite 700
Newton Comer, MA 02158
617/965-5100
University of Maryland Sea Grant College
The University of Maryland
1222 H.J. Patterson Hall
College Park, MD 20742
301/405-6371
63
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Washington State Department of Ecology
Wetlands Section
Mail Stop PV-11, Olympia, WA 98504
206/438-7538 or 459-6774
Wetlands Protection Hotline
US. EPA/Environmental Law Institute (ELI)
GEO/Resouices Consultants, Inc.
1555 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22209
1-800/832-7828
64
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B: PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU OF STATE PARKS
FacOlties and Wetlaads Resource* latrodactioa
Tfce ibllowiaa; jeetioa lists wetlaads resources sad facilities at Peaasvlvaaia State Parks. 'Ou-sita Wetlands"
rejeni to wetlaads at park, "Off-site Wetlaads" to wetlaads off park premises. For details OB resources ud
fadliiics, ploast eonUct park listed tudtr *W«tIaads Educational Profraas."
Naaw of Park
Wetlands
Off'Sita
Wttlaads
Est Acns
Wetlaads
TTP-of
Wttluds
Fadildcs
Ar«iUbl«
Eov. Ed
Available
Rerioa 1 fNort* Ceatrall
Black Moshaoooa
CkapiBaa
HOU Crttk
Kettle Cretk
OltB'iU
ParkeirDasB
Poa V.dlty
MarrJIe
500
S
10
50
1J
30
70
2
10
361
Total 1047.5
bot>hr
f", BJ
st
rp, boa, tea
sw, st
sw, tp
sw, Iw
x
K
Reafaa 2
Gear Creek
Cook Fonst
Kevstoae
LanrelHai
Moraine
Ohiopjle
OU Cnwk
Preaqm Isle
Raccooa Creek
Ryenoii Statioa
Yellow Creek
1
1
5
3
3MO
2
1000
2000
1000
15
4
Total 7241.0
SW, TB» IW
aw
ft*
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
AbbreviiatfoBi for types of wetlaads are as follows:
aw - artificial wetlaad; |p » Hood pUia; ftr - fbrastad wetlaad; kk - kettle kola; hr » late witk wettaad;
• * sj.mk; tat « saltHsvak; st » straasa with wedaad; sw • swaatp; tm * tidal sunk; VB - vafmal pool.
65
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APPENDIX B: PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU OF STATE PARKS~
-------
APPENDIX fc PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU OF STATE PASK5~{coatiautd)
FacUtfes tad Wttfud* KMOORM
rtftn to ««tlaads at park, •Off-slte Wstlaads" to wttlaada off park prates. For details OB moorou ud
(adIJtits, p|«aM contact park listed aader •Wstfaads Edocatioaal ProftTaas.-
. _ •"»•»»• Off-site Est Acrts Typos of Facflidas Env Ed
Nan* of Park WatUads W*tUn
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APPENDIX C: COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
Conservation
District
ADAMS
COUNTY
ALLEGHENY
COUNTY
ARMSTRONG
COUNTY
iEAVCR
COUNTY
BEDFORD
COUNTY
BERKS
COUNTY
BLAIR COUNTY
BRADFORD
COUNTY
BUCKS
COUNTY
BUTLER
COUNTY
CAMBRIA
COUNTY
CAMERON
COUNTY
CARBON
COUNTY
CENTRE
COUNTY
AddreM
57 N. FWttl
Street
87SGreentree
Read, Room 201
Aeeeta Building
Armadak
Admin. Bldg.,
R.D. *8,
Bex 294
POBex40
Falrtawr X.
Ste. 4, 701 W.
Ptt Street
PO Bex 820, AO
C^MPWf1
1407 Blair Si
RR *S, Bex
8030-C, Stell
Nat Re§. Ctr.
100MaehanJc
St, 2nd Fleer
dftj eJBMlBUMOjBl MMI
J U1BIJ Ml II
I'fCNnMf 7v 1
MOI*Of1 AWIMJ0
POBW187
2nd Fleer
CeurtheuM
ROM,
PO Bex 348
R0*8,
PO Bex 380
120 ZJon Rd,
Ste. 2
C«y
Gettyaburg
Pttaburgh
WttannJng
Beavtr
Bedford
Leeeeert
Hollkfaytburg
TetNinda
Deytottewn
Butler
Ebemburg
Emporium
UWghton
Bellefonto
Zip Cede
17328
18220
18201
18008
18822
18833
18848
18848
18801
18001
18831
18834
18238
18823
Phone*
717-334-0636
412-821 -1899
412-848-3425
412-774-7080
814-823-8708
218-372-4888
814488-0877
717-288-8839
218-348-7877
412-284-8270
814-472-8440
Ext 888
•ia-4ia«3n(tf)
218-377-4894
814-3884717
-8818
68
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Conaorvatton
Dtetttet
CHESTER
COUNTY
CLARION
COUNTY
CLEARF1ELD
COUNTY
CUNTON
COUNTY
COLUMBIA
COUNTY
CRAWFORD
COUNTY
CUMBERLAND
COUNTY
DAUPHIN
COUNTY
DELAWARE
COUNTY
ELK COUNTY
ERIE COUNTY
FAYETTE
COUNTY
FOREST
COUNTY
FRANKLIN
COUNTY
FULTON
COUNTY
GREENE
COUNTY
Addmaa
231 Waal Marfctt
Stnwt
PC Box 444
Mayflald Prof.
BuMdlng
•M Laonard St
*2 State Route
150
1127* Old
Berwick Rd.
114 Park
Avanua Plaza
43Bfookwood
Avanua.
Suite M
1451 Patera Mia
Rd.
Fair Aera Canter
Bufldlng *S,
MUdMtown
Road
CourttouM
POBex44t
R.O. M,
Route 1t
2US.ML
VomenAvanua
POBOX4M
SSOdavaland
Avanua
21« North
Sooond waot
•0 Waal High Si
c«y
Waal Chaatar
Clarion
Ctaarflald
Mill Hall
Btoomaburg
Moadvllla
Carllala
Dauphin
Uma
Rldgway
Waterford
umoia Town
Tbnaate
Chambaraburg
MoConnalabunj
Waynaaburg
Zip Coda
19M2
18214
1M30
17711
17118
19331
17013
1701S
11037
1SM3
1*441
11401
1«3§3
17201
17233
11370
Phona*
21MM-S129
•14-220-4070
l14»76S.2e2fl
717*721-3790
•1931
717-714.1310
•14-724-1793
717-249-9932
Ext 379
717.931-4100
21*491-9992
914-779-8373
•14.799-4203
412-439-4497^
i
914-7U-34SO
717-214-9074
717-411-3947
412-M2-1171
Ext 319
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Conoorvotton
Dtetrtct
HUNTINGDON
COUNTY
INDIANA
COUNTY
JEFFERSON
COUNTY
JUNUTA
COUNTY
LACKAWANNA
COUNTY
LANCASTER
COUNTY
LAWRENCE
LEBANON
COUNTY
LEHIQH
COUNTY
LUZERNE
COUNTY
LYCOMINQ
COUNTY
MeKEAN
COUNTY
MERCER
CONTY
MIFFUN
COUNTY
MONROE
COUNTY
MONTGOMERY
COUNTY
AddfMO
002
•onnoytanui
Avenuo
281 Route 200
North AO
Servfee Center
RD*S, Service
Center
RO *9, Box 302
•00 South State
Strut
13*3 AfMdto Rtf
Room Of pOffii v
Horn* Center
County
CourthouM
2120CormMll
R^Suktf
UMshAg
CMter Ste. 102
41S4 Dorray
ParfcRd
Court Homo
Annox,SWotor
•tett^
BWW
240 W. Sftf St
FOBoiSf
OravorE
ROM, Box
20M
20 WwwfMn HW
*4
•OfOMunnlna
VoMoyR4.
101 • BrWgo Rtf.
Suite B
CHy
Huntingdon
Indtara
BrookvUI*
MMlMown
Clork* SummX
Ltneotter
NowCtotte
ttbonon
«||. —Jim
Mionwwn
Wlhoo-Btrro
WWiRMport
Cutter Cly
iHoroor
Bumhom
Sbvudobunj
CoHogevllie
ZlpCodo
10012
15701
421
170M
10411
17001
10101
17042-0700
10104
10711
17709
10721
10197
17000
10900-0017
10420
Phono *
014-048 3636
412-443-7702
•0011
014440-7403
717490401ft
-0000
717-007-2007
717-200-0901
412-002-4012
717-2724977
21*4204300
717-020-1044
•1040
7174204000
0144004000
412402-2242
717-2404000
7174204000
210400-4800
70
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Comorvatton
Ototttet
MONTOUR
COUNTY
MOUTH-
AMPTON
COUNTY
NORTHUMBER-
LAND COUNTY
PERRY
COUNTY
PIKE COUNTY
POTTER
COUNTY
SCHUYLKJLL
COUNTY
SNYDER
COUNTY
SOMERSET
COUNTY
SULLIVAN
COUNTY
SUSQUEHANNA
COUNTY
TIOOA COUNTY
UNION COUNTY
VENANQO
COUNTY
WARREN
COUNTY
WASHINGTON
COUNTY
AoUraoa
112-CWodbJno
Uno
ROM
ROM
•OX23S-C
31 W. Main St
Box 3*
SOS Bread St
County Admin.
^FfQCj*
ROM,
Sox 107 A
MaploVbw
NMano VUlag*
MftH, Route «1 N
ROM
RDM.
•ox Mi
RR *41t1
County Oflko
Bfdg^ 91 Public
AVMMM
• EMtAvtmio
•0 Ml Run
CraMlni
RO *4, Ira MS
UOYmtoo
BuMiRoad
•oaCourthouM
Squir*
Guy
Oanvlllo
Itearath
Sunbury
Now Bloomftold
MMford
Coudonport
Potttvttlo
MUdtoburg
SomtrMt
Dwhora
Montrooo
WolUbora
Lowtoburg
FranUIn
W«rr*n
Washington
ZpCodo
17121
1SOS4
17S01
170SS
1S337
1W1I
17*01
17*42
1*001
1SS14
1SS01
1*S01
17S97
1*323
1*3**
1S9P1
Phono #
717*271*1140
21*-744-1971
717<*SS-4224
717^*2-4144
7174SS-3429
•14-2744411
717-429-1744
717-S37<00*8
•1+44S-46S2
717-*3 4^3960
717>27S-«*00
Ext 2M
717-724-4*12
717-S23-*7*2
•14-432*745*
•14-723-7700
412^2*^774
71
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ConMrwtton
Ototrtct
WAYNE
COUNTY
WESTMORE-
LAND COUNTY
WYOMING
COUNTY
YORK COUNTY
Addra**
AflSmvte*
Center,
4708unrfM
AV«fHM
•ttttCtalr
Way
RO 49, Trt-
County Oflle*
•Mg.
11t PlMMnl
AerMfid
Clly
HonMdato
OrMMbuig
Tunkhanneek
York
2pC«d«
11431
1M01
1tM7
17402
Phom*
7174*3-1370
412437.U71
717-436-5111
717-771.»430
72
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