Educational Opportunities
As an education facility that advocates for the conservation of natural resources, the Elk Country Visitor Center aims to educate the public about all things wildlife—including Pennsylvania’s elk herd. Since the center’s grand opening in 2010, millions of people from all over the world have traveled to the center to marvel at the majestic elk in our viewing areas. Along with elk viewing, our visitors appreciate the educational programs the Conservation Education staff prepare for guests. Our Conservation Education Department offers a wide variety of educational programs for people of all ages, and gladly accommodates any groups interested in learning more about Pennsylvania’s wildlife.
For Teachers or Group Leaders…
The Elk Country Visitor Center offers two different types of educational opportunities—unique educational field trips and distance learning. On site, the Visitor Center boasts two indoor classrooms—one for smaller groups and another to accommodate larger groups—and one outdoor classroom. Our conservation education staff use these classrooms to share their knowledge about various wildlife topics, and each lesson plan presented is aligned with current Pennsylvania State Education Standards.
However, we understand that not all schools and groups may be able to physically come to the visitor center. So, we have implemented a distance learning program that allows us to bring the center to you! Through our distance learning program, we connect with schools and other organizations using online software applications like Skype and Google Hangouts. Did I mention that this distance learning program is available at no charge to your group? And…as an added bonus, each organization that schedules a distance learning session is sent an “Elk Trunk” full of neat educational props that students can see and touch while interacting with our educators online.
For more information about the educational opportunities available with the Elk Country Visitor Center, and to meet our friendly staff, visit www.experienceelkcountry.com/educators.
For Elk Country Visitors…
When you visit the Elk Country Visitor Center, you are not only increasing your chances to see some great elk action, you are also increasing your chances of learning something new about Pennsylvania’s wildlife. Here at the ECVC, our conservation education staff is committed to answering questions visitors have about Pennsylvania’s elk herd and about our educational exhibits within the center. Our conservation educators also host weekend programs that are free to the public. Check out our calendar of events to find out what is going on this weekend!
