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   WORD ASSOCIATION... READY? Peace Valley Nature Center - peace, solace, long walks with friends, birds, good times... Education - classroom, teachers, chalk, uncomfortable chairs, friends... Teacher Naturalist - ? At Peace Valley Nature Center, education is what we do! Since the inception of Peace Valley Nature Center, Carolyn Corey Jarin has had the goal "to catch them while their young,"* in other words teach our children to love and respect nature. It is our sincere belief that this can only be accomplished by experiencing nature first hand in the outdoors. This hands-on vision is brought to life by our teacher naturalists, a group bound together by a love of nature and the absolute joy of working with children. These dedicated professionals are the true backbone of the Nature Center. For more than 13,000 school age children a year these enthusiastic people generate excitement and wonder in each and every child. They have mastered the skill of teaching to the WOW. This is reflected in the cool and absolutely fascinating discoveries found in nature - It may come in the form of an ant carrying a leaf, the sound of a chickadee in the distance, whose scat is that?, or what-ever is found during class. Each child's discovery is special and the teacher naturalist acknowledges that as they interact with the children. They truly enjoy what they do and it shows! Not just a job, the teacher naturalists of Peace Valley also live what they teach! The environment and its sustainability are a priority in and of life. Our teachers spend time learning and observing the many different class subjects, they are an integral part of the evaluation process and formulation of new and updated programming. The nature center is indeed very fortunate to have a community of dedicated, caring teacher naturalists to further our mission of excellence in environmental education. Perhaps now you can fill in the word association blank for - Teacher Naturalist. Our Sincere Appreciation and thanks to: Ellen Boucher, Sharon Brauer, Barbara Burdack, Carolyn Constable, Dona Cuppett, Donna DiMella, Kerrie Garges, Cindy Long, Lise Anne McGalliard, Monica Norman, Craig Olsen, Debbie Risko, Dottie Ritter, Jill Sarantschin, Heidi Shiver, Jane Vacca, Gail Walker. *From conversation with Corey Gail Hill Director of Environmental Education ) Peace Valley Nature Center Solar BuildingRenovation and Expansion Since 1980, the Peace Valley Solar Building has been a crowned jewel of the PVNC environmental education program. When the building was first constructed, the Solar Building provided visitors with an introduction to viable renewable energy options such as passive solar heating and PV power. Recently however, structural damages and design flaws have rendered a portion of the building unusable. Requiring a complete renovation, the Solar Building now provides PVNC with an opportunity to showcase emerging technologies in renewable energy and tested sustainable design principles. With over 117,000 visitors to Peace Valley Center last year, the Solar Building is a high profile project capable of changing the way that visitors think about their energy choices and their impact on the environment. Re:Vision Architecture is working closely with the Board, County, and staff of PVNC to make sure that the building works in tandem with the site and provides an inviting meeting space, display area, and educational forum. The transition between the natural and built environment should be fluid, with outstanding views and opportunities to connect with outdoor birds and wildlife. The project is scheduled for completion in Fall 2004. )
Click on the image above for a larger view )
Click on the image above for a larger view OUR SOLAR RENOVATION AND EDUCATION FUND DRIVE IS UNDERWAY! Cindy Long and the fundraising committee have been busy soliciting funds for our solar renovation. Any donation you can contribute would be greatly appreciated. Our main project goals are: Included in this design: Photovoltaic Energy Passive Solar Energy Water conservation Alternative energy resources Energy conservation Environmental Conservation Interactive displays CHUCK'S TALLY FROM THE VALLEY The winter months are usually harsh and cold, but it is surprising how many birds can be found throughout Peace Valley. Ducks and geese are the most common residents. Ten thousand Canada Geese or more are seen regularly during the winter, depending on how much of the lake becomes frozen. Snow Geese are occasional winter visitors, sometimes in big flocks, and some remain all season. Rarities to look for are Greater White-fronted Goose, Ross' Goose and Brant. There are many ducks present this time of year. Common Merganser can number in the hundreds. Others include Ring-necked Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal. Some common species this time of year are Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, American Wigeon and Gadwall, while those more sought after include Canvasback, Redhead, Common Goldeneye and Long-tailed Duck (formerly called Oldsquaw). Sparrows are numerous also. American Tree Sparrow is a common winter visitor at Peace Valley. In the right habitat other sparrows that can be found include White-crowned, Swamp, Fox, Savannah and Field. Look for the elusive Clay-colored Sparrow. Other birds overwinter in the park. These can be found in fields and woodlands, and at feeder stations. A sampling includes Cooper's Hawk, Wild Turkey, Killdeer, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Purple Finch. Every year is seems that some uncommon or elusive species appear at Peace Valley. Check in the Nature Center building and ask what is currently being seen, or view the sightings book as you enter the building. It's what makes birding here fun and exciting. Come down, visit and enjoy. Chuck Crunkleton shares the nature center's bird walk duties with August Mirabella. So what exactly is a Native Plant? A native plant is one, which occurred within the state before settlement by Europeans. Native plants include ferns and clubmosses; grasses, sedges, rushes, and their kin; flowering perennials; annuals which only live one year; biennials, which have a two year life cycle; and, of course, the woody trees, shrubs, and vines which covered "Penn's Woods" when the first settlers arrived. There are over 2,100 native plant species known in Pennsylvania. An introduced or non-native plant is one that has been brought into the state and become established. At the turn of the 21st century, about 1,300 species of non-native plants existed in Pennsylvania. That is 37 percent of Pennsylvania's total plant flora (which is about 3,400 species), and more introduced plants are identified every year. An invasive plant is a species that has become a weed pest. One that grows aggressively, spreads, and displaces other plants. Although some native plants are aggressive on disturbed areas, most invasive plants are introduced from other continents, leaving behind pests, diseases, predators, and other natural controls. While new plants are coming into Pennsylvania, native plants are being lost to habitat destruction, invasive plants, and introduced pests and diseases. By 2000, 5 percent of Pennsylvania native plant species had been eliminated and another 25 percent were in danger of becoming so. The good news is that action can be taken to protect and enhance the remaining diversity of beautiful and often useful plant species which grace our Commonwealth: Protect native plant communities and minimize habitat destruction Landscape with native plants Learn more about native plants Buy nursery-propagated native plants Do not remove native plants from the wild Practice responsible landscaping techniques. Article reprinted with permission from PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). This information and more may be found at their website. Click [HERE] to view back issues of our newsletter. |
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Design & Maintenance by Russ Risko | © 2002-2007 Peace Valley Nature Center |
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