HAWLEY, PA — Join the PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center for programs geared toward budding junior naturalists ages five to 10 (also welcoming all ages) for hands-on activities that will spark creativity and appreciation for the natural environment. Bring your children prepared to be outdoors. Email pplpreserves@pplweb.com or call 570/253-7001 to register for these free programs, which will be held on each Wednesday and Saturday, July 23 to August 16. All programs run from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Wonderful Wiggly Worms!

Wednesday, July 23

Learn about worms and the important work they do. Find out how to make a worm bin for composting. Each student will make a wormery to take home. Plan on getting your hands dirty. Dawn Krautter, a local nature enthusiast and Wallenpaupack School District educator, will lead this program.

Rocks Rock!

Saturday, July 26

Learn about rocks and check out a rock collection. Spend time collecting, observing and comparing rocks along the nature trail. Students will use permanent markers to create unique designs on rocks. An alternative to permanent marker will be available for those who request it. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dawn Krautter will lead this program.

Watercolor Wow!

Wednesday, July 30

Using the plants, leaves, and ferns from around Lake Wallenpaupack to inspire you, create watercolor paintings. Join Dave Hamill, Wallenpaupack Area High School art teacher, for this colorful program. Watercolors usually wash out, but bring a smock or play clothes, just in case.

Amphibian and reptile adventures

Saturday, August 2

Amphibians and reptiles are most likely found enjoying the dampness of the forest floor. Lift rocks and logs searching for critters. Find insects, salamanders, frogs and more. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Northampton Community College biology professor and director of Pocono Avian Research Center, Jackie Speicher, will lead this adventure.

Wild Times and Tales

Wednesday, August 6

Join PPL for a story and activity about a Pennsylvania native animal: the skunk. Get to see the featured friend live, up close and personal. Kathy Uhler from Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center will read “Skunk at Hemlock Circle” and lead a craft.

Orange you glad you wore it!?

Saturday, August 9

Create an egg carton boat and demonstrate the importance of wearing a life jacket with clementines. This safety message comes with games and a snack. Bring life jacket. PPL Lake Wallenpaupack’s educator and nature enthusiast, Jenna Wayne, will lead this program.

Wildlife Skins and Skulls

Wednesday, August 13

Explore furs and skulls to learn about Pennsylvania’s wildlife. Following the exploration, make masks of some of our favorite critters. Water specialist for Wayne Conservation District, Jamie Knecht, will lead this program.

Birds, birds, birds! An end of series celebration

Saturday, August 16

Bring your binoculars or borrow ours to look at the colorful birds in our backyard. We will look at Pocono birds and listen to their sweet songs on a short trek with Jackie Speicher. Then we’ll enjoy a live falconry demonstration. Local falconer Pete Porter will show us a live raptor and talk about how they hunt for food. After the presentation, we’ll hunt for food in the center. PPL is having a pizza party to thank you for joining us this summer. This program may run longer than noon. Beverages and snacks will also be provided.