Newly formed in 2023, The Vernal School Environmental Educational Partnership is a coalition of local associations, agencies and other groups with a passion for environmental education who agreed to help enhance programming and awareness at the preserve in an effort to help boost traffic, necessary upgrades and funding. We sat down with our friend, Marisa Crames, (Program Director) to learn more about all their great programming and initiatives. Read on to find out more!
What is the Vernal School?
The Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership was pulled together as a way to help support the efforts of the Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) in maintaining the 640-acre Montour Preserve in Montour County. It is a “collaboration effort of multiple groups”- mainly the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association– who are “committed to providing a safe, impactful experience to engage, educate and empower people of all ages, skillsets and backgrounds to become the next generation of stewards for our natural resources.
This involves having meaningful experiences in nature, incorporating newly developed STEELS (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability) standards and encouraged to hone creative problem-solving skills.”
The Preserve
The preserve offers over 630 acres as a dynamic outdoor classroom, featuring an environmental study pond, access to Chillisquaque Creek, and the 165-acre Lake Chillisquaque. The preserve also has picnic pavilions, a boat launch, 10 miles of trails, an interactive fossil pit where people can find and take home fossils, a nature center with walk-through displays and an educational center with a large indoor classroom. “At the Vernal School, we aim to revitalize the program for which the preserve was renowned, re-establishing it as a premier location for environmental educational opportunities.“
The Eels
Thanks to the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership, the Montour Preserve is now home to juvenile American eels – called elvers.
They were dropped off at their new home in May, and are located in a tank in a display case outside the Education Center’s auditorium. The eels are available to be watched online via our unique Eel Cam live stream by clicking here.
Upcoming Events & Programming
As program director, I have the opportunity to interact with learners of all ages and backgrounds. I am very thankful for this and the chance to make a positive and sustainable impact in today’s world. It’s a great feeling to know that you made a difference. I love to hear from adults who took trips to the preserve as a child and see their excitement when they return with their children to relive some happy memories and continue the tradition. I also enjoy watching children learn in an environment they may not have easy access to at home or in a traditional school setting. On many occasions, the programming we provided became a child’s first time to splash in a creek or touch a frog or find a fossil. There is magic in those moments of discovery.
Marisa Crames
Special Event Highlight
This program is a collaborative initiative between the Vernal School, Montour Area Recreation Commission, Susquehanna Kids, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and members of the Susquehanna Council BSA. This full day program aims to better prepare our community’s youth for outdoor activities while introducing them to new STEM concepts and ideas.
The Vernal School is proud to offer high quality STEM education and this program will be no different. Stations will include topics such as nature, local plants and wildlife. Outdoor skill programming such as map and compass work and wilderness survival are some of the most requested topics at the Vernal School. With the help of leaders and youth from the Susquehanna Council BSA, we are happy to be able to provide stations that will instruct and educate participants in these fields. Registration is FREE and participants will receive a free patch for attending.
For more information about this event and other programming, click here.
How To Get Involved
Check out what’s happening at The Vernal School and Montour Preserve, and please consider a donation to this amazing initiative!
Get Connected!
Visit their website & Facebook.
CONTACT:
Email: Vernal School
570-850-1166
374 Preserve Road, Danville, PA 17821