Moraine State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on educational activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. Read thank-you letters from a few of the students who attended a Floating Field Trip.
MPF Education Programs
Our programs offer a hands on science experience in a natural setting. Each session lasts 2 1/2 hours and is organized in 20 minute segments: an introduction, then five experiment stations, followed up by a wrap up time. Students work in groups as scientists, completing each station and recording results in field notebooks. Grade level programs are offered for students in preschool through college and are correlated to Pennsylvania's Standards for Environment and Ecology. They are also approved by the Pennsylvania State Parks Education Department. Up to 30 students can participate in a program and two sessions can be done in a day (with two classes attending daily). Moraine Preservation Fund volunteers guide the students and operate the boat. Information or reservations: 724-368-9185.
Water Quality Floating Classroom
Students board Preston's Pearl (an enclosed pontoon boat) for experiments involving the quality of the water in Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park. Examples of the stations include the temperature, ph, and the turbidity. A favorite experiment involves dredging muck from the lake bottom. The boat captain and mate are licensed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. This program meets the Pennsylvania Standards for Watersheds and Wetlands; Ecosystems and Their Interactions; and Threatened, Endangered, and Extinct Species.
Wetlands
A walk to the park wetlands leads to adventures about the plants and critters that live there. Session are led by an environmentalist. This program meets the Pennsylvania Standards for Watersheds and Wetlands; Ecosystems and Their Interactions; and Threatened, Endangered, and Extinct Species.
Geology
Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park was originally a glacial lake formed when ice covered much of North American thousands of years ago. Find out what features are seen in the land due to these events. This program meets the Pennsylvania requirements for Ecosystems and Their Interactions. Previsit boxes are available to prepare students.
Native Plant and Butterfly Trail
At the beginning of McDanel's Launch behind Pavilion #7 you can walk on a self guided tour of our trail. Look for signs and kiosks to explain the sights. Enjoy the pond, bridges and boardwalk. Educational programs are also available.
Geology on the Road
The area around Moraine State Park has many interesting geological features resulting from the glaciers. You can rent a tape or CD at the Owlet Giftshop at McDanel's launch. There is also a map for self guided tours of various lengths.
Teachers
We occasionally hold credit environmental programs for teachers at McDanel's Launch. Call the Owlet Giftshop at 724-368-9185 for more information.