Destination Thursday: Jennings Environmental Center

Jennings Environmental Education Center is one of several state parks specifically dedicated to provide environmental education and interpretation to the community. A variety of programs are available for children, teachers, and the general public that increase knowledge and awareness of the beauty and importance of our natural resources. By taking some time to explore Jennings through its trail network or community programs, visitors can enjoy the outdoors while learning the skills needed to be good stewards of Pennsylvania's outstanding natural resources.

Named for Carnegie Museum botanist and Western PA Conservancy advisor in the mid-1900's, Otto E. Jennings, this land was originally purchased by the Conservancy due to its biological significance. For many years the site was known for one of the plants Jennings had discovered and studied there, and was "Jennings Blazing-Star Prairie". A nature center was constructed on the property and the environmental education programming was through a partnership between WPC and Slippery Rock University. In the 1980's the property was transferred to the Bureau of State Parks. The results of the Butler County Natural Heritage Inventory identifies Jennings as one of the few areas in the county dedicated to the protection and management of biodiversity values.

February programs offered at the Environmental Education Center are:

February 8: Outstanding Geologic Features in Pennsylvania, 2 p.m.
February 22 George Washington in Western Pennsylvania: History in our Backyard, 2 p.m.

For details and directions, go to the DCNR website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/jennings.aspx , or email the park directly at jenningssp@state.pa.us .

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