Environmental center marks 40 years of helping wildlife
The Carbon County Environmental Education Center celebrated its 40th anniversary on Saturday with an appeal from its director to make sure the facility continues to endure.
Susan Gallagher praised people who have shown continued support in the endurance and growth of the center, and especially their commitment to the environment.
“I ask all of you to show the same kind of support and enthusiasm and pass it on. You guys have to keep it running forever,” she said.
Several hundred people attended the anniversary event at the Summit Hill facility. Featured were tours of the CCEEC, nature walks, educational talks and the cutting of an anniversary cake that was shared with the attendees.
One of the special guests was “Ace,” the eagle mascot played by volunteer Lena Nalesnik. She greeted visitors and when it was time to introduce Gallagher, Ace did it with eagle sounds.
Also participating in the event were environmentalists Jeannie Carl and Franklin Klock. Gallagher, Carl and Klock jointly cut the first piece of the anniversary cake.
Gallagher said she enjoys meeting visitors to the center and helping them or educating them regarding environmental matters.
She read some of the random messages that visitors have left at the center, including one that said, “I love CCEEC.” Gallagher said, “It’s nice that so many people love this place as much as I do.”
She mentioned Judy Wink, the director of the center when it opened 40 years ago, who she said sent regrets of being unable to attend. “She’s the one who built the foundation that we stand on today,” Gallagher said.
The director said “one of the most faithful supporters” has been Sylvia Brodsky, who donated many of the large fish displayed on wall mounts. She said Brodsky recently passed away at age 101.
“It’s really our supporters who make this place like it is,” she said. “We’ve grown with you.”
She told the attendees, “We saw you make efforts to save even the tiniest animals,” noting there’s a note that thanks the staff for saving a chipmunk that was stuck in a glue trip.”
Also present was Carbon County Commissioner Michael Sofranko who praised the staff of the center. “If it weren’t for their caring and their leadership ... this place would not be here,” he said.
Gallagher recognized Kimberly and Mark Olving, who own White Bear Bakery and a woodworking shop. Kim baked the cake served for the anniversary event and Mark has done work at the center.
A tour was led through areas of the center normally closed to the public. The CCEEC serves as a wildlife rehabilitation center and numerous live animals, including a Bald Eagle and other raptors, are housed here.
Rachel Strucko was among those who visited for the 40th anniversary. She said, “The CCEEC is one of the hidden gems of Carbon County.”
She said she sometimes brings children to the facility, especially youngsters in the school’s SHINE program, stating of the staff, “I can’t thank them enough for all they do.”
Mina Akers of Lehighton said the anniversary event was “great.” She said, “I love something like this that has made it for 40 years. It’s awesome to have it in the area. I’m so glad to see so many young children here today.”
Also heaping praise was Doug Fogal of Jim Thorpe, who said this is the one location he can observe such species as owls, which are elusive in the wild.
“I think we are really lucky to have this in our neighborhood,” he said. “If there ever was an example of something being wonderful, this is it. But I would like to see more resources given to it.”
Fogal said he especially enjoys visiting the center and spending time at the bird blinds at the western end of Mauch Chunk Lake, which are part of the environmental center. “It’s very rich with migrating water fowl,” he said, “with eagles and osprey as well.”
Throughout the day, the center had demonstrations. including a chance for visitors to see raptors being fed and a rare glimpse at two eagles who are being rehabilitated to release into the wild.