Lake Ariel, PA — Western Wayne High School’s Watershed Group is proud to announce the successful completion of a student-led environmental education initiative originally planned as a field trip to the Varden Conservation Area. This spring, thanks to grant funding and outstanding community partnerships, fourth-grade students at RDW and Evergreen Elementary Schools experienced a day filled with hands-on watershed education, led by professionals and high school mentors.
This project is part of the long-standing Community Connections to Our Watershed program, which for over 20 years has connected students in northeastern Pennsylvania with local environmental experts and conservation educators. Each year, students explore watersheds, learn about clean water initiatives, and participate in forums alongside professionals from agencies committed to preserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources. More information about the program can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/CCTW2025
This year’s participating schools include:
• Lackawanna County Teams: Carbondale, Forest City, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, Mountain View, Old Forge, Riverside, Western Wayne, and Wayne Highlands
• Luzerne County Teams: Crestwood, Hanover, HAAS, HACC, Hazleton, Northwest, Tunkhannock, and Wyoming Area
Western Wayne High School students participated in several preparatory field trips, including visits to Lackawanna State Park, Keystone College, the Old Forge borehole, and the Alliance Landfill, the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania American Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment Facilities, and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. These experiences helped students learn how to assess watershed health and explore solutions to protect local water resources. Support for these programs was provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania American Water Company, and the DCNR Watershed Education Program.
The culminating event was presented at a student showcase held at Montage Mountain on May 6, 2025, where Western Wayne students unveiled their vision: an interactive field trip experience for all district fourth-grade students. They designed original ecology-based activities and coordinated programming with outside agencies to bring their vision to life.
Originally planned for the Varden Conservation Area, the field day was quickly relocated indoors due to cold, wet weather. Thanks to the flexibility and determination of teachers, administrators, and partners, the program was successfully delivered on-site at both elementary schools—retaining all core educational experiences.
Participating Agencies and Presenters
The program featured presentations and hands-on stations from a wide range of environmental organizations, including:
• Lacawac Education Department: Nichole Seul
• Lacawac Sanctuary PLEON Department: Theresa Black
• Promised Land DCNR Environmental Education Specialist: Joshua Heath
• Trout Unlimited: Don Strathy, Paul Guinnane
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (National Park Service): Anna Grismer
o All participating 4th graders received a free National Parks pass good for unlimited admission for them and their families during their 4th-grade year
• Wayne County Conservation District: Olivia D’Amore
• Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Rachel Morrow
• Western Wayne High School Science Faculty: Mark Nebzydoski Ph.D.
• Community Connections to Our Watershed High School Student Leaders: Dakota Douglas, Aliyah Gregory, Giuliana Velazquez
High school students acted as presenters, group leaders, and support staff, working closely with fourth graders during each 45-minute station rotation. Activities included a watershed model demonstration, casting skills with Backyard Bass, and a water chemistry/biology interactive lesson.
Funding and Community Support
Funding for the program was made possible through two generous sources:
• A mini-grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF), reviewed and awarded by the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, which supported transportation and programming costs.
• Additional funding for both the Varden classroom education and the in-school field trip was provided through an Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) grant from the Western Wayne Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting innovation and opportunity in the district.
o For more information, contact Christine McClure, President, at 1970C Easton Turnpike, Western Wayne School District, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.
Both the Wayne County Community Foundation and the Western Wayne Education Foundation play a crucial role in building long-term educational opportunities for students in the region.
A Day of Fun, Learning, and Resilience
Despite the weather challenges, the program delivered an enriching experience filled with environmental discovery, hands-on activities, and expert instruction. Students were engaged, enthusiastic, and inspired by what they learned—and most importantly, they had fun doing it.
Western Wayne High School extends its sincere thanks to all agency partners, grant providers, faculty, and students who made this unique educational day possible. The project is a testament to the power of youth leadership, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
Picture One: Fourth grade students at EverGreen engaged in hands-on watershed education.
Picture Two: Fourth grade students at RDW engaged in hands on watershed education.
