The Environmental Learning Center (ELC)A Little Background
The Environmental Learning Center, which opened in 2008 was formerly a farmhouse, and home to a park manager back in the day. The ELC was conceptualized by Patrick Kopnicky, an architect and founding member of the Council of Friends for Harrison Hills Park. Renovations undertaken with funding from Allegheny County, transformed it into an all-inclusive nature education facility with wheelchair accessible ramp and washroom. |
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Treasures Within
The ELC is furnished with mounted mammals, fish, insects, fossils, arrowheads, birds, and much more. These specimens and artifacts - and the display cases that house them - were all donated by volunteers. The 'Touch and Feel' table with beaver paw and other interesting nature items, is a big draw, especially young visitors. The indoor classroom, equipped with a projector, is well set up for presentations and seats 30 people. A wonderful selection of programs are held here year-round. (See Programs and Events for more information)
ELC Grounds
The free Little Lending Library is stocked with a variety of books for all ages and interests (book donations welcome). Picnic tables are available if you would like to sit and snack while serenaded by the many birds that visit the feeders. A terrific new addition is the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom opened in 2010 that gets kids back to nature.
The ELC is furnished with mounted mammals, fish, insects, fossils, arrowheads, birds, and much more. These specimens and artifacts - and the display cases that house them - were all donated by volunteers. The 'Touch and Feel' table with beaver paw and other interesting nature items, is a big draw, especially young visitors. The indoor classroom, equipped with a projector, is well set up for presentations and seats 30 people. A wonderful selection of programs are held here year-round. (See Programs and Events for more information)
ELC Grounds
The free Little Lending Library is stocked with a variety of books for all ages and interests (book donations welcome). Picnic tables are available if you would like to sit and snack while serenaded by the many birds that visit the feeders. A terrific new addition is the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom opened in 2010 that gets kids back to nature.
