The Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks, is dedicated to helping people develop a sound environmental ethic. Since the early 1970s, the center has provided a wide variety of activity-oriented programs for students, teachers, adult groups and individuals.

A normal school day brings several classes of students to participate in the center?s discovery and problem-solving approach to environmental studies. Together, teachers and students explore different aspects of the environment and develop concepts and skills that help them become effective environmental decision-makers. The center, often in cooperation with the Berks County Intermediate Unit or nearby colleges and universities, sponsors teacher in-service training and college-level workshops on environmental education curricula and current environmental topics. And, as each season brings its own set of splendors, programs for the public are conducted by staff and guest resource people.

Nolde Forest encompasses more than 665 acres of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations. A network of trails makes the center?s streams, ponds and diverse habitats accessible to both students and casual visitors. Teaching stations offer places for students to work and benches for those who wish to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds associated with the natural world. There is a short, accessible trail by the mansion.

The Nolde mansion houses offices for the center staff. A garden featuring native wildflowers is adjacent to the mansion. The C. H. McConnell Environmental Education Hall near the mansion is the indoor site for year-round programming.

Schools and groups should schedule learning experiences as far in advance as possible. For more information on the center?s current public and school programs or to schedule activities, contact the center.