Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center Wednesday morning in Cumru Township to participate in the “One Bird, Two Habitats” program at the park, alongside first grade students from Amanda Stout Elementary School in Reading.
“It really recharges me to see this next generation learning about state parks, learning about their role in taking care of them. I’m always so impressed at how smart these kids are and how much they know” said Dunn.
“Of course, I’m very proud of the DCNR staff that run the environmental programs. We have a phenomenal program. We have about 100 environmental educators across the state teaching visitors and students every day.”
Nolde Forest encompasses more than 725 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 visitors.
Students began their field trip inside learning about nesting birds, eventually making their way outside on a walking tour of the grounds.
“The educators today made a link between the natural habitat of Nolde Forest to the backyard of city habitats like in Reading. It’s my hope that students come to understand nature is everywhere, habitats, everywhere, birds are everywhere” said Dunn.
