Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cope Environmental Center?
The Cope Environmental Center is a regional provider of environmental education. Our mission is to promote the sustainable use of the earth’s resources through education, demonstration, and research. The Center’s staff works with children, adults, families, students, educators, and community groups to accomplish this goal both on-site and through out reach programs.

What can I do at CEC?
The center has activities for all ages and interests including school programs, trail hiking, nature/bird watching, sustainable living demos, and planned programs and events (see News & Events) to name a few.


What are the volunteer opportunities?
The CEC needs your help! You can volunteer to help in anyone of several areas. The opportunities include (see Volunteers for more info):

* Programs and Events (Summer Programs, Maple Syrup, field trips, etc,)
* Facilities and Grounds (trail maintenance, building maintenance, etc.)
* Office Services (answering phones, helping with mailings, etc.)

We are open for volunteering from 9:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays or on Saturdays during the summer. Let us know how you want to help by contacting us at
(765) 855-3188.

How do I become a member of CEC, and what are the benefits of membership?
Your membership dollars enable us to fulfill our mission and vision to provide the highest quality programs to people of all ages. As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on the support of our members to achieve our goals. Our sucess depends on you. Join us today as a member of CEC by clicking on the Network for Good link below.

As a member, you will recieve: 1) A subscription to The Evergreen, our quarterly newsletter 2) Discounts on programs and merchandise 3) Invitations to special events and activities 4) Free entry and discounts at over 100 nature centers across the United States 5) Appreciation for supporting high quality environmental education for East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio.

Who can use the trails?
The trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk 365 days a year. There are 5 trails that vary in difficulty from easy to moderate and range in length from .10 miles to 1.5 miles. Dogs are welcome to hike the trails as long as they are on a leash and the owner cleans up after them. Trail maps are available at each of the trail heads. Come on out and enjoy our trails!


What programs are offered at CEC?
CEC programs vary with the season. We offer a variety of different learning opportunities for all ages and interests specializing in environmental education programs for schools. For more information, see our News & Events link or email the CEC Program Director, Stephanie, at s.hays@copeenvironmental.org.

What if I have a question about wildlife?
You can always feel free to call CEC with whatever question you might have; however, wildlife is not our area of expertise! Instead, CEC has our own list of "experts" we refer to including wildlife rehabilitators, reptile experts, and more. If you have found an injured or seemingly lost critter, please don't touch or move it! Instead, you may call CEC at 765-855-3188 or:

For Birds
Diana Shaffer
Wildlife Resqu Haus, Inc.
11100 W. State Road 32
Yorktown, IN 47396
765-759-9112

For Other Small Critters
Tony Smith
765-478-5325

You can also click on the following link to take you to Andrew Hoffman's website.
http://indianaherp.tripod.com/
Andrew is a high school senior and incredible herpetologist! This site is a great place to learn about critters that might be around your property for good reason!

How can I obtain more information about program schedules?
Stop by CEC:
4910 Shoemaker Road
Centerville, IN 47330
or
Call Stephanie Hays-Mussoni at: (765) 855-3188
or
Send us an e-mail at: s.hays@CopeEnvironmental.org

Does CEC have a gift shop?
Yes! We are excited to announce the opening of "Second Nature"- our new on-site gift shop. Stop by for eco-friendly gift ideas, organic clothing, and more! Also, watch for our holiday gift baskets- a great way to support local businesses and environmentally responsible gift giving!

Not local? That's okay! We are an affiliate of www.WithoutBricks.com where you can shop for thousands of nature-related items online and support to work of Cope Environmental Center at the same time! Simply log onto their website through our "front door" at

http://www.withoutbricks.com/copeenvironmental

and a portion of your purchase will be donated back to CEC. Check out this great store for environmentally friendly products and an opportunity to keep CEC going strong! Thanks for your support!

Who operates CEC?
CEC is a not-for-profit (501(C)(3) governed by a board of directors. The Center is supported by membership dues, gifts, donations, bequests, sponsorships, program fees and grants. For more information, check out About Us on this web site.