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Teachers!
Click the link below for a 2004 Teacher
Guide containing information about school program opportunities.
2004 Teacher
Guide
Education
The Center offers a variety of programs designed to fit the needs of
our visitors, no matter their age. Some programs deal with specific topics,
such as alternative energy, wetlands, or nature drawing.
The Summer Adventure
Program, a series of week-long classes, provides exciting environmental
experiences for elementary age students during June, July and August.
Seasonal events such as Greenery Workshops, Maple Syrup Programs and Family
Exploration Days are scheduled on weekends so that the whole family can
enjoy the outdoors.
School groups visit the Center for seasonal tours and programs that
promote learning through inquiry-based, hands-on activities. Our programs
provide unique experiences that engage, teach, and motivate our participants
to conserve and protect our precious natural resources. Join the thousands
of people who have enjoyed Cope Environmental Center programs and call
to request a Program Guide or to talk with our Program Director for more
information.
Demonstrations
Throughout the property there is evidence of the effort to reduce our
use of natural resources and to live and work more efficiently. A large
solar panel produces a renewable source of electricity for the Cope House.
The organic gardens provide abundant, healthy produce, while reducing
the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Simple activities such
as composting reduce the amount of garbage that is taken to the landfill
and returns nutrients to the soil. Other sustainable techniques, such
as recycling, are demonstrated to highlight their value and practicality
in household and business situations. The Center strives to demonstrate
and educate the public about the many simple, cost-effective techniques
available to reduce our use of energy and resources.
Click here to see a photo gallery of the new
Bergey XL-1 Wind Turbine installed on the CEC property.
Click here to use
the CEC Re-Use It! Guide- CEC's quick reference manual for the Wayne County
area.
Research
Research projects are formal and informal and involve adults and children.
Formal research on our prairie and wetlands will provide valuable information
for those interested in restoring native habitat. Informal research, like
that conducted by local fifth and sixth grade classes provides some important
data, but is more significant as a teaching and learning opportunity for
young scientists. Research studies on our ponds and bird populations have
been conducted by students and faculty at Earlham College. Staff members
continue to investigate and implement strategies to conserve energy and
resources on the grounds and in our programs.
Habitats
There is a diverse array of natural and developed wildlife habitats,
including three wetlands, two ponds, a native prairie, grasslands, hardwood
forests, conifer forests, and wooded ravines. Our arboretum includes 115
species of conifers, a nut tree collection, and a test planting of a "super
sweet" variety of Sugar Maples. Diverse habitat attracts a variety
of wildlife, such as frogs, salamanders, deer, coyote, turkeys, songbirds,
and butterflies. Some species reside on the property, but others are visitors;
stopping to rest or feed during migration.
Trails
An extensive trail system weaves through many habitats on the property.
The trails vary in difficulty from easy to moderate. The trail system
includes the Jim Cope Conifer Trail (.25 miles), Blue Trail (.60 miles),
Red Trail (1.1 miles), Green Trail (1.5 miles), and Purple Trail (.10
miles). The Conifer, Blue, Red, Green, and Purple trails can be accessed
via the Homestead Entrance and/or the Prairiewood Entrance. At each trailhead,
visitors can pick up a trail map to guide them through the different habitats.
Regular hiking groups and casual hikers walk our trails to enjoy the outdoors
and spend time with friends. See you on the trails!
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