Environmental Learning Center

Located in Harrison Hills Park, the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is open and free to visitors during normal hours of operation (late June to late August, Sunday hours are limited to 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.). The ELC also accepts visitation appointments.

About the Environmental Learning Center

Completed in May 2008, the ELC was the heartfelt project of the Friends of Harrison Hills Park.

Perfect for students, this facility has an indoor classroom that can easily hold up to 30 people and an outdoor classroom for larger groups during warmer weather. Visitors can climb, run and play, enjoy an ever- flowing water feature, or dance on stage.

For an extended visit to the ELC, visitors are encouraged to use the facility's fully equipped kitchen to prepare a fresh meal, or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the provided picnic tables.

There’s Plenty to Experience at the Environmental Learning Center

  • Explore the "Touch and Feel" table to safely experience nature up close. Feel the beaver paw, turkey foot, snake skins, antlers, cow hide, feathers, bark, turtle shells, nuts, seed pods, and other natural materials.
  • See a lifelike nature display featuring a coyote, turkey, squirrel, bird's nest, and an identification guide.
  • Compare human wingspan to those of various bird species.
  • Explore Dr. Grace’s live insect exhibits! Meet the Madagascar hissing roaches, Mr. Hisser and Miss Hissy, and giant millipedes, Archie and Millie.
  • Touch and feel bugs with adult supervision.
  • Watch the Butterfly Garden attract butterflies, moths, and bees.
  • Test adventure skills at the Scouts Exercise Challenge across the meadow.

ELC Volunteer Opportunities

Friends of Harrison Hills Park welcomes anyone interested in becoming a volunteer at the Environmental Learning Center. For those available to volunteer just a few hours a month, please contact us via email. Everyone is invited to help and ELC will provide training sessions.

Location

5200 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065  View Map

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Suitable for:

Amenities

  • Accessible Bathroom
  • Accessible Ramp
  • Animal and Nature Photographs
  • Butterfly Garden
  • Indoor Classroom
  • Nature Mural
  • Outdoor Classroom
  • Picnic Tables

Contact

412-350-INFO (4636) Option 2

Hours

Late June to Late August
Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
By appointment

Volunteer at County Parks

Friends of Harrison Hills Park

Friends of the Parks

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