Lancaster County Environmental Center Badge - Curiosity Untamed

Age Levels are as follows:

(Discover the Outdoors)

By Kerry Cordy

_____1. Learn what the Lancaster Environmental Center is and what people do there. Explore pictures of the center or visit if possible.

_____2. Visit the Lancaster Environmental Center or take a virtual tour. Go on a nature walk and look for at least five different plants, animals, or insects.

_____3. Learn about three habitats found at the Lancaster Environmental Center, such as wetlands, grasslands, forests, or ponds. Explain why each habitat is important to the plants and animals that live there.

_____4. Investigate one environmental topic studied at the Lancaster Environmental Center, such as native plants, pollinators, water quality, wildlife conservation, or invasive species. Explain what you learned and why it is important.

_____5. Research how the Lancaster Environmental Center protects natural resources through education, habitat restoration, scientific research, or conservation projects. Compare one of its programs to another environmental organization.

_____6. Research an environmental challenge facing your local community and evaluate how organizations like the Lancaster Environmental Center can help address it. Develop a plan for a project or activity that would improve or protect your local environment.

_____7. Teach someone how to do a skill from this badge or teach some knowledge about this badge to someone. You can teach kids, your spouse, seniors, anyone, just as long as you are sharing your newfound knowledge.

_____8. Make up a puzzle or game using facts about something you learned at the Environmental Center.

_____9. Draw a picture of something you saw at the Environmental Center.

_____10. Make a scrapbook of your experience at the Environmental Center.

_____11. Participate in a nature hike led by a park ranger or naturalist.

_____12. Identify at least five native plant species found within the Environmental Center’s grounds.

_____13. How far is the Environmental Center from your home or meeting place? How will you travel there? How long will it take? Make a plan for keeping yourself busy during travel so that you do not get bored. Butterflies and Up: Know the costs involved in traveling to this destination.

_____14. Engage in a hands-on activity related to water conservation, such as testing water quality, learning about watersheds, or building a mini rain garden.

_____15. Assist with a conservation project at the Environmental Center, such as tree planting, invasive species removal, or trail maintenance.

_____16. Attend a workshop or presentation on sustainable living practices, such as composting, recycling, or renewable energy.

_____17. Learn about the history of the 19 th century bank barn used to house the Environmental Center.

_____18. Complete a nature scavenger hunt within the Environmental Center’s grounds, identifying various plants, animals, and natural features.

_____19. Create a poster, video, or presentation showcasing what you’ve learned about the Lancaster County Environmental Center and the importance of protecting natural resources.

_____20. Participate in a birdwatching activity at the Environmental Center and identify at least five different bird species.

_____21. Learn about the importance of soil health and participate in a composting workshop to understand how organic waste can be recycled into nutrient-rich soil.

_____22. Learn about the threats facing endangered species in Pennsylvania and brainstorm ways to help protect and conserve these vulnerable animals.

_____23. Create a nature journal to document your observations, sketches, and reflections during visits to the Environmental Center.

_____24. Learn about the impact of climate change on local ecosystems and brainstorm ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

_____25. Dissect an owl pellet.

_____26. Research the history of conservation movements in Pennsylvania and the contributions of local environmental activists to protect natural resources and wildlife habitat.

_____27. Reflect on your experiences at the Environmental Center and write a personal essay or poem expressing your appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world.