Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station & Environmental Education Center Information

Lacawac Sanctuary is a nature preserve, biological field station, and environmental education center located in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Lacawac Sanctuary’s property is 545 acres, includes a pristine glacial lake, Lake Lacawac and its watershed, bogs, forests with hiking trails, and a Great Camp listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since its inception in 1966, the mission of Lacawac Sanctuary has been to preserve Lake Lacawac, its watershed, the surrounding forest and historic structures; provide a venue for ecological research, scholarly interaction and the training of scientists; provide public education on environmental and conservation issues; and conserve open space in Pennsylvania. For over 40 years, Lacawac has accomplished this mission by offering a diverse set of natural areas, facilities, and programs for K-12 and post-secondary educators and students, area residents, scientific researchers, and summer visitors to the region. By bringing scientists together with the general public, Lacawac provides an excellent opportunity for interaction among these user groups. In 1966, the Watres family donated the land and infrastructure to the Lacawac Sanctuary, a not-for-profit (501c3) organization. In 1968, the National Park Service designated Lake Lacawac as a National Natural Landmark. Two locations on the property (natural bog and natural ledges area) are designated as Wild Plant Sanctuary’s by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Lacawac Sanctuary allows public visitors and environmental program attendees to experience unaltered natural areas and to interact with scientists to learn about the natural world and conservation efforts.