The annual Open House at the Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center is set for Saturday, May 10 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

A nature walk with naturalist Dave Beale, a reptile and amphibian presentation by Terry Laux, and many informative and educational exhibits are planned.

Our Mission

The Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is an organization dedicated to promoting environmental education and resource conservation.

About the Center

The ELC was originally built and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and was the only ELC in the United States operated by the USACE until it was closed in late 1999.

In an effort to save this unique facility, the Armstrong County Educational Trust assumed operation of the ELC in 2002.

The ELC consists of two buildings set on 31 acres of park, meadow and forest, which is located next door to the 2,600-acre Crooked Creek Lake Park. The park includes a 400-acre lake open to boating, fishing, and swimming, and over seven miles of nature trails as well as an equine trail. The ELC also features its own interpretive trail and herb garden.

The main building holds a multi-purpose room with a fully equipped kitchen, a dormitory with overnight accommodations for 26 people, and a lodge-style great room housing an extensive collection of mounted animals that includes large birds, mammals, fish, and snakes. The second building holds a conference room, kitchen, and office space, a kitchen, and storage.

The ELC offers programs for the public and works with schools to provide environmental education. As a multi-use facility, the ELC is also available to organized groups and businesses for meetings, workshops and retreats.

If you are interested and would like more information, please contact us by phone at 724-763-6316 or by email at elcaet@alltel.net.