Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art

Educate and engage all ages through exhibits, demonstrations, research opportunities and interactive presentations designed to promote a greater understanding of the natural world. Deliver year-round programming to promote the conservation of natural resources. Create dynamic programs utilizing the visual and performing arts to communicate how nature inspires art and how artists reflect nature in their work. Provide regional audiences with direct access to nationally recognized scientists, artists, authors and educators. Preserve 500 acres of wildlife habitat from stream to mountaintop and maintain a 12-mile trail system to encourage all ages to take part in healthy outdoor recreation and explore nature.

By applying state-of-the-art cellular telemetry to current owl research methodologies, the Centers research team is gaining tremendous new insight into migration patterns and how snowy owls travel along or across the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern U.S. and Canada. Six specialized research stations located throughout the Kittatinny Ridge and the neighboring valley are operated by research biology interns recruited from around the globe. The research has signficant value as wind energy development explodes in the central Appalachians. Data gathered by the project is helping to determine if snowy owls are at particular risk from extensive wind development.

Provide educators and students in districts across multiple Pennsylvania counties with educational programming and resources to enrich classroom learning. Conduct on-site and off-site presentations giving students authentic field study experiences and direct encounters with nature. Partner with teachers to align program activities with the Academic Standards as set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the unique needs of their classroom. Connect educators and students with expert presenters representing multiple academic discplines and scientific communities.