ClearWater Conservancy celebrated its 20,000th student visit to Millbrook Marsh Nature Center in Centre County under the conservancy’s Connections program this spring.

The milestone occurred during the field trip by Kerry Whitman’s second grade class from Phillipsburg Elementary School. The classroom received a set of books about nature as a remembrance of their part in ClearWater’s program.

“All of us here at ClearWater are proud of this milestone for the Connections program,” said Interim Executive Director Steve Miller. “Part of our mission is to educate young people about our natural world and how we are all connected to it. Connections is the main way we do that, in partnership with our friends at Millbrook Marsh.”

Since 1997, ClearWater has provided students in public and private schools throughout central Pennsylvania with the opportunity for hands-on learning through outdoor watershed education. Each year the conservancy pays for thousands of youngsters to go on field trips to Millbrook Marsh.

By reaching out to younger generations, ClearWater Conservancy hopes to teach children about the natural world, encourage them to take actions for conservation and inspire them to share what they learn with parents and friends.

“The Connections program is something this community can be very proud of. We hope the opportunity to see a wetland ecosystem up close, explore it with a naturalist and connect to a natural place that is nearly in their backyard will have a profound effect on the children who have this experience. The partnership with ClearWater Conservancy for the Connections program is one that Millbrook Marsh Nature Center strongly values,” said Molly Hetrick, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Supervisor.

The 2015 Connections program was made possible with donations from Wal-Mart Foundation, State of the Art, Inc. Harris Township Lions Club and the many donors who attended ClearWater’s For the Love of Art & Chocolate fundraising event this year.

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center offers a variety of programs, events, and activities to the community, in addition to leading school groups through educational field trips.  Learn more by visiting the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center website. 

6/1/2015