Serrao's got snakes and scaly stuff

DINGMANS FERRY — Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) continues to upgrade and enhance its delivery of environmental education programs. Jim Rienhardt, PEEC’s executive director/CEO recently announced that award winning naturalist and educator, John Serrao, has joined the PEEC staff. Serrao will provide fifteen nature walks and workshops in 2007 and throughout 2008 that will concentrate on various natural history themes and explore locations within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Rienhardt commented on the welcome addition to the PEEC family, “PEEC is very fortunate to be able to add John to the PEEC team. All of John’s programs are made possible through a generous donation by the Litzenberger Family Foundation. We thank the family for their wonderful financial support and for providing opportunities for more people to better understand the value of our flora and fauna.” Serrao’s first free program is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 9 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and will concentrate on the wonderful reptiles and amphibians that can be found in the Poconos. Serrao’s next program, Nature in Transition, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. This program will highlight the amazing transformations that take place in the fall in the Pocono Mountains. Those who would like to enjoy a nice evening out and learn about the wonders of nature, may join Serrao on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. during the Animals in Winter dinner and program. This event is $10 for PEEC members and $15 for non-members and includes a buffet dinner and Serrao’s program. Pre-registration is required. When asked about his new position at PEEC, Serrao said, “I am looking forward to expanding my role at PEEC as their naturalist-educator! I have been conducting nature workshops at PEEC since l987. Now I will be emphasizing the wonderful natural areas, as well as the specific flora and fauna throughout the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, via a series of field trips and special programs. Exploring this area around PEEC will hopefully attract many interested people to this great environmental learning center.” These natural history programs will continue throughout 2008. The center will announce next year’s calendar of events this fall. For more information, contact PEEC at 570-828-2319 or e-mail peec@ptd.net for more details regarding the new “John Serrao 2007/2008 Natural History Series.