Environmental center offers elk photo safari

DINGMANS FERRY - Join wildlife photographer Len Rue Jr. as he ventures into Northwestern Pennsylvania in search of elk and other wildlife during the Pocono Environmental Education Center’s Elk Photo Safari, Sept. 23-26. Nature lovers and photographers of all levels will have the opportunity to view and photograph the majestic elk in their own habitats. Participants will also have the chance to explore the beautiful Allegheny National Forest where timber rattlesnakes and bald eagles can be found. This workshop is perfect for adults who have an interest in wildlife photography and those who are interested in learning more about the elk population in Northwestern Pa. The three-day trip will be a mixture of early morning and evening photo shoots of known hot spots where the elk can be found. There will also be lecture and multimedia presentations by Rue, focusing on wildlife photography, exposure, lighting and equipment. Rue is a nationally known photographer whose work has been published in hundreds of publications worldwide, including Field and Stream, Sports Afield, Outdoor Life, Natural History, National Wildlife, Ranger Rick, Newsweek, The N.Y. Times Magazine, Petersen’s Hunting, American Hunter, Safari Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Outdoor Photographer and National Geographic. In conjunction with his father, Leonard Lee Rue III, he leads international photographic tours and co-teaches an all-day natural history photographic seminar, which is presented around the country. Rue serves as business manager of Rue Enterprises and is also director of the L.L. Rue Catalog. Rue has a degree in Professional Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and A.S.M.P. The photo shoots will take place in Elk County, located in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Rue will focus the group’s efforts in Benezette and travel along a 25-mile stretch that has produced numerous elk sighting throughout the years. The trip is $550 for members and $600 for non-members. This includes lunch at the center on Saturday, round-trip transportation from the center by van, lodging, continental breakfast each morning and photography program by one of today’s leading authorities in wildlife photography. A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot for the Elk Photo trip and spaces are limited. Registration must be received by Sept. 9 to reserve a spot. Contact Erich Schramm for more information at 570-828-2319 or e-mail at eschramm@peec.org. The Pocono Environmental Education Center’s mission is to enhance environmental awareness, knowledge and appreciation through hands-on experience in a natural, outdoor classroom. It provides unique, year-round environmental experiences to families, school groups, scouts and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The center is located off of Route 209 (near mile marker 8) inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in Dingmans Ferry. For more information, visit PEEC on the Web at www.peec.org.