Community environmental education programs begin June 12

The Center for the Environment (CFE) at Westminster College kicks off its summer educational programming series with “Forest Therapy: Science Fact or Fiction?” at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 12, at the college’s outdoor Field Station located at 937 Fayette-New Wilmington Road in New Wilmington.

Attendees will hike through the Field Station while learning about the presumed benefits of being in nature. Dr. Helen Boylan, CFE director and professor of chemistry, will guide participants in experiencing elements of forest therapy while explaining some of the scientific research behind these practices. This session is open to those 16 and older.

“Westminster has wonderful outdoor resources, and through our summer programs, members of the community can experience them,” said Boylan.

The CFE will offer an assortment of family-friendly, kid-friendly and adult-based community educational programs this summer. Most weekly outdoor events will be held on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings through mid-August at the Field Station. All workshops will follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

“The mission for the Center for the Environment is connect people with each other and the natural world, and our summer programs are a great way to do just that,” said Boylan.

Other programs this summer include:

Beginner Archery: Wednesday, June 16
Tick Education: Saturday, June 19
Historic Stroll Through Cascade Park: Saturday, June 26
Science and Folklore of Fireflies: Wednesday, June 30
Home Tweet Home—Learning about Eastern Bluebirds: Wednesday, July 7
Westminster College Apiary Tour: Saturday, July 10
Botanical Wearables: Saturday, July 17
An Introduction to Beekeeping: Monday, July 19, Wednesday, July 21 and Friday, July 23
Mindfulness/Yoga in the Outdoors: Saturday, July 24
Upcycled Bird Feeders: Saturday, July 31
Campfire Stories: Wednesday, Aug. 4
Campfire Food Chemistry: Wednesday, Aug. 11

To view the complete list of programs and more details about each session or to register for a workshop, click here.

Registration is required for events and most workshops are $10. Scholarships are available to those with financial hardships. Select sessions are wheelchair accessible. Please call for details and to inquire about participants with other challenges.

For questions about CFE summer programs, contact Katie Miller at millerke@westminster.edu or 724-946-7404 or visit www.westminster.edu/environment.

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