Jennings Environmental Education Center
Pennsylvania is known for its rolling hills, but the state’s only protected prairie, located in Slippery Rock, is a combination of protected prairie and forest which features rare wildflowers and endangered wildlife.
In addition to its hiking system Jennings Environmental Education Center is specifically dedicated to provide environmental education and interpretation to the community.
Jennings offers a variety of educational programs designed for an audience that varies from students, teachers, and the general public. These informative sessions are designed to increase knowledge and awareness of the beauty and importance of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
By hiking Jennings’ trail network and community programs, visitors can enjoy the outdoors while learning the skills needed to be good stewards of these natural resources. Jennings’ 20-acre prairie ecosystem is home to distinctive prairie plants, including the spectacular blazing star. Each July, visitors enjoy hikes on Jennings’ 5-mile trail system when the stunning blazing star is in bloom.
Jennings is the first reserve established in Pennsylvania to protect an individual plant species and is also home to the endangered Massasauga rattlesnake. Eastern massasaugas were listed as threatened 2016 due to significant reductions in populations primarily due to habitat loss. Although a massasauga is rarely seen due to their natural camouflage, Jennings’ ecosystem provides an outstanding habitat for these protected animals.
Jennings Environmental Education Center is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset, and day use areas close at dusk. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and some weekends. Contact the center office for facility seasons and hours, particularly for weekend schedules. Check out its award-winning interactive exhibit.
