The Carbon County Environmental Education Center was presented with a $100 contribution from The Concourse Club of Palmerton for the center’s conservation work and dedication to the community recently.

The check was presented by Susan Prout, Concourse Club Conservation Chair, to Elsie Reabold, a wildlife rehabilitator and educator for CCEEC. Each year, the Concourse Club supports a local environmental center with a contribution as part of its efforts to support the local community.

“The environmental center is important as a place where individuals and families can go for free to be informed on the wildlife that surrounds our area,” Prout said. “In addition, people can take advantage of Mauch Chunk Lake Park, right next door. The center is a great day trip; people can be educated, pack a lunch to eat at the center’s picnic tables, and take a walk to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us here in Carbon County.”

Reabold thanked the club and explained that donations like this help the wildlife the center rescues.

Recent rescues included nine baby squirrel orphans; and a senior opossum that was found on the side of the road with a broken tooth.

The center also was tasked with trapping a skunk that had a yogurt cup stuck on its head. The task was completed but not without being sprayed.

The center has snakes, bats, and American kestrel among other animals that they share to educate visitors to the center. A boardwalk trail offers views of birds of prey such as red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and the American bald eagle.

CCEEC promotes awareness and understanding of our environment through education. The grounds and trails are open during daylight hours. The building is open to visitors on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Concourse Club is a woman’s civic organization based in Palmerton since 1915.

More information about the club is available at www.concourseclub.org. Additional information about CCEEC is online at carboneec.org.