Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is more than a peaceful nature retreat — it’s a vibrant hub where education, conservation, and community engagement come together to inspire generations of environmental stewards. Whether through wildlife programs, hands-on learning experiences, or scenic trails, Shaver’s Creek encourages exploration, discovery, and a lifelong appreciation for the environment.

None of this impact would be possible without the generosity of donors who share a vision for a sustainable and thriving future. By creating endowments, our donors ensure that Shaver’s Creek will serve the environment and our communities into the future.

As we reflect on this invaluable support, Shaver’s Creek extends its deepest gratitude to our donors.

Chuck Widmann Citizen Science Endowment

Eyes on the Sky: Protecting Raptors

Imagine a crisp morning atop the Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch, where dedicated observers scan the horizon as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the sky. Overhead, hawks, eagles, and other raptors glide effortlessly, their migration patterns telling a story of adaptation and survival. With every bird counted, crucial data are meticulously logged, helping conservation organizations monitor populations and protect species at risk. The Chuck Widmann Citizen Science Endowment makes this critical work possible, supporting skilled hawk watchers who brave the elements to collect information needed to support raptor conservation efforts.

Shaver’s Creek’s Citizen Science programs and the Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch will benefit from this generous gift for years to come. Partnering these funds with additional financial support enables Shaver’s Creek to hire expert hawk counters every winter, ensuring the success of the vital spring hawk watch season.

To dive deeper into the significance of hawk watching and its role in conservation, explore this retrospective of the 2023 Tussey Mountain Spring Hawkwatch.

Joan Turns Endowment for School Programs

Inspiring the Next Generation of Nature Stewards

On any given day at Shaver’s Creek, you might stumble upon a group of curious students crouched in the forest, turning over leaves, observing insects, and marveling at the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Their conversations dive into topics like biodiversity, food chains, and how nature maintains its delicate balance. The Joan Turns Endowment for School Programs enables Shaver’s Creek to offer hands-on, inquiry-based learning directly to schools in underserved districts in Central Pennsylvania. These immersive experiences can be the start of a lifelong journey with the environment, sparking an appreciation that grows with each new discovery.

Thanks to the Joan Turns Endowment, generations of students will benefit from Shaver’s Creek’s environmental education programs and learn the importance of taking care of our world.

Mark W. McBride Endowment

Expanding STEM Learning and Research

At Shaver’s Creek, STEM isn’t confined to a classroom — it comes alive through hands-on experiences that connect students directly with the wonders of the natural world. Whether observing wildlife through nature cams or engaging in dynamic lessons led by expert educators, students don’t just learn about ecosystems — they are immersed in the natural world. The Mark W. McBride Endowment makes this possible, ensuring that hundreds of students receive nature-focused STEM programming every year.

From interactive fieldwork to professional development for educators, this endowment equips the environmental center with the resources to deliver immersive learning opportunities and conduct impactful research. The knowledge gained here is shared at national conferences, benefiting communities far beyond the borders of Shaver’s Creek. Support for Shaver’s Creek’s nature STEM programming allows them to inspire and educate hundreds of Central Pennsylvania schoolchildren every year, creating a ripple effect that will be felt for generations to come.

Pennsylvania Falconry and Hawk Trust Endowment

Caring for Raptors, Strengthening Conservation

Majestic falcons and hawks are more than just winged ambassadors at Shaver’s Creek — they’re cherished members of the community. The Pennsylvania Falconry and Hawk Trust Endowment supports their daily care while funding vital hawk observation programs through the Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch. Here, skilled observers monitor migration patterns and collect critical data that deepens scientific understanding of raptor populations and their role in maintaining ecological balance.

This endowment ensures that these conservation efforts continue to soar, creating a lasting impact on regional wildlife preservation. The well-being of Shaver’s Creek’s beloved falcon and hawk ambassadors and the ongoing success of the Tussey Mountain Hawk Watch will forever be tied to this remarkable generosity.

A Legacy of Growth, Stewardship, and Inspiration

Endowments are the driving force behind the continued growth and success of Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, providing the essential resources needed to expand its educational programs, conservation efforts, and community outreach. Through the generosity of donors, these funds create transformative experiences for students, teachers, and visitors while safeguarding the natural environment that inspires them.

From interactive learning displays to hands-on STEM nature programs, each endowment reflects a shared commitment to nurturing lifelong connections with nature. As Shaver’s Creek looks to the future, ongoing support will ensure it remains a beacon of environmental education, innovation, and stewardship for generations to come. With deep gratitude, Shaver’s Creek celebrates the essential role of donors in building this enduring legacy.

Ready to experience the impact firsthand?

Visit the Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center website