ROBBINS+PARK

=Robbins Park=

Environmental Education Center
HISTORY Robbins Park is a unique joint venture between U.D. school district and U.D. township. It has been in effect since 1975 through land donations by the Cheston Family, Robbins Family and Westrum Properties and the foresight of school district science coordinators, Dr. William R.H. Ritter and Daniel Jaycox. Dr. Ritter was the first director of science education and Robbins Park. Holmes Lodge was constructed in 1976 by many U.D. township staff, teachers and students. Ruth Almond was one of the first environmental educators at the park in 1970’s and 80’s. Sara Smith, the recently retired director, was instrumental in laying the foundation for the educational lessons used in many programs today. In 1989, the Cheston Center was built as the main meeting place and interpretive center. PRESENT The 38 acre park supports over 25 different programs and activities for environmental and outdoor education. They are designed to supplement and enrich Upper Dublin classroom lessons and are aligned with PA Standards. Kindergarten through twelfth grades and community groups may explore the natural world around them through observation and hands-on experience. The park fosters integration of other subjects such as field research, photography, creative drawing, creative writing, history, social studies, and language. Robbins Park educators also sponsor special peer instruction by high school students in the Environmental Education Club (EEC) to mentor sixth and second graders. The sixth graders develop team building skills and participate in a comprehensive environmental education camp for two days at the park. Second graders receive a classroom lesson on a butterfly life cycles from high school students. Our mission is to empower our students and community to be life long stewards of the environment. We teach conservation of natural resources and promote “eco-friendly” tips for recycling, composting and repurposing items. Students are charged to take ownership and responsibility for the protection of Robbins Park, and the environment. The park is open to the community during daylight hours for trail hiking, picnicking, and flora and fauna observation. The park now offers 10 interpretive signs "Each One Teach One", created by Sara Smith in 2009. Each sign displays environmental concepts, facts and messages for each of us to pass on to someone else. The park is also a drop off site for Abitibi paper recycling (to benefit EEC) and drink pouches (to benefit Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association). For information on township programs call 215-643-1600 or check [|www.upperdublin.net]. Sorry __NO__ pets or dog walking.

FOR information on the UDHS Environmental Education Club, Click on EEC Wiki