Here is a brochure about the range of WLT’s Environmental Education programs.
Under Pennsylvania’s Educational Incentive Tax Credit Program (EITC), the WLT offers nature-oriented workshops free of charge to participating Westmoreland County public schools, to the extent that funding permits.
Our workshops engage children in exploring the natural environment through exciting hands-on activities and real-world experiences. WLT workshops are aligned to the new Pennsylvania Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) science standards. Our workshops are available free of charge to public schools in Westmor
eland County through the PA Department of Educations’ Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.
Earthworm Wonders – Everyone has seen an earthworm, but how much do
we really know about these fascinating creatures? Our Earthworm Wonders workshop begins with a lively trivia game review of some amazing earthworm facts. Lifelike “practice worms” allow learners to explore basic earthworm anatomy before working in small groups, to meet, measure, and observe live earthworms. Finally, the earthworms are placed in a “wormery” habitat (provided by the presenter) for future observations and documentation.
Microgreen Gardeners – Microgreens are small, sprouted plants that are packed with nutrients. Our Microgreen Gardeners workshop begins with introduction to the wonderful world of flowering plants. Digital microscopes allow learners to look inside and identify the basic parts of a seed. Working in small groups, students plant sunflower and corn microgreen gardens. With a little care and just the right amount of sunlight and water, the microgreens will be ready to harvest and taste in just a few weeks.
Feathered Friends – Pennsylvania is home to more than 436 wild bird species. Our Feathered Friends workshop begins by introducing learners to some of our favorite
backyard visitors. Participants examine real bird feathers and meet a Ring-necked Pheasant taxidermy specimen.
- Grades K-2 Students learn basic bird body parts and get to know some familiar bird songs as volunteers don colorful bird costumes and everyone enjoys an interactive sing along.
- Grades 3-6 Working in small groups, students hone their birdwatching skills by learning to use binoculars, building a backyard bird feeder, and practicing identifying a variety local bird species.
For your school district to participate, a letter of support from your superintendent is required. Once the WLT receives that letter, teachers may request a workshop for their class(es).
Westmoreland County school districts that have currently authorized use of the workshops are:
Belle Vernon
Burrell
City of Jeannette
City of Monessen
Franklin Regional
Greater Latrobe
Greensburg Salem
Hempfield Area
Mount Pleasant Area
Norwin
Southmoreland
Yough
For businesses, the WLT’s EITC program is an excellent way to support delivery of high-quality educational workshops to 
Westmoreland County schools. A business may apply for generous tax credits (90% for a 2-year commitment, 75% for a 1-year commitment, up to $750,000 annually) for commitments to the program. Tax credits are offered each year to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis; for this reason it is essential that renewing applicants apply right on May 15* and renewing applicants on July 1*. *If May 15 or July 1 fall on a weekend day, then the first business day thereafter. More information is available online.
Many thanks to these generous supporters of WLT’s programs under the PA Educational Incentive Tax Credit program:
Gurrentz International Corporation
McCutcheon Enterprises
Mid Penn Bank
Quatrini Rafferty.
