Overview
Jennings Environmental Education Center is one of several state parks specifically dedicated to providing environmental education and recreational programs to the community. A variety of programs that increase knowledge and awareness of the beauty and importance of our natural resources are available for children, teachers, and the general public.
By taking time to explore Jennings through its trail network or community programs, visitors can enjoy the outdoors while learning the skills needed to be good stewards of Pennsylvania’s outstanding natural resources.
Jennings provides a unique combination of prairie and forest environs, which offer a wide array of resource and educational opportunities.
One of the park’s main features, the 20-acre prairie ecosystem, is home to distinctive prairie plants and the endangered massasauga rattlesnake. The most noteworthy and spectacular prairie flower is the blazing star.
Jennings was the first reserve established in Pennsylvania to protect an individual plant species and remains the only public and protected prairie in the commonwealth.
Environmental Education
Pennsylvania State Parks are living outdoor classrooms with plenty of opportunities for visitors to investigate natural phenomena. Nolde Forest is one of several state parks specifically dedicated to providing environmental education. Utilizing our natural, historical, and recreational resources, we work to foster environmental literacy and stewardship in youth and adults alike.
Plan Your Visit
2951 Prospect Road
Slippery Rock, PA 16057-5023
724-794-6011
jenningssp@pa.gov
Make online reservations for day use and overnight facilities or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Saturday.
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk.
The office is open from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, and some weekends. Contact the center office for facility seasons and hours, particularly for weekend schedules.
The center is 12 miles north of Butler, on PA 528.
GPS DD: Lat. 41.00925 Long. -80.00359
Call 911 and contact a park employee to summon medical, fire, or safety professionals.
Call or text 988 to contact a crisis center counselor during a mental health or substance abuse crisis.
Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office.
Nearest Hospital
Butler Memorial Hospital
1 Hospital Way
Butler, PA 16001
724-238-6666
♿ This symbol indicates facilities and activities that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible for people with disabilities. Screen reader users will hear this symbol as "wheelchair."
Accessible recreation options are listed on the accessibility page.
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.
Cell service is unpredictable in and around many Pennsylvania State Parks. Please download the park map before your visit.
Jennings Environmental Education Center offers a wide variety of environmental education programs year-round. Gain a better understanding of the park’s natural, cultural, and historical resources through diverse program offerings. Jennings also strives to teach outdoor skills that lead to healthy, lifelong outdoor enjoyment.
What We Offer
Public Programs: Guided outdoor recreation, hands-on activities, outdoor education, and special events for all ages.
Group Learning Opportunities:
- School groups can schedule standards-aligned, inquiry-based environmental education programs by contacting the park. We encourage scheduling at least three months in advance as available dates fill quickly. Options are offered for field experiences and in-school lessons.
- Organized groups can schedule a wide variety of inquiry-based outdoor education programs by contacting the park. We encourage scheduling early as available dates fill quickly.
Educator Opportunities: A wide-variety of standards-aligned professional development trainings are available for formal and non-formal educators.
Ready to learn? Contact the park or explore the DCNR Calendar of Events for the latest offerings.
A two-plug, electric-vehicle charging station is available for public use in the main parking lot.
Please move to another parking space once your vehicle has been charged.
Find nearby attractions by Jennings Environmental Education Center.
