Opened in September 2010, the Center is an ongoing example of a true public and private success story. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is committed to conserving and sustaining Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment.
The 8,400-square foot Elk Country Visitor Center main building is an eco-friendly structure designed and built with energy efficiency and environmental conservation in mind.
The location and layout of the building and parking lot were chosen to minimize the facility’s impact on the ecosystem. The building itself features energy efficient materials and designs, solar-oriented windows for warmth and lighting, and a renewable geothermal heating and cooling system.
Materials used to construct the facility contained recycled content, and remaining materials were sorted, recycled, and donated the local community for firewood, crafts, and other uses. The Center collects and recycles rainwater for use in the building restroom facilities. And of course, we ask all visitors to properly dispose of recyclables and trash while on the property.
