​ “The Lehman Sanctuary has benefited our Upper Elementary Montessori classroom (Grades 4 - 6) for over 13 years.  In the classroom, the students learn and research about animals from the more basic (arthropoda: insects) to the most complex (mammalia).   Also, the students study natural watersheds and various biomes along with plants and trees of Pennsylvania and North America. We take our classroom knowledge and apply it with our surrounding environment.  

​ The Lehman Sanctuary is the perfect outdoor educational environment. Some of the animals we observed during our visits or from our wildlife cameras include:  Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, American Goldfinch, Ebony Jewelwing, Black Saddlebugs, Red-tailed Fox, Beaver, Four-toed Salamander, Northern Green Frog, Mountain Dusky Salamander, Northern Spring Salamander, Red-backed Salamander, Spice-bush Swallowtail, Morning Cloak, Great Spangled Fritillary, etc.   There are many benefits of the Lehman Sanctuary due to its rare diversity of plants and animals, making this the perfect hands-on outdoor educational site.”   - Danny Klein, Co-Head Teacher, Wyoming Valley Montessori School

Wyoming Seminary Lower School:

 “The Lehman Sanctuary is a wonderful environmental educational venue for students.  Our third grade class has had the opportunity to visit the Lehman property for the past 2 years.  We can attest to the benefits to our students from our field trips to the Sanctuary.  Our visit to the Lehman Sanctuary culminates our science curriculum unit about water.  Experiencing wetlands, natural spring seeps, and seeing first-hand the animals and plants that live there is an enriching complement to the content we study.   Extending our study out into our natural environment allows the students to make real-life connections to our curriculum. The children are allowed some supervised and guided exploration where they may observe indigenous species of trees, plants, birds and amphibians.  This experience supplements much of our third grade curriculum from the study of Native Americans and local geography to water on our planet and insects. The students’ knowledge of and respect for nature is reinforced with personal experience, and that is what happens at the Lehman Sanctuary.  It is our hope that we may continue to visit this local sanctuary for many years.  The benefits to our students are worthwhile and priceless.”  - Elizabeth Gover, Sharon Conway, Third Grade Teachers, Wyoming Seminary Lower School, Forty Fort, PA  

Wyoming Valley Montessori School:​

“…  Our students have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a number of environmental projects at the Lehman Sanctuary. 

Students enjoy the various forms of flora and fauna which abound the property and study various forms of animal life from insects to mammals.  In addition, the land is a natural watershed which ties into our science curriculum which is heavy into conservation and resource planning. Last year, they placed movement sensitive cameras to track animal movement and habits.  As a Head of a small non-profit private school, I can honestly say our students would never have had such an opportunity without the Lehman Sanctuary.  I hope you will consider the long term positive influence the Lehman habitat will have on our future generations and the protection of our environment.” - Dennis J Puhalla, Head of School, Wyoming Valley Montessori School, Kingston, Pa

​Lehman Sanctuary

Keystone Junior College:

  “For several years Chris Miller has welcomed several of my field biology courses from Keystone College to visit this property.  We came to see the wonderful wetland areas in search of amphibians.
   In addition to the rich, beautiful area, we were drawn by reports of unusual species.  Among other species, we were delighted to find the uncommon Spring Salamander and quite large specimens of the Northern Red Salamander.  But the surprise was the number of Four-toed Salamanders, a species I have found only one other time in my life.  What a treat!  I’m sure my students realized what a special habitat and place this is.   Thank you for sharing this magnificent property with us!”    - Dr. Jerry Skinner, Professor of Biology

Naturalist, Rick Koval: 

    " Throughout my career as an environmental educator and professional naturalist, Chris Miller of  the Lehman Sanctuary has kindly offered use of his property as an outdoor classroom. Hundreds of children including elementary and upper school levels have participated in my natural science classes and interpretative nature programs as well as students from Keystone College in pursuit of wildlife biology degrees. The Lehman Sanctuary consists of an old-growth forest, graminoid marsh, emergent shrub swamp, spring seeps, and established fields of native, perennial warm-season grasses .  This Sanctuary provides diverse habitat that benefits a broad array of hands-on environmental curriculum. As important, the Lehman Sanctuary protects a variety of rare flora and fauna considered species of special concern in Pennsylvania, including a Great Blue Heron nesting rookery. 

 Mr. Miller has demonstrated a commitment to continue science based education by offering use of his property to schools and colleges as well as the general public. The Lehman Sanctuary will assure the preservation of flora and fauna and its old-growth forest as well as an ecologically diverse outdoor classroom for future generations.”  - Rick Koval, Environmental Educator/ Professional Naturalist

Wyoming Valley Audubon Society:
   "Thanks again for letting us explore your wonderful property, and thank you for setting aside this amazing area for our wildlife."

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