Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation
Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation, Educational Research Center, 301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1, Erie, PA.
The mission of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation at Presque Isle is to forge a partnership between the private sector and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at Presque Isle State Park in order to enhance educational programming, natural history research and visitor services opportunities of the highest quality to assure that the Tom Ridge Environmental Center is nationally recognized as a center of excellence now and for generations to come.
It's Thursday! Another great After Hours this evening from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with a lineup of movies, activities, fun and learning for all ages.
Our gift shop is proud to feature the work of local artist Tracy Mcintyre Denning, who creates one-of-a-kind pieces from recycled materials. Her motto "finding joy in the beautifully ordinary", captures exactly what her art does: transforming everyday items into beautiful, unique treasures.
Come see Tracy's work for yourself at the TREC gift shop, open daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Presque Isle isn't just a beach, it's one of the most biodiverse spots in Pennsylvania.
Through live specimens and hands-on learning, you'll uncover how these often-overlooked creatures support a healthy ecosystem and help scientists monitor water quality.
Free & no registration required. Thursday from 4:00 - 8:00 pm.
07/21/2026
Thrilled to share this amazing news that even more people will discover what an incredible destination Erie is. We're honored that TREC and Presque Isle are part of the planned excursions to showcase our region's natural beauty.
07/20/2026
New update to our movie lineup! With a new film joining the rotation, showtimes have shifted. Don't miss this inspiring new addition about how a community came together to save a threatened species and bring the piping plover back home to Presque Isle.
After watching the movie, check out the new piping plover exhibit and learn even more about their remarkable comeback!
07/20/2026
It’s Discover Presque Isle week! Check out the amazing lineup for today and all week long. Come experience something new!
07/18/2026
How exciting to see TREC Foundation Marketing & Events Coordinator, Benita, modeling these adorable piping plover shirts! What a great collaboration between Erie Bird Observatory & Erie Apparel.
Stop by the TREC gift shop or Erie Apparel to pick up your own shirt and show your support for these amazing shorebirds!
07/17/2026
Join us in celebrating 10 years of the piping plover nesting on Presque Isle at the Piping Plover Fest happening this weekend!
In Pennsylvania, the piping plover is a symbol of what’s possible when people come together and all play a role in protecting wildlife.
For 10 years, the piping plover has been returning to the beaches of Gull Point Natural Area for the breeding season, showcasing how wildlife can recover and make a comeback.
In honor of the piping plover’s tenth breeding season in PA, we’re celebrating with the Pennsylvania Piping Plover Fest!
This unique event is being held on July 18 and 19, 2026, at Presque Isle State Park in Erie.
Visitors can expect lots of exciting conservation-focused activities like:
- Film premiere of “Our Threatened and Endangered Species: Piping Plovers,” the newest wildlife film by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, along with a discussion panel with members of the recovery team following the film.
- Guided field trips to Gull Point Natural Area, the only place in PA where piping plovers nest and raise their chicks.
- Interactive, family-friendly exhibits and activities.
Plus, get your tickets now for “An Evening with Great Lakes Piping Plover expert, Dr. Francie Cuthbert,” a special evening event, complete with a social hour and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a keynote presentation by Dr. Cuthbert.
To learn more about the Pennsylvania Piping Plover Fest and register for the evening event, visit: https://bit.ly/PPPFest
We invite you to learn more about one of Pennsylvania’s most critically important birds and what YOU can do to help endangered and threatened species across our beautiful state. And like the piping plovers, we hope to see you in Presque Isle this summer!
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) | Presque Isle State Park | Erie Bird Observatory | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation
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Address
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1
Erie, PA
16505
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 4pm |
| Friday | 10am - 4pm |