Environmental Education
Our Environmental Education program offers specialized instruction that immerses K-12 students in understanding how human behaviors impact our natural world and how these impacts have changed over time. Using an experiential approach, we put students in charge of their own learning. Students make their own observations and discoveries as they hike mountains, get down and dirty in streams, or take on ancient arts like spinning and weaving.
World-Class Environmental education since 1972
Since 1972, Pine Mountain Settlement School has offered environmental education programs to people of all ages, from college students and adults to early childhood programs. Every year over 3,000 students come to campus. Most stay for overnight field trips, ranging from 2 to 5 day programs. Our team can work with your school or group to craft a personalized program aligned to state and national standards. Along with choosing courses, you can shape the experience from meals to evening activities. Does your group want to folk dance? Embark on an owl prowl? Or, perhaps they would like to make crafts like cornshuck dolls? All of this and more is possible. Contact our programming team today to learn more. Email programming@pinemountainsettlementschool.com or call 606-558-5282.
The best Outdoor Classroom
We offer opportunities to understand the special nature of the Appalachian region and we promote responsible stewardship of natural lands and water-ways. Our campus encompasses nearly 800 acres on the north side of Pine Mountain, and is registered as a National Historic Landmark. The 348-acre James E. Bickford State Nature Preserve on our campus is home to many rare plants and animals.
Unforgettable Experience
Those who come to our campus understand that a stay at Pine Mountain Settlement School is transformative. As participants sleep and study in beautiful historic buildings, eat food grown and prepared on our campus, and get close to the wonders of mixed mesophytic forests, they are guided to a deeper understanding of how their choices and behaviors impact others and our natural world.
Accommodations and Meals
Students and adults are housed in the historic Westwind Dormitory. Most bedrooms will sleep 2 - 4 individuals in rooms with a combination of single and bunk beds. The living room is spacious and comfortable, suitable for small class discussions or evening activities. There is high speed wireless internet available in the living room and across campus. Classes are held outdoors, weather permitting, or in the historic classroom buildings on campus. All Pine Mountain instructors are certified in Wilderness First Aid. Meals are served in Laurel House dining hall. Much of the food is grown on our own campus and all is prepared by local staff. All special dietary needs can be met upon request.