The At Ease Program – Veterans in Nature Collaborative brings together Lacawac Sanctuary, veterans, and community partners to support conservation, scientific research, and environmental education. This initiative provides veterans with meaningful ways to engage with the natural world, applying their skills, experience, and teamwork to projects that protect and sustain Lacawac’s 749 acres of forests, wetlands, and glacial lake. Through hands-on participation, veterans contribute directly to scientific discovery, habitat stewardship, and public engagement, fostering a lasting connection to Pennsylvania’s natural heritage.
To learn more about our upcoming Veteran & Frontline Programs click the link below.
Focus Areas
Monthly Programs:
Upcoming Programs & Events:
A Legacy of Service
Lacawac Sanctuary is committed to supporting those who have served through the At Ease program, reflecting on our own history and ties to military service. The Watres family, a prominent part of our history, has notable military backgrounds. Colonel Louis A. Watres, who acquired the property served as a colonel in the National Guard during the Spanish-American War. Additionally, his grandson and founder of Lacawac Sanctuary, Arthur Watres, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Japanese interpreter. For many years the Watres family used Lacawac as both a summer retreat and a home where they connected with the beauty of the land. Inspired by the Watres legacy, we are dedicated to extending this connection with nature and the outdoors to those who have served.
