Generous Donation Honors Lifelong Advocate for Nature Education

Ford City, PA — July 8, 2025 — A generous gift from local philanthropists Kay and Stephen Owen, a husband and wife dedicated to supporting youth education, has established a new fund in honor of their close friend, Barbara Davis of Kittanning, PA, a lifelong advocate for environmental education. The fund will support nature-themed educational programs for middle school students of all economic backgrounds at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, which is a program operated by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Ford City, PA.

The fund is created in recognition of Ms. Davis’ unwavering commitment to connecting young people with nature and fostering environmental stewardship through hands-on learning. This donation will enable the Outdoor Discovery Center to expand its reach by providing:

• Scholarships for middle school students to attend nature-based programs, awarded based on financial need;
• Funding for essential program supplies, staffing, and operating costs;
• Support for new and ongoing middle school-focused environmental education initiatives.

“Barb has spent her life championing outdoor education, especially for children who might not otherwise have access to it,” said Kay Owen. “Steve and I can’t think of a more meaningful way to honor our dear friend than by helping middle school students connect with the natural world and discover its wonders.”

The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek offers immersive, curriculum-aligned programs that bring science to life in a dynamic, outdoor setting. Thanks to this new fund, more students will have the opportunity to explore local ecosystems, build environmental literacy, and foster a lifelong love of nature.

“We are deeply grateful for this thoughtful and impactful gift,” said Justin Nolder, Executive Director of the Armstrong Center for Community Learning. “This fund honors an incredible legacy while helping us reach students who need it most.”

Scholarships for middle school nature programs will be made available as soon as those programs are officially announced.  Families and students interested in participating are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming details, as scholarship opportunities will be released in conjunction with program information to ensure equal access and timely application.

About the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek
The Outdoor Discovery Center and its programming is operated by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning.  The mission of the ACCL is to connect people to resources to enhance lifelong learning.  The Outdoor Discovery Center aims to provide an engaging experience to discover nature through education, recreation and outreach.  The ODC is situated on 30 acres and includes a 3,000 sq. ft. center, including a classroom and conference area, a lodge-style great room, and sleeping quarters for 24 people.  The great room features an extensive taxidermy collection including raptors and other birds, large and small mammals, snakes and fish.  Outside, the ODC features two nature trails.  The Discovery Trail is an interpretive trail and poetry trail.  The You Can Trail is a handicap accessible trail.  On the ODC grounds is the Penn State Master Gardener’s of Armstrong County demonstration garden, creating habitat for pollinators, which showcases various gardening techniques and plant information through horticulture education. Located at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Crooked Creek Lake Recreation Area, the ODC serves thousands of students and their families annually through hands-on nature, environmental and outdoor programming.