George A. Hepner Ecology Laboratory at Camp Karoondinha

This field station provides a small research laboratory and a variety of habitats offering students experience through short- and long-term experiments. The property features 400 acres from 600 to 1,800 feet above sea level. It includes both deciduous and mixed coniferous forests, a four-acre lake, Penns Creek, and small first-order streams and wetland. The area also adjoins a large tract of state forest land.

Highlights

• Purchased by Susquehanna University in 1982 and named after the builder who donated his time and materials to construct the existing sleeping quarters. 
• Jointly operated by the Biology Department of Susquehanna University and the Boy Scouts of America
• Located in Troxelville, Snyder County, Pa., about a 35-minute drive from SU’s campus.
• Provides outdoor laboratory facilities and a variety of habitats offering students experience through short- and long-term experiments.

Facilities and Equipment

• A rustic retreat center that sleeps 14 in bunk accommodations with shower facilities available
• A kitchen with refrigerator
• Primitive laboratory facilities
• Additional housing available

Features

• 400 acres from 600 to 1800 feet above sea level
• Mature deciduous and mixed conifer forest
• A four-acre lake (Walker Lake)
• Penns Creek, a sixth-order stream and a number of smaller streams

Sample of Research and Educational Use

• Currently it is used primarily for upper-level aquatic ecology laboratories and elevational studies of forest ecology.