top of page

CLINCH RIVER ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION CENTER (CREEC)

CREEC 2.jpg
Research 1.jpg

ABOUT THE CREEC 

The Clinch River Ecological Education Center (CREEC), housed at the Oxbow Center is a dedicated overnight or day use facility for groups or students visiting southwest Virginia to study or provide service to the area.

 

The first field station of its kind in Virginia's Clinch River Valley, the CREEC is managed by the University of Virginia's College at Wise and is nestled on the banks of the Clinch River, one of the most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems in North America.

 

Featuring overnight bunk space and a large classroom, the CREEC is located in the Town of St. Paul, VA which offers a variety of restaurants and activities, including kayaking, tubing, and hiking trails. St. Paul is also home to the Clinch River State Park and Wetlands Estonoa, an acclaimed outdoor learning center.

FEATURES & BENEFITS 

  • 2 large bunk rooms (24 person occupancy)

  • 2 faculty/chaperone private bunk rooms

  • Full service kitchen

  • Outdoor grill/seating

  • Washer/dryer on site

  • Outdoor washing station

  • Large classroom space with AV access

  • Secured entry

  • High speed internet access

  • Convenient parking

  • Public river put-in/take-out adjacent to the building

  • Access to UVA Wise faculty, resources and services 

  • Affordable pricing (contact for costs)

  • Access to Clinch River Valley Initiative (CRVI) resources and staff

  • Convenient location with easy access to multiple natural areas and public lands in the SWVA region

  • Flexible stays

The Clinch River has a long history of outstanding environmental education and research, from St. Paul's Wetlands Estonoa Learning Center to higher education institutions performing field research within the watershed to the many local K-12 educators who make place-based learning an integral part of their science classroom. Our hope is that the CREEC will be a catalyst that can help build new capacity for these groups and elevate their already excellent work. 

Wally Smith, Associate Professor of Biology, UVA Wise

bottom of page