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Outdoor briefs

Discover Pa. landscapes in art

MILTON – “Pennsylvania Landscapes from the Samek Art Gallery Collection at Bucknell University” will be on display at the Milton Public Library at Rose Hill during normal library hours through July 18. Admission is free and open to the public.

The show brings together 17 works from the 19th and 20th centuries depicting Pennsylvania landscapes. Mostly composed by Pennsylvania artists, the landscapes depict not only the natural splendor of the Susquehanna River Valley and other picturesque corners of the state, but bridges, rock quarries and other alterations human hands have wrought upon that land.

For more information, see www.miltonpalibrary.org or galleries.blogs.bucknell.edu/2013/04/15/pennsylvania-landscapes.

The library is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Take a hike with regional club

The Otzinachson Regional Group of the Sierra Club and the Edward Abbey Hiking Society will hold a number of hikes throughout the region in the spring and summer.

They are open to the public, but hikers should contact the hike leader prior to the event. Participants are advised to bring lunch and water on every hike.

Hikes will be held:

Today – Loyalsock Trail, Lycoming County, 14 miles, very strenuous. Hike from Miller Road to Route 87 via the spectacular Smith Knob Vista. Meet at 8:30 at the Minit Mart/Sovereign Bank parking lot along Route 87 (off Route 220) in Montoursville. Leader Roy Fontaine, 220-4707.

June 23: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

June 30 – R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 7: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 14: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 21: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 27 – T-Squared Trail, Clinton County, 11 miles, strenuous. The T-Squared trail, named in honor of Tom Thwaites, connects two of Pennsylvania’s premier trails. We will access the T2T by hiking in on the Black Forest Trail off Route 44 and end at Hyner Run State Park via the Donut Hole Trail. Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Harvest Moon Restaurant on Route 220 west of Williamsport. Leaders: Catherine McLaughlin and Ed Lawrence, 925-5285.

July 28: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 4: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 11: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Nurture a pollinator-friendly environment

WASHINGTONVILLE – Discover simple steps you can take to nurture a pollinator-friendly environment from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at PPL’s Montour Environmental Preserve.

A lack of suitable shelter is a significant problem for our native pollinators. We will explore natural habitat creation, as well as man-made pollinator nest options. You can create these environments in your yard or on a balcony.

The free program will be held at the Environmental Education Center. For directions, visit www.pplpreserves.com, select “Montour” and click “Contacts and Directions.” For more information, contact the preserve at 437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.

Discover bald eagles at PPL preserve

WASHINGTONVILLE – There was a time when you would have been hard-pressed to find a bald eagle in the Keystone state. Now they seem to be almost everywhere. Bald eagles have made an amazing transition from endangered species to a comeback success.

From 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, explore the cultural and natural history of bald eagles and learn about bald eagles nesting across the state. For those attendees who would like to venture outdoors, we’ll take a look for a live eagle or two after the indoor program.

The free program will meet at the Environmental Education Center at PPL’s Montour Environmental Preserve. For directions, visit www.pplpreserves.com, select “Montour” and then click on “Contacts and Directions.” For more information, contact the preserve at 437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.

Learn about binoculars and bugs

WATERVILLE – A pair of programs on June 22 at the Tiadaghton Forest Resource Management Center will introduce attendees to binoculars and insects. The center is just north of here on Route 44.

“Beginning Binoculars,” an introduction to binoculars and bird watching, will be held at 1 p.m. Ten sets of binoculars and bird books will be available, but attendees also may bring their own.

At about 2:30 p.m., the program “What’s Bugging You,” an introduction to butterflies, moths and other insects, will be held. Butterfly nets, bug boxes and field guides will be available.

The same programs also were to be held on July 27 but have been canceled.

For more information, contact Rich Hill at 753-5409, ext. 132, or richill@pa.gov.

Register now for greenway sojourn

The 2013 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Greenway Sojourn – a fully supported, five-day ride along the Great Allegheny Passage – will take place June 23-27, and participants now can reserve their seat.

The Greenway Sojourn is part bicycle ride, part trail-building program. It celebrates newly opened trails and promotes the completion of others to create regional trail systems.

The ride covers mostly off-road, multi-use trails between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, Md.

All ages and skill levels may register by going online to wilderness-voyageurs.com/rails-to-trails-greenway-sojourn.html.

Create something beautiful and floral

MIFFLINBURG – Country Farm and Home, 7801 Old Turnpike Road, will teach attendees how to make a Gypsy garden at 6 p.m. June 26.

Guests are asked to bring a salad to share, as this will be the final “Make and Take” class for the summer. The meal will be held prior to the class.

A fee applies. Call 966-4030 to register or for more information.

Discover maps and compasses

WATERVILLE – The Tiadaghton Forest Resource Management Center will sponsor “An Introduction to Map and Compass” at 1 p.m. July 6 at the center, just north of here on Route 44.

Ten sets of compasses and maps will be available and the public may bring their own, too. Lots of maps will be available.

For more information, contact Rich Hill at 753-5409, ext. 132, or richill@pa.gov.

ATV safety class scheduled

An all-terrain vehicle safety class will be held at 8:30 a.m. July 13 at Wheels Of Williamsport Inc., 99 Grey Fox Drive, Montoursville.

Class size is limited and advance registration is required. Students – youths or adults – must provide their own ATVs.

State-certified safety instructors Bill and Nancy Stugart will teach the course.

Pennsylvania law requires that youths ages 8 through 15 take a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-approved safety training course and earn a safety training certificate from it before operating an ATV off their parents’ or legal guardian’s property.

To register for the course, call Bill or Nancy at 435-0923.

Register now to Prowl the Sprowl

The Keystone Trails Association will host the 10th annual Prowl the Sproul Hiking Weekend from July 19-21 in the Sproul State Forest of western Clinton County. Hikers can explore parts of the Sproul that only are seen when hiking with a DCNR guide.

The forest contains some of the most rugged and remote forestland in Pennsylvania. Guides from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will share their insider knowledge of the trails while they lead hikers off the beaten path to explore hidden jewels.

Popular area hikes include the Chuck Keiper Trail, the Donut Hole Trail, the Hammersley Wild Area, the recently dedicated Jack Paulhamus/Garby Trail and portions of the Hyner View Trail Challenge course.

Hikers must register by July 16 by calling 717-238-7017 or emailing ktaadmin@verizon.net.

A list of hikes and further information is available online at www.kta-hike.org.

Trees, birds focus of walk

WATERVILLE – The Tiadaghton Forest Resource Management Center will sponsor a tree identification and bird watching walk around the center’s demonstration forest at 1 p.m. July 20. The walk will be about a half-mile of easy to moderate hiking.

Pamphlets to assist in tree identification and binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow.

For more information, contact Rich Hill at 753-5409, ext. 132, or richill@pa.gov.

Outdoor events sought

Do you have a meeting or outdoor event you’d like to publicize in the Sun-Gazette?

Announcements must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date of the event, preferably earlier.

Information and news releases may be:

Mailed to Outdoor editor, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport PA 17701

Emailed to outdoors@sungazette.com

Dropped off at the Sun-Gazette office, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport

Submitted through the Outdoor section of the Virtual Newsroom on the paper’s website, www.sungazette.com.

All submissions must contain the name, telephone number and, if available, email address of a contact person.

Photographs by area residents of trophy fish or game animals or other interesting outdoor occurrences also will be considered. Digital photos may be sent by email.

Hard-copy glossy prints, negatives or slides may be dropped off or mailed. Polaroid prints typically cannot be reprinted in the newspaper.

Only photos sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope will be returned.

Announcements published in the “Outdoor Briefs” section will print in chronological order as space permits.

The Outdoors section is published weekly on Sundays, but it goes to print early on Wednesday mornings.

Therefore, all information for publication on any given Sunday must be submitted by noon on the Monday prior.

For more help, call 326-1551, ext. 3116.

Outdoor briefs

Discover Pennsylvania landscapes in art

MILTON – “Pennsylvania Landscapes from the Samek Art Gallery Collection at Bucknell University” will be on display at the Milton Public Library at Rose Hill during normal library hours through July 18. Admission is free and open to the public.

The show brings together 17 works from the 19th and 20th centuries depicting Pennsylvania landscapes. Mostly composed by Pennsylvania artists, the landscapes depict not only the natural splendor of the Susquehanna River Valley and other picturesque corners of the state, but bridges, rock quarries and other alterations human hands have wrought upon that land.

For more information, see galleries.blogs.bucknell.edu/2013/04/15/pennsylvania-landscapes or www.miltonpalibrary.org.

The library is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Slate Run Ramble planned

SLATE RUN – Bob Webber will lead the annual Slate Run Ramble on June 9, starting at 10 a.m. from the DCNR parking lot here. The arduous hike will cover six to 10 miles on trails in the Pine Creek Valley.

For more information, contact the Tiadaghton State Forest at 753-8467 or email fd12@pa.gov.

Take a hike with regional club

The Otzinachson Regional Group of the Sierra Club and the Edward Abbey Hiking Society will hold a number of hikes throughout the region in the spring and summer.

They are open to the public, but hikers should contact the hike leader prior to the event. Participants are advised to bring lunch and water on every hike.

Hikes will be held:

Today – Old Loggers Path, Lycoming County, 8.5 miles, moderate to strenuous. We will hike the middle section of the path from Yellow Dog Road to Ellenton Road and back to complete a loop. The path is seriously threatened by gas drilling. Enjoy it while you can! Meet 8:30 at the Steam Valley Restaurant on Route 14, just off Route 15, north of Williamsport. Leader: Roy Fontaine, 220-4707.

June 16: Loyalsock Trail, Lycoming County, 14 miles, very strenuous. Hike from Miller Road to Route 87 via the spectacular Smith Knob Vista. Meet at 8:30 at the Minit Mart/Sovereign Bank parking lot along Route 87 (off Route 220) in Montoursville. Leader Roy Fontaine, 220-4707.

June 23: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

June 30 – R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 7: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 14: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 21: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 27 – T-Squared Trail, Clinton County, 11 miles, strenuous. The T-Squared trail, named in honor of Tom Thwaites, connects two of Pennsylvania’s premier trails. We will access the T2T by hiking in on the Black Forest Trail off Route 44 and end at Hyner Run State Park via the Donut Hole Trail. Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Harvest Moon Restaurant on Route 220 west of Williamsport. Leaders: Catherine McLaughlin and Ed Lawrence, 925-5285.

July 28: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 4: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 11: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 18: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, 10 miles, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Rt. 192 at 8:30 a.m. Bring lunch and water. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 25: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Rt. 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Create something beautiful and floral

MIFFLINBURG – Country Farm and Home, 7801 Old Turnpike Road, has announced several Make and Take Classes, through June 26. A fee applies for each course.

Wednesday – Everlasting Butterfly Pitcher, 7 p.m. Fill a beautiful pitcher with everlasting summer flowers and butterflies.

June 26 – Gypsy Garden, 6 p.m. Create a unique fairy garden. This will be the final class and guests are asked to bring a salad to share. A meal will be held prior to the class.

Call 966-4030 to register or for more information.

Birding the East Branch at PPL’s preserve

WASHINGTONVILLE – Explore the birds of fields, forest edges and wetlands from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at PPL’s Montour Environmental Preserve.

The habitats at the East Branch Recreation Area provide opportunities for seeing birds that might not be easily found elsewhere on the preserve. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them, and dress for the weather.

The free program will meet at the East Branch Recreation Area. For directions, or more information, contact the preserve at 437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.

Sweet summer entertainment at ZooAmerica

HERSHEY – ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, 201 Park Ave., is offering guests the opportunity to experience a variety of animal encounters throughout the summer.

Starting on Saturday, guests can discover what reptiles feel like; learn about different animal species; watch an enrichment activity with some of their favorite carnivores; and experience some one-on-one time with the zoo’s naturalists and educators.

Daily programs and activities include:

11 a.m. – Meat & Greet: A Carnivore Enrichment Activity featuring gray wolves on Mondays and Saturdays; American black bears on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; river otters on Fridays; and mammals in The Great Southwest building on Wednesdays.

1:30 p.m. – Tales of the Scaled, featuring myths and facts about some of the zoo’s reptiles at Woodlands Patio.

2:30 p.m. – Tortoise Graze, a meet-and-greet opportunity near the mountain lion exhibit.

5:30 p.m. – Paws, Claws, Scales and Tails program at Woodlands Patio highlights a variety of animals and their adaptations.

6:30 p.m. – Keeper’s Corner at the prairie dog exhibit, where guests can interact with naturalists and learn about grassland animals.

In addition, guests can enjoy strolling entertainment from The Ed-ZOO-cation Team, which shares eco-friendly messages while showcasing extraordinary juggling skills and comedic timing. The Ed-ZOO-cation Team will perform six days a week (excluding Thursdays) through Aug. 25. The other entertainment activities conclude on Aug. 18.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is an 11-acre, year-round, walk-through zoo that is home to more than 200 animals representing more than 60 North American species. For more information, visit www.ZooAmerica.com or call 717-534-3900.

Get down and dirty at Clinton County mud run

MACKEYVILLE – The Clinton County Fair Association is sponsoring its first Kels Lomison Mud Run at the fairgrounds on Saturday.

The 5K will be open to people of all ages who want to run, walk, crawl or climb the course.

The run will be non-competitive and will not be timed. Individuals or teams may register.

Three courses will be set up – one for adults ages 14 and up; the Mini Mudder for ages 9 to 13; and the Pee Wee Mudder for ages 4 to 8. Participants will receive a free Kels Lomison Mud Run T-shirt.

Proceeds benefit the new permanent Kels Lomison Memorial Stage being planned at the fairgrounds.

For more details, visit www.clintoncountyfairpa.com or call Ruth Eoute at 660-1231.

Youth, enter an art contest

MILLERSBURG – Students in grades 1 through 12 have until June 17 to enter the 20th annual Youth Art Contest sponsored by the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art.

This year’s contest theme is “Wildlife of the World.”

Artwork must represent wildlife of the world in their natural habitats. Contest rules and official registration forms are available at the center and online at www.nedsmithcenter.org.

Learn about binoculars and bugs

WATERVILLE – A pair of programs on June 22 and July 27 at the Tiadaghton Forest Resource Management Center will introduce attendees to binoculars and insects. The center is just north of here on Route 44.

“Beginning Binoculars,” an introduction to binoculars and bird watching, will be held at 1 p.m. Ten sets of binoculars and bird books will be available, but attendees also may bring their own.

At about 2:30 p.m., the program “What’s Bugging You,” an introduction to butterflies, moths and other insects, will be held. Butterfly nets, bug boxes and field guides will be available.

For more information, contact Rich Hill at 753-5409, ext. 132, or richill@pa.gov.

Register now for greenway sojourn

The 2013 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Greenway Sojourn – a fully supported, five-day ride along the Great Allegheny Passage – will take place June 23-27, and participants now can reserve their seat.

The Greenway Sojourn is part bicycle ride, part trail-building program. It celebrates newly opened trails and promotes the completion of others to create regional trail systems.

The ride covers mostly off-road, multi-use trails between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, Md.

All ages and skill levels may register by going online to wilderness-voyageurs.com/rails-to-trails-greenway-sojourn.html.

Discover maps and compasses

WATERVILLE – The Tiadaghton Forest Resource Management Center will sponsor “An Introduction to Map and Compass” at 1 p.m. July 6 at the center, just north of here on Route 44.

Ten sets of compasses and maps will be available and the public may bring their own, too. Lots of maps will be available.

For more information, contact Rich Hill at 753-5409, ext. 132, or richill@pa.gov.

ATV safety class scheduled

An all-terrain vehicle safety class will be held at 8:30 a.m. July 13 at Wheels Of Williamsport Inc., 99 Grey Fox Drive, Montoursville.

Class size is limited and advance registration is required. Students – youths or adults – must provide their own ATVs.

State-certified safety instructors Bill and Nancy Stugart will teach the course.

Pennsylvania law requires that youths ages 8 through 15 take a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-approved safety training course and earn a safety training certificate from it before operating an ATV off their parents’ or legal guardian’s property.

To register, call Bill or Nancy at 435-0923.

Register now to Prowl the Sprowl

The Keystone Trails Association will host the 10th annual Prowl the Sproul Hiking Weekend from July 19-21 in the Sproul State Forest of western Clinton County. Hikers can explore parts of the Sproul that only are seen when hiking with a DCNR guide.

The forest contains some of the most rugged and remote forestland in Pennsylvania. Guides from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will share their insider knowledge of the trails while they lead hikers off the beaten path to explore hidden jewels.

Popular area hikes include the Chuck Keiper Trail, the Donut Hole Trail, the Hammersley Wild Area, the recently dedicated Jack Paulhamus/Garby Trail and portions of the Hyner View Trail Challenge course.

Hikers must register by July 16 by calling 717-238-7017 or emailing ktaadmin@verizon.net.

A list of hikes and further information is available online at www.kta-hike.org.

Trees, birds focus of walk

WATERVILLE – The Tiadaghton Forest Resource Management Center will sponsor a tree identification and bird watching walk around the center’s demonstration forest at 1 p.m. July 20. The walk will be about a half-mile of easy to moderate hiking.

Pamphlets to assist in tree identification and binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow.

For more information, contact Rich Hill at 753-5409, ext. 132, or richill@pa.gov.

Outdoor events sought

Do you have a meeting or outdoor event you’d like to publicize in the Sun-Gazette?

Announcements must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date of the event, preferably earlier.

Information and news releases may be:

Mailed to Outdoor editor, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport PA 17701

Emailed to outdoors@sungazette.com

Dropped off at the Sun-Gazette office, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport

Submitted through the Outdoor section of the Virtual Newsroom on the paper’s website, www.sungazette.com.

All submissions must contain the name, telephone number and, if available, email address of a contact person.

Photographs by area residents of trophy fish or game animals or other interesting outdoor occurrences also will be considered. Digital photos may be sent by email.

Hard-copy glossy prints, negatives or slides may be dropped off or mailed. Polaroid prints typically cannot be reprinted in the newspaper.

Only photos sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope will be returned.

Announcements published in the “Outdoor Briefs” section will print in chronological order as space permits.

The Outdoors section is published weekly on Sundays, but it goes to print early on Wednesday mornings.

Therefore, all information for publication on any given Sunday must be submitted by noon on the Monday prior.

For more help, call 326-1551, ext. 3116.

Outdoor briefs

Discover Pa. landscapes in art

MILTON – “Pennsylvania Landscapes from the Samek Art Gallery Collection at Bucknell University” will be on display at the Milton Public Library at Rose Hill during normal library hours through July 18. Admission is free and open to the public.

The show brings together 17 works from the 19th and 20th centuries depicting Pennsylvania landscapes. Mostly composed by Pennsylvania artists, the landscapes depict not only the natural splendor of the Susquehanna River Valley and other picturesque corners of the state, but bridges, rock quarries and other alterations human hands have wrought upon that land.

For more information, see www.miltonpalibrary.org or galleries.blogs.bucknell.edu/2013/04/15/pennsylvania-landscapes.

The library is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Take a hike with regional club

The Otzinachson Regional Group of the Sierra Club and the Edward Abbey Hiking Society will hold a number of hikes throughout the region in the spring and summer.

They are open to the public, but hikers should contact the hike leader prior to the event. Participants are advised to bring lunch and water on every hike.

Hikes will be held:

Today – R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

June 9: Old Loggers Path, Lycoming County, 8.5 miles, moderate to strenuous. We will hike the middle section of OLP from Yellow Dog Road to Ellenton Road and back to complete a loop. The OLP is seriously threatened by gas drilling. Enjoy it while you can! Meet 8:30 at the Steam Valley Restaurant on Route 14, just off Route 15, north of Williamsport. Leader: Roy Fontaine, 220-4707.

June 16: Loyalsock Trail, Lycoming County, 14 miles, very strenuous. Hike from Miller Road to Route 87 via the spectacular Smith Knob Vista. Meet at 8:30 at the Minit Mart/Sovereign Bank parking lot along Route 87 (off Route 220) in Montoursville. Leader Roy Fontaine, 220-4707.

June 23: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

June 30 – R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 7: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 14: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 21: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

July 27 – T-Squared Trail, Clinton County, 11 miles, strenuous. The T-Squared trail, named in honor of Tom Thwaites, connects two of Pennsylvania’s premier trails. We will access the T2T by hiking in on the Black Forest Trail off Route 44 and end at Hyner Run State Park via the Donut Hole Trail. Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Harvest Moon Restaurant on Route 220 west of Williamsport. Leaders: Catherine McLaughlin and Ed Lawrence, 925-5285.

July 28: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 4: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 11: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 18: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, 10 miles, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route 192 at 8:30 a.m. Bring lunch and water. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Aug. 25: R.B. Winter State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, Union County, moderate to strenuous. We’ll hike a variety of trails to make a 10-mile loop. Meet at the parking lot at the breast of the dam along Route. 192 at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Joe Rebar, 259-0134.

Jerry Haines in concert at preserve

WASHINGTONVILLE – Enjoy an afternoon of acoustic music, folk ballads, humorous songs and good old-time music from 2 to 3:30 p.m. today at PPL’s Montour Environmental Education Center.

Pennsylvania singer-songwriter Jerry Haines will provide a delightful musical program for all ages. The versatile performer returns to the preserve to mix vocals with guitar, harmonica and autoharp. If you enjoy good old down-home music, bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of toe-tappin’ pleasure.

For directions to this free program, visit www.pplpreserves.com, select “Montour” and then click on “Contacts and Directions.” For more information, contact the preserve at 437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.

Hit the trails for hike week

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Keystone Trails Association will offer nearly 100 organized hikes and walks available throughout Pennsylvania during the nine-day Hiking Week through today.

All of the scheduled hikes have leaders. Most hikes are on the two weekends of the event, but several weekday and evening hikes are offered. Special hikes include night hikes, wildflower walks, hikes for people with disabilities, pet walks and geology walks.

Most hikes will take place in state parks and state forests, with some hikes scheduled on the Appalachian Trail, in Allegheny National Forest and in city and community parks.

For more information, contact the department at 717-772-9104 or the association at 717-238-7017.

NWTF chapter plans annual banquet

The Susquehanna Longbeards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold its annual Hunting Heritage Banquet tonight at Haywood’s on the Water, 610 Antlers Lane. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and dinner is at 5.

A variety of ticket packages are available from single, to couple to sponsor memberships.

Auction and raffle items include 20 firearms, including the 2013 Gun of the Year, a Browning A-Bolt Medallion .30-06 caliber rifle with upgraded walnut stock and engraved receiver; a wine cabinet; double hammock; Thomas Kinkade print; a child’s pedal truck; NWTF Wild Turkey Disc-It outdoor wok; NWTF teak bistro set; Ned Smith and Dan Christ prints; along with other prints, items and gift certificates donated by local businesses.

Proceeds from the banquet are used in the local area. Last year, the chapter received grants used for habitat projects, land acquisition, seed subsidy and surplus seed programs, and events for JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) and Women in the Outdoors.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Steve Berger at 322-0673.

Create something beautiful and floral

MIFFLINBURG – Country Farm and Home, 7801 Old Turnpike Road, has announced several Make and Take Classes, through June 26. A fee applies for each course.

Wednesday – Living Wall, 7 p.m. – Graphically arrange a collection of plants in the Living Wall Planter System. We will frame your creations, so once you get it home, you mount it on a vertical surface, giving you a whole new world in which to express your creativity.

June 12 – Everlasting Butterfly Pitcher, 7 p.m. Fill a beautiful pitcher with everlasting summer flowers and butterflies.

June 26 – Gypsy Garden, 6 p.m. Create a unique fairy garden. This will be the final class and guests are asked to bring a salad to share. A meal will be held prior to the class.

Call 966-4030 to register or for more information.

View photos of gas drilling in Pa.

BLOOMSBURG – The Moose Exchange Stairwell Gallery will host an exhibition titled the “Marcellus Shale Documentary Project” through Saturday. The exhibition includes the work of six professional photographers who share in the telling of the complex story of Marcellus Shale gas drilling in Pennsylvania. The Marcellus Shale Documentary Project photographers are Noah Addis, Nina Berman, Brian Cohen, Scott Goldsmith, Lynn Johnson and Martha Rial. The exhibition represents each photographer’s aesthetic, each having chosen a different angle from which to view the subject. Together, they offer a compelling narrative that represents, they believe, an honest appraisal of how the arrival of Marcellus Shale drilling has affected communities.

For more information, visit mooseexchange.org/site/?p=4457.

Smith’s Knob Scramble Trail race planned

The Mid Penn Trailblazers will hold an eight-mile trail race at 9 a.m. Saturday at Camp Conley, 15 miles north of Montoursville. The race follows portions of the Loyalsock Trail over the steep Smith’s Knob.

Runners who register in advance will pay a $20 fee, while registration on race day is $25.

Awards will be given in 10-year age groups up to 60 and older. Race shirts will be given to all who register in advance, but quantities will be limited on race day.

Proceeds benefit Boy Scouts of America Troop 21 of Montoursville.

For more information and a race application, visit www.midpenntrailblazers.com/trail-race-events/smithknob.htm or email dmshoe61@verizon.net.

Discover area’s logging history via hike

WATERVILLE – The Tiadaghton Forest Resource Management Center will sponsor a five-mile moderate to strenuous hike at 10 a.m. Saturday on the Log Slide Trail.

The hike will start in the center with a short talk about the history of logging in the Pine Creek Valley. The hike begins and ends at the center, just north of Waterville on Route 44.

For more information contact Rich Hill at richill@pa.gov or 753-5409, ext 132.

Family Fishing Festival set for Saturday

HOWARD – The state Fish and Boat Commission will sponsor a Family Fishing Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County.

Fishing license requirements will be waived for participants during the program, which is open to all ages. The commission will provide equipment, bait and tackle and will teach skills and assist those who fish. Advance registration is required.

“Family Fishing Festivals are a convenient way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “(They) call more attention to the importance of fishing in the lives of many Pennsylvania families. Through the events, former and new anglers can try fishing at no cost. We know that once people try it, particularly kids, they will see that fishing is a great recreational activity and they will want to do it more.”

The educational events are designed for families with little or no fishing experience to have fun fishing together. Families will learn basic fishing skills and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing during the program.

Other festivals will be held:

June 22 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park, Butler County.

June 29 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lackawanna Lake, Lackawanna State Park, Lackawanna County.

To register for any event, visit www.TakeMeFishingPa.com. Space is limited, and no registrations will be accepted the day of the event.

Slate Run Ramble planned

SLATE RUN – Bob Webber will lead the annual Slate Run Ramble on June 9, starting at 10 a.m. from the DCNR parking lot here. The arduous hike will cover six to 10 miles on trails in the Pine Creek Valley.

For more information, contact the Tiadaghton State Forest at 753-8467 or email fd12@pa.gov.

Get down and dirty at Clinton County mud run

MACKEYVILLE – The Clinton County Fair Association is sponsoring its first Kels Lomison Mud Run at the fairgrounds on June 15.

The 5K will be open to people of all ages who want to run, walk, crawl or climb the course.

The run will be non-competitive and will not be timed. Individuals or teams may register.

Three courses will be set up – one for adults ages 14 and up; the Mini Mudder for ages 9 to 13; and the Pee Wee Mudder for ages 4 to 8. Participants will receive a free Kels Lomison Mud Run T-shirt.

Proceeds benefit the new permanent Kels Lomison Memorial Stage being planned at the fairgrounds.

For more details, visit www.clintoncountyfairpa.com or call Ruth Eoute at 660-1231.

Learn about binoculars and bugs

WATERVILLE – A pair of programs on June 22 at the Tiadaghton Forest Resource Management Center will introduce attendees to binoculars and insects. The center is just north of here on Route 44.

“Beginning Binoculars,” an introduction to binoculars and bird watching, will be held at 1 p.m. Ten sets of binoculars and bird books will be available, but attendees also may bring their own.

At about 2:30 p.m., the program “What’s Bugging You,” an introduction to butterflies, moths and other insects, will be held. Butterfly nets, bug boxes and field guides will be available.

For more information, contact Rich Hill at 753-5409, ext. 132, or richill@pa.gov.

Register now for greenway sojourn

The 2013 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Greenway Sojourn – a fully supported, five-day ride along the Great Allegheny Passage – will take place June 23-27, and participants now can reserve their seat.

The Greenway Sojourn is part bicycle ride, part trail-building program. It celebrates newly opened trails and promotes the completion of others to create regional trail systems.

The ride covers mostly off-road, multi-use trails between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, Md.

All ages and skill levels may register by going online to wilderness-voyageurs.com/rails-to-trails-greenway-sojourn.html.

ATV safety class scheduled

An all-terrain vehicle safety class will be held at 8:30 a.m. July 13 at Wheels Of Williamsport Inc., 99 Grey Fox Drive, Montoursville.

Class size is limited and advance registration is required. Students – youths or adults – must provide their own ATVs.

State-certified safety instructors Bill and Nancy Stugart will teach the course.

Pennsylvania law requires that youths ages 8 through 15 take a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-approved safety training course and earn a safety training certificate from it before operating an ATV off their parents’ or legal guardian’s property.

To register for the course, call Bill or Nancy at 435-0923.

Register now to Prowl the Sprowl

The Keystone Trails Association will host the 10th annual Prowl the Sproul Hiking Weekend from July 19-21 in the Sproul State Forest of western Clinton County. Hikers can explore parts of the Sproul that only are seen when hiking with a DCNR guide.

The forest contains some of the most rugged and remote forestland in Pennsylvania. Guides from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will share their insider knowledge of the trails while they lead hikers off the beaten path to explore hidden jewels.

Popular area hikes include the Chuck Keiper Trail, the Donut Hole Trail, the Hammersley Wild Area, the recently dedicated Jack Paulhamus/Garby Trail and portions of the Hyner View Trail Challenge course.

Hikers must register by July 16 by calling 717-238-7017 or emailing ktaadmin@verizon.net.

A list of hikes and further information is available online at www.kta-hike.org.

Outdoor events sought

Do you have a meeting or outdoor event you’d like to publicize in the Sun-Gazette?

Announcements must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date of the event, preferably earlier.

Information and news releases may be:

Mailed to Outdoor editor, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport PA 17701

Emailed to outdoors@sungazette.com

Dropped off at the Sun-Gazette office, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport

Submitted through the Outdoor section of the Virtual Newsroom on the paper’s website, www.sungazette.com.

All submissions must contain the name, telephone number and, if available, email address of a contact person.

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