Annual trout derby is today
PICTURE ROCKS - The Consolidated Sportsmen of Muncy Creeks will hold its annual Dick Harner Kids Trout Derby today at Van Rennsalear Park, behind the Ferrell Elementary School.
Fishing will be done in three age groups, with the youngest starting at 1 p.m. Registration begins at 12:15. Rules will be handed out at registration and lunch will be available.
Learn how to build a vernal pond
WEIKERT - The Central Susquehanna Woodland Owners Association will sponsor a program on "Water in the Woods" today at the Livziey Stewardship Forest in Union County.
A newly constructed vernal pond will be the focus of this program on Jay Livziey's Stewardship Forest along the beautiful Penns Creek. Learn why vernal ponds develop naturally and how to pick a location for establishing a new vernal pond, if you want to provide assistance to Mother Nature.
The program also will describe the benefits of vernal ponds and discuss the species that use them. It will provide guidance on constructing forest water features and obtaining potential sources of funding. Scott Singer, of Columbia County Office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will lead the program and explain how he helped design and implement the pond.
For more information and directions, contact Henry Williams at CSWOA1@gmail.com or 458-0157.
Business to open on Buffalo Valley Rail Trail
LEWISBURG - Vargo Outdoors will celebrate the grand opening of its new location at 2370 Old Turnpike Road on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail until 6 tonight.
Attendees will receive special discounts, an hourly door prize drawing will be held and free snacks and beverages will be provided.
After serving the area for nearly four years in the downtown Lewisburg location, Brian Vargo, owner of Vargo Outdoors, said the store's expansion into a new larger facility will provide customers with a broader variety of products and services.
Vargo Outdoors has been an innovator in designing and manufacturing backpacking gear since 2002. For a full list of products and more information, visit www.vargooutdoors.com or call 877-932-8546.
The store is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Help clean up the Loyalsock Trail
Hikers who want to help clean up a segment of the Loyalsock Trail today and/or May 20 may sign up by calling Ruth Rode, of the Alpine Club of Williamsport.
Participants should bring their own gloves, lunch and beverage, as well as clippers, loppers and bow or folding saws. Some equipment also will be provided.
Hikers first should register by calling Rode at 322-5878. On each day of the hike, they should meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the Sovereign Bank, 251 S. Market St., South Williamsport.
Take a hike with regional group
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 - Molasses Gap Trail Family Hike, Union County, two miles, easy (for grown-ups). This is a short hike with a quick payoff as you encounter lovely streams right away. Go further and find fun wooden bridges. Good for those with children 7 and under. A slightly longer and harder loop on the Mule Shanty Trail can be worked in for those with more endurance. Meet at 1:30 p.m. in the Lewisburg post office parking lot or at 2:15 at the trailhead. Dress for stream encounters. Leader: Sam Pearson, 522-8159, or sam.z.pearson@gmail.com.
May 13 - Golden Eagle Trail, Lycoming County, nine miles, moderate to strenuous. One of the best hikes in Pennsylvania with excellent views. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Sovereign Bank parking lot, Southern Avenue between Market and Hastings streets in South Williamsport or at the trail parking lot along Route 414 at 8:50 a.m. Leader: Roy Fontaine, 220-4707.
Watershed associations to meet
HUGHESVILLE - The Black Hole Creek Watershed Association and the Muncy Creek Watershed Association will hold a joint meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at Hughesville Library, 146 Fifth St.
Mark Stephens, a professional geologist with the state Department of Environmental Protection, and Megan Lehman, an environmental planner with Lycoming County, will deliver a presentation about the North Central Source Water Protection Alliance and its efforts to protect public water systems.
The meeting is open to the public.
Plant exchange planned
JERSEY SHORE - Is your garden out of hand? Want to find some new plants and save money at the same time?
The Jersey Shore Public Library has just the ticket. It is holding a plant exchange from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Bring three potted plants, shrubs or bulbs to exchange for three new ones.
To register, visit the library at 110 Oliver St. or call the library at 398-9891.
Hike to Fall Creek near Canton
The Friends of the Canton Green Free Library is sponsoring a hike to Fall Creek on Saturday.
Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at the Manley-Bohlayer Farm on East Canton Crossroad. The group will carpool to the beginning of the trail. Children under age 12 should not attend.
The one-mile-long trail is not difficult and runs along the creek uphill. Hikers may bring a lunch.
Registration is required in advance by calling 673-5744.
Hike guide Gene Kennedy said three waterfalls are visible along the trail and a large coal mine was active at the top of the trail in the 1800s.
Environmental film series offered
BLOSSBURG - The Countryside Film Series will be held at the Victoria Theater, 222 Main St., at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month through at least June.
The theme of each film will explore some aspect of the notion of "countryside" and will deliver a message of hope and respect for the country and the country folks who live there. Before the feature film, a segment from one of the oral histories gathered by the Pine Creek Watershed Council will be shown to highlight the history and culture of this region.
The suggested ticket price is $5.
Upcoming movies include:
May 16 - "Blue Planet" and "The Powers of 10"
June 20 - "Hope for Polluted Water"
Annual trout tournament planned
WELLSBORO - The 22nd annual Upper Pine Creek Trout Tournament will be held May 19-20. Up to $12,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded, with a top prize of $1,000.
Anglers may fish the creek between the Mill Street Bridge in Galeton to the Ansonia Bridge. Fish must be alive when they are brought to the check-in station at the PA Grand Canyon Snowmobile Clubhouse on Route 6 in Ansonia.
Fishing hours are from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The registration fee for adults is $20; for those under 16, $15. Sponsoring a fish costs $25 and joining the PA Grand Canyon Snowmobile Club, which sponsors the tournament, costs $10.
For more information, or to register, call 724-7417 or 724-28888 or visit www.pagrandcanyonsnowmobileclub.com.
First Cast program open to ages 8-18
MORRIS - The Tiadaghton Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold a free First Cast program for youth ages 8 to 18 this month.
The program will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 19 at the Stoney Fork Campground in Tioga County.
Ages 16 and older must have a state fishing license and trout stamp. Those under 14 must be accompanied by a parent.
Registration required. All youth will receive a T-shirt and a goodie bag. Lunch is provided and prizes will be given away.
First Cast gives youth instruction in fly fishing and fly tying. All equipment is provided and kids can fish a stocked pond.
For more information, or to register, contact Jere White, First Cast coordinator, at whitesgordonsetters@gmail.com or 662-2167.
Watch birds, spot flowers at Rider Park
WARRENSVILLE - A free, public bird watching and wildflower walk will be held at 9 a.m. May 19 at Rider Park. Attendees should meet in the parking lot.
Considered an easy walk, the stroll will follow a stream and enter the forest, fields and meadows of Rider Park. Participants may bring binoculars and field guides.
The walk will last until about noon. It will be co-led by park leader Ron Beach and a member of the Lycoming Audubon Society.
For more information, call Beach at 368-2921.
ATV safety class scheduled
An all-terrain vehicle safety class will be held at 8:30 a.m. May 19 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.
Fishing derby planned
MONTGOMERY - The Black Hole Creek Fishin' Derby will be held May 19, unless the weather is inclement. The rain date is June 2.
For more information, call Becky at 547-6289.
Benefit motorcycle ride scheduled
The Friends of Paws Park and the Knight Crew Motorcycle Club have teamed up to hold their first benefit motorcycle ride, named Dog Gone MC Ride, on May 19. All proceeds will be split between the off-leash dog park and the new South Williamsport K9 Unit.
Registration will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Lions Pavilion at the South Williamsport Community Park. The cost is $15 per rider; $10 per rider if registered in advance; and $10 per rider for groups of 10 or more riders. Poker run is $5 per rider.
A barbecue chicken dinner is included in registration fee, and the event includes a blessing of the bikes and a Chinese auction.
To download a registration form, visit www.swpawspark.com or www.southwilliamsport.net.
Audubon chapter sets annual dinner
The Lycoming Audubon Society will hold its annual tureen/potluck dinner at 6 p.m. May 23. Bring reusable table settings and flatware and a dish to pass. The chapter will provide beverages.
During the business portion of the meeting, members will elect a chapter vice-president and treasurer. In lieu of a formal program, members and visitors will share favorite memories of birds, birding and wildlife.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Lowry Room at the James V. Brown Library.
For more information, visit www.lycoming.org/audubon.
Anglers club to hold fishing derby
TROUT RUN - The Lycoming Creek Anglers Club will stock trout on May 26. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. at the Trout Run Fire Co.
The club also will hold a children's fishing derby June 2 at the Sheshequin Campgrounds, north of here on Route 14 at the Marsh Hill Bridge. It will be held rain or shine.
Girls and boys up to age 13 may compete and each will receive a derby prize.
Registration times are:
3-4 years, 8:30 a.m., fishing 9 a.m.-10 a.m.;
5-6 years, 10 a.m., fishing 10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.;
7-9 years, 11:30 a.m., fishing noon-1 p.m.;
10-13 years, 1 p.m., fishing, 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Annual cane pole derby set
ROSE VALLEY LAKE - The seventh annual free cane pole fishing derby will be held 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May 28 at Rose Valley Lake. It is sponsored by the Rose Valley/Mill Creek Watershed Association.
The catch-and-release derby, scheduled on a Fish-for-Free Day, is open to all ages but is geared toward anglers under age 16. The first 200 registrants will receive an embroidered patch. All registrants will receive a fishing package that contains a cane pole, bait and instructions, as well as other items.
All anglers must report to derby headquarters at the north access area at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded
For more information, or to obtain a registration form, call Jerry Zeidler at 435-4506.
Take a motorcycle scavenger hunt
Bob's Billtown Bikers Motorcycle Club will sponsor a motorcycle photo scavenger hunt beginning June 1 and concluding on July 28 with a cookout and prizes at Bob Logue Motorsports, 2091 Lycoming Creek Road.
The cost is $15 per bike.
For complete rules and registration information, stop in at Bob Logue Motorsports or visit www.boblogue.com. For more information, email Curt Cohick at ccohick@verizon.net or call him at 419-0771.
Women, get ready for the outdoors
TARENTUM - The Allegheny Valley chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold a Women in the Outdoors event on June 2 at Bull Creek Rod & Gun Club.
Classes include archery, rifle, shotgun, self defense.
Registration is required in advance. Register at www.womenintheoutdoors.org, then click on "PA WITO Event Manager Calendar" and search the calendar.
For more information, contact Leslie Smith at 484-634-0069 or lsmith@nwtf.net.
Group plans motorcycle ride
CASTANEA - The Durty Dabbers Dual Sport Motorcycle Ride will be held June 2-3 at the Castanea Fire Hall Picnic grounds, across the field from the William T. Piper Memorial Airport.
The ride involves about 100 miles of off-road, street-legal motorcycle riding.
For more information, call 748-9456 or 726-3343 or visit www.durtydabbers.com.
Smith's Knob Scramble Trail race planned
The Mid Penn Trailblazers will hold an eight-mile trail race at 9 a.m. June 9 at Camp Conley, 15 miles north of Montoursville. The race follows portions of the Loyalsock Trail over the steep Smith's Knob.
Advance registration is $20; on race day, the fee will be $25. T-shirts will be given to all who register in advance and limited quantities will be available on race day. Proceeds will benefit Boy Scouts of America Troop 21 of Montoursville.
Awards will be given in 10-year age groups up to 60-plus.
For more information and applications, visit www.midpenntrailblazers.com/trail-race-events/smithknob.htm or email dmshoe61@verizon.net.
Women in the Outdoors events planned
DANVILLE - The White Deer Jakes, Col-mont Gobblers and Sun Area chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold a Tri-Chapter Women in the Outdoors event on June 9 at Montour Preserve/North Montour Sportsmen's Club. A fee applies.
Advance registration is required by going to www.womenintheoutdoors.org, clicking on "PA WITO Event Manager Calendar" and searching the calendar.
Through expert instruction and hands-on education, the NWTF's Women in the Outdoors program helps women develop outdoor skills in a safe environment.
For more information, contact Leslie Smith at 484-634-0069 or lsmith@nwtf.net or visit www.womenintheoutdoors.org.
In Lancaster County, a similar event will be held at the Southern Lancaster County Farmers & Sportsman Association in Quarryville. Women who want to register should go to www.womenintheoutdoors.org and click on "Pennsylvania Women In The Outdoors Event Manager Calendar," then search the calendar.
ATV ride to raise funds
RENOVO - The second annual ATV Cruise for a Cure will be held June 9. The 50-mile guided tour will begin in Renovo's Heritage Park, traverse the Bloody Skillet ATV Trail Park and return to Renovo.
It will start with a pancake breakfast at 6 a.m. at the Renovo Fire Hall.
Registration will be available noon-8 p.m. June 8 and at 7 a.m. June 9 but is available online now at www.renovo.eventbrite.com.
Vendors, organizations and businesses will be on hand to support those dealing with cancer.
For more information, call 923-1000, ext. 2191, or email snestor@bucktailmed.org.
Bike tour, festival planned
PECKVILLE - The Heritage Explorer Bike Tour and Festival is set for June 16 at Mellow Park in Lackawanna County. It is a family-friendly, non-competitive event that helps to raise funds for the continuing development of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.
For more information, visit the website www.HeritageExplorer.org.
Outdoor discovery weekend set for women
AUSTIN - Ladies, are you tired of your typical weekend? Do you find yourself sitting in front of the television watching other people have fun? Well, here's the perfect opportunity to break out of your routine and try something new.
Sinnemahoning State Park is offering a weekend filled with opportunities to learn new outdoor skills. Participants may choose up to eight sessions over the three days of the event, and all meals are included.
Call the park office at 814-647-8401 for information on registration, available lodging and fees.
JUNE 23
Athletes prepare for adventure triathlon
LOCK HAVEN - The sixth annual Great Island Adventure Triathlon will be held June 23 at the Woodward Boat Launch, across the Jay Street Bridge.
Participants will paddle, pedal and run through a 23-mile course in the heart of the PA Wilds.
For more information, call 748-6727 or visit www.lockhavenymca.com.
JUNE 23-24
Bass tourney registrations sought
BERWICK - The Columbia County Bassmasters is accepting registrations for the third annual Bassmasters Fishing Tournament, which will be held Jane 23-24 at the Berwick Test Track Park boat launch.
The boundaries on the Susquehanna River extend from the Danville/Riverside bridge to the Nanticoke bridge.
Teams of two anglers may register, but there is a limit of 100 boats. A fee of $140 per boat includes breakfast and a T-shirt. Registration forms are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Once the 100-boat limit is reached, all other applications will be returned.
Cash prizes totaling $12,500 will be awarded. The first-place team will receive $5,000. Each day, lunker prizes will be awarded for adults and junior anglers.
Applications and rules may be downloaded from the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's website -www.iTourColumbiaMontour.com/Bassmasters - or the Columbia County Bassmasters website - www.ColumbiaCountyBassmasters.com.
Applications also are available at Bo's Bait Barn, 1312 Raspberry Ave., Nescopeck; Smith's Outdoor Connection, 1901 Orange St., Berwick; Laubach's Sporting Goods, 547 E. Eighth St., Berwick; Halls Marine, 890 Lycoming Mall Drive, Muncy; and visitors bureau offices, 121 Papermill Road, Bloomsburg, and 316 Mill St., Danville.
For more information, call Mike "Chuck" Monico, tournament director, at 752-3223.
JULY 14
Bass tournament benefits health society
SUNBURY - The Bass Classic, sponsored by Capital City Bassmaster, will be held July 14 at Shikellamy State Park. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The boundaries of the fishing tournament are, to the south, the Fiber Dam; to the north, Berwick; and to the west, Williamsport.
Cash and prizes will be awarded, including a first-place prize of $3,000.
For more information, or to register, download the pdf file at www.tiptopwebsite.com/custommusic2/fisherman.pdf or call Mike Brown at 717-448-0350 or Bob Herman at 717-938-8752.
Canoe, kayak races planned
HOWARD - The seventh annual Bricktown Challenge will be held July 14 at the Bald Eagle State Park beach, 149 Main Park Road.
The event offers canoe and kayak races for the serious paddler, youth and junior paddler races, and recreational races.
For more information, call 660-0382 or visit www.beechcreekwatershed.org.
Wildlife for Everyone 5-mile run scheduled
ALLENWOOD - The Wildlife for Everyone 5 Miler off-road run/walk will be held at 9 a.m. July 14 on State Game Lands 252.
The course encompasses dirt roads and grassy land. The roads will be closed to vehicles. Prizes and refreshments will be provided.
T-shirts will be given to all participants who register by June 25 and pay a $20 fee. Registration on race day is $25. Shirts will be limited on race day.
All proceeds will benefit the Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation,
For more information, email Steven Schmit at wfe5M@windstream.net or natasharider@windstream.net.
JULY 21
Get ready to 'Prowl the Sproul'
HYNER - The eighth annual "Prowl the Sproul" race will be held July 21 at the Western Clinton Sportsmen's Association.
At 10 a.m., participants will take a 10K run through the mountains of Sproul State Forest, including three miles of uphill to the top of McCloskey Mountain and then a blistering 3.7 miles down to the finish.
Registration will be held 8:30-9:45 a.m. A $25 fee applies.
For more information, call 814-321-8281 or see www.hikerun.com/56912.html.
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.
