Outdoor Briefs

Trail hike today to benefit charities

McELHATTAN - The third annual Eagle Trek will be held at noon today at Zindel Park. Registration begins at 10 a.m. A fee applies.

Participants may opt for a six- or 12-mile course and may hike or run the trail.

The event benefits the Clinton County SPCA and In Your Shoes, a project that project that promotes physical fitness, teamwork, volunteerism and leadership through participation in extracurricular sports and activities for children in Clinton County.

Help clean up the Loyalsock Trail

Hikers who want to help clean up a segment of the Loyalsock Trail today 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. They will meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the Sovereign Bank, 251 S. Market St., South Williamsport.

Audubon chapter sets annual dinner

The Lycoming Audubon Society will hold its annual tureen/potluck dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday. 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.

State park plans Memorial Day weekend events

FORKSVILLE - Worlds End State Park is planning the following activities for Memorial Day Weekend:

Saturday - Spring Fling hike, 10 a.m. Dramatic changes happen fast this time of year. Join the naturalist on a moderate hike to discover the springtime transformations occurring along the Double Run Nature Trail.

Saturday - Fluorescent Rocks and Minerals Show, 9 p.m. UV-BOB will be back to wow you with his extensive collection of rocks and minerals that fluoresce brilliantly under long- and shortwave lights. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater.

Next Sunday - Baby Boom, 10 a.m. Children ages 4-7 will learn about the population explosion of baby animals in the forest through stories, games, puppets and a craft at the Visitor Center.

Next Sunday - Penn's Adventurers, 1 p.m. Children ages 8-12 should bring a hiking stick to the Visitor Center backyard, where they will decorate it and then set off for a short hiking adventure.

Next Sunday - Cinema in the Park, "Traveling Minstrels," 8:30 p.m. Each spring, millions of migratory birds make an amazing journey northward and grace the state with their timeless beauty, vibrant color and songs. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater to view an award-winning film.

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:

Saturday - Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County, nine miles, moderate. Meet at 9 a.m. at the McDonalds off Route 80 at the Mifflinville/339 exit 242. Leaders: Catherine McLaughlin and Ed Lawrence, 925-5285, or cathyed@nationi.net.

June 2 - National Trails Day at Woolrich, Clinton County. Celebrate National Trails Day at the Woolrich flagship store with Randy and Sheri Propster and Backpacker Magazine's Get Out More Tour. Woolrich is sponsoring the event to promote the Mid State Trail and the Great Eastern Trail. Various events, workshops and hiking opportunities will be offered. Time to be announced. Contact Ed Lawrence for more information, 925-5285, or cathyed@nationi.net.

June 3 - Old Loggers' Path, Lycoming County, 8.5 miles, moderate to strenuous. Hike the middle section of OLP from Yellow Dog Road to Ellenton Road and back to complete a loop. Meet 8:30 a.m. at the Steam Valley Restaurant on Route 14 just off Route 15, north of Williamsport. Leader: Roy Fontaine, 220-4707.

Anglers club to stock trout on Saturday

TROUT RUN - The Lycoming Creek Anglers Club will stock trout on Saturday. 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.

Annual carp fishing derby planned

LINDEN - Big Al's 14th annual Carp Fishing Tournament will be held June 1-3. Anglers must register between 5 and 6:30 p.m. June 1 at the Linden boat ramp, next to Haywoods on the Water.

Fishing is permitted all day June 2 anywhere in the state.

Weigh-in will be held at 11 a.m. June 3.

Anglers must register in two-man teams and follow state fishing laws. The registration fee, which includes the lunker contest, is $50.

For more information, call Big Al at 971-8016 or 322-8088.

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.

Mineral society to hold gemstone garage sale

STATE COLLEGE - The Nittany Mineralogical Society will hold a mineral, gemstone, jewelry and fossil group garage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 2 at 2231 W. Whitehall Road.

A wide range of items, including plenty at low prices, will be available.

From downtown State College, take West College Avenue (state Route 26 South) almost 3 miles to a traffic light at Harner Farms/UniMart/Nissan. Turn right on West Whitehall Road, go 0.3 miles to the first house on the right after Breezewood Drive.

The sale should go on rain or shine, but check the website for updates - www.nittanymineral.org/cal.htm. For more information, email xidg@verizon.net.

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 will 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.

Run for Strides to aid spinal cord research

A 5K run/walk will be held at 9 a.m. June 9 at Indian Park in Montoursville. Proceeds will benefit the Reeve Irvine Research Center and its work on spinal cord injuries and human trials.

The registration fee before June 1 is $16; after that date, it will be $20. Runners also can register at 8 a.m. on race day.

The event is organized by Jay Harner, of Williamsport, who became a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down, after an injury.

Participants will receive a goody bag containing a 5K T-shirt, coupons and gift certificates to local businesses and other small items, while supplies last. Giveaways and raffles will be held after the race. Prizes include handcrafted gold jewelry, Penn State football tickets, memberships to Fitness Factory, gift certificates for massages, Pilates instruction and local restaurants, businesses, and other items.

For more information, or to register, call Harner at 601-4882 or email him at JayHarn3@gmail.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 event 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 will apply.

Advance registration is required by going to www.womenintheoutdoors.org, clicking on "PA WITO Event Manager Calendar" and then 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.

American Indian gathering open to public

ROSTRAVER - The Western Pennsylvania Native American Association will hold a Native American Gathering on June 9-10 at Cedar Creek Park in Westmoreland County.

It is free to the public and American Indian craft vendors are welcome. There is no setup fee this year.

The gathering features American Indian drumming, dancing, storytelling, crafts and more. Visitors may bring chairs.

For more information, contact Linda Little Bear Cuneen at wpnaa@groupmail.com or 724-628-4918.

Bike tour, festival planned

PECKVILLE - The Heritage Explorer Bike Tour and Festival is set for June 16 at Mellow Park in Lackawanna County.

The tour 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 www.HeritageExplorer.org.

Environmental film series offered

BLOSSBURG - The Countryside Film Series concludes at 7 p.m. June 20 with a showing of "Hope for Polluted Water" at the Victoria Theater, 222 Main St.

The series explores 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.

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. Programs will include biking, archery, kayaking, bird-banding, GPS/geo-caching, fly-fishing, camp cooking, outdoor survival and many others. Participants may choose up to eight sessions over the three days of the event, and all meals are included.

Grab your mom, sister, best friend or co-worker and join us and other aspiring woods-women for a new adventure in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Call the park office at 814-647-8401 for information on registration, available lodging and fees.

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.

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.

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 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.

Sullivan County hunter-trapper education set

MUNCY VALLEY - A hunter-trapper education program for youth ages 11 and older will be held this summer. Participants must attend all three sessions of the class to complete course. Classes will be held:

July 19-21 (6-9:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday);

Aug. 17-19 (6-9:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday)

Classes will be held at the North Mountain Sportsman's Club on Shipman Hill Road in Sullivan County.. Registration is limited to 45 per class. Upon successful course completion, an HTE card will be issued.

To enroll, register online at www.pgc.state.pa.us (click on Education & Hunter Trapper Education). If there are problems, call Rick Smith at 928-8941. For a map to the club, visit www.northmt.com.

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.