Experience maple sugaring at Montour Preserve
WASHINGTONVILLE - Have you ever wanted to learn more about how maple syrup is made? A maple sugaring open house will be held from noon to 4 p.m. today at PPL's Montour Environmental Preserve.
Programs begin on the hour (noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.) in the Environmental Education Center with a talk and film featuring the natural and cultural history of making maple sugar. Afterward, a short walk through Goose Woods takes attendees to the Sugar Shack to experience the sights, sounds and scents of maple sugaring.
Scouts, 4-H and other groups are welcome to attend either day. Plan to arrive on the hour at the Environmental Education Center auditorium to enjoy the entire sugaring program. Outdoor demonstrations end at 4 p.m.
Maple products will be available for purchase at the Sugar Shack.
For directions, visit www.pplpreserves.com and click on "Montour." For more information, contact the preserve at 437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.
Whitetails Unlimited plans fundraising event
Whitetails Unlimited is sponsoring the West Branch Whitetails Hunters' Night Out on Saturday at the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St. The event will feature a two-meat buffet, auction and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting- and outdoor-related equipment, artwork and collectibles only available at WTU events.
Proceeds will benefit archery programs in local schools, youth programs and habitat improvement equipment.
Social hour begins at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6:30.
Tickets may be purchased individually, per couple or for juniors ages 15 and younger. The deadline to order tickets is Monday. They will not be sold at the door.
To order tickets, call Dave "Huffy" Huffman at 772-0312 in the evenings or WTU National Headquarters at 800-274-5471, or go online at www.whitetailsunlimited.com. Tickets also are available by calling Gene Cahn at 447-6541 or Dave Ellison at 435-5525.
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization that strives to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of white-tailed deer and other wildlife.
Help needed on unassessed waters plan
The public and local watershed associations are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting of Susquehanna Chapter Trout Unlimited at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, East Third and Mulberry streets.
State Fish and Boat Commission representatives will outline a pilot study for soliciting public participation in helping to determine prioritization of local streams to be monitored and assessed in this summer's work by agency staff and partnering colleges.
The program could be a great opportunity for anglers to see some of their favorite unprotected fishing spots become protected through the PA-Unassessed Waters Program. So far, the initiative has inventoried hundreds of high-quality Pennsylvania streams previously unclassified, and the goal is to monitor hundreds more.
For more information, visit the agency website at fishandboat.com/unassessedwaters.htm.
TU chapter announces fly-tying classes
LOCK HAVEN - The Lloyd Wilson Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual fly tying classes from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through March 28 on the second floor of Citizen Hose Fire Co.
A fee applies per class for youth and adults.
Fly patterns and instructors change weekly. Instructors are from the local chapter and Outcast Guide Service, of Lamar.
Free fishing classes offered
WATERVILLE - McConnell's Country Store & Fly Shop, 10853 North Route 44, will hold the following free fishing classes:
Saturday - Fly casting for beginners, 10 a.m. to noon
March 30 - Fly casting tune-up, not for beginners, 10 a.m. to noon
Annual hill climb roars into area
MORRIS - The eighth annual King of the Mountain hill climb will be held Saturday at Ski Sawmill Family Resort, off of Route 287 near here. It is sponsored by the resort and the Highland Lake Snowmobile and Outdoor Recreation Club.
The double-elimination climb will pit snowmobile drivers in an 800-foot, side-by-side drag race up the ski slope hill. Class winners will vie for the prestigious King of the Mountain title.
Racer registration and sled classification will be from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. A driver meeting is at 10 and races will follow. More than 200 snowmobilers are expected.
For more information and rules, visit skisawmill.com.
Spectator admission and parking is free, and family ski discounts will be available, as will spectator chairlift rides, good food and lodging.
Learn about Indian artifacts and peoples
SUNBURY - Tom Badman, of Selinsgrove, will share his research of American Indians of Pennsylvania, particularly those who settled the Susquehanna River valley, during a public presentation at 7 p.m. March 21 at the Northumberland County Historical Society, 1150 N. Front St.
Badman has been interested in all aspects of history since childhood, always believing that history is more than dates, facts, and events. He has tried to never remove the human element from history, for it is the human emotions and experiences that truly make events unforgettable and relateable.
Since childhood, he has collected and treasured various artifacts along the river where he lives. He treats each piece as a tangible link to the past that has it's own story to tell and gives insight into the remarkable lives of these first valley residents. Through the studying of these artifacts, these people live again.
The free presentation will be preceded by a brief business meeting and followed by light refreshments and social time.
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.
March 23 - Living Spring Easter Basket, 3 p.m. Plant a collection of spring annuals, bulb flowers, perennials and moss, then decorate it with eggs, a bunny, spring ribbon and "Jelly Bean" pussy willows.
April 24 - Floral Globe, 7 p.m. Create a spectacular flowering globe to hang on a shepherd's hook or on a branch of your favorite tree.
May 1 - Hypertufa Planter, 7 p.m. This is a two-night class. Make the planter May and plant it on May 15.
May 8 - Patio Planter, 7 p.m. Learn Keith's secrets for successful container gardening while planting a beautiful container full of the top performing thriller, filler and spiller annuals on the market.
May 22 - Butterfly Garden Planter, 7 p.m. Learn what is needed to entice butterflies to your garden while planting a butterfly garden, filled with host and nectar plants, in a beautiful planter.
June 5 - 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.
Outdoor show coming soon
CROSS FORK - The Kettle Creek Valley Outdoor Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 23 at the Kettle Creek Hose Co. fire hall.
Admission is $3 and children 12 and younger are free. There will be food, vendors and speakers.
Vendor spaces are available. Call 814-435-2622 or 814-435-2218 for more information.
A turkey calling contest begins at 11 a.m. with registration at 9. Call 866-687-4233 for more info.
Consolidated Sportsmen to hold 53rd banquet
HUGHESVILLE - The Consolidated Sportsmen of Muncy Creeks will hold its 53rd annual banquet on March 23 at the Hughesville Firemen's Social Center. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6.
The evening will include a turkey dinner with homemade pies, a Chinese auction, a gun and rod raffle, a live auction, door prizes and a special program. Mike Kuriga will present a program on falconry, with live birds.
The Spring 2013 trout stocking schedule for the 12,000 trout raised by the club will be available at the banquet. So far, in the 2012-13 nursery season, the facilities have not been affected by flooding problems, which, in 2011, resulted in substantial trout losses.
The club also announced that the Dick Harner Memorial Children's Fishing Derby will be May 5 at Van Renselar Park in Picture Rocks.
Banquet tickets are limited and will not be available at the door. To order tickets, call Art Fry at 368-1245 or Rusty Bitler at 584-5780.
Training set for 4-H/NRA shooting sports
WELLSBORO - March 24 is the last day that leaders may register for the Pennsylvania 4-H Shooting Sports training, which is planned for April 5-7 at His Thousand Hills Camp.
The training is for teens and adults who need initial shooting sports training or instruction in a different discipline. Disciplines include rifle, pistol, shotgun, archery and muzzleloader. At least five people must register for muzzleloader.
Applications and payment fees are due prior to March 25. A $50 late fee will be levied on those received after that date. Registrations are non-refundable.
Information on fees and applications is available by calling Darlene M. Resh at 717-334-6271, ext. 324.
Solar power focus of Audubon meeting
Solar power will be the topic of the Lycoming Audubon Society's public meeting on March 27.
Wayne Gebhart, assistant professor at Pennsylvania College of Technology and an electrician for 40 years, will discuss the theory, equipment, codes and permits associated with solar photovoltaics and will share information about solar thermal equipment.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Lowry Room of the James V. Brown Library and Gebhart's presentation follows at 6:30.
For more information and other events, see www.lycoming.org/audubon.
Learn how to be a safe boater
PENNSDALE - The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in Williamsport, Flotilla 15-01, will hold its final safe boating course of the year from 5 to 9 p.m. April 2 and 4 at Gander Mountain in the Lycoming Mall.
Participants will receive a USCGA boating certificate and will qualify for the Pennsylvania boating certificate upon successful completion of the course. Those who wish to operate a personal watercraft (jet ski) or those born after Jan. 1, 1982, who operate a boat with a 25-horsepower or larger motor are required by law to have completed a recognized boating course.
A fee will cover the cost of the book and advance registration is necessary.
For more information, or to enroll, call Joseph Kustanbauter at 435-2193 or email jbkusty@verizon.net.
MAY 5
Club plans fishing derby
PICTURE ROCKS - The Consolidated Sportsmen of Muncy Creeks will hold its annual Dick Harner Memorial Children's Fishing Derby on May 5 at Van Renselar Park.
For more details, call Art Fry at 368-1245.
MAY 10-11
Statewide conference for private forestland owners set
ALTOONA - The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will co-sponsor a two-day conference for landowners focused on conserving and managing privately owned woodlands.
The "2013 Private Forest Landowner Conference: The Future of Penn's Woods," will be held May 10-11 at the Blair County Convention Center.
"Past regional and local private forestland conferences have targeted primarily private forest landowners, both industrial and non-industrial," DCNR Secretary Rick Allan said. "This event is expanded to include a wider range of landowners with outdoors interests and a commitment to sustaining healthy forests. We invite recreation-related businesses, timber interests, family forest owners, policy makers, and all others with an interest and stake in private forest land stewardship."
The event will focus on conserving and managing healthy, regenerating forests with the intent of bringing together landowners who want to demonstrate commitment to forest sustainability.
"Whether a person owns five or 500 acres, they are among nearly 740,000 Pennsylvania woodland owners who can impact the health and well-being of nearly 12 million acres of private forests," Allan said.
Regionally and nationally recognized experts will give presentations on a variety of topics including conservation options, invasive species, taxes, water quality, woodland care, wildlife, and backyard woodlots. Exhibitors will offer informational and resource displays, and demonstrators will showcase tools and services.
On May 10, optional tours addressing wind energy and forests, invasive species control, vernal ponds and early successional wildlife habitat will be offered before the conference officially starts at 1 p.m. The program continues from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. May 11.
Registration is open and costs $75. Registration details and other information can be found at ecosystems.psu.edu/research/centers/private-forests/events/2013-private-forest-landowners.
JUNE 23-27
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.
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.
