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Riverkeeper to host 2 Earth Day programs: Hike and science exploration open to all ages

Hike and science exploration open to all ages

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and its watershed partners will hold two free Earth Day programs next Sunday along and near the Loyalsock Creek, which was named Pennsylvania’s 2018 River of the Year.

In the morning

A hike to Jacoby Falls, with partner Keep It Wild, will start at 10:30 a.m. with registration in the parking area for the trailhead, which is north of state Route 973 along Wallis Run Road. The group will set out at 11 a.m.

Attendees will walk about 3 miles roundtrip and will see the 29-feet-high Jacoby Falls.

Families with children are encouraged to attend, and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome too.

Depending on Mother Nature’s plans for unveiling the new season, participants may witness first spring wildflowers blooming under a canopy of hardwood and coniferous trees.

Hikers should bring water, a snack and dog waste bags. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

Science in the afternoon

In partnership with Lycoming College Clean Water Institute, a program called “Science on the ‘Sock” will run from 1 to 4 p.m. along the Loyalsock Creek on the grounds of the Consolidated Sportsmen of Lycoming County, directly upstream from Pier 87 Restaurant along Route 87 in Plunketts Creek Township.

Organizations and agencies will provide hands-on science activities for families, including a river table for water flow exploration, macroinvertebrate and fish identification, birding, tree identification, fish printing and other environmental crafts, a hellbender learning station, groundwater exploration and more.

A river-related puppet show will be held each half hour.

Participating organizations include the Loyalsock Creek Watershed Association, Lycoming County Conservation District, state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry, Worlds End State Park, Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, U.S. Geological Survey, Lycoming Audubon, Chesapeake Conservancy, state Department of Environmental Protection, Sierra Club-Otzinachson Group, Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey, Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, and American Rivers.

Participants will not enter the creek; al activities are on land.

Young scientists are encouraged to bring their parents and grandparents for an afternoon of family learning fun.

Both the morning and afternoon events will be held rain or shine. Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions.

For more information, contact Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Carol Parenzan at 570-768-6300 or midsusriver@gmail.com.

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