Outdoors community calendar for week of May 12
AUDUBON EVENT:
SKYLINE DRIVE
BIRD WALK
WHERE: Parking area/rest stop off Route 15 South, three miles from Beiter’s Furniture in South Williamsport
WHEN: Saturday, May 16 at 8 a.m.
NOTES: Skyline Drive is closed to vehicular traffic, but the paved road is walkable, gently ascending the slope of Bald Eagle Mountain. We expect to see and hear resident birds of a typical mixed Pennsylvania forest, including spring warblers. Towards the mountain top, tree species change, and the vistas of the West Branch Valley are a treat.
All are welcome to join.
SPRING AMBIENCE WALK
WHERE: Hyner Run State Park and Little Pine State Park
WHEN: Saturday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m. (Hyner Run) and 7:30 p.m. (Little Pine)
NOTES: Join the naturalist for a relaxing spring ambience hike down the nature trail to see and hear the different sights and sounds of spring. Topics of discussion will center around what is being seen and/or heard.
This is designed to be an informal program. All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. The program may be modified or canceled in the event of severe weather or new community guidelines.
Those interested should meet at the amphitheater by the pool for the Hyner Run program and at the beginning of the Lake Shore Trail (kiosk at top of dam) for the Little Pine program.
AUDUBON EVENT:
ROBERT PORTER ALLEN BIRD WALK
WHERE: 721 E. Mountain Avenue in Williamsport
WHEN: Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m.
NOTES: Please join us for a co-sponsored event with the James V. Brown Library. Registration is available through the library: program titled “Exploring Spring Birds and Wildflowers.”
It will be a leisurely stroll ideal for children ages 5 through 12.
Please register at jvbrown.libcal.com/event/15846080.
TERRIFIC TREES
WHERE: Little Pine State Park and Hyner Run State Park
WHEN: Friday, May 22 at 3:30 p.m. (Hyner Run) and 7:30 p.m. (Little Pine) and
NOTES: Join the park naturalist to take a look and tell the difference between some of the different terrific trees species in the lower picnic area of Little Pine State Park.
There will be a craft at the end.
This program will be suited towards families with children, but anyone is welcome to attend. All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate.
The program may be modified or canceled in the event of severe weather or new state or community guidelines.
Those interested in the Little Pine program should meet at Pavilion No. 4 in the lower picnic area of Little Pine State Park. Those interested in the Hyner Run program should meet at the amphitheater by the pool.
CREEK CRITTERS
WHERE: Little Pine State Park and Hyner Run State Park
WHEN: Saturday, May 23 at 3:30 p.m.
NOTES: Join the park naturalist and explore an underwater community with creek critters to find some different aquatic insects that call this creek home.
All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate.
Please wear shoes to get wet. The program may be modified ro canceled in the event of severe weather, high water or new community guidelines.
Those interested in the Little Pine program should meet at the footbridge at the lower picnic area. Those interested in the Hyner Run program should meet beside the pool.
Both programs are scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
LOCAL LORE
WHERE: Little Pine State Park and Hyner Run State Park
WHEN: Saturday, May 23 at 8 p.m.
NOTES: Come out and learn some of the local history and local lore that contributed to the nation’s history, including but not limited to the Fair Play Men, different towns in the area and the CCC.
All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. The program may be modified or canceled in the event of severe weather or new community guidelines.
Those interested in the Little Pine program should meet at the amphitheater. Those interested in the Hyner Run program should meet at the amphitheater by the pool. Please bring a lawn chair.
Both programs are scheduled at 8 p.m.
AUDUBON EVENT:
BROAD-WINGED HAWK PROJECT/CHAPTER
MEETING
WHERE: Taber Museum (858 West Fourth Street) in Williamsport
WHEN: Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m.
NOTES: We welcome you to join us for a presentation from Rebecca McCabe, a research biologist at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Her research focuses broadly on movement and nesting ecology, and she is involved in numerous long-term studies, including broad-winged hawks, snowy owls and American kestrels.
We will learn about the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s efforts to study the fall annual cycle to better understand the threats and conservation needs for this long-distance migration.
BACKPACKING FOR
SENIORS
WHERE: Rothrock State Forest
WHEN: Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28
NOTES: Have you always wanted to try backpacking or perhaps haven’t done so for awhile, and feel that it may now be beyond your ability? This trip is designed to encourage you to come out on an adventure that is designed for you. We will ensure a light pack, a leisurely pace and a fairly level trail that encourages us to look up and around, enjoying our time as we journey together.
The total hike will take us about 2 1/2 miles total along a beautiful stream in the Rothrock State Forest, just south of State College. We will have accommodations that will allow participants to sit on stools for the evening as well as seated bathroom accommodations near our campsite. There will be a pre-trip virtual meeting to talk through concerns and answer any lingering questions before we meet up for the trip.
The cost for the trip is $250 per person and all backpack equipment and food is provided. We will meet at a designated location to outfit everyone and then carpool to the trailhead near Allen Seagar natural area in Rothrock State Forest. A list of needed items for each person to bring will be provided.
Registration can be found at deepgreenjourney.com/seniorbackpack

