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Reflections in Nature: Larch drops needles in fall, grows new in spring

On the hillside across from Alparon Park in Troy, there is a stand of evergreen trees that appear as if they have died. Through the years I been asked why this stand of trees died. My answer is they did not die. During the spring and summer months, the trees are very attractive, with their pale green needles, however in the fall, the needles turn yellow and drop to the ground, appearing if the trees have died. The trees are larch trees. The larch tree is the only conifer — except for the bald Cypress of the south — that drops its needles in the fall and grows new needles in the ...

Now is the time to fill doe tags, and here’s why so

We are entering the last few days of rifle deer season and now is the time to target does. Yes, I said it. Now is the time to fill doe tags. Let me explain why. Aside from the Saturday opener there is probably no topic that divides Pennsylvania hunters as much as shooting does. One group ...

Reflections in Nature: The American holly: it’s a staple of Christmas

Recently our new neighbor gave Mary Alice a bouquet of American holly to use in decorating our home for Christmas. The American holly became known as the Christmas bush due to its history in ancient tradition as its symbolism in Christianity, and its widespread use in holiday decorations. With the onset of autumn, and sunlight fading, the fear of darkness and the unknown troubled early humans. The darkness, cold temperatures and trees dropping their leaves gave the appearance that everything in the landscape was dying. The colorful European Holly, with its red berries and glossy ...

Experts share concerns regarding proposed changes to Endangered Species Act

Recently proposed changes to the national Endangered Species Act could have devastating consequences to some of the most vulnerable species by weighing their value – and that of their habitat – against “economic impacts,” “national security” and other ambiguous and hard-to-scientifically quantify variables, according to various local environmental experts. The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced on Nov. 19, 2025, four specific rules that would alter how the Endangered Species Act is implemented in an effort “to strengthen American ...

Governor’s advisory council seeks candidates for the Game Commission Board

HARRISBURG — The Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking qualified candidates interested in serving the Pennsylvania Game Commission as commissioners in the following regions: • District 6: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, and York counties • District 7: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Code provides that commissioners are appointed for four-year terms with the opportunity to be reappointed for two additional ...

Virtual ice fishing program scheduled for Jan. 8; seats still available online

An online virtual ice fishing program on Thursday, Jan. 8 from 7-9 p.m. is hosted by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission staff and trained fishing skills instructors. Sessions will be interactive and include interaction with staff. The program includes ice safety, where to find fish in the winter, basic ice fishing gear needed to get started, next level ice fishing gear and how to use the ice fishing gear. All who participate in the virtual ice fishing program will receive invitations to attend in-person ice fishing programs in northern Pennsylvania, anda post-program email with ...