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Outdoors community calendar for Week of Aug. 19

TROUT OF LITTLE PINE AND HYNER WHERE: Little Pine State Park WHEN: Friday, Aug. 22 at 3:30 p.m. (Little Pine) and 8 p.m. (Hyner Run) NOTES: Join the park naturalist and learn about the many different types of fish of Little pine. Afterward, there may be some time to share fish stories. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order 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 contact station. Those interested in the Hyner Run porgram ...

CHILDHOOD DREAM: Jersey Shore’s Alex Butzler conquers Appalachian Trail

Jersey Shore native Alex Butzler remembers being in fifth grade and reading the book “Walking with Spring” by Earl V. Shaffer. It details the account of Shaffer, who became the first person to ever thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Prior to reading it, Butzler didn’t even know what ...

Reflections in Nature: August is the time for crickets and more to put on some concerts

During the spring and summer months, we have been entertained by nature’s concerts. Now, with the August heat, we are coming to the end of the concerts given by the birds and frogs. The birds have finished their nesting season, which means there is no reason for the males to protect their territories, and the singing has practically stopped. The frogs are burying themselves in the mud to escape the heat, and their concerts. However, this is the time for our late summer and fall concerts to begin. The high-pitched songs of the crickets, katydids, grasshoppers and cicadas are the ...

Conservation and environmental leaders highlight need to protect native plants

HARRISBURG — Environmental educators, non-profit leaders and students gathered at the Pennsylvania state capitol recently to raise awareness about the critical role native plants play in protesting the Commonwealth’s ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and building more resilient communities. Hosted by the Department of Conservation and Nature Resources, the event spotlighted how native plants — those naturally occurring in the region — are essential to the health of the Commonwealth’s wildlife, watersheds, forests and even the fight against climate change. “Native plants ...

A closer look at July’s Fish and Boat Commissioner’s meeting

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission began its quarterly business meeting recently by encouraging anglers and boaters to continue to enjoy summer fishing and boating adventures across the Commonwealth while staying safe and being aware of weather conditions. “There is still plenty of summer left to enjoy the water for fishing, boating, or to just have fun and cool off from the heat,” said PFBC president Daniel Pastore. “Because many rivers and streams have been running high due to rainy conditions during the early summer, even more people will be flocking to ...

At Kings Gap in Cumberland County, Shapiro admin highlights expanded outdoor corps program workforce development

CARLISLE — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Labor & Industry secretary Nancy A. Walker visited the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps crew at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in Cumberland County to mark the program’s 10th anniversary and highlight its growing impact on workforce development and environmental stewardship. Since its creation, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps has offered hands-on conservation job training to more than 1,400 young people ages 15 to 25 — building skills, supporting career readiness, and ...