Our local forests have far fewer oak trees than were present in the 1800s and yet, of all our native trees, the oak tree is the single most important tree species for supporting a forest ecosystem. Why do entomologists and botanists claim this unique accolade for oak trees? Oaks support ...
Among my collection of outdoor antiques were two cast iron New York highway signs with the words Beaver Kill. The Beaver Kill is a well-known trout stream located in the Catskills of New York and there is also a small hamlet named after the stream. I came into possession of these signs in a ...
A catbird was skulking around the forsythia in my backyard one random morning, but she was stealthy enough to keep their nest a secret. The bird box was full of sticks with a tidy nest of a house wren, complete with five eggs. Two young robins just left their nest to face the world. These, ...
SUMMER’S AMBIENCE WHERE: Little Pine State Park WHEN: Friday, Aug. 1 at 8:15 p.m. (Little Pine) and Saturday, Aug. 2 at 9:30 a.m. (Hyner Run) NOTES: Join the naturalist for a relaxing evening to hear summer’s ambience. Topics of discussion will center around what is being heard. This is designed to be an informal program. 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 state or community guidelines. Those interested in the Little Pine program should meet at the boat launch. ...
Summer along the Susquehanna River brings all the classics: sunny days, kayak floats, riverside hikes and picnic-perfect evenings. But if you’re in the Lower Susquehanna Region in late July or early August, you might witness one of the river’s most curious natural events: the white fly ...
Whether exploring a mountain stream for native brook trout or the Susquehanna River for smallmouth, one of my favorite summer fishing methods is wading. Wading is easy, allowing a minimalist approach and, due to the warm temperatures, it’s not necessary to wear waders. Additionally, the typically low water levels allow access to areas that would otherwise be inaccessible for fishing. But not this year. Due to the seemingly endless rain the Commonwealth has received this summer, which has made it feel more like a warm spring, many streams are running higher and faster than usual. ...
