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Reflections in Nature: A look at staghorn sumac in the state

The staghorn sumac seed heads are beginning to change color and are now pale yellow, but as summer progresses the seed heads will become a crimson color. If you are not familiar with the staghorn sumac, it is the small tree that produces the large, crimson seed heads. Although many people believe that this tree is poisonous, it is not. I read in the book “Shrubs and Vines for Northeastern Wildlife” that the ringneck-pheasant, quail, wild turkey and 30 species of songbirds will eat the sumac fruit. Also, cottontail rabbits will occasionally eat the bark, and during the winter ...

WVSA completes streambank restoration project on Mill Creek

Wilkes-Barre, PA – The Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority completed a major streambank restoration project along Mill Creek near the border of Wilkes-Barre and Plains Township. Known as the Mill Creek “The Bog” project, the work repaired about 300 feet of badly eroded streambank that had begun to damage nearby backyards and exposed important sewer infrastructure. Erosion had become a serious problem, with parts of the streambank washing away and threatening homes and public utilities. WVSA stepped in to fix the damage and prevent future problems by reshaping the streambank, ...

Community Outdoor calendar for week of July 1

AUDUBON EVENT: BLUEBIRD WALKS WHERE:Rider Park WHEN: Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30 a.m. (Bluebird Walk #2) ... Tuesday, July 15 at 7:30 a.m. (Bluebird Walk #3). NOTES: Join Bruce Buckle and Fred Stiner for an exciting bluebird nest box inspection walk at Rider Park. Explore the 26 nest boxes scattered throughout the park and dive into the fascinating world of bluebird habits, along with insights on tree swallows and wrens. With binoculars in hand, you’ll have the chance to spot other captivating birds as we stroll along. The program is free and open to the public. For more ...

SGP releases activity-packed booklet for kids

LEWISBURG — The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is excited to announce the release of a brand-new educational and activity-packed booklet designed just for kids: The Susquehanna Greenway Adventure Book, featuring none other than the mighty mussel. Packed with puzzles, games, safety tips, fun facts, and interactive pages, this full-color booklet encourages kids and families to explore the outdoors while learning about nature, stewardship, and the importance of our river environments. From hiking and paddling to identifying native plants and wildlife, it’s the perfect tool to spark ...

Getting a doe permit has never been easier for hunters

Another Pennsylvania hunting tradition has changed, yet I do not expect the usually angry outcry. For the first time, hunters will not only be able to purchase their license and doe tag online but residents will also be guaranteed a doe permit. For years, Pennsylvanian hunters were required ...

A switch to EV can allow for more enjoyable bird watching

My wife Joan and I’s life in a retirement community in State College is going very well. We continue to spend lots of time and energy watching our beloved birds. Our feeders in our garden space eastern redbud tree are busy, and we were fortunate this spring to watch a clutch of ...