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Three dozen vets connect with volunteers, nature while sharing stories

A number of years ago, our previous pastor tried his best to persuade my wife and I into taking over as youth group leaders at our church. One of his selling points: “It will likely bless you more than you realize. You will get more out of it than you put in.” As usual, he was right, and his advice has been applicable to many other projects and initiatives over the years, including our events through the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. None of these more so than the veterans fishing, food and fun day recently hosted at the Central PA Wesleyan Campground near New ...

Reflections in Nature: Plants have ways of defending against insect predators in nature

In last week’s article I promised to tell you about a war that has been raging in nature since the beginning of time. This battle has endured and still rages on in every forest, meadow and planted field. It is a war with no truce, a war between plants and the predators that feed upon them. When besieged by armies of voracious creatures, plants cannot run away or defend themselves physically, however through the years, there are plants that have developed defenses that include deadly poisons and toxic chemicals that give leaf-eaters serious indigestion. Other plants produce ...

Outdoors community calendar for Week of June 30

TROUT OF HYNER RUN WHERE: Hyner Run State Park WHEN: Friday, July 3 at 3:30 p.m. NOTES: Join the park naturalist and learn about the different types of trout of Hyner Run. Afterwards, we may have some time to share fish stories. 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 pool. FIREFLIES WHERE: Hyner Run State Park WHEN: Friday, July 3 at 8:30 p.m. NOTES: Join the park naturalist to learn about fireflies and why they ...

Fishing at night for monster trout is best time to do so

Big brown trout, longer than your forearm, don’t get that way by being easy to catch. For the most part, they sulk on the bottom of deep pools, in undercuts or under snags during the day, out of the reach of predators. They might venture out from their lairs to feed on an overcast day for ...

Discover the fascinating world of moths this Friday

Step into the wonderful world of moths with The Summit: Center for Wellness. This Friday at 9:30 p.m. at The Summit in Laporte there will be a free evening program dedicated to observing and learning about these remarkable nighttime insects. Led by Cheryl Metcalf of the Tunbridge Conservation Commission in Vermont, this family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about moths. Participants will have the chance to see moths up close and learn about their important role in local ecosystems. Using a scientific technique known as light sheeting, participants ...

Reflections in Nature: Animal world is not always peaceful

For the last month, Mary Alice has been planning, planting, watering and weeding her gardens. She moves flowers and plants around her gardens like some people move furniture around in their homes. Her labor has produced a very pleasing back yard. On one of our beautiful summer mornings, I walked out our back door to be greeted by a splash of colors from her flower gardens; birds, such as the black-capped chickadees, cardinals, robins and phoebes, were singing; the sun was shining and a gentle breeze was blowing. All was right with the world and nature. Suddenly, a crow appeared on ...