Go into the woods and be willing to bend down to observe closely: Forest magic is unfurling in the form of spring ephemeral (short-lived) wildflowers. These tiny wonders are at their peak of magnificence right now. Ephemerals need very early direct spring sunlight before tree canopies ...
The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is once again hosting its HERYN (Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature) kayaking and fishing day camps in the West Branch region this summer. The non-profit will be offering two days of programs, with a different group of 8-13 year-old participants each day, rotating through stations to learn the fundamentals of fishing, kayaking and conservation. The program will be offered July 1-2, at Bald Eagle State Park’s 1,000-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir near Howard. Check out details and photos from last year’s program ...
ITHACA, N.Y.—A groundbreaking study published in Science last Thursday reveals that North American bird populations are declining most severely in areas where they should be thriving. Researchers from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology analyzed 36 million bird observations shared by birdwatchers to the Cornell Lab’s eBird program alongside multiple environmental variables derived from high-resolution satellite imagery for 495 bird species across North America from 2007 to 2021. The team set out to develop reliable information about where birds are increasing or decreasing across ...
It is such a gratifying feeling to check off an item on one’s bucket list. One morning a couple weeks ago, I realized I hadn’t yet put food in my birdfeeders. My little feathered friends get mad if I fail to serve them their breakfast on time, and they usually let me know it. As I went ...
SPRING AMBIENCE WHERE: Little Pine State Park. and Hyner Run State Park WHEN: Friday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. (Hyner Run and 7:30 p.m. (Little Pine) NOTES: Join the naturalist at Hyner Run State Park and/or Little Pine State Park for a relaxing stroll to see and hear the different sights and sounds of spring during the program “Spring Ambience.” Topics of discussion will center around what is being seen and/or 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 ...
Spring is a tenuous time for wildlife. Young are being born and trying to survive predators, nature and even humans. New growth vegetation is emerging while also battling temperatures, drought, and potential disease. One tip of the scale, one way or the other, can completely change a local ecosystem. So what about wildfires? Unfortunately much of the Commonwealth is experiencing a dry spring. A recent announcement by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources warned that, with the exception of the Northwest, all of Pennsylvania is at high risk for wildfires. That ...
