Breaking News

Outdoors

Community Outdoors calendar for week of March 18

VIRTUAL FISH OF HYNER RUN WATERSHED WHERE: Online via Microsoft Teams WHEN: Thursday, March 20 from 1-1:30 p.m. NOTES: A virtual Fish of Hyner Run Watershed program at Hyner Run State Park is set to be held. This program will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams and will not take place face-to-face at the park. Join the park naturalist and learn about the many different types of fish that inhabit Hyner Run Watershed. Afterward, we may have some time to share fish stories. Registration is required to receive the link to the Microsoft Teams program. When you receive an email ...

Reflections in Nature: The signs of spring appearing are all around us now

Signs of the coming of spring are appearing everywhere. So far, I’ve seen robins, red-winged blackbirds, killdeers, herring gulls, grackles, great-blue herons, geese, chipmunks, geese and others. Humans also joined these harbingers of spring by tapping the maple trees. Mary Alice has been checking her flower beds for any green shoots. All these early spring signs will be slowed down If the weather turns cold. Along with the robin, the Canada goose and the red-winged blackbird are probably our most recognized harbingers of spring. One cannot miss the return of the red-winged black ...

PGC applauds Sunday hunting bill

HARRISBURG — Legislation that could fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban has been reintroduced in Harrisburg. Last week Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, reintroduced Senate Bill 67, which would end the state’s prohibition on Sunday hunting and allow the Game Commission to include Sundays when establishing hunting seasons annually. The bill picked up momentum last year, when it passed the Senate and gained preliminary approval in the House of Representatives before time ran out in the legislative session. The bill now has a fresh start, and a broad base of support behind ...

Symposium seeks to restore nature, one yard at a time

“It’s easy for most gardeners to notice when birds aren’t chirping, but what will often happen long before the birds are gone is the bugs in the soil are missing.” That’s the warning from Erica Thetford, the Lycoming County Master Gardener Coordinator. On March 15, the local chapter of Penn State Master Gardeners will host a symposium entitled “Bringing Nature Back: One Yard at a Time.” National and local experts will discuss how home gardeners can promote biodiversity and restore natural ecosystems. Gardening’s Hidden Impact From excessive pesticide use to ...

Outdoors community calendar for week of March 11

RIDER RATTLER WHERE: Rider Park WHEN: Saturday, March 19 at 10 a.m. NOTES: This event is an 8-mile and 4-mile trail race. To register, go to ultrasignup.com and search for Rider Rattler. Long sleeve T-shirt and a meal for all participants who sign up before March 1. All participants in the race will receive a meal afterwards and proceeds will be split between Rider Park and Pursue Your Happiniess, a non-profit that helps to organize local trail race events. VIRTUAL FISH OF HYNER RUN WATERSHED WHERE: Online via Microsoft Teams WHEN: Thursday, March 20 from 1-1:30 ...

Forest landowners should plan for spongy moths

HARRISBURG — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is urging Pennsylvania’s forest landowners and woodlot owners to start planning now for spongy moth treatment this spring to protect their trees from severe damage. Spongy moths (Lymantria dispar dispar) are a major threat to Pennsylvania’s forests, having killed millions of oak and other tree species. For the past three years, populations have reached outbreak levels, leading to widespread defoliation. With nearly 70 percent of Pennsylvania’s forests privately owned, DCNR is encouraging landowners to secure ...