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Outdoors

Shapiro admin invests $79M to expand recreation, revitalization efforts

The Shapiro Administration announced $79.4 million in grants for 307 projects across Pennsylvania, aimed at expanding recreational opportunities, conserving natural spaces, and revitalizing communities. These grants will support a wide range of projects, including improving local parks, expanding trails and river access points, and creating more green space in local communities. These investments underscore Gov. Josh Shapiro’s commitment to strengthening the Commonwealth’s communities — all while driving regional economic growth through projects that enrich cultural, civic, ...

PFBC hosting number of virtual programs in Dec.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has a number of upcoming virtual programs planned for December that people can partake in. On Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., the PFBC will be hosting a program with fishing skills instructor Don Kelley, owner of the Tackle Shack in Wellsboro, to learn the basics of ice fishing, alongside other women. Those who attend will get an invitation to attend an in-person women’s ice fishing program in January/February of 2025, with weather pending. The virtual program covers ice safety, where to find fish in the winter with an introduction ...

Reflections in Nature: A look at Thanksgiving and Squanto as the holiday nears

Thanksgiving is the oldest and most truly American of our national holidays. If you ask young school students who hosted and attended the first Thanksgiving dinner, you will surely hear that it was the pilgrims. However, records show that the Jamestown Colony in Virginia had their own version of Thanksgiving, which was several years before the pilgrims did. The Native Americans celebrated their own version of Thanksgiving known as the “Green Corn Dance.” The Cherokees of the Southeast celebrated a Thanksgiving called the “busk,” which lasted four days. During this time, ...

Outdoors community calendar for week of Oct. 18

Audubon Event: CHAPTER MEETING WHERE: Taber Museum in Williamsport (858 W. Fourth Street) WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. NOTES: Join the Lycoming Audubon Society for a program on ruffled grouse and American woodcocks in Pennsylvania presented by Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife biologist Reina Tyl. She will discuss the population status of and primary issues affecting two species of greatest conservation need in Pennsylvania — the ruffed grouse and American woodcock — as well as research being conducted to inform the management of these beloved species. The ...

Keeping an eye on the sparrow as winter months approach

On Seven Mountains Audubon’s October bird walk at Turtle Creek Park near Lewisburg, I was thrilled to spot four birds I wouldn’t have noticed or identified without the help of more experienced birders: a red-shouldered hawk, a yellow-rumped warbler and two Nashville warblers. Always ...

Nothing beats fall bite of musky fishing

Not too long ago, the West Branch of the Susquehanna was what many would consider a dead river. The leading cause was uncontrolled acid mine drainage that killed almost everything in sight. Many readers will remember how even short exposure to the water would turn anything a rusty red color. But that is far from the case today. Today’s Werst Branch offers a thriving fishery for many species, including smallmouth and large brown trout. But the species that gets the heart pumping is the ever-allusive muskellunge. Many anglers associate musky fishing with early spring or even the ...