News

Reflections in Nature: Even in Pennsylvania, illegal animal trafficking occurs

News October 6, 2026

I watched on television as the plane landed at the Atlanta International Airport, with much fanfare the plane’s cargo door opened and two large crates were lowered to the ground. The crates contained two giant pandas that arrived on loan from the Chinese government. The pandas, which are part of Beijing’s long tradition of panda diplomacy were taken to Zoo Atlanta. The pandas, a male named Ping Ping and a female named Fu Shuang, arrived Sunday, on a FedEx flight from Chengdu, located in southwestern China. They are the third pair of pandas to arrive in the United States in the ...

A look at the fall foliage report for early October

News October 6, 2026

Mid-summer and September rainfall quenched drought-stressed forests across the Commonwealth, greening tree canopies that are now primed for a fantastic autumn show. Bright fall color is developing nicely, especially across the northern tier counties and along the Laurel Summit on the Allegheny Plateau. Expected cold nights in the forecast this week will continue to advance the color transition across the state. The best colors are still to come. Northcentral Region Foresters in Elk State Forest (serving Elk and Cameron counties) said trees are slowly starting to change color, ...

Several face variety of charges in Lycoming County district courts

News October 6, 2026

Prison inmate faces new set of charges More charges have been lodged against Lycoming County Prison inmate Brian James Murray, according to court records made public Monday. Murray, 48, of 1822 Southard Road, Trout Run, has now been arrested on charges of felony burglary and misdemeanor theft ...

Outdoors community calendar for week of October 6

News October 6, 2026

AUDUBON EVENT: WILLIAMSPORT WATER AUTHORITY, MOSQUITO VALLEY BIRD WALK WHERE: Williamsport Water Authority Trails (1600 Mosquito Valley Road, Duboistown) WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 10 at 8 a.m. NOTES: Join birders of all experience levels for an enjoyable autumn walk on forested trails, and along brushy habitat as we look and listen for fall species.This is a mostly flat and easy walk. ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL WHERE: Little Pine State Park WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. NOTES: There will be an annual fall festival at Little Pine State Park. This is an outdoor festival ...

DCNR names new district forester for Loyalsock State Forest: Eric Probert

News October 6, 2026

HARRISBURG — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the appointment of Eric Probert as the district forester for Loyalsock State Forest, which includes portions of Bradford, Lycoming, and Sullivan counties in the Endless Mountains Heritage Region. “Eric is a thoughtful, committed leader who always demonstrates his commitment to public service daily,” Dunn said. “As a longtime leader in the Bureau of Forestry, we are confident that his knowledge and skillset are a perfect fit for the Loyalsock that will be a tremendous asset ...

Special fund set up as memorial to vital association supporter, his wife; Fund to help expand opportunities to make difference

News October 6, 2026

Hanging on a wall of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association’s Sunbury office is a large mounted bass on a wooded plaque with a small red plastic label that simply states “Camp Kline 1966.” Nothing fancy. No extra bells or whistles … in fact, there is no mention of the angler ...