A baby snapping turtle makes its way across the road at the wetlands nature area at the Susquehanna Riverlands.
Oh, snap!
November 9, 2009 at 3:24 pm (Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Riverlands, observations, wildlife)
Tags: snapping turtle
It’s an eagle, I swear!
November 5, 2009 at 3:33 pm (Susquehanna Riverlands, birds, migration, observations, wildlife)
Tags: bald eagles
While working in the park on Friday I happened to catch sight of a bald eagle in a tree along the canal. My camera not being the best, I knew I had to get closer to get a good shot. But despite their size, bald eagles are somewhat skittish. So, I tried to take a rambling, random-seeming route in the general direction of his perch; all the while being careful to avoid eye contact and still trying to snap a couple pictures on the way. I’m glad no one else was around because I probably looked pretty foolish. And to add insult to injury I was unsuccessful, anyway: the eagle flew away before I got very close at all. The picture above is the best one I got.
Bald eagles are occasional visitors here at the Susquehanna Riverlands, and becoming more frequent. Researchers for www.Hawkcount.org have reported seeing 34 eagles moving past the park along the Susquehanna since August of this year.
Get energy-saving hints for the holidays
November 2, 2009 at 11:10 am (Susquehanna Riverlands, conservation, education)
Tags: conservation, energy
Come explore some helpful hints to keep your holidays jolly for you, your bills and the Earth from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, at PPL’s Susquehanna Energy Information Center.
Join us for a discussion on some easy things you can do to keep your energy bills manageable. For directions, click here.
The Susquehanna Riverlands, along Route 11 about seven miles north of Berwick, is operated by PPL in conjunction with its Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Salem Township. The preserve, encompassing 1,200 acres on both the east and west banks of the Susquehanna River, has been providing the residents of north central Pennsylvania with quality recreation, fishing and environmental education since 1980.
Give bluebirds a boost
November 2, 2009 at 11:05 am (Brunner Island, Holtwood, birds, conservation)
Tags: bluebirds, conservation, nest boxes
Once in decline, the Eastern bluebird has made a wonderful comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Take a journey around PPL’s Holtwood Environmental Preserve to check nest boxes and work on maintaining the bluebird trails from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. An additonal program will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. at PPL’s Brunner Island Environmental Preserve.
You’ll also learn how you can put up your own box to attract these beautiful birds to your home.
Please meet at the Holtwood Environmental Center, 9 New Village Road, Holtwood, PA 17532. For directions, click here.
For the Brunner Island program, meet at the Wood Duck Pavilion at the Brunner Island Wetlands. For directions, click here.
The rain date for these events is Sunday, Nov. 15.
See Pennsylvania’s history through art
November 2, 2009 at 11:03 am (Martins Creek, Pennsylvania, history)
Tags: art, history, Pennsylvania
Explore how one artist was able to capture a moment in history during this program from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Lower Mount Bethel Welcome Center.
Andrew Forsythe of Sioux Specialties will lead this discussion of Pennsylvania’s history as seen through Robert Griffing’s artwork, which depicts moments in Pennsylvania and Native American history. A variety of Native American articles will be on display for attendees to learn about the attire and lifestyle of the original inhabitants of Penn’s Woods.
This program is free. The welcome center is located at 7701 Martins Creek-Belvidere Highway. For directions, click here.
The Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, in conjunction with PPL’s Martins Creek and Lower Mount Bethel Energy power plants, offers 215 acres of woodlands and meadows for hiking and exploring and boasts five miles of trails with views of the middle Delaware River, which has been designated by Congress as a Wild and Scenic River.
Waterfowl observations take flight
November 2, 2009 at 11:00 am (Montour Preserve, birds, migration, observations, wildlife)
Tags: autumn, migration, waterfowl
Join us from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, or Saturday, Nov. 21, at PPL’s Montour Environmental Preserve to observe the winged wonders of the annual autumn waterfowl migration.
On Nov. 14, we will begin this program indoors with a brief talk and video presentation on waterfowl identification. Then we’ll bundle up and go outdoors to observe and identify water birds on the lake. On Nov. 21, we’ll start at Goose Cove Overlook. Dress for the weather and plan for some walking. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope and a field guide if you have them.
This free program will take place in the Environmental Education Center. For more information, contact the preserve at 570-437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.
PPL operates the preserve, about four miles northeast of Washingtonville, in conjunction with its Montour power plant in Derry Township.
Get a glimpse of night-time critters
October 26, 2009 at 11:24 am (Lake Wallenpaupack, conservation, education, wildlife)
Tags: Pocono Wildlife
Learn more about some of the animals that venture out when most of us are asleep during this program from 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at PPL’s Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center.
Kathy Uhler of the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will bring her furry friends to demonstrate some of the adaptations they have developed to help them get around easier in the dark.
This program is free, and attendees are encouraged to make a small donation to aid the recovery of the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which was damaged by a tornado in July.
For directions to this event, click here.
The Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center is part of PPL’s Wallenpaupack hydroelectric project, built in 1926 near Hawley, Pa. The learning center is off Route 6 just east of the intersection of Routes 590 and 6 and next to Wallenpaupack Area High School. The hydroelectric plant provides clean, renewable energy in times of high electricity demand. The learning center offers programs and workshops to teachers, students and the public on the environment, conservation and the lake.
Embark on a geocaching adventure at PPL’s Lake Wallenpaupack
October 26, 2009 at 11:21 am (Activities, Lake Wallenpaupack, programs)
Tags: geocaching
Join us on a treasure hunt for the 21st century during a demonstration of geocaching from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at PPL’s Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center.
We’ll lead the group in a hands-on demonstration of geocaching, a new trend growing in popularity with the increasing availability of hand-held GPS units. Take a relaxing hike to a nearby cache and see what treasures await you. There will be some GPS units available to borrow.
This program is free. For directions to this event, click here.
The Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center is part of PPL’s Wallenpaupack hydroelectric project, built in 1926 near Hawley, Pa. The learning center is off Route 6 just east of the intersection of Routes 590 and 6 and next to Wallenpaupack Area High School. The hydroelectric plant provides clean, renewable energy in times of high electricity demand. The learning center offers programs and workshops to teachers, students and the public on the environment, conservation and the lake.
PPL’s Susquehanna Riverlands program a real hoot
October 26, 2009 at 11:18 am (Susquehanna Riverlands, birds, education, wildlife)
Tags: birds of prey, chirldren programs, owls
The night skies belong to the owl, and now children can shine a light on these mysterious birds during a program to be held at 10-11:30 a.m. and again at 1:30-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the PPL Susquehanna Energy Information Center.
Join John Fridman, supervisor of the Susquehanna Riverlands, as he discusses the adaptations that allow this superb hunter to fly silently, detect prey from a distance and strike with pinpoint accuracy on even the darkest night. Geared to children ages 7-12, this program will include the opportunity to dissect a regurgitated owl pellet to see what it reveals about the owl’s habits and habitat.
Because of the popularity of this program, two separate sessions are scheduled. Preregistration is required because of space constraints and limited materials. To register or for more information, please call 866-832-3312.
The Susquehanna Riverlands, along Route 11 about seven miles north of Berwick, is operated by PPL in conjunction with its Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Salem Township. The preserve, encompassing 1,200 acres on both the east and west banks of the Susquehanna River, has been providing the residents of north central Pennsylvania with quality recreation, fishing and environmental education since 1980.
Enjoy nature’s music
October 26, 2009 at 11:14 am (Activities, Montour Preserve)
Tags: Lester Hirsh, musical program
Explore the sights, sounds and cultural connections of nature during this musical program from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at PPL’s Montour Environmental Preserve.
Lester Hirsh, 2005 Grammy Nominee for best spoken word, will perform a mix of music that explores many cultural avenues during this educational show that is sure to be entertaining for all ages.
This free program will take place in the Environmental Education Center. For more information, contact the preserve at 570-437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.
PPL operates the preserve, about four miles northeast of Washingtonville, in conjunction with its Montour power plant in Derry Township.
The Montour Environmental Preserve is in a broad valley in the beautiful Appalachian hills. In the center of the preserve is the 165-acre Lake Chillisquaque. The preserve offers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities, including hiking, nature observation and photography, birding, boating and fishing.
