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Try Composting
June 20, 2013 at 10:35 am (Activities, efficiency, environment, savings, Uncategorized)
Do-it-yourself soil! Composting is a simple and satisfying way to give back to the environment and to cut down on your garbage collection bill. Here’s how to do it:
–BIN. Construct a bin for your compost. There’s no right or wrong bin, but a lid might be beneficial for those with frisky raccoons, opossums, or close neighbors. Bins also help regulate moisture and temperature.
–BALANCING. Fill bin with a balanced mixture of “green stuff” (carbon) and “brown stuff” (nitrogen). This activates the heat process and encourages aerobic (air dependent) bacteria growth. You’ll want a working balance between the two.
*Brown stuff is high in carbon and serves as the fiber for your compost and also allows for more porosity in your heap (make sure your organisms can breath!). You should aim for 2/3 carbon and 1/3 nitrogen.
*Green stuff provides materials for making enzymes and should be used in moderation. If your compost takes on a sour or vinegary odor, add more carbon and turn it for aeration.
–WATER. Your heap should be about as damp as a cloth that has been wrung out. If your pile gets too wet it may not be able to breath. If it’s too dry, add some good ‘ol H2O.
–TEMPERATURE. An indication of microbial activity is all in the temperature. Your aim is to have a steaming hot heap of compost. If your pile is not steaming the microbial activity has slowed, add more nitrogen.
–AIR. Turn your compost pile about once or twice a week for proper aeration. You can do this by sifting through it with a pitchfork, dumping it out and putting it back in the bin, or simply turning it with a handle if you have a store-bought compost bin.
–HARVESTING. Spread your new compost into your garden. CAUTION – fresh compost can rob the soil of nitrogen as it continues to break down. It’s best to wait a few weeks before planting anything in it.
–TIPS:
*Break up large clumps. These clumps can start to decompose anaerobically (not air dependent), which is slow and smelly. You want your compost to decompose aerobically (air dependent), which is faster and sweet smelling.
*Avoid pesticide and/or herbicide-treated material.
*If your compost heap is smelly add carbon, turn it, and break up clumps. Add lime or saw dust to the top to mask odor.
*DO NOT add bones, meat, oil/fat, synthetic fibers, plastic, disposable diapers, diseased plants, glossy paper, coal/coke ash, cat litter, dairy, carnivorous/omnivorous manure, bread, or nuts. These items can become slimy and slow decomposition. It’s best to just toss these into your garden or under a tree (away from a road). Your back yard critters will discover them quickly.
*DO USE fruit, veggies, eggshells, leaves, lawn clippings, small branches, straw/hay, pine needles (use sparingly due to high acidity), flowers, wood ash, coffee grounds (and filter), tea bags (with filter), newspaper, shredded paper (no colored inks), cardboard, dryer lint.
For more information check out http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html
Three Masked Visitors
June 14, 2013 at 3:54 pm (environment, mammals, Montour Preserve, nature, observations, wildlife)
Usually we have people coming to our Visitors Center to see the wildlife exhibits or wildife behind the center. Yesterday we had wildlife visiting to see the humans on display. Where these three little raccoons came from and where they were going remains a mystery. We just don’t know who will show up at the preserve.
Nominate an Environmental Leader
June 14, 2013 at 9:30 am (community, conservation, environment)
NEWS FROM: Northeast Environmental Partners
The Northeast Environmental Partners announce the “23rd Annual Evening for Pennsylvania’s Environment” and are seeking a Call For Nominations for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partnership Awards; the Thomas P. Shelburne Award and the Emerging Environmental Leader Award.
The Northeast Environmental Partners (Northeast Pennsylvania Alliance, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Northeast Office, PPL Corporation, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, and Wilkes University) are proud to announce that the 23rd Annual Evening for Pennsylvania’s Environment has been scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2013 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort. Additionally, nominations are being sought for the Twenty Third Annual Environmental Partnership Awards, the Nineteenth Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award and the 2013 Emerging Environmental Leader Award.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partnership Awards are presented annually to recognize the achievements of individuals or organizations that, through partnerships, have achieved excellence in environmental protection or conservation. The Evening showcases the Recipient of the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award. This award, in its nineteenth year, was established by the NEPA Environmental Partners to recognize an individual who stands out for his or her long-term commitment to environmental quality through inspirational leadership, dedication and commitment to partnering. This year we will also focus on the 2013 Emerging Environmental Leader Award, which will be awarded to a student who demonstrates young environmental leadership, creativity and dedication to inspire others to adopt similar actions to protect the environment. “Northeastern Pennsylvania is overflowing with friends of the environment, who provide ample opportunities for partnerships that involve young children and grandparents alike,” said Meg Welker, manager of education and public outreach at PPL and dinner planning committee chairperson. “Please consider nominating the leaders who demonstrate successful partnerships in our communities and inspiration for future generations to carry on.”
The Awards are open to any group, individual, company, program, or organization whose work has had a positive impact on the environment in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s following counties; Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming.
During the past 22 years, over 160 individuals and groups involved in agriculture, forestry, business, industry, education, science, environmental awareness, community service, and government have been honored.
Nominations may be made by a person or persons involved in the activity, or by a third party.
Nominations must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2013. Your Nomination form is attached or Visit http://www.pecpa.org for a nomination form. Award presentations will be made during the Environmental Partnership Awards Dinner being held on Thursday October 24, 2013 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Wilkes-Barre PA.
Celebrate National Outdoors Month!
June 8, 2013 at 10:40 am (Activities, boating, Brunner Island, community, fishing, geocaching, Hiking, Lake Wallenpaupack, Martins Creek, Montour Preserve, nature, nature photography, outdoors, photography, recreation, Susquehanna Riverlands, Uncategorized)
“The United States is blessed with a wealth of natural diversity that remains at the heart of who we are as a people. … Our natural surroundings animate the American spirit, fuel discovery and innovation, and offer unparalleled opportunities for recreation and learning. During Great Outdoors Month, we celebrate the land entrusted to us by our forebears and resolve to pass it on safely to future generations.”
-President Barack Obama
What better way to participate in National Outdoors Month with friends and family than at PPL’s environmental preserves? Our preserves offer camping facilities, miles of hiking trails, boating, picnic areas, geocaching and much more for your outdoor adventures. See you there!
PPL Environmental Preserves 