programs « PPL Environmental Preserves

Luzerne Envirothon Returns to Riverlands

May 3, 2012 at 4:22 pm (nature, programs, recreation, Susquehanna Riverlands, trees, wildlife)
Tags: Envirothon

PPL’s Susquehanna Riverlands hosted the Luzerne County Envirothon on Wednesday. Two hundred students and teachers from Luzerne County schools tested their knowledge in the subject areas of Aquatics, Soils, Wildlife, Forestry and Low Impact Development.

The winner this year was MMI Preparatory School in Freeland, Pa. They will go on to compete in the PA State Envirothon at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown on May 22 and 23. Good luck MMI Prep!

MMI Prep students claim 1st place at Luzerne County Envirothon

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A Bloody Secret

March 30, 2012 at 11:55 am (flowers, Montour Preserve, native plants, nature, observations, outdoors, Pennsylvania, plants, programs, seasons, wildflowers)

After a short and mild winter and an unusually warm beginning of spring it is no surprise that some of Montour Preserves woodland wildflowers are showing up early this year. One great example of this early bloom is bloodroot which is in full bloom at the preserve. Bloodroot can be recognized by its large white flowers and leaf which wraps itself around the stem in early spring. This showy spring blossom is aptly named for the orangish red sap that flows from the root and stem of the plant which has been used in a variety of ways in the past. Native Americans used bloodroot sap both medicinally and practically for a dye for face painting and clothing, and as a cough medicine. In the early 1980’s bloodroot extract called Sanguinaria, became somewhat famous as a first line of defense against gum disease and some prominent members of the dental community believed this extract to be as influential in plague fighting as fluoride had been to tooth decay. Don’t miss out on the wonders of early spring; remember our woodland wildflower walk is scheduled for Saturday April 28^th from 1:30-3:00p.m.

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PFBC’s Boating Safety Courses Offered at PPL Preserves…Register Now!

February 25, 2012 at 10:58 am (Activities, boating, programs, recreation, safety)
Tags: boating safety, Lake Wallenpaupack, PFBC, PPL Preserves

PPL holds boating safety classes at Lake Wallenpaupack (pictured) as well as all other preserve locations throughout the year.

For about two decades, PPL’s environmental preserves in Pennsylvania have held boating safety classes as part of PPL’s ongoing commitment to public safety. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) and certified instructors supply boaters with practical information so they can make informed decisions on the water.

“The boating safety classes are just one example of the free educational seminars, programs and workshops that are held at the PPL preserves,” said Meg Welker, education and public outreach manager and an instructor of the class since 1996. “PPL has an interest in making sure that everyone is aware of safety rules and regulations while enjoying their time on the water in a safe manner.”

Last year over 230 people attended a total of nine boating safety classes. This year, classes will be offered at all of the preserves, which includes Lake Wallenpaupack, Holtwood, Martins Creek, Susquehanna Riverlands, Brunner Island and Montour. Year-round recreation opportunities including fishing, boating and water-skiing exist near all of PPL’s preserves.

Students receive information on how to reduce the risk of injury and conflict while boating during the free eight-hour course. The course is intended to give vital information in a way that is interesting and fun.

At the end of the course, students can apply to the commission for a $10 Boating Safety Education Certificate if they complete a multiple-choice test with a score of at least 80 percent. Certificates are required for all operators of personal watercraft, regardless of age, and for boat operators born after Jan. 1, 1982, who operate motorboats of more than 25 horsepower.

Attendees must be at least 12 years old and preregister by calling the preserve where the class is being held. All materials are provided.

Upcoming courses:

Saturday (2/25) at the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center, Hawley, Pa.
March 17 at the Martins Creek Environmental Preserve at the Lower Mount Bethel Township Welcome Center, Bangor, Pa.
March 24 at the Susquehanna Energy Information Center, Berwick, Pa.
May 19 at the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center, Hawley, Pa.
For those who wish to become volunteer instructors of the course, there will be a class on Tuesday (2/28) at the Susquehanna Energy Information Center.

Visit www.pplpreserves.com for directions to the preserves and a calendar of upcoming events.

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October is Energy Awareness Month

October 3, 2011 at 11:34 am (conservation, energy, programs, Uncategorized)
Tags: Energy Awareness Month

It’s Energy Awareness Month! Come to the PPL Preserves in October to learn about energy conservation and efficiency.

Energy Awareness for Kids ~ Monday, Oct. 10, 6-7 p.m.

PPL Susquehanna Energy Information Center

Presenter: Alana Roberts, PPL

Are the kids getting stir crazy? Are you tired of reminding them to turn off the lights or computer when they’re not using them? Bring them to the energy information center to get them moving and learning about important concepts such as energy conservation, pollution and predation. This program will be both inside with a short venture outside, so wear sturdy shoes and warm gear.　This interactive free program is appropriate for families with children ages 6 and older, but this program isn’t just for the kids. Adults will learn some useful information, too, like how to save a few bucks on your electric bill.

Beware of the Phantom! ~ Monday, October 24, 6-7 p.m.

PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center

Presenters: Jamie Reeger, Lackawanna College Environmental Institute and Meg Welker, PPL

Are there phantoms and vampires lurking in your home? See how a simple tool can help identify some of those “phantom or vampire” sources secretly using energy in your home. Find out how much electricity is used by common household appliances, gadgets and electronic devices even if they’re switched off. This is a great way to become even more energy-conscious, especially during National Energy Awareness Month.

“Do-It-Yourself” Tips for Weatherizing Your Home ~ Tuesday, October 25, 7-9 p.m.

PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center

Presenters: SEEDS and TEAAM

You know you can do it! Tasks like caulking, programming a thermostat, duct sealing and more will be discussed at this program. Let SEEDS – Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support – and TEEAM – The Energy Action Awareness Movement – help you take those first steps to saving energy, saving money and saving the planet. This free forum is open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

What’s in your conservation toolbox? ~ Saturday, October 29, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center

Presenter: Fred Gast, PPL

Back by popular demand! You’ve asked us to repeat this money and energy-saving program and here it is, just in time for the arrival of cooler temperatures. Join the discussion about energy-efficient techniques and practices that save you the most money as you consider winterization options for your homes. Review some proven products as we explore home energy use and conservation. Share your own tips that not only help save you dollars, but will allow you to sit back and enjoy a cozy, comfortable winter. Everyone will take home an energy-saving product. Registrations are not necessary.

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Windmill Tour Held in Conjunction with PPL Renewable Energy

September 29, 2011 at 4:13 pm (education, energy, Pennsylvania, programs)
Tags: Frey Farm, renewable energy

More than 100 people turned out for a tour of the new wind mills at Turkey Point in Lancaster County on Sept. 17. PPL Renewable Energy completed the wind turbine project, located on land owned by the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, earlier this year. As the turbines’ owners and operators, PPL has been providing clean energy to the Turkey Hill Dairy since they began operating. The wind turbines provide the diary with about 25% of its energy needs, which is enough to produce 6 million gallons of ice cream every year. Turkey Hill also benefits from another green energy project at the landfill — a methane gas-to-electricity plant that is also owned and operated by PPL Renewable Energy. Heat from the engines is used by the dairy for daily cleaning of their equipment. You can learn more about PPL Renewable Energy at www.pplrenewablenergy.com.

Frey Farm Windmills

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Marvelous Wild Mushrooms

September 23, 2011 at 1:31 pm (Activities, education, Montour Preserve, native plants, nature, outdoors, Pennsylvania, programs, Susquehanna Riverlands)

Learn to identify mushrooms like this one from Bill Russell

Autumn rains bring mushrooms to woodlands, fields and lawns. They grow in a wide range of shapes, colors and sizes and can create an identification nightmare. To learn more about wild mushrooms, join Bill Russell, author of the Field Guide to Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic for a talk and identification walk. You can choose from two locations and dates. The first will be at the Susquehanna Riverlands Sunday, Sept. 25 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, October 1, also from 1:30-3:30 p.m., the program will be repeated at Montour Preserve.

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Flooding impacts PPL Preserves

September 16, 2011 at 5:03 pm (Brunner Island, Holtwood, Montour Preserve, programs, Susquehanna Riverlands)
Tags: PPL Preserves

PPL environmental preserves along the Susquehanna River are cleaning up and making repairs to the damage left by the recent flooding, affecting public programs and recreational facilities.

Here’s a summary of the situation at PPL’s environmental preserves affected by the flooding:

Susquehanna Riverlands, near Berwick, on both the east and west banks of the Susquehanna River: The recreation area and wetlands will remain closed until further notice due to the recent flooding. PPL will assess conditions daily as the facility restores electricity and water. Park facilities will be reopened when conditions are safe for the public.

The Susquehanna Energy Information Center on Route 11 remains open during the week. Programs at the information center will be held as scheduled. Call 866-832-3312 for further information.

Montour Environmental Preserve, northeast of Washingtonville: The picnic areas are open for use. Lake Chillisquaque has returned to normal operating level and is open to public recreation, including boating and fishing. However, some trails remain closed until damage caused by the recent flooding can be repaired. Call 570-437-3131 for further information.

Holtwood Environmental Preserve, on both shores of the lower Susquehanna River in Lancaster and York counties: Park areas and trails are open with portable toilets, but there is no water available and boat launches are closed. Pinnacle Overlook and Lock 12 Historic Area off Route 372 are open. Call 1-800-692-6328 for further information about river conditions.

Brunner Island, in York County, offers a wetlands, fishing in the channel between the Brunner Island power plant and the Susquehanna River, a hiking trail and a boat launch area. Wago Road, the main road to access Brunner Island, is washed out and trees are down. This road is closed from the south end, near Mount Wolf. Call 1-800-692-6328 for further information about river conditions. The cleanup of the PPL Conewago Boat Launch which had been scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 24 is canceled.

For more information about PPL’s environmental preserves visit www.pplpreserves.com or send an email to pplpreserves@pplweb.com

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Postcards from the Past

August 24, 2011 at 12:34 pm (Activities, education, history, Holtwood, programs)

Bathers enjoy a dip in the Susquehanna

People haven’t changed much through the ages. We still enjoy a cool dip on a hot day. We also like to share our adventures with others. Today we rely on cell phones, email, Twitter and Facebook to keep in contact with friends and family. In the early 1900s, messages were sent on postcards. This one shows a group enjoying a dip in the Susquehanna River at the then resort town of Pequea. Join us on August 25 at the Holtwood Environmental Center from 7-8 p.m. to explore Pequea life in the early 1900s through stories and postcards of the period.

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Landing on the Sheets

August 9, 2011 at 12:53 pm (Activities, Brunner Island, education, insects, nature, observations, outdoors, Pennsylvania, programs)

Attendees at “Mother Nature’s Night Life” program held at Brunner Island Wetlands had a real treat as Ryan Bridge, “The Bug Man,” attracted night flying insects to hanging white sheets using an ultra-violet light. As the insects settled on the sheets, they provided an excellent opportunity for close observation of a variety of

Female dobsonfly that landed on a sheet during the recent night life program.

summer insects. This female dobsonfly is just one of the many bugs that made an appearance that night. My, what big jaws you have. We send a special thank you to the entomology club for the gift of a bug collection. This will make a great educational resource.

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Bee-lieve It Or Not

June 22, 2011 at 5:55 pm (Activities, education, insects, Montour Preserve, nature, outdoors, programs)

Thanks to more than 70 people who attended last evening’s Bee-ginning Beekeeping at MontourPreserve. Jim Wilson of Brushy Mountain Bee Farm shared a wealth of how-to information on getting started with bees and keeping a hive healthy and happy. (After all, happy honeybees make more honey.) This program kicked off a celebration of National Pollinator Week and will continue with two additional programs. The next is a showing of “The Bee Movie” on Friday evening. Rounding out the week will be a “Mystery Bee Tea” on Sunday. If you didn’t register for the tea, unfortunately you are out of luck until next year. The tea is currently filled to capacity. Not a bad idea to give a little thought to all the foods bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and bats provide us through pollination. We owe about one-third of the human diet to pollinators.