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Outdoors

What’s the value of planting trees? Conservation groups say a new formula can tell them.

Jenny Sanders always knew she’d follow in her father’s footsteps. Raised on Texas ranches by her wildlife biologist father, she has spent her life working to protect the environment with the Texas Wildlife Association, the Texas Agricultural Land Trust and a private ranch in South Texas. Today, the 44-year-old works in Lufkin helping various environmental organizations as an independent project coordinator, and since 2019, she’s worked with The Texas Longleaf Team to prevent the longleaf pine from vanishing. The group relies on grants to support its efforts to protect the ...

In the parks

Photo scavenger hunt NORTH BEND — Bring a camera or cell phone for a high-tech “Photo Scavenger Hunt” at Hyner Run State Park. Find the items on the list, take a photo, and get a prize. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. Program may be modified or canceled in the event of severe weather or new state or community guidelines. Meet at the amphitheater (by the pool).The event will take place on Friday, July 26 at 3:30 p.m. Summer Wildflowers of Hyner Run NORTH BEND — Take a stroll with the naturalist to see the different “Summer Wildflowers ...

Penn State Extension to hold ‘Landscaping Field Day’ Aug. 8

UNIVERSITY PARK — An upcoming Penn State Extension workshop will offer hands-on learning experiences for the green industry, along with opportunities to earn pesticide recertification credits. “Landscaping Field Day” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 at The Arboretum at ...

DMAP coupons

As a courtesy to area hunters, the Lock Haven City Authority is once again offering coupons under the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) to allow hunters to obtain an additional deer harvest permit for Lock Haven watershed property. Coupons will be available on a first come, first served basis at the Lock Haven Public Works Building, 99 Second Avenue, Lock Haven, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, beginning Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The total number of coupons is limited to 130. Each applicant can obtain two (2) coupons. Hunters are reminded to ...

Birds exemplify the cycle of life

One of the themes of this “Bird Lore” column is the annual cycle of bird life. The marvels of bird migration, which follow our seasonal changes, result in a wonderful diversity of bird life throughout the year in the central Susquehanna Valley (and of course, worldwide). This edition ...

Pennsylvania private forest landowners value fire as a tool to manage woodlands

UNIVERSITY PARK — Fire can help shape ecosystems, and after a century of suppressing naturally occurring fire that has thrown forests out of balance, some states — including Pennsylvania — are using controlled burns to help manage forests on public lands. Now, a new four-state study by a team of Penn State researchers shows that many private landowners in the Keystone State value controlled burns and are willing to pay for them on their woodlands, too. In findings published in Fire Ecology, the researchers reported that many private forest landowners have limited knowledge and ...