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Outdoors

Game Commission announces new executive director

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Game Commission has a new executive director. Stephen Smith, who has served as deputy executive director since February, was appointed to his new role Monday by the Board of Game Commissioners, which convened in executive session. Smith replaces Bryan Burhans, who served as the agency’s executive director since 2017. Burhans resigned his position on Monday, and his resignation was accepted by the board in executive session. Thanking Burhans for his service, Commissioner Scott Foradora explained the moves. “Not every hunter will agree on every ...

Pennsylvania Game Commission to collect data on ducks via GPS transmitters

The Pennsylvania Game Commission always wants to make sure they have information regarding animals and birds within the state. Are there any new nesting sites? Are certain birds changing their diets unexpectedly? What do the migration paths look like? All of that can be tough at times to ...

In the Parks

Remake Learning Days: Wildflower Walk On Saturday, May 18, at 2 p.m., at Little Pine State Park, take a walk around Little Pine State Park with the naturalist to see the different wildflowers coming out during spring. This event is part of the “Remake Learning Days” series in state parks and is titled “Remake Learning Days: Wildflower Walk.” All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. Program may be modified or cancelled in the event of severe weather or new state or community guidelines. Meet at the amphitheater. Remake Learning Days: Wildflower ...

The problem with leaf blowers, and what you can do instead

When I was a kid, I used to help my mother clear leaves the old-fashioned way — with a rake. These days, I don’t see many rakes in my neighborhood. It seems everyone has a leaf blower or a landscaper who uses one, often at ungodly hours, which disrupts humans as well as wildlife. The ...

In the Parks

Nature's Spring Sonata On Saturday, April 27, at 4 p.m., at Hyner Run State Park, join the naturalist for a relaxing stroll down the Nature Trail to hear “Nature’s Spring Sonata.” Topics of discussion will center around what is being heard. This is designed to be an informal program. 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 community guidelines. Meet at the amphitheater (by the pool). Nature’s Spring Sonata On Saturday, April 27, at 7 p.m., at Little Pine State Park, join ...