Outdoors Calendar, Week beginning February 14
TUESDAY
Manheim Sportsmen’s Association’s indoor range open for handgun practice from 7-9 p.m. Fee is $5 for nonmembers of the club. The club is at 552 Oak Tree Road.
WEDNESDAY
Speedwell Forge Lake presentation and business meeting, Sierra Club-Lancaster Group, Lancaster Country Day School, Room 111, 725 Hamilton Road. The business meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. and include a variety of 2012 activities and initiatives. At 7:30 p.m., a representative of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will give an update on the recent drawdown of Speedwell Forge Lake. for more information, go to http://pennsylvania.sierraclub.org/lancaster/.
Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets, 7 p.m., Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road. Kurt Enck gives a presentation on backpacking and fly fishing in Shenandoah National Park.
Indoor 3-D shoot, Lancaster Archery Club, each Wednesday through March 28. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 20 Rinehart targets. $10. for information, call 575-9649. Directions to Lancaster Supply Warehouse: Rt. 23, turn right onto Graybill Road in Leola, facility is on left and the parking is on right.
Sporting clays shoot, Atglen Sportsmen. Begins at 5 p.m.; $5.50. The club is on Creek Road, Sadsbury Township.
Trap shoot under the lights, Adamstown Rod & Gun Club. Begins at 5 p.m.; $3. The club is at 563 Willow St., Reinholds.
THURSDAY
Donegal Fish and Conservation Association meets, 7 p.m., Donegal Presbyterian Church. for more information, call Kurt Enck at 492-1928.
Penn Dutch Pacers Volksmarch Club meets, 7 p.m., Lancaster Health Campus in the Diagnostic Imaging Center, Patient and Family Education Conference Room.
Muhlenberg Botanical Society meets, 7:30 p.m., North Museum.
Furbearer hunting seasons ends for raccoons and foxes.
Eastern Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation’s 21st annual hunting and outdoor show at Mariott Hunt Valley Inn, 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, Md.; Through Saturday. $5. Hours are 3-8 p.m. Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. call 435-8023 for more information.
Trap shoot, Paradise Sportsmen. Begins at 5 p.m.; $4. take Route 741 east from Strasburg; right on Belmont Road.
FRIDAY
Lancaster Herpetological Society meets, 7 p.m., North Museum.
SATURDAY
Lancaster Fly Fishing Show, also Sunday, Lancaster County Convention Center, 3 East Vine St. The show will be open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Fly-casters, fly-tiers, tackle manufacturers, authors, artists and representatives from angling destinations around the world will converge on the city with a sure cure for mid-winter blues. The 2012 edition of the Lancaster Fly Fishing Show will feature a sneak preview of straight-out-of-the-box new products from the worldwide fly-fishing industry. The venue offers reduced price weekend parking rates. for the first time, the Fly Fishing Show will host the two-hour, 16 entries International Fly Fishing Film Festival. Award-winning films will be shown Saturday beginning at 6:30 p.m. Festival entries have been produced by professional and amateur filmmakers to showcase the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing. “From steelhead in northern British Columbia to chasing multiple species in Costa Rica, the variety of films will pique the interest of all anglers. IF4 contains exclusive content not available in any other fly-fishing film event,” said Chuck Furimsky, Fly Fishing Show producer. among the full-length films slated to debut are “Sellfish Media, a Backyard in Nowhere”; “Cross Current Fishing, Cast Alaska”; “Patagonia Nation, Chasing the Run”; “No Sports Allowed, The Costa Rica Challenge”; “Fly Max Films, Cuba Bound”; “Trout mad Fisher, Downstream”; and “Burl Productions, Tails of Mongolia.” Additionally, there will be shorts and short features. Film Festival tickets are $15, $10 with advance purchase or $10 with admission to the Fly Fishing Show on Saturday. the Fly Fishing Show features every form of the sport – fresh to saltwater, river to farm pond. Fishing lodges and destination waters range from Labrador to Ascension Bay in Mexico’s Yucatan, Argentine Patagonia, Alaska, and Yellowstone National Park to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, with seminars and Destination theater presentations. Ten Fly Fishing Show vacation/travel door prizes will be awarded; each is for two anglers and includes lodges in Argentina, Labrador, Mexico, Utah, Bahamas and more. some 121 commercial exhibitor booths, ranging from rod and reel manufacturers, retail dealers, boots and waders, to clothing to lodges and fly-fishing camps from around the world. they will line the Lancaster County Convention Center exhibition hall. Destination Theatre programs begin at 10 a.m. on Sat. and continue until 4 p.m. on Sun. and include “Fly Fishing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” Dusty Wissmaths; “Pennsylvania Trout Streams and Proven Patterns for Success,” Ben Turpin; “Patagonia Brown Trout,” Austin Hepburn; “Fly Fishing Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley,” Colby Trow; “Extreme Florida Keys Tarpon on a Fly,” Jake Jordan; “Top Flats Fishing Destinations of the Caribbean,” Jim Klug; and “Rapid River and Western Maine,” Whit Carter. Other Destination Theater programs are “Fly Fishing the Delaware,” John Miller; “Fly Fishing in Argentina and Chile,” John Hudgens; “Steelhead Fishing Pulaski, new York,” Bob Shannon; “Warm Water Adventures in Eastern Pennsylvania,” Jake Villwock; and “Permit Fishing in Ascension Bay (Yucatan),” Tim Profata. Additionally, there will be about 50 tying and casting demonstrations and other fly-fishing shows per day. a complete schedule of Destination Theatre shows, Film Festival presentations, casting demonstrations, featured fly-tiers and seminars is available at http://www.flyfishingshow.com/. there are two casting ponds for demonstrations. Casting instructors include Lefty Kreh, Michael Mauri, Bob Clouser and Joe Humphreys. Featured fly tiers include Tom Baltz, Ed Shenk, George Daniel, Bob Popovics, Eric Stroup and Clouser. Eighteen how-to-do-it and where-to-go seminars over the two show days include programs by Kreh, Stroup, Clouser, Daniel, Coz Costelnick, Ben Turpin and Ozzie Ozefovich. Classes with experts will be held both Sat. and Sun. Pre-registration is required for a casting and tying class with Humphreys, fly tying with Clouser, Shenk and Stroup. Class registration is $75 and may be purchased at the Fly Fishing Show website or 800-481-2393. current and classic authors will be on hand to discuss their works and sign books. Tackle manufacturer representative Jon Shaner will clean and lubricate any Hardy reel, describe the reel’s history and give you a bottle of lubricant. Shaner will be in the Hardy booth. old and antique rods, reels, flies, lures and books will be evaluated free in the Classic Fly Fisherman’s booth. The Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) will offer free fly-tying and casting lessons to both youngsters and adults. Admission: Adults $15 for one day, $25 for a two-day pass. Children under 5 free, under 12 $2; Scouts under age 16 in uniform free. Active military with ID are $10. Film Festival $15, $10 with advance purchase or $10 with show admission.
Annual shed antler hunt, 1-5 p.m., Environmental Center, Lancaster County Central Park. if the days of winter seem to be dragging by and you want to get outside and tramp through the woods, then come to Lancaster County Central Park for our annual shed antler hunt. Naturalist Karen Waltemyer will introduce participants to the life of our white-tailed deer and tell about why they lose their antlers each winter. Then you can join in the search for one of nature’s greatest treasures, the ever-elusive dropped antler. Space is limited and participants must be at least 12 years old. Registration is required and can be completed by calling 295-2055.
The great Backyard Bird Count, 10 a.m., Environmental Center, Gov. Dick Park. Join Audrey in the bird count. Results will then be sent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as part of this citizen scientist project. for more info on the GBBC, go to www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Bring binoculars. Governor Dick Environmental Center is located on Pinch Road in Mt. Gretna. To register, e-mail governordick@hotmail.com, or call 964-3808, leave a name and phone number in case of cancellation.
Eighth annual Chesapeake Bay/Delaware Bay Workshop will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Hoffman Community Building on Park Avenue in Memorial Park in Quarryville. The workshop will feature presentations by Captain Chuck Fisher at BFG Fishing Guides on trolling, jigging and live-bait fishing for Chesapeake rockfish, Captain Bob Meimbresse at Down Deep Sportfishing on catching big striped bass and huge black drum to 90 pounds in Delaware Bay, and Captain Richie Gaines at Angler’s Connection Guide Service on a Better Understanding of your Depthfinder/GPS that will enable attendees to more effectively locate and catch all of their favorite species. Door prizes will be awarded. Coffee, breakfast, beverages and lunch will be available for purchase. Advanced registration is recommended. The cost is $25, 15 for women and children under 14 (admission at the door will be $30). Register by making a check payable to Keith Kaufman, and mail it to Keith Kaufman, 13 Apache Lane, Willow Street, PA 17584. please include your phone number. call Kaufman at (717) 284-3385 for additional information, or for directions. Parking is free.
The Lancaster County Bird Club is offering a field trip to new Jersey. The locations are Shark River Inlet, Manasquan River and Barnegat Light. The public is invited free of charge. Preregistration no later than the day before the trip is required. Contact leader Doug Anderson at 717-203-2482 or at doug.anderson@pennmanor.net. this trip has a 5:30 a.m. start. To learn about the Bird Club, see www.lancasterbirdclub.org.
Trapshooting practice for public, Conewago Rod & Gun Club, Elizabethtown. From 9 a.m.-2 p.m. call 426-2016 or see conewagogunclub.org.
SUNDAY
Maple sugaring demonstrations begin, 1-4 p.m. this Sunday, as wells as Sundays Feb. 26 and March 4, and Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Pavilion 11 in Central Park. With daylight increasing daily we are fast approaching our favorite time of year in Lancaster County Central Park. our 35th year of demonstrating the maple sugaring process is upon us. Naturalists with the Lancaster County Parks’ Environmental Center will be introducing visitors to the process. Visitors will be taught how to identify trees suitable for tapping, the proper technique to safely tap the trees, how to collect and boil the sap, and how to finish your syrup so it’s ready for the table. as always, everybody who comes out for the program can try a bit of maple candy at the conclusion. Representatives of Patterson Farms, the largest maple syrup producers in Pennsylvania, will be on hand selling syrup as well as various items from their wide selection of maple based products. Programs will start approximately every 20 minutes. if inclement weather sets in and we are forced to cancel a day’s operations, information will be posted on WGAL. The entire program is held outdoors so please dress for the weather and ground conditions. come out and join us for our most popular program of the year. We’ll have the fire hot and the candy waiting. if you have a school, scout, civic, or other group and would like a private program, please call 295-2055 to schedule a time during one of our weekly boiling days. there is a small fee for this service.
Quittapahilla Audubon Society field trip to Union Canal Tunnel Park in Lebanon County for observation of flora and fauna, including sightings for the great Backyard Bird Count. Meet at 2 p.m. in the parking lot off 25th Street in Lebanon. Free and open to public. Fore more information, conact Fritz Heilman at 273-0487.
Hikes for the public, led by Lancaster Hiking Club. At 1:15 p.m., hike about 5 moderate miles along the Susquehanna River and back through Marietta. Or, an impromptu hike. Carpools leave promptly from North West end Ave. at Buchanan Ave.
Sporting clays shoot, Atglen Sportsmen. From 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; $12. take Route 41 south from Gap; right on Route 372; left on Main Street; right on Steelville Mill Road; left on Creek Road.
Indoor handgun shoot, Mill Creek Sportsmen’s Association. Noon-2:30 p.m. Nonmembers, $15. call 393-6416. Handgun safety course available.
MONDAY
Lititz Sportsmen’s Association meets, 7:30 p.m., American Legion on North Broad Steet in Lititz. for more information, call Dick Williams at 569-5114.
Practice trap shoot, Paradise Sportsmen. Shoot begins at 5 p.m.; $4. take Route 741 east from Strasburg; right on Belmont Road.
ONGOING
“Bugs…outside the Box” and “Wicked Bugs” exhibitions now at The North Museum of Natural History & Science. Features a stag beetle the size of a third grader, a butterfly with a 5-foot wingspan and dozens of bugs that have changed history. “Bugs…outside the Box” features enormous and scientifically accurate insect sculptures by Italian artist Lorenzo Possenti. Magnified up to 20 times their normal size, these gigantic works of art allow visitors to examine intricate details not visible to the naked eye and provide a rarely seen view of these amazing creatures. “Wicked Bugs” focuses on insects that have invaded, infested, infected, and generally wreaked havoc on human civilization throughout history, whether painful, deadly, or just downright irritating. The exhibit is based on The new York Times bestseller “Wicked Bugs: The Louse that Conquered Napoleon’s Army and Other Diabolical Insects” by Amy Stewart. The exhibition shares the long and complex relationship between man and bug using a selection of hand-tinted prints and insect specimens. “Bugs…outside the Box” is one the largest temporary exhibitions the North Museum has ever hosted. To accommodate the 2,500-square-foot show, the Museum is removing temporary walls, aging display cabinets and electrical fixtures in its fluorescent mineral room and Natives of the Susquehanna gallery. The renovations are made possible by gifts from Dr. and mrs. Paul Ripple and Len and Pat Eiserer. both exhibitions will run through may 13. In addition to its normal hours, the Museum will remain open for First Fridays, February through may, from 5-7 p.m., with reduced museum admission, refreshments and entertainment. for more information, www.northmuseum.org or 291-3941.
The Manheim Township Recreation Department and Habitat MT are sponsoring the first Lancaster Conservationist of the Year Award. Criteria for nominees will be judged on their contributions to conservation, including volunteer projects, group affiliations and personal practices. Nominations will be accepted from the public through March 15. five finalists will be chosen and the winner will be announced at a banquet to be held on Thursday, April 19, at The Barn on the Overlook Community Campus. Send nominations to Margie Earnest, Recreation Director, Manheim Township Recreation Department, 1241 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601.
Game Commission selling bluebird nesting boxes. If you are interested in connecting with wildlife in your own backyard, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is now selling bluebird nesting boxes at its Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Avenue. The boxes sell for $9.54 (includes sales tax), and customers can select from assembled boxes or kits that can be assembled as a wood-working project. “Bluebirds are early nesters, so now is the time to put up new nest boxes, as well as to clean and repair existing boxes,” said Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief. “These bluebird boxes enable Pennsylvanians to help wildlife in a natural way. Also, building nesting boxes is a great project for individuals, families or civic organizations interested in connecting with wildlife. These box designs are proven to attract bluebirds and other native species, such as tree swallows and house wrens.” Bluebirds live in open country, and are a beautiful songbird native to Pennsylvania. Bluebirds are cavity nesters and have become less common due to a lack of suitable nest sites. Many nest sites have been lost through changing land-use practices, as well as to urban and suburban sprawl. but the introductions of house sparrows and starlings in 1851 and 1890 have been the primary reasons for the bluebirds’ decline, as these non-native species took over native bluebird nesting cavities. The bluebird boxes offered by the Game Commission include an opening that is the prescribed one-and-one-half inches in diameter. this precludes starlings from being able to enter. however, house sparrows still may be able to enter the boxes. if this occurs, the house sparrow nests should be removed immediately. Boxes should be erected on a free-standing pole three to five feet above the ground – facing south, if possible – and facing a nearby tree or fence where young birds can safely land on their initial flights from the box. To reduce predation and competition from other species, no perch should be placed on the box; bluebirds do not need one. Boxes placed in pairs, about 20 feet apart, may help reduce competition from swallows. The Game Commission’s Howard Nursery has been manufacturing bluebird nest boxes and box kits for more than a quarter century. each year, about 9,000 boxes are manufactured there and sold or provided to Pennsylvanians to help bluebirds. that annual influx of new nest boxes helps ensure Pennsylvania remains a “keystone state” in bluebird conservation. Sales will continue while supplies last, and office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Game Commission’s headquarters is at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg. To order by phone, call the Game Commission’s Harrisburg office at 1-888-888-3459. if ordering by phone, shipping and handling costs will apply depending on how many boxes are ordered. for more information on bluebirds, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Wildlife” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, and then select “Bluebird” in the “Wild Birds and Birding” section of the page. Also, information about additional wildlife nesting structures can be found by putting your cursor on “Self-Help” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then clicking on “Download Forms and Brochures” in the drop-down menu listing, and then clicking on “Wildlife Homes Order Form” in the “Agency Programs” section.
Swatara State Park targeted for trail installation, other improvements. a long-awaited construction project that will see trails, parking areas and bridges installed at Swatara State Park in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties is now under way, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said. “Long identified as undeveloped, this gem of a state park comprised of woodlands and meadows straddling Swatara Creek is targeted for the type of improvements its visitors have requested,” said DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. “Planned facility and infrastructure improvements will support and enhance day-use recreation that already includes canoeing, fishing, hiking, picnicking and bicycling.” Work will include installation of 10 miles of crushed stone trails along an existing railway bed and a portion of abandoned old State Road. a new trail and bridge near Sand Siding Road will connect the former rail bed and roadway. another bridge will span Mill Creek on the rail trail. four new trailheads, or parking areas, also are planned, affording easy access to the trails and launch areas for canoeing and kayaking. Financed through state capital budget funds, the $4.67 million project undertaken by Kinsley Construction of York County is expected to be completed by mid-July. State acquisition of lands that were to become Swatara State Park began in 1971 and was completed in 1987. Totaling 3,520 acres, the state park was subject of numerous surveys, environmental assessments, Bureau of State Parks research efforts and governmental and user-group committee studies. The input shaped the park’s future and best utilizes its recreational potential. “With its increased network of trails and access to Swatara Creek launching areas, we see park visitation growing significantly,” Allan said. “We know more than 84,000 visitors came last year to float and fish its waters and hike and bike its scenic woodlands.” Park visitors are advised construction work may affect access to certain areas. Closings may be required along old State Road/Bear Hole Trail, Rail Trail, the Lickdale Spur, and the boat launch near Swopes Valley Road. Mountain bike trails, the Appalachian Trail, and Waterville Bridge will remain open, as will sections of the rail trail. The Swatara Water Trail will require portage around bridge construction. Updated information can be obtained by contacting Memorial Lake State Park Office, 717-865-6470; or by e-mail at memorialsp@pa.gov. most of Swatara State Park is located along Interstate 81 between Second and Blue mountains. An 8-mile stretch of the Swatara Creek Water Trail winds through the park, and two miles of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine, cross its southern sector. part of the Memorial Lake State Park Complex, Swatara Creek is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking and tubing enthusiasts, especially in the spring. Designated launches in the northern and southern ends of the park provide access to the creek for boaters. for more information on Swatara and Pennsylvania’s other 119 state parks, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select “Find a Park”).
PPL Holtwood has expanded the restricted area for boaters to areas within the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of the Holtwood Dam and around the Route 372 Norman Wood Bridge as workers perform blasting in the river below the bridge as part of the expansion project at the Holtwood hydroelectric plant. The tailrace, the area where river water leaves the power plant, remains closed to shoreline fishing until construction is completed in 2013. Boating in the area from the Norman Wood Bridge into the tailrace has been restricted because of construction. Signs will be posted at boat ramps and trailheads to advise boaters of the restricted areas. Shoreline fishing is available nearby at Safe Harbor and Muddy run. The $440 million Holtwood expansion project, which will add 125 megawatts of clean, renewable electric generating capacity at the plant, will result in improvements to recreational facilities. Those improvements will include better access for fishing, parking closer to the river, a new shoreline fishing pier and areas that can be accessed by people with physical limitations.
The North Museum of Natural History & Science and the Lancaster Science Factory have launched Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2011. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
Dogs are now allowed to stay with their owners at select state park cabins and camping cottages under a pilot program, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said today. “Every year a number of visitors ask us whether their dogs can stay with them at a state park cabin,” said Bureau of State Parks Director John Norbeck. “To better serve our customers, we’ve created this pilot program and will evaluate the success of the program for possible expansion.” Norbeck said pets are currently allowed to spend the night at designated sites in 47 state park campgrounds. The pilot program will apply only to dogs and will involve select cabins and camping cottages at seven state parks: Chapman, Warren County; Cowans Gap, Fulton County; Kooser, Somerset County; Poe Valley, Centre County; Prince Gallitzin, Cambria County; Promised Land, Pike County; and Pymatuning, Crawford County. Dogs will not be allowed to be left alone in cabins and cottages. they also must be kept on a leash when in the park, and must stay in the areas designated for pets. there will be a $5 fee added each night for the modern and rustic cabins and deluxe camping cottages, and a $2 nightly fee for a standard camping cottage. No more than two dogs will be permitted per cabin and other rules will apply. Reservations for all state park overnight accommodations can be made online at www.visitPAParks.com or by calling toll-free at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).
Volunteer opportunities at North Museum of Natural History and Science. Community members can share their passion for natural history and science. Needed are docents and tour guides to lead activities and guide visitors throughout the museum. Docents are needed to lead group tours during the week. Tour guides are needed on weekends. Also needed are live animal room associates to introduce visitors to the residents of the museum’s live animal room by allowing them to touch the animals and learn more about their distinct characteristics. Candidates should have a willingness to learn about the exhibits and collections at the museum and a passion for sharing that knowledge and engaging young minds. Applicants should be flexible in their availability to volunteer during the museum’s normal business hours and willing to attend volunteer training. if interested, contact Towanda Williams, volunteer coordinator, at twilliams@northmuseum.org or 291-3943.
UPCOMING
The Lancaster County Conservation District is taking orders for its 38th Annual Tree Seedling Sale to bring the power of trees to homes, fields, stream banks and residential yards. Trees have the power to shelter, cool and conserve, the district said. “Many residents in the county have suffered tree loss due to flooding, early snowfall, and high winds during the past year. “Some folks may like to add some trees to their property to bear fruit, attract wildlife or add blooms to spring and blushes of color to fall.” The sale features all pre-ordered stock with orders available for pick up Thursday, April 12, at the Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road. The list of available trees includes conifers, hardwoods, wildlife favorites, groundcover and pollinator-friendly perennials. new to the sale this year along with Ginger Gold and Pink Lady apple trees are Messina peach trees and Prelude red raspberry seedlings. Yarrow, aster, hosta, poppy and red hot poker all join the perennial list. The majority of trees on the sale list are bare root, however, four seedlings, black gum, black haw, chestnut oak, and sassafras, are prepared in containers by Octoraro Nursery. Orders are being taken now through Monday, March 12. Click www.lancasterconservation.org for an order form and see a pictorial description list of all species or phone 299-5361, extension 5, to request a form be mailed to you. Payment is due when orders are placed and must be sent to the Lancaster County Conservation District. The Conservation District office is located at the Farm and Home Center and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Southeast Pennsylvania Branch Quality Deer Management Association’s 7th annual harvest-sharing raffle and free wild game dinner, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, Gouglersville Fire co., 475 Mohns Hill Road, Gouglersville. Adults, $25, children 7-12 $10, 6 and under free. for more information, call Barry Buhay at 397-9902 or Steve Homyack at 610-589-5051.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is forming a new Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee to assist efforts to build a statewide network of land and water trails, DCNR Secretary Richard Allan announced. DCNR is accepting nominations for 14 appointments to the committee until Feb. 21. “Our nationally-honored Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan recommended we create a statewide trails committee to help implement recommendations from the plan related to a trail network as a way to facilitate outdoor recreation, provide alternative transportation routes and encourage healthy lifestyles,” Allan said. “This new committee helps us in our efforts to make that plan a reality.” The committee’s creation also fulfills some requirements for federal funding programs. After a year of planning and deliberations with trail stakeholders across the state, it was determined that the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Advisory Board, in existence since 1992, would be expanded and the name changed to the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee. The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee will consist of up to 20 members appointed by DCNR. Members will represent different types of trail users, builders and advocates, and people with disabilities. The committee’s responsibilities will include advising DCNR on the use of federal trails funding in Pennsylvania, reviewing and ranking trail project applications and presenting an annual report to the secretary on the accomplishments of the preceding federal fiscal year. Nominations are now being accepted for appointees representing the following trail-user organizations: mountain biking; snowmobiling; all-terrain vehicle riding; water trail users; people with disabilities; trail advocates; trail builders; trail planners; an educator or trainer related to trails; trail walkers and four at-large members. Nominations must be submitted to DCNR by Feb. 21. Appointees will serve for three consecutive years. To obtain a nomination form, visit: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/recreation/trails/index.htm and choose “Nomination Form,” call 717-787-7672 or e-mail roprunty@pa.gov. for more information about trails in Pennsylvania, visit www.explorePAtrails.com. Lancaster County Friends of the NRA 19th Annual Banquet and Auction, 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, Lancaster Host Resort, 2300 Lincoln Highway East. good food, camaraderie and great fun while raising funds for the promotion of sporting and firearm education, hunter safety, range development and improvement, women’s firearm safety and educational courses, as well as wildlife conservation efforts. last year, 841 attended and raised $73,347. Tickets for the dinner are $45 per person. To buy a ticket, contact Donna Gerz at 392-5237 or Paul Means Jr. at 354-7789.
Young hunters from across the country have the opportunity to have their own video-recorded hunt chosen to be a part of a new DVD by the Kids gone Hunting Foundation. Twenty hunts will be selected from video submissions submitted by the public. Entries may include big and small game legally harvested with guns, bows or crossbows in North America or abroad. The DVD will be kids-only hunting, hosted by kids and distributed free to kids. The first two that were launched featured several hunts by kids and was hosted by a team of youngsters who will be returning to host the new Friends Edition that Hunter Safety System will help to sponsor. a variety of prize packages will be awarded. The grand prize for “Favorite Hunt” is sponsored by Mack’s Prairie Wings and the winner will receive a $500 gift card for merchandise at Mack’s. The award for Best Treestand Hunt using a Hunter Safety System product is sponsored by HSS. The winner and each member of his/her immediate family (mother, father and siblings) will receive a Hunter Safety System vest and Life Line. Entries must be received by noon Tuesday, may 1, 2012. for more information on the prizes and how to submit a video hunt for consideration in the Kids gone Hunting DVD-Friends Edition, visit www.kidsgonehunting.com.
North Museum trip to the Galapagos Islands, March 8-18, 2012. Snorkel with sea lions, sit with blue-footed boobies and crawl with giant tortoises as the North Museum of Natural History & Science returns to the Galapagos Islands for another once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Ramblers will discover this amazing land that time forgot and experience close encounters with some of the most unusual animals on the planet — exotic reptiles, blue-footed boobies, penguins, flightless cormorants and sea lions — to provide a new appreciation for the natural world. Travelers will participate in a series of education and conservation activities and lectures while sailing from island to island aboard the luxurious Galapagos Explorer II, one of the finest expedition ships in the Galapagos archipelago today. Throughout the course of the trip, guests will make wet or dry landings on numerous islands to enjoy volcano hiking, swimming and snorkeling with sea turtles, and photographing the amazing panoramic views of the untouched landscape. for more information, call Jody Harnish at 291-4149 or jharnish@northmuseum.org.
The Outdoors Calendar welcomes information on hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoors events. E-mail details to acrable@lnpnews.com; or send to Ad Crable, PO Box 1328, Lancaster, Pa. 17608-1328; or call 481-6029.
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