Memorial Day is a solemn national holiday set aside to remember and honor our country’s Veterans. Many communities have special ceremonies and services honoring our nations military, too many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy. The day itself dates back to the Civil War era and enjoys a rich history and tradition. If you are able, fly our flag proudly, attend one of services in your community or even quietly visit a local cemetery; many, many graves this weekend are decorated with American Flags, thanks to many, many volunteers.

Thanks, to our Vets and their dedication and service.

Memorial Day weekend should be spectacular; there’s plenty of events and the weather looks like it will be super for outdoor activities, maybe even too hot for some. For many, it is time to get the garden planted or finish up any yard work.

Borage is a useful herb in the veggie garden and an attractive flowering plant.

I always like to plant the herb Borage close to the tomatoes. Also known as the “bee plant”, it attracts hundreds of bees. Some claim the herb makes the tomatoes even more flavorful. It is an easy plant to grow and will re-seed itself.

Remember, Memorial Day is a Fish for Free Day in Pennsylvania. It is a good opportunity for many families to enjoy our local waterways. Anyone can fish for free ( no license required)but all other fishing regulations must be followed. Check out the Northwestern PA Fishing report below.

The last day for spring gobbler is May 31. Hunters can remain in the woods until dark instead of the traditional noon deadline.

Be safe over the holiday weekend and enjoy.

Canadohta

There’s plenty happening at the lake over the Memorial Day weekend. Throughout the weekend along the lake and the general area, there will be a community wide garage – yard sale. The Canadohta Lake Breeze will become available today and throughout the year at various businesses at the lake and don’t forget the Canadohta Lake Area Business Association will have recycling bins in place for aluminum cans. It is a lot of work and time consuming for those who collect the cans (please not bottles or plastic. The money from the cans is used to help fund the traditional July 4 Fireworks display.

There will be a DJ at the Free Beach on Saturday starting at 5 p.m. and the music continues until whenever. The Frog Pond beach also official opens on Saturday at 11 a.m. And on Sunday the Book Swap will take place at Hawthorne Park from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. ( if the weather turns foul, the Swap will be held at the Canadohta Laundromat). On Monday try your luck fishing at Canadohta; it is a Fish for FreeDay and no license required.

For a complete listing of Memorial Day and all other summertime events, click CLABA.

Pymatuning

This is another great place to fish for Free on Memorial Day. There is a special event, GO Girls, coming up on June 14 from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Environmental Classroom

. For girls 10 to 15 years of age this outdoor program will feature hiking, casual birding, healthy snacks and more. Call the Park Office to register at 724-932-5142. For additional information, also check www.state.pa.us

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

Note Please call the Conservation District to register for any of these events at 814-763-5269 (except for the Family Fishing event listed below where registration is made through the PA Fish and Boat Commission, see the post below.

Container Gardening – Tuesday June 5 from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. LIMITED to the first 15 families. This workshop will be led by Bertha Mesearch, Penn State Master Gardeners. She will demonstrate various ways to grow your veggies such as container gardening, grow boxes and square foot gardening.

Trail Walk/Nature “Cell Pics”, Tuesday June 7, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. LIMITED to the first 15 registrants. Take an hour long nature walk with Kathy Uglow , bring your cell phone or a digital camera. This is not an instructional photography class.

Terrific Terrariums, Tuesday June 19, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. LIMITED to 15 terrariums (one per family). Join Terry Lobdell and Kathy Uglow for a hands-on demonstration of how to make your own terrarium to take home using plastic containers. (These are always a fun project)

Plan ahead for this event now…

Family Fishing Tuesday June 26, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Stainbrook Park Shelter #2 NOTE: Registration for this program is through Chad Foster, PA Fish and Boat Commission, at 814-683-5126 or register online at http://pfbc.state.pa.us This program is open to all ages and will be held rain or shine. All supplies will be provided and there will be both casting practice and fishing.

Special Note The Crawford County Senior Environmental Corps will meet at the Woodcock Nature Center on June 7. For details, Environmental Corps.

Northwestern PA Fishing Report by Darl Black

Get the most up to date information on the latest fishing reports with Darl Black as well as a lot of other information on the hot spots and what’s happening on our local creeks and lakes. Click, REPORT.

Grange

The Crawford County Pomona Grange meeting will be held Saturday June2 at 1 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge in Cochranton. There will be a tureen dinner at 5 p.m. and the meeting will resume at 6 p.m.

NOTE:The Hall of Fame Awards and the AG Industry awards will be presented during the Crawford County Fair. Nominations for the award from qualifying organizations and past recipients need to be made by June 7. For more information, Crawford Awards.

Goodell Gardens

There’s always plenty to do and enjoy at Goodell Gardens. Check out some of the events and join the fun, Goodell Gardens.

The Lily of the Valley plants are now blooming in many areas.

With the improving weather, farms and yards were busy places. It seems everywhere, tractors were plowing, spraying and mowing. Yards are being mowed and trimmed as warmer weather treats the region (though the nights have skirted with frosts in many areas. On Saturday evening, May 19 there will be a partial eclipse, called a Ring of Fire, as the moon gets in between the the sun and the earth. I’m not sure it will be visible here except in photographs, but from Asia to the western United States there are many large gathering planned for the solar event. The moon was in the news earlier on May 6 when we witnessed a huge Super Moon.

Next week, if the forecasts are on target, expect some eighty degree weather.

While it was busy on farms, yards and in the heavens, birds and plants are keeping everyone busy who enjoys Mother Nature. The hummingbirds came back earlier this week (always a good sign), the Lily of the Valley began to bloom as did the wild strawberries.

Lily of the Valley is an ancient plant which is mentioned 15 times in the Bible mainly in the Song of Solomon. For many this early spring flower is a sign of good luck and it is the National Flower in Finland.

There is a lot of folklore about the Lily of the Valley with it’s pure white cup shaped blossoms.

Wild strawberries are just plain flavorful although it seems to take forever to pick enough since the berries are a lot smaller than the one’s purchased at roadside stands, supermarkets or picked in pick your own field. But the wild version still remains superior to my taste buds. The leaves can also be used to brew a tea.

Wild strawberries are now in full bloom.

Canadohta

The Canadohta Lake Area Business Association (CLABA) is gearing up for the Memorial Day weekend and for a wide range of events throughout the upcoming summer months. For more information on some of the super busy events scheduled, click CLABA.

CLABA will meet on May 19 at 3 p.m. at the Frog Pond to review some of the events scheduled for Memorial Day and early June. Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, there will be yard sales throughout the community and the surrounding areas and the annual Canadohta Lake Breeze will be available next Friday.

The editor of the CLABA sponsored newspaper is Ann Bergheim who is also the current CLABA president and the chairperson for the Canadohta Art Society (they organize the weekly Book Swap).

While much of the history of the Breeze is not recorded at this time, it is known that it was first published on May 1, 1932. One of the longtime editors of the Breeze from 1991- to @2008 was Sam Hossler, who is a well known historical author who also did extensive outdoor writing. Sam’s novels can be found at samhossler.com and he also writes an interesting historical blog which can be found here, http://unclesamshistory.wordpress.com/author/unclesamshistory/

It is well worth the read as are Sam’s novels. Sam first moved to the lake region in 1990 and several years ago moved to Florida.

One new program for this summer will be a farmers market during the months of July and August, every Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Hawthorne Park.

Just a reminder – There will be no Book Swap during the month of June. The Swap will be back in July.

Goodell Gardens

Credit: Goodell Garden from their Facebook page. Thanks.

Goodell Gardens, a regional and super resource re-opened after the winter months on May 1^st. They have a wide range of super activities on scheduled throughout the summer. For more information about he busy schedule, click GARDENS.

The Edinboro Art and Music Festival is being held this weekend. Goodell Gardens is the headquarters for this free event and there qwill be live music on Friday (tonight) and Saturday among other events. Sounds like a great time! For more detailed information, Festival.

• Sunday May 20, 3p.m. – 4 pm. Tea Time Talk, Make and Take Miniature Fairy Gardens, cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Learn how to make a Fairy Garden to take home, all materials supplied. Registration for this workshop is required; either email info@goodellgardens.org or call 814-734-6699.
  

  Many different events are scheduled at goodell Gardens throughout the summer. Photo credit Goodell Gardens from their Facebook page.

Regional Fishing Report by Darl Black

If you enjoy fishing, read some of the latest reports from regional waterways , here. The site also has a page dedicated to some trophy catches. This will be a good and valuable blog report as the Fish for Free Day approaches on May 28. During the day, while obeying all other regulations, people can fish without a license. The Fish for Free Days are popular with many individuals and families, so see what’s biting and where. Darl will have no report the week of May 14 but even so, the report is an excellent site to visit to get an overview of what is happening.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

The 33^rd annual tree seedling sale was super this year. Read more about the this years sale, here.

Note: The following sessions are free and open to all but registration is required by calling the Center at 814- 763-5269.

Be Safe Outdoors…Intro to Youth Safety, Wednesday, May 23, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Stainbrook Park #1. Join Tracy Crawford and Brian Pilarcik of the Conservation District to become more informed about ATV safety, fire safety and more. You will also learn about handling animals properly and operating farm equipment safely.

Special Note: The Crawford County Senior Environmental Corps (CCSEC) will have their monthly meeting at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center at 1 p.m. on Thursday June 7. More on CCSEC next week.

Grange

Nominations are now being accepted for the Ag Industry Award and the Hall of Fame Awards. Past award winners and participating agricultural organization can make the nominations which should be given to John Hotchkiss by May 31. This year the awards will be presented suring the Crawford County Fair. More on this change next week.

Hunting

Turkey season remains open until May 31. This year hunters can legally hunt until dark the last two weeks of the season. Pictured is Bill Spellman with a nice bird he shot on May 16 . Thanks for the photo Bill! Bill also has a piebald deer on display at Gander Mountain.

Happy Mothers Day, enjoy your special day!

After some cool wet weather, it would appear we have a super  nice weekend in store just in time for Mother’s Day this Sunday. It’s been so wet, at least in this neighborhood, it has been difficult to get the grass mowed and get some early spring veggies planted. The time will come.

The moon last weekend was spectacular and called a super moon. It was really bright outside, so much so not even a flashlight was needed. We were treated to a somewhat clear and cloudless night for the event. Anglers were also treated to some excellent fishing during the super moon. Read about it below in the fishing report.

If your in the Canadohta Lake region, be sure to take mom out to Happi Jax for a free ice cream sundae and read below about the free admission for mom’s at Goodell Gardens, 221 Waterford St., Edinboro below.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Super Mom’s

Goodell Gardens

Flowers are an important part of the magic at Goodell Gardens, stop by,relax and enjoy.

Goodell Gardens, a regional and super resource re-opened after the winter months on May 1^st. They have a wide range of activities on scheduled throughout the summer. For more information, click GARDENS.

Upcoming in the near future

-Mothers Day, May 13 from 11 am. – 5 pm. – Free Admission to all mothers. The spring gardens are said to be really great this year.

- Sunday May 20, 3p.m. – 4 pm. Tea Time Talk, Make and Take Miniature Fairy Gardens, cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Learn how to make a Fairy Garden to take home, all materials supplied. Registration for this workshop is required; either email info@goodellgardens.org or call 814-734-6699.

Union City

The Friends of the Library will hold a Book and Bake Sale on Thursday May 17 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday May 18 from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and on May 19 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Bake Sale will be held only on Friday and Saturday. Numerous book titles will be available for purchase.

Canadohta

Sam Hosssler, a former editor of the Canadohta Breeze, is an avid fisherman, historian and novelist.

The Canadohta Lake Breeze has been sent to the printer and will be available on Memorial Day weekend, according to Ann Bergheim, the editor of the Breeze and president of the Canadohta Lake Area Business Association (CLABA). There’ll be much more information next Friday on the events and happenings at the lake during the upcoming summer.

While much of the history of the Breeze is not recorded at this time, it is known that it was first published on May 1, 1932. One of the longtime editors of the Breeze from 1991- to @2008 was Sam Hossler who is a well known historical author who also done extensive outdoor writing. Sam’s hisorical novels, and  the newest werewolf mystery called the Silversmith Chronicles, can be found at samhossler.com

Sam also writes an interesting historical blog which can be found here, http://unclesamshistory.wordpress.com/author/unclesamshistory/

It is well worth the read as are Sam’s novels. Sam first moved to the lake region in 1990 and several years ago moved to Florida.

Regional Fishing Report by Darl Black

If you enjoy fishing, read some of the latest reports from regional waterways , here. The site also has a page dedicated to some trophy catches. This will be a good and valuable blog report as the Fish for Free Day approaches on May 28. During the day, while obeying all other regulations, people can fish without a license. The Fish for Free Days are popular with many individuals and families, so see what’s biting and where. Darl will have no report the week of May 14 but even so, the report is an excellent sire to visit to get an overview of what is happening.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

The 33^rd annual tree seedling sale was super this year. Read more about the this years sale, TREE SALE.

Note: The following sessions are free and open to all but registration is required by calling the Center at 814- 763-5269.

Spiders Tuesday May 15, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. YIKES! Find out all about spiders from Matt Foradi, Department of Biology and Health Services, Edinboro University. (This should be a fun session!)

Be Safe Outdoors…Intro to Youth Safety, Wednesday, May 23, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Stainbrook Park #1. Join Tracy Crawford and Brian Pilarcik of the Conservation District to become more informed about ATV safety, fire safety and more. You will also learn about handling animals properly and operating farm equipment safely.

Canadohta Lake

Remember the Book Swap held every Sunday at the Canadohta Laundromat from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. This is a great chance to get some inexpensive summer reading material. There are books for all ages. Simply bring a book to trade and take a new book home. NOTE: There will be no Swap during the month of June. The program starts up again in July at Hawthorne Park weather permitting. More information next week on the action packed schedule planned for this summer at the lake.

Winter didn’t let go without a fight the last week of April. But now, the weather has warmed nicely. Checking the blueberries and apples, they seem to have escaped the late frosts in my neighborhood. Nor did the cold and snow bother the trillium which are now blooming in the woods.

The woods are turning more colorful as the wildflowers, like these white trillium begin to bloom.

It’s hard to imagine April flew by so quickly and now we are already into May. Be sure to watch the Full Moon this Saturday, May 6; it will be the closest the moon is to Earth during 2012 (the moon will be some 221,802 miles away). The average distance between the Moon and Earth is listed s 230,000 miles. Because the Moon’s orbit will bring it closer to Earth the Moon will be brighter and appear larger than usual. It is called a “Super Moon”.

Turkey season is in full swing until the end of the month. The last two weeks of the season hunters can hunt until sunset; during the opening weeks hunting is allowed only until noon.

Sunday May 13^th is also Mother’s Day, don’t forget. It is a Super Sunday for all moms. May 28 marks Memorial Day, another super holiday in honor of our Veterans, their dedication and service to the nation.

Regional Fishing Report by Darl Black

If you enjoy fishing, read some of the latest fishing reports from regional waterways , here. The site also has a page dedicated to some trophy catches. This will be a good and valuable blog report as the Fish for Free Day approaches on May 28. During the day, while obey all other regulations, people can fish without a license. The Fish for Free Days are popular with many individuals and families, so see what’s biting and where.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

Note: These sessions are free and open to all but registration is required by calling the Center at 814- 763-5269.

Audubon at Home Healthy Yard Program: Tuesday May 8, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Judy Acker, Audubon French Creek Outreach Coordinator, will help you learn what you can do to create an outdoor space that’s healthy for wildlife, for birds, for your family and for the environment.

Spiders Tuesday May 15, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. YIKES! Find out all about spiders from Matt Foradi, Department of Biology and Health Services, Edinboro University. (Note: This should be a fun session!)

Be Safe Outdoors…Intro to Youth Safety, Wednesday, May 23, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Stainbrook Park #1. Join Tracy Crawford and Brian Pilarcik of the Conservation District to become more informed about ATV safety, fire safety and more. You will also learn about handling animals properly and operating farm equipment safely.

Canadohta Lake

Remember the Book Swap held every Sunday at the Canadohta Laundromat from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. This is a great chance to get some inexpensive summer reading material. There are books for all ages. Simply bring a book to trade and take a new book home.

Super Fun Outdoors in May and All Free

May is a super month for outdoor fun like trying to see who can catch the biggest frog in the net.

There are many events and activities during the month of May for residents to get out and enjoy the arrival of spring. The flower show in our regional woodlands are now just beginning and it’s all free of charge. May signals it’s time to think about that backyard veggie garden and hundreds will be turning over the dirt in preparation for Memorial Day plantings.

Happy Friday the 13^th!

Snow is rather common in April but this snowfall was something of a surprise the morning of April 11 (pictured above). By the end of the day, however, it had mostly melted. Beginning this weekend milder temps are forecast to return, however, there remains a chance of rain throughout much of the upcoming week. Although, the weather does look decent for the opening day of trout, Saturday April 14.

Last week I saw my first spring dandelions, a sign, according to many, it’s time to plant potatoes in the garden. Well, with the cold weather, thinking I am going to hold off until it warms up next week. Dandelions are amazing early spring plants. They are nutritious to eat, make a fine wine and are an important food source for the emerging pollinators like the honeybees. The trillium are also beginning to emerge; they are great flowers to add to those hard to maintain yard areas in the home landscape. Just beginning to emerge are the pre-historic looking Mayapples.

April 21 marks Earth Day, a yearly tradition which began in 1970.  Numerous communities have events scheduled. Below are two , one at Conneaut Lake, the other at Pymatuning.

Conneaut Lake Earth Day

This free event is being sponsored by Crawford Area Residents for the Environment (CARE). CARE is leading the fight to appeal the air quality permit issued for the tire incinerator proposed for Greenwood Township. The Earth Day event is a fundraiser to ensure the best possible legal arguments against the tire burning facility.

Other organizations involved in the event include the Geneva Marsh Legal Defense and the Erie Peace and Justice Center.

The event will feature live music from several locally very popular bands and will include numerous activities for children. There will be plenty of great food and drink specials, a Chinese auction, a 50/50 cash drawing and some great raffles on various items such as a kayak, iPod and portable DVD player list among the items.

The event will be held at the Dockside, next to the Beach Club beginning at 2 p.m. For more information, http://www.stopburningtires.com/EarthDay.htm

Pymatuning – Creek Critters

At 10 a.m. On April 21 meet at the Park office to explore and learn about creek critters and their role in water quality. Be sure to wear some creek sneakers or water boots. Participants will take a short to drive from the park office to enjoy the wonders of a nearby creek.

After exploring the creek, consider going to Earth Fest 2012 at the Penn State Shenango Campus in downtown Sharon.

For more information on Creek Critters, call the park office at 724-932-3142 and for more information on Earth Fest 2012, call 724-983-2836.

Crawford County Conservation – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

All events are free and open to everyone. Registration, however, is required. Simply call the Woodcock Nature Center to register at 814- 763-5269.

If you ordered trees from the 33 annual tree sale, remember the pick-up date is April 20 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Crawford County Fairgrounds.

April 17, Tuesday, from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Salamanders. Learn about these amazing animals with Scott Wissinger from the Allegheny College Biology Department.

April 24, Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Leave No Trace, with Linda Armstrong from Pymatuning State Park. Get some pointers on how to enjoy our unique environmental resources while minimizing our impact.

Northwest PA Fishing by Darl Black

Get the latest updates and reports on fishing in Northwestern PA with Darl Black. This is a useful and informative report well worth the time spent. Click, Report. Then, click on Northwest PA Fishing report.

Canadohta Lake

Don’t forget about the Book Swap held every Sunday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Canadohta Laundromat. Bring a book, take a new book home.

The Canadohta Lake Area Business Association will meet at 3 p.m. at the Frog Pond on April 28.

Today, April 8 is Easter Sunday. Hope everyone who celebrates this most important religious holiday has a blessed and happy day and future.

The weather so far today has been a pleasant surprise; it is warm and mild. But that is all going to change starting Monday and it is going to get cold with even snow showers in the forecast for much of the new week. Next weekend begins another gradual warm-up and likely better fishing weather.

This is a good place to introduce Darl Black, of Cochranton, and his fishing reports on a variety of local waters in Crawford County and some in Erie and Mercer County. It is an informative and well written blog,

Northwest PA Fishing Report.  Click on the Northwest PA Fishing Reports. There are also some great photos included. I will be linking to it frequently in this community blog.

According to some reports, the crappie won’t be biting much until the warm weather comes back. Myself and a friend tried our luck at some pond fishing one day and got skunked in a normal “hot” spot. But then again it was a windy, 30 degree something day.

Trout season opens at 8 a.m. next Saturday.

Beekeepers

With the mild winter and somewhat mild temperatures, the local beekeepers had some issues to deal with as the bees woke up early. Many had to use a supplemental food since the bees ate most of their winter supply and began laying eggs.

Bears have also been a nuisance problems, according to Linesville beekeeper Charles Vorisek. Bear like honey and will go to great lengths to get, including smashing the hive . For more information on the early spring and the bees, click abuzz.

Crawford County Conservation District

These events are free and open to all but registration is required. If you want to join in the fun and learn, simply call the Woodcock Creek Nature Center at 814-763-5269.

Wed. April 11 4:30 p.m.– 5:30 p.m. Friends and Foes – Some Six Legged Creatures You Are Likely to Meet -Scott Sjolander will lead this discussion about some good and bad insects. The workshop will include a hands-on session insect lab.

Tuesday, April 17, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Salamanders – Learn all about these amazing creatures from Scott Wissinger of the Allegheny College Biology Department.

Ponds

Thinking about constructing your own backyard pond or make improvements to an existing pond? There will be a special workshop designed to help pond owners deal with all of the issues involved. For more information, http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/search?Category=GOCRAWFORD

Hickernell

The Hickernell United Methodist Church will hold a rummage and bake sale on Saturday, April 12 from 7 a.m. -2 p.m. at the church located on Springboro Road.  Delicious homemade  baked goods will be available  and there will be free coffee. Proceeds of the sale will be used for the July mission trip. The Church is located three miles west of Route 98 on Springboro Road and is completely handicapped accessible.

French Creek Float

The 14 annual French Creek Float will be held Saturday May 19.General Admission is $25 per person in advance or $30 the day of the event. The event opens at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Wattsburg, includes camping, entertainment and food. Enjoy our Creek and join in the fun. More on this popular float next week.

Seems like it has been a battle of the seasons this past week with some very cold temperatures. Many locations recorded temperatures of 20 degrees and below. Hopefully, we all escaped a lot of frost damage. The upcoming week looks to be warmer and it is hard to believe that Sunday (Palm Sunday)marks the beginning of April.

Easter is early this year and will be celebrated next Sunday April 8. Ham is always good with the leeks which are now thriving in wet woodland areas. Also up and growing in woodland areas are the marsh marigolds and the skunk cabbages. It is a great time of the year to get outside and enjoy and even dig some fresh wild leeks.

The early spring and mild winter meant different things to different professions from bait shops, farming and the maple producers. For more insights, http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120210/GOCRAWFORD0101/302109970

The winter kept the beekeepers busy, more on the early spring and honeybees next week..

But back to the calendar, other important April dates: Passover begins on April 7; we will also see a Friday the 13 and federal taxes this year are due April 17. April 22 marks Earth Day and April 26 is Take Your Daughter to Work Day followed by Arbor Day celebrated on April 27.

Trout season in western Pennsylvania opens Saturday April 14 at 8 a.m. For more information,

http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fact_fast_trout.htm

There are many fun activities taking place this month including the Open House at the Linesville Fish Hatchery, A Day at the Hatchery, listed below.

Linesville

Get ready for opening day of trout season on April 14 by attending the Open House at the Linesville Hatchery on April 7.

The annual Open House at the Linesville State Fish Hatchery will be held on Saturday, April 7 from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.. The hatchery is located at 13300 Hartstown Rd. There are plenty of events, activities, demonstrations and plenty to observe.

One popular stop for persons of all ages is the 10,000 gallon viewing tank which has numerous native species in it. Another, are the tanks where visitors can observe Walleye spawning demonstrations. There will also be reptile and amphibian displays and demonstrations regarding boat safety and how to tell the age of a fish, various fishing techniques and demonstrations.

There will be fly tying and casting demonstration, Fish print T-shirts for the children along with numerous other activities geared for the younger people. Helpful information and demonstrations on fish filleting and cooking. The retail store will be open and will feature many helpful items including the 2012 Fishing Licenses (just in time for the opening of trout season in our region April 14).

This is a popular event and attracts between 2,000 – 3,000 visitors. The open house began in 1965 and has been a spring ritual ever since.

For more information call 814-336-2426, or 814-683-5126 or email Fish and Boat contact Chad Foster at chfoster@pa.gov. Additional information can also be found at http://www.fishandboat.com/

Senior Environmental Corps

The next meeting of the Crawford County Senior Environmental Corps (CCSEC) will be on Thursday, April 5 at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center on German Rd. Starting time is 1 p.m. and meetings typically last an hour. The meeting is open to the public. If you enjoy being outdoors, and working on projects such as stream quality, tree planting, fish habitat and other outdoor activities, stop by. Prospective members and guests are always welcome to attend to see and learn more about CCSEC.

The topics include programs sponsored by the Conservation District, Allegheny College and the Creek Connections Program, including the upcoming “Student Symposium” at the College on April 20; future guest speakers and future water quality test site activity.

The guest speaker for the April meeting will be Lewis Walker from Penn Soil RC&D. He will be speaking on the “Wetland Reserve Program, Outreach Assistance”. For more information, call Dick Runnels, 814-336-5891; Gary Mason, 814-336-3625; or Brian Pilarcik, Watershed Specialist at the Conservation District, 814-763-526

Crawford County Conservation District

These events are free and open to all but registration is required. If you want to join in the fun and learn, simply call the Woodcock Creek Nature Center at 814-763-5269.

Wed. April 11 4:30 p.m.– 5:30 p.m. Friends and Foes – Some Six Legged Creatures You Are Likely to Meet -Scott Sjolander will lead this discussion about some good and bad insects. The workshop will include a hands-on session insect lab.

Tuesday, April 17, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Salamanders – Learn all about these amazing creatures from Scott Wissinger of the Allegheny College Biology Department.

Ponds

Thinking about constructing your own backyard pond or make improvements to an existing pond? There will be a special workshop designed to help pond owners deal with all of the issues involved. For more information, http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/search?Category=GOCRAWFORD

French Creek Float

The 14 annual French Creek Float will be held Saturday May 19.General Admission is $25 per person in advance or $30 the day of the event. The event opens at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Wattsburg, includes camping, entertainment and food. Enjoy our Creek and join in the fun. More on this popular float next week.

Amazingly, on the first day of spring, a neighbor and a good friend of mine (pictured) went for a woods walk and found the leeks already growing; the leeks were not growing just a few days earlier. Most years it seems like mid-April, so another sign of an early spring.

The temperatures are expected to cool down this week. Hopefully, a frost stays away;’ many fruit trees are budding as are the nut trees.

Maple Festival

Join in the family fun this upcoming weekend March 24 – 25 for the ninth annual Maple Taste and Tour event. Sixteen sugar shacks will be open, free to the public and learn all about the ancient art of maple syrup production. Free samples will be available as well as maple products for sale. The sugar shacks will be open each day from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For a listing of the participating sugar shacks and directions, http://pamaple.org/tour.html

On Saturday, March 24, the Edinboro Historical Society will sponsor the regions third annual Maple Festival at the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tickets for adults are $7 and children under 12, $3.

There will a lot of fun with music and entertainment, a Chinese auction, arts and crafts and plenty of good food throughout the day which will feature maple syrup products and delicious pancakes.

Proceeds benefit the Edinboro Fire Department and the Edinboro Historical Society. For more information, http://edinboromaplefestival.com/ or http://www.goerie.com/article/20120323/GOCRAWFORD0101/303239971/Get-a-taste-of-maple-this-weekend

Crawford County Conservation

Gardening with Children

It’s never too early to enjoy the wonders of plants. Tracy Crawford of the Conservation District will discuss some innovative and interesting ways to get children involved in gardening projects.The session will be held on Friday March 30 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. The event is free and open to everyone, but registration is required.; simple call the Woodcock Creek Nature Center at 814-763-5269.

Crawford County Senior Environmental Corps

The Senior Encironmental Corps is active in many projects such these volunteers who are constructing fish habitat shelters.

The next meeting of the Senior Environmental Corps will be held on April 5 at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center  at 1 p.m. The meeting which is open to anyone interested usually last about 1 hour. The organization is actively involved in many regional projects such as water quality testing, tree planting, fish habitat shelters. The guest speaker will be Lewis Walker from Penn Soil RC and D. He will be speaking on the “Wetland Reserve Program Outreach Assistance.For additional information contact, Dick Runnels at 814-336-5991, or Gary Mason at 814-3363625 or Water Specialist Brian Pilarcik at 814-763-5269.

Linesville

The popular open house at the Linesville Fish Hatchery will be held April 7. from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The annual event attracts 2,000 to 3,000 who can view various displays and learn more about our water resources. There is plenty to see and learn during this open house such as watching the walleye spawn, view some of our native fish species in the 10,000 gallon viewing tank, learn how to tell the age of a fish and various fishing techniques and get updated on the latest regulations and safety techniques. For more information on these and other events to enjoy at the open house, www.fishandboat.com or call 814-336-2426.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the early spring weather. The peeps started to sing in my neighborhood on March 15 which is the earliest I have ever recorded. Flocks of robins were seen a week or so even before that which also seems unusually early.

On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, I planted my tomato seeds and left the flats, covered with plastic and glass outside in a makeshift cold frame since the forecasts for this upcoming week all indicate continued warmth.

It would appear as if it was a very short maple syrup run this year with the warm weather. According to Laura Dengler of the Maple Producers Association most of the producers have already pulled their taps.

The popular Maple Taste and Tour weekend is set for March 24 – 25. For more information see the post below.

Crawford County Conservation District – a busy spring schedule of events: First

There will be two free manure management workshops on April 3 and again on April 10. Both will be held at the Crawford County Extension Office, 13400 Dunham Road, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. A light luncheon will be served to participants.

The topics will center around updates to manure management manual, particularly Chapter 102 (Erosion and Sediment Control) and the PAONESTOP for manure management plans.

While the workshops are free, registration is required by called the District at 814- 763-5269 or email nutrientmanagement@crawfordconservation.org

The email should include the senders contact information, name and the number of people attending.

Rain Barrel Workshop

Crawford County residents and landowners have an opportunity to register for a workshop on Rain barrels, and receive a $30 rebate for installing a rain barrel on their property thanks to a mini grant from the Water Resources Education Network.  The Crawford County Conservation District, Planning Commission, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and Meadville Area Water Authority will conduct workshops in Cochranton on March 28^th, and in Cambridge Springs on March 29^th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  The agenda includes a brief talk on types, installation, and use of rain barrels as well as backyard stormwater management.  All registered participants have the option to sign up and receive a $30 rebate coupon for installing the rain barrel of their choice.

The rain barrels are being offered in an effort to slow stormwater runoff that flows into Crawford County waterways, as well as provide the homeowner with a free source of water which can be used on the lawn and garden.

Preregistration is required and space is limited.  The rain barrel rebates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  There is no cost to attend.  All those interested in attending should call the Crawford County Conservation District at (814) 763-5269 to register.

Seedling Sale

It’s time again for the Crawford County Conservation District 33rd Annual Tree Seedling Sale! We are offering quality seedlings that increase property value, enhance wildlife habitat, beautify the landscape, improve the environment, and provide a source of income. We have several new items this year, including some fruit trees. Seedlings are pre-ordered (orders due by March 26) and then ready for pick-up on April 20, 2012. Tree seedlings offered this year are: Colorado Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Douglas Fir, Balsam fir, Eastern White Pine, Canadian Hemlock, Red Cedar, Eastern Larch, Northern Red Oak, White Oak, English Oak, Black Cherry, Sugar Maple, Flowering Dogwood, American Hazelnut, Red Mulberry, American Basswood, Witch Hazel, Spicebush, Black Chokeberry, American Elderberry, Blueberries, Apple, Pear and Peach trees., Also available are: North East Annual & Perennial Wildflower Mix, Keystone Deer & Turkey Mix, and Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden Mix. We are also offering tree shelters, bat houses and bluebird house kits and rainbarrels. . The Crawford County Conservation District’s Seedling Sale is an annual fundraiser to help support our educational programs and district activities held at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center. For an order blank, or for more information, call 814-763-5269 or go to the District’s website: www.crawfordconservation.com.

Free Educational Programs at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center: Please check the Web site www.crawfordconservation.com for information.

Pymatuning

Pools, Puddles and Polliwogs

Enjoy a short movie on the importance of Vernal Pools and then explore some of the pools near the Environmental Classroom and search for frogs and salamanders. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Environmental Classroom located at the Jamestown Marina within Pymatuning State Park. For more information call 724-932-3142 or visit http://www.state.pa.us/

Maple Weekend

For a lot of family fun join the Maple Taste and Tour weekend. Sixteen sugarhouses in the region will host this event for people to witness how the sap is made; free samples will be available as well as maple products for sale. The event is scheduled for Saturday March 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also on Saturday, the Edinboro Historical Society will sponsor a Maple Festival at the Edinboro Fire Hall, 125 Meadville Street. There will be live music, arts and crafts, and plenty of good food and maple syrup. For more information, visit the Northwest Maple Syrup Association at http://pamaple.org/

Wild leeks will soon appear with the expected warmer temperatures this upcoming week.

This upcoming week will give the region it’s very first taste of real spring weather with temperatures in the sixties towards the middle of the week. It won’t be too long before the wild leeks appear and we will hear the spring peeps. Already, many of the sugar shacks are boiling sap.

Thoughts are turning from snow shovels to garden plants, shrubs and trees many of which can all be purchased from local garden centers, nurseries and neighborhood farms. Support our local agriculture. Many times these locally grown plants are healthier than those raised in the south and then shipped to large discount stores in the north.

With the approach of spring, it is also a  good idea to monitor the weather for violent storms. The region is not immune from deadly and destructive tornadoes. Some weather predictions claim it will be a violent spring, more so than usual.

Spring Ahead

Clocks will jump forward at 2 a.m. on Sunday March 11, the beginning of 2012 Daylight Savings Time. The idea was first proposed by Ben Franklin back in 1784. Franklin believed people would save money by using less lamp oil and candles if we adjusted the the times.

The clock change is also a good time to check smoke detectors and make sure they are working properly.

Crawford County Conservation District

Guy Dunkle received the Conservation Forestry Award on Feb. 16 at the annual Conservation District Awards dinner.

The Crawford County Conservation District held it’s annual award s banquet on Thursday February 16 at the Days Inn in Meadville. I was honored to be awarded the Conservation Media Award and proud to be among other leaders in the region who are concerned about our environment. Also receiving awards were Guy Dunkle, the Conservation Forestry Award; Stephanie Feineigle, the Bookamer Family Farm was awarded the Conservation Farm Award, Ernst Seeds received the Conservation Innovator Award. Kathy Uglow was also surprised and honored with her special award for her dedication and work at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center.

Several township were also awarded the Conservation Award for Dirt and Gravel Roads. Those townships were: Athens, Richmond, Summit, Wayne and Woodcock. For more information on the awards dinner, click Awards.

Woodcock Creek Nature Center (Conservation District)

Pictured is Woodcock Creek along a hiking trail behind the Woodcock Natur Center.

The workshops are free of charge ad open to the public. However, participants must register by calling the center at 814- 763-5269.

• “Tree ID NOW?…But There are No Leaves,” Tuesday, March 13, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mark Lewis, PA Bureau of Forestry, will lead a Tree Identification walk. Dress for the weather.

• “Show us Your Muscles!” Tuesday, March 20, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Darran Crabtree, The Nature Conservancy, will introduce the basic biology and conservation concerns of native freshwater mussels.

Pymatuning

Pools, Puddles and Polliwogs

Enjoy a short movie on the importance of Vernal Pools and then explore some of the pools near the Environmental Classroom and search for frogs and salamanders. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Environmental Classroom located at the Jamestown Marina within Pymatuning State Park. For more information call 724-932-3142 or visit http://www.state.pa.us/

Maple Weekend

For a lot of family fun join the Maple Taste and Tour weekend. Sixteen sugarhouses of the region will host this event for people to witness how the sap is made; free samples will be available as well as maple products for sale. The event is scheduled for Saturday March 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the Northwest Maple Syrup Association at http://pamaple.org/

Grange

The quarterly meeting of the Pomona Grange was held March 3 at the Atlantic Grange Hall. The group heard a variety of reports and voted on several business items, among which were the approval for donations to the 4H and FFA programs.

It was also announced the annual Family Festival will be held this year on July 19 -22 at the Centre County Grange Fairgrounds. Reservations need to be made by June 15. The Pomona Grange is planning on an excursion on the Titusville-Oil Creek Train in the fall, anyone interested should call Susan Tau. Final details will be announced on June 2 at the next Pomona Grange meeting which will be held at the Cochranton Grange Hall.