Crawford County

Happy Father’s Day and Union City Storm Updates

gregspinks — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:10:49 +0000

Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s today! Hopefully, the weather will co-operate with any planned outdoor activities but it sure looks like rain out there and on the radar.

Anyone with an outdoor garden knows about mud and soggy conditions. The plants seem to be just sitting there holding their own until warmer and sunnier weather returns to the region. Some gardeners have not even been able to plant because of the wet conditions but actually there is still plenty of time for many vegetable crops.

On the Wild Side

The wild strawberries are beginning to ripen and the blueberry crop is looking just fine. Perhaps, it is the extra moisture this year but the berries appear larger than normal.

The native purple water Iris are also blooming in time for Father’s Day as is the yellow water iris.

Union City

The tornado clean-up is progressing and it has been impressive. The spirit of cooperation from the community and the region has been impressive. Luckily, there were no injuries, even afterward during the clean up.

For some insights into the clean-up, Tornado.

Quickly, here are some important numbers to call for help if there are remaining problems:

Union City Family Support Hotline - 814.314.9337

American Red Cross – 814. 833.0942

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

• “Family Fishing,” Wednesday, June 19, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Join the Crawford Conservation District and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for a late afternoon of instruction, casting and fishing! This program is open to all ages and will be held rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather. All supplies will be provided! You do not need a fishing license for this PA Fish and Boat Commission sponsored educational event. NOTE: SPECIAL REGISTRATION — Please register with the PA Fish and Boat Commission by calling Chad Foster at 814-683-5126 or register online at: http://pfbc.state.pa.us. Do not call the Nature Center for this registration!

• “Bat Wayside Kickoff—Bat Count Event,” Wednesday, June 26, 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The Woodcock Creek Nature Center has installed a NEW Bat Wayside on the grounds! Come and join us for a preview and for a wonderful bat program by Terry Lobdell. Be prepared to count bats with us at dusk to see how many live in the Nature Center bat boxes. What a fun family adventure!

• “Down and Dirty” Summer Nature Camp”, June 26, 27, 28 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Searching for some summer fun for your 5 – 8 year olds? The camp is offered by the Crawford Conservation District and hosted by the Army Corps of Engineers. Children will learn basic garden skills through hands-on activities and discover Woodcock as they enjoy hikes, games, stories and crafts at several locations, including both The Woodcock Creek Nature Center and the Bossard Nature Center. T-shirt, water bottle, snack and beverage will be provided. This camp requires a $25 registration fee, due at registration. There is a limit of 25 attendees. Please call 814-763-5269 to obtain a registration form or for more information.

ALL Woodcock Creek Nature Center events require pre-registration. The programs are free and open to the public, unless otherwise specified. Call Kathy Uglow at 814-763-5269 to register or for more information. Event information is also available at http://www.crawfordconservation.com. All children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Please let us know if you require special accommodations.

Goodell Gardens

Farmers Market begins Wednesday, June 19, 3-6 pm.
Goodell Gardens Farmers Market will be open for business! Featuring farm vendors from Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties selling produce, plants, herbs, artisan cheese, artisan salsa, baked goods, preserves, eggs, honey, maple products, chicken, art and more! Market is held every WEDNESDAY until Sept. 26.

The Spring without a Buzz… just a Lot of Rain

gregspinks — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:41:52 +0000

French Creek in Venango Township, Erie County, left it's banks June 6 following heavy rains throughout the day.

Spring 2013 has been cold and wet. Well, there were a few nice warm days. Sure, the wet weather will make for a good hay crop in a few weeks. But it has not been real good for much else.

For farmers with fields along creeks, the wet weather has meant some extra work. Some fields will have to be re-planted once the land dries out. The flooding also brought down many fence posts which need to be replaced. Many vegetable and flower gardens are also behind schedule because of the wetter than normal conditions.

Pictured above is French Creek on June 7 in Venango Township, Erie County. The creek left it’s bed following heavy rains on June 6.

UPDATE SATURDAY AFTERNOON June 8 Below are pictures of flooding at Little Conneauttee Creek at Crane Road, just east of Draketown Road and down the hill from Showman’s dairy farm.

Pictures were taken by Allan Montgomery of Edinboro.

Hopefully, the weather will get drier and warmer in time for the local summer camps. Creek Connections has three different camps scheduled for this summer; two focus on 10^th and 11^th grade students. The third camp is for families to join in the fun and learning. The camps will be headquartered at Allegheny College and provide plenty of outdoor opportunities to explore and learn about the regions woods, medows and creeks. For more information and details about the Creek Connections camps, Summer Camp.

The Crawford County Conservation District is also sponsoring a summer camp. See below for more information under Woodcock Creek Nature Center.

On the Wild Side

Beekeepers this spring are dealing with another rather odd event. The honeybee swarms, which usually happen during the spring, have been far and few between. The little swarming activity which has already happened began right around Memorial Day. But swarming activity appears to be well below normal.

A bee swarm is not very aggressive, so if you happen to come across one in the yard or the house, don’t panic. The best course of action is to call a beekeeper.

A swarm is a natural development in the life of a hive and generally occurs when the hive becomes overcrowded. The hive colony basically splits in two; beekeepers can control the swarm in their hives, so it is generally the feral bees.

There could be any number of reasons why the bees have not swarmed as much this spring as usuall. The nectar and pollen produced by the goldenrods last fall wasn’t particularly terrific for the bees. The goldenrods usually provide ample food to get a hive through the winter, but there have been some reports the bees didn’t have enough winter food.

Another possible reason could be the bees have become sickly because of pesticide use both on commercial farms and home gardens. The weather could also be a factor adding to the problem.

Bees are been having a hard time in the last couple years because of mites, pesticides and a still mysterious disease called CCD.

For more information and details on swarms, A Spring without the Buzz. Or attend the lecture at Goodell Gardens this Sunday. See Goodell Garden below.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

Fish Habitats

The Pymatuning Lake Association is looking for volunteers to help build fish habitat structures for Pymatuning Reservoir. All tools, instruction, etc is provided for all volunteers. You don’t need any special skills to help out, and there are jobs for any skill level.

Date: June 12^th from 8am to Noon

Pymatuning Reservoir:

Directions: Take Rt 285 West across the causeway to the Ohio side of Pymatuning. Make a left at the first traffic light you come to. Follow this road south for about 2 miles. Right after you pass the entrance to the cabin area of the Ohio Campgrounds you will come to a cross roads.. Make a left at this cross roads (Marvin Road on your right and the launch entrance on your left.) Follow this driveway to the project site.

For more information call 724/927-9493 or visit www.pymatuninglake.com

Beekeepers

Kirk Johnson, the president of the Northwestern Beekeepers Association announced the next meeting of the organization will be on June 15 at 1 p.m. at Troy Bogdan’s farm at 19000 New Richmond Road.

Pymatuning

Improve your kayak skills. Bring your own kayak, PFD, water shoes and drinking water. Meet at Beach 2 at 6 pm. On Wednesday, June 12. Call to register of for more information 724.932.3142

Goodell Gardens

Sun, June 9, 3pm – 4pm

Where221 Waterford St. (Route 6N), Edinboro, PA 16412 (map)

DescriptionTea Talk: Join the Swarm – Honeybee Bee-havior with apiarist Kirk Johnson Learn about the honeybee’s natural tendency to swarm and the natural way honeybees have evolved to split their hives to insure survival or at best doubling the chance of survival of the hive. Kirk will talk about recent research that has been done on swarming and how the honeybees select a new home. Kirk will also talk about how the beekeeper attempts to stop swarming or catch the swarm. Bee there or bee square. Kirk Johnson, an apiarist, owns Li’l Bit-O-Honey in Edinboro. Fee: $3 for members; $7 for nonmembers. Preregistration required by calling (814)734-6699 or online at Info@goodellgardens.org Includes refreshments from Lakeside Bagel & Deli

Little Conneauttee Creek at Crane Road, just east of Draketown Road and down the hill from Showman’s dairy farm.

Thanks to Allan Montgomery for sharing his photos.

Union City Tornado – How to Help, Where to Go for Help

gregspinks — Fri, 31 May 2013 16:35:43 +0000

Fortunately, there were no serious injuries in the tornado which struck parts of Union City on Tuesday evening. Everyone was also safe in Cambridge Springs following a violent downburst on Wednesday afternoon. Both communities received some major damage from falling trees and flooding.

It was amazing to view the damage in Union City on South Main Street and on many of the side streets. Numerous trees were down all over the place, many hitting homes. Naturally, many people were without electric power, including the Union City School District Campus.

Two days after the EF 1 tornado struck, utility crews were still busy throughout the community and the most common sound was chain saws.

IMPORTANT The Union City Family Support Center has set up a help hotline. If you need help or would like to volunteer in the clean-up CALL – 814. 314. 9337, leave a message, your name and a contact number. Someone from the center will be quickly in touch with you. The Union City Fire Hall is also serving as a help station.

“Many people lost all of their food because of the downed electric lines, Dave Robinson of the Family Center, said. “The temperatures have been very hot ever since the storm and both volunteers and residents need something to drink. There are many trees down in town and sidewalks and roofs need to be repaired. I know this weekend a lot of volunteers from across the region are planning to help with the clean-up. The response has been fantastic so far. Both the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are here and doing a fantastic job in helping.”

Tornadoes are not very common in the region and, according what what Robinson has heard, the last tornado to hit Union City was in 1985.

Just outside of downtown Union City, the Erie-Crawford Co-op on Rt. 97 took a nasty hit. The greenhouse was literally blown away. Much of the structure blew across the highway and into a woods. Other buildings and were damaged and there were numerous trees down blocking the train tracks behind the farming complex.

“We don’t really know where all of our plants went,” Ginny Shreve, a manager at the co-op said. “They are just gone. We had a few doors blown off and some broken windows. But luckily no inuries.”

According to Shreve many local farmers had damaged fields and will need to re-plant crops.

“The creeks came up so fast and wiped out many fields which will need to be re-seeded,” she said. “A lot of the farmers are fixing fences damaged by falling trees and high waters.”

More violent weather is expected Saturday afternoon and into Sunday as a cold front pushed into the area. Be sure to stay tuned to weather forecasts. After the front passes, cooler area will dominate the region.

Updates will be posted throughout the weekend, stay in touch.

On the Wild Side

A bee swarm is actually very gentle. They are not overly aggressive. If you see one, call a local bee keeper who will capture the bees.

Spring gobbler season ends today, May 31.

There’s a somewhat troubling note from Kirk Johnson and Charles Vorisek, both regional beekeepers. There seems to be hardly any bee swarms, a natural process where the hive colonies divide. Johnson has not had any calls about swarms, while Vorisek has had only a few.

There are many possible reasons for the lack of swarming this spring, but according to Johnson: “This doesn’t look good at all.”

More information and details on the lack of swarms next week.

Beekeepers

Kirk Johnson, the president of the Northwestern Beekeepers Association announced the next meeting of the organization will be on June 15 at 1 p.m. at Troy Bogdan’s farm at 19000 New Richmond Road.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

June events:
• “Terrariums…”How to,” Tuesday, June 4, from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Terrariums can be beautiful…have you ever wanted to put one together for your house? Terry Lobdell will be showing us how. He will also be bringing a beautiful terrarium for the Nature Center! Come and see it!

• “Family Fishing,” Wednesday, June 19, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Join the Crawford Conservation District and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for a late afternoon of instruction, casting and fishing! This program is open to all ages and will be held rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather. All supplies will be provided! You do not need a fishing license for this PA Fish and Boat Commission sponsored educational event. NOTE: SPECIAL REGISTRATION — Please register with the PA Fish and Boat Commission by calling Chad Foster at 814-683-5126 or register online at: http://pfbc.state.pa.us. Do not call the Nature Center for this registration!

Goodell Gardens

Held Sundays at 3 pm. Unless otherwise noted, cost is $3 for Goodell Gardens Members, $7 for nonmembers, includes refreshments from Lakeside Bagel and Deli. REGISTRATION REQUIRED by phone -(814) 734-6699 or email -info@goodellgardens.org.

June 9 – Join the Swarm – Honeybee Bee-havior with apiarist Kirk Johnson
Learn about honeybee’s tendency to swarm in June. This is the natural way honeybees have evolved to split their hives to double the chance of hive survival . Kirk will present recent research on swarming and how the honeybees select a new home. He will also talk about beekeeper attempts to stop swarming or catch the swarm. Bee there or bee square! Kirk Johnson, an apiarist, owns Li’l Bit-O-Honey in Edinboro.

Dreese Farm – Poultry Workshop

A June 18 poultry workshop will be held at the Dreese Farm. The workshop will explore methods for raising chickens and how to properly dress them for later use. For more information, Chickens.

Segertown Wins Envirothon

Saegertown won the joint Crawford – Mercer County event. More details, Envirothon.

Forest Gathering and the Poet

The Spartansburg Sustainable Forests Foundation had a successful workshop recently. To learn more, Foundation.

Pymatuning

Wednesday, June 14, 6 p.m. at Beach 2 – Kayaking 101 – Improve your skills, class size is limited. Call to register at 724-932-3142

Memorial Day – Let’s Never Forget

gregspinks — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:23:55 +0000

Memorial Day is an important American observance – a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our nation and our freedoms. There are many observances throughout the region to remember, reflect and honor those who fought and died for our nation.

Union City has one of the oldest commemorations, for more details and information, Parade.

Memorial Day, with it’s origins in the American Civil War, is more than horseshoes, baseball, picnics, and the beginning of summer vacation.

Over the weekend, there will be thousands of people planting vegetable gardens, doing yard work and grilling for family picnics and get togethers. Monday – Memorial Day – will begin a warm-up after a bone-chilling start to the weekend with the very real possiblity of frost. Luckily, the strong storms of last week moved away from the area with little damage.

The horror in Moore, Oklamhoma is almost unbelievable and so very tragic. Remember those scenes, if you will be spending a cold evening covering frost sensitive plants.

UPDATE: The National Weather Service at mid-day on Friday issued a FREEZE WARNING for most of our region until Sunday at 9 a.m.

All have a safe and happy weekend and be sure to honor and pray for those who made our freedoms today possible.

On the Wild Side

Spring gobbler season comes to an end on May 31, ½ hour after sunset. It is a little difficult now to see in the woods with all the foilage.

There are many different wild flowers blooming now in the “wild” places. Take some time and enjoy the flower show. Crawford County and the region is lucky to have so many places available to enjoy the show, for more information, Nature.

If you enjoy wild leeks, there might only be a week or so to get out and collect some. The plants are beginning to die back.

Pomona Grange News

From Susan Tau “ The June 1^st quarterly meeting of Crawford County Pomona Grange will be hosted by Cochranton Grange at the Cochranton Masonic Lodge on Route 173, Cochranton.

The afternoon session will open at 1:00 p.m. and contain Committee reports, a memorial program by Chaplain Nancy Holler and the Lecturer’s program on the Crawford County READ Program by Dr. Armendia Dixon, Executive Director.

The evening session begins at 6:00 p.m. and will feature a program by Carrio, Karasik & Associates on “It’s Your Money, Keep It”. Carrio, Karasik & Associates is a PA State Grange endorsed company. The program is open to non-members, and should they join the Grange, Carrio, Karasik & Associates will pay their first year’s Grange dues. Also included during the evening session will be the election of two Executive and one Finance Committee members.

A tureen dinner will begin at 5:00 p.m. Those attending should take a tureen, table service and beverages will be provided by the Host Grange.

Subordinate Grange Secretaries are requested to send the names of their Grange’s deceased members from June 2012 to the present time to Nancy Holler, Chaplain by May 25^th.”

Creek Connections – CAMP CREEK

Creek Connections is once again offering a fun and educational summer camp at Allegheny College. Applications are now being accepted. There is a choice between two, one -week sessions for students in the 10^th and 11^th grade. For more information and an application, visit - Camp Creek

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

• “Family Fishing,” Wednesday, June 19, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Join the Crawford Conservation District and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for a late afternoon of instruction, casting and fishing! This program is open to all ages and will be held rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather. All supplies will be provided! You do not need a fishing license for this PA Fish and Boat Commission sponsored educational event. NOTE: SPECIAL REGISTRATION — Please register with the PA Fish and Boat Commission by calling Chad Foster at 814-683-5126 or register online at: http://pfbc.state.pa.us. Do not call the Nature Center for this registration!

Crawford Area Residents Concerned about the Environment – CARE

Save Our Swamp

Join Care and Erie peace and Justice Center for a canoe and kayak race at Conneaut Lake. Prizes and awards to the winners in this family oriented race. Proceeds will be used to continue the legal appeal of the air quality permit issued for the proposed tire incinerator. The race will be held on Sunday July 14 beginning at 9 a.m. (check in begins at 8 a.m.) Cost is $25 per boat before July 12, $25 per boat after July 12. For more information and details regarding registration, CARE

Spring into the Fun

gregspinks — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:24:45 +0000

The French Creek Float at Wattsburg is this weekend and the weather looks like it will cooperate. It is a great time for many throughout the region to enjoy one of our most valuable resources. A lot of credit goes to the organizers of this annual event and the countless volunteers whose help usually goes unnoticed.

The upcoming week, if the forecasts are correct, will bring a taste of near summer-like weather. Thoughts and activities are now more focused on yard work and vegetable gardens. Support our local growers when you want to purchase flowers and vegetable for the yard and garden. For some of the plant sales in the region, Buy Local.

The upcoming weeks are also a great time to enjoy another valuable resource in our region, the woodlands. There is a spectacular, free flower show going on right now. Pictured above are the brilliant yellow swamp marigolds in bloom which can be found in many bogs and wet areas. The native marigolds are just one of numerous species now in bloom. For more details and where to watch the show, Wildflowers.

On the Wild Side

The hummingbirds have returned, according to many reports. Several were observed in my neighborhood earlier this week (the feeder went right up after a good cleaning). The hummers are a sure sign that warm, even hot, weather is coming shortly.

Spring gobbler season runs until May 31. For more details, gobble, gobble. From now until then, hunting is legal all day (just in case, in Pennsylvania there is no hunting on Sunday).

The Full Moon is May 25. It is a Super Moon and will appear to be brighter and larger than usual. The May full moon is often called the Flower Moon, because of all the wild flowers blooming this month; the moon in May is also sometimes called the Corn Planting Moon.

Enjoy this years Super Moon with a kayak paddle on Pymatuning May 25. For more information call the Park Office at 724-932-3971 or check the Web site at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pymatuning/ or here . More details next week, as well as, some of the numerous Memorial Day (May27) events planned for the region.

Goodell Gardens

Pittsburgh-based Organic Gardening Expert Jessica Walliser will speak at Goodell Gardens on Sunday, May 19, as part of the Gardens’ Tea Time Talks lecture series.

Walliser, a former organic market grower, will share tips and techniques for growing a high-yielding, beautiful vegetable garden without a lot of fuss. Favorite varieties for organic growing as well as topics from amending your soil to pest control will be discussed. Attendees will be taught about the 4-cycle crop rotation schedule and some simple ways to attract beneficial insects to the garden.

Walliser co-hosts “The Organic Gardeners” on KDKA radio in Pittsburgh. She is a contributing editor for Organic Gardening magazine where you can read her ‘Good Bug, Bad Bug’ feature in each issue.
The Tea Time Talk featuring Walliser will be held Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m. at Goodell Gardens. Cost for admission is $3 for members of Goodell Gardens, $7 for nonmembers, and includes refreshments from Lakeside Bagel & Deli. Registration is required. Call (814) 734-6699 or email info@goodellgardens.org to register.

Grange News – Prestigious Community Awards Granted at Two Meetings

Both Carey Giles and Marie Smith received Grange Awards for their service to community.

On April 20, the Crawford County Pomona Grange awarded it’s Community Citizen Award to Carey Giles for his time and effort during a very special time of the year. Also at the annual Hayfield meeting, Marie Smith was honored for her many years in the Grange with a fifty year service pin. Unable to attend was Herman Hunter who was honored with a pin for his 70 years of service in the Grange.

During the meeting, Lecturer Chester Tau, introduced the featured speaker, Carey Giles. His topic was “Lighting of Brookhouser Hill for Christmas”. He began his presentation with recollections from the World War 11 era when only a few families lived on the hill. Over the years, the Christmas Hill lighting expanded.

In other Grange news, the Crawford County Pomona Grange awarded its annual Public Service Award to members of the French Creek Rails to Trails Ernst Tail during its May 4 Visitation meeting at the Atlantic Grange. The popular and well kept trail is open from dawn to dusk, free of charge thanks to the efforts of many community volunteers and local businesses. The Ernst Trail is a great place to enjoy and relax – spring into the fun.

For more Grange News and information regarding the Ernst Trail, Grange.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

Now is the time to prepare for a late summer harvest of tasty and healthy food. Learn more at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center.

All events are free and open to the public. Registration, however, is required. It is as simple as making a phone call to the Center at 763-5269.

• “Raised Beds Gardens at the Nature Center,” Wednesday, May 22, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Come ready to get your hands dirty! Join Maria Dreese to find out how the Woodcock Creek Nature Center’s Raised Bed Gardens got their start last year. Then help Maria and staff plant this year’s raised beds with vegetables and pollinators. Be involved in something you can watch grow this summer!

• “Family Fishing,” Wednesday, June 19, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Join the Crawford Conservation District and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for a late afternoon of instruction, casting and fishing! This program is open to all ages and will be held rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather. All supplies will be provided! You do not need a fishing license for this PA Fish and Boat Commission sponsored educational event. NOTE: SPECIAL REGISTRATION — Please register with the PA Fish and Boat Commission by calling Chad Foster at 814-683-5126 or register online at: http://pfbc.state.pa.us. Do not call the Nature Center for this registration!

Canadohta Lake – Some Changes But Much the Same

It will be a fun summer at Canadaohta Lake with many different events scheduled.

Following a recent Canadohta Lake Area Business Association (CLABA) meeting at the Frog Pond recently, several changes were made. The Cottage Tour event was cancelled for this year and a recycling fund raiser project has also been cancelled. Other lake events are “full steam ahead” and this year’s Breeze is at the printer. It should be ready for distribution by the holiday weekend. For more details and information, CLABA.

Happy Mothers Day, Timberdoodles and Quilts

gregspinks — Sun, 12 May 2013 17:10:22 +0000

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms! Hopefully, it was a great day for all even though Mother Nature didn’t cooperate much. There’s a chance of wet snow and sleet for the next day or so and the very real possibility of frost.

The weather should improve by mid-week, hopefully.

On the Wild Side

Seems as though it has been a successful spring gobbler season for many so far. On Monday May 13, hunters can legally hunt from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. The season ends of May 31^st. The daily limit is one Tom while the season limit is two birds.

Hopefully, the frost stays away from the region; the wild apples and other fruit and nut trees are in bloom.

The woods have been swampy with all of the rain the last several days but if you get the chance get out and enjoy the show. Many spring wild flowers are now blooming. The Ernst Trail, the Woodcock Creek Nature Center’s trails, Pymatuning and the Union City Dam are free, public access areas to visit and enjoy the show. The swamp marigolds, pictured above, enjoy the wet conditions.

Cambridge Springs – Quilt Study Group

The Northwestern Pennsylvania Quilt Study Group will sponsor a special workshop and lecture on May 15 and on May 16. If you enjoy quilts and/or history this should prove to be fascinating. For details and more information, Quilt History.

Audubon – From Sarah Sargent – The Timberdoodles

“For the first time my office in Meadville is going to participate in the annual Birdathon held by our state program (Audubon Pennsylvania). We are one of four teams in the state and we are hoping to show how great our region is for birding as well as having a wonderful community of people who support our work. Our team is named the Timberdoodles (after the nickname for American Woodcocks). My other team members are all the current Audubon staff members who are working with me at the moment: Judy Acker (part-time, education), Jason Fidorra (temporary, shorebird monitor and bander) and Mary Birdsong (temporary, part time shorebird monitor). We are competing with three other teams in the state, in a friendly way (mostly!).

This is a fundraising event for us, and any small (or large!) amount will help us. We will divide our total amount raised between two programs:

1. Bird banding at Presque Isle. Always popular with visitors, we show visitors what birds look like up close. We band during spring and fall migration when lots of birds are moving through. Since 2007 we have banded close to 12,000 birds! We recapture many of our banded birds between years, and several of ours have been recaptured elsewhere (including a Swainson’s Thrush in Mexico!). Our blog can be found at: http://pispbirdbanding.blogspot.com/

2. Environmental Education in the French Creek watershed. Judy Acker (former Director of the French Creek Outdoor Learning Center) goes into schools and provides 4th grade students with knowledge about the amazing diversity of aquatic organisms in their home watershed, and also conducts owl pellet workshops for 5th and 6th graders. This early exposure to local ecological information helps to foster a sense of pride and stewardship in young residents of this special watershed.

You can pledge by species if you want to challenge us to see more species (we are hoping for 100 species for the day), or simply donate a fixed amount.

If you prefer to send a check in the mail, simply print the attached document and follow the instructions on it. Alternatively, you can donate online with a credit card. The direct link to donate to the Timberdoodles is: http://bit.ly/11BEm4j

All donors will receive the summary report of our day and what we saw.”

Pymatuning

May 17 at 6 p.m. Learn more about the history of Pymatuning from swamp to the present day. The program opens at the Environmental Classroom – Jamestown Marina. The program includes a tour of of some areas/ Be sure to dress for the weather and there is some rough walking terrain. For directions or more information, call the park at 723-932-3142.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

All programs are free and open to the public. Please call to register at 763-5269.

• “Nature Pics Walk,” Tuesday, May 14, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Join Kathy Uglow, Crawford Conservation District, for a relaxing late afternoon spent enjoying and exploring the outdoors and shooting a few photos. All ages welcome! Dress for the weather. Note: This is not an instructional photography class.

Spring: Plenty of Opportunities

gregspinks — Sat, 04 May 2013 01:41:32 +0000

The last week of April and the beginning of May were spring perfect. Next week, according to forecasts will be much the same and perhaps at least here, time to fire up the lawn mower. For some, a curse of the springtime are brilliant yellow flowers called dandelions. Their very appearance has some rushing to garden centers for killer sprays. But the lowly Dandelion is actually a very important wild flower. More information, Dandelion.

For many, it is also vegetable garden time. Lettuce and many other salad greens, peas, potatoes, red beets can all be safely planted. These early spring crops can take a slight frost.

Many of the local farmers are glad to see the drier and warmer conditions, according to Ginny Shreve at the Erie-Crawford Co-op. April was a soggy month and it was next to impossible to get equipment in the fields for an early spring planting. On the plus side, the extra moisture will likely mean a good hay crop in about a month. The dry conditions last spring helped to create some local shortages of hay.

The woods are colorful with many native flowers blooming. Pictured above are some trout lilies which began to bloom last week at least in this neighborhood. The May Apples and the trilliums are also emerging; the leeks are perfect for digging.

As a reminder, be careful with outdoor fires. The fields and woods are dry and we have had some gusty and brisk southerly winds which are likely to continue.

On the Wild Side

Turkey season continues until May 31. Until May 11, the season begins at ½ hour before sunrise and ends at noon. Beginning on May 13, the legal hunting times are ½ hour before sunrise and ends at ½ hour after sunset. Only bearded birds can be harvested; the season limit is two while the daily limit is one bird.

The birds have been gobbling all week now.

It was also a great week for the tout anglers with near perfect weather conditions.

Canadohta Lake

Peggy Lloyd of Canadohta Lake died last week. She was one of the oldest members of the Canadohta Lake Area Business Association (CLABA).

From Ann Begheim, the current president of the association: “She was a wonderful woman who had a very long history here at the lake. Her rentals have been visited by so many over the years and memories have been made with her presence here, year after year. Godspeed to our CLABA member and friend.”

Crawford County Conservation District

Brian Pilarcik of the Conservation District has been pretty busy lately. He has been directing and overseeing a lot of tree plantings. Also , doing much of the manual labor, have been 250 high school students from school throughout the region. For more information, Trees.

A special note from Lynn Sandieson : The joint Crawford/Mercer Envirothon will be at Pymatuning, Shelter #4 on May 8 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Here is what is happening at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center:

• “Dig It…Medicinal Herbs & Plants in our Backyard,” Monday, May 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Allegheny College Professor of Global Health and Development, Liz Olson, and her students will show us what type of medicinal plants and herbs are available in this region of Pennsylvania. Learn how to identify, grow, and use some of these plants and herbs through fun hands-on activities! A learning experience for all ages — everyone will craft their own herbal remedy to take home!

The events are free and open to the public. However, registration is required. It is simple, just call the nature center at 814.763. 5269

Goodell Gardens

The weather is great and Goodell Gardens is now open. For more information, Goodell.

Here re two upcoming events:

National Public Gardens Day, Friday, May 10
In celebration of National Public Gardens Day, we will be offering FREE ADMISSION on Friday, May 10 from 11 am to 5 pm. Stop by for a self-guided tour!

Mother’s Day-FREE ADMISSION for Moms, Sunday, May 12
Treat mom to a stroll through our beautiful gardens on Sunday, May 12. We’re offering free admission for Moms from 11 am to 5 pm. Sorry dads and kids, you’ll still have to pay regular admission.

Explore Spring

gregspinks — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:16:21 +0000

Maybe spring weather is finally here and the cold and snow will end this week. It seems as if winter was almost endless this past year and everyone is waiting for the real spring warmth to arrive. The forecasts indicate the upcoming week might just bring better and warmer weather. That is good news for farmers, backyard gardeners and those who burn wood for heat.

A great place to visit during the spring and one of the “best kept secrets around” is the Union City Dam. Pictured above are two residents of Las Vegas who visit the dam frequently when they visit the region. For more information on the Union City Dam, click Best Secret.

On the Wild Side

Spring gobbler opens this Saturday. Hopefully, weather conditions will be better than the last several Saturdays of trout season; the creeks were running high and muddy.

Spring Gobbler opens on April 27 from ½ hour before sunrise to noon until May 11. On May 13 and until May 31 the legal hunting time is from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ after sunrise.

Only bearded birds, Tom’s, may be harvested. The limit is one tom per day and the season limit is two toms. Check your Game Commission rule books for more information regarding the firearms which can be legally used during the season.

CCSEC

The Crawford County Senior Environmental Corps is active in many projects throughout the region.

The Crawford County Senior Environmental Corps (CCSEC) will meet Thursday May2 at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center on German Rd at 1 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. The meetings generally last about 1 hour.

The guest speaker for the meeting will be Gary Clark. According to Dick Runnels, the chairperson for the group, Clark is retired from DEP and the topic of his presentation will center on gas well in the region, past and present. It is a timely topic for the region as more and more “fracking” is expected in the region which brings with it a whole host of questions and concerns for many property owners,

CCSEC is an organization actively involved in supporting many community groups such as the Conservation District, Allegheny College Creek Critters, and Pymatuning State Park. The organization is active in events such as tree plantings, fish habitat cribs, and water quality monitoring.

CCSEC is open to everyone 44 years of age and over, although younger members are welcome to participate. For more information, CCSEC or call the Conservation District at 763-5269.

Canadohta Lake

Following a recent Canadohta Lake Area Business Association (CLABA) meeting at the Frog Pond, a decision was reached to discontinue for at least 2013 the aluminum can collection and the Cottage Tours. More details next week as well as the ongoing problems with golf carts on the roads and highways.

Ann Bergheim also noted that the new CLABA Web page is up and running. It is a great page to find the needed information on a wide range of CLABA programs and events. It can be discovered at canadohtalake.org

The new Web page took a lot of hard work from both Geri Barker and Beverly Rapp. Good work!

Safe Driving Classes Offered

Safe driving classes are being offered at both the Active Aging Center in Meadville and at the Union city Senior Center. For more information on these important classes, , click Safe Driving.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

The medicinal herb, bonset, grows throughout the region and is useful in treating flu symptoms.

All events are open to the public and in general free of charge unless there is a cost for materials. Please call the Woodcock Nature to register (required) The telephone number is 814. 763.5269.

May events:

• “Dig It…Medicinal Herbs & Plants in our Backyard,” Monday, May 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Allegheny College Professor of Global Health and Development, Liz Olson, and her students will show us what type of medicinal plants and herbs are available in this region of Pennsylvania. Learn how to identify, grow, and use some of these plants and herbs through fun hands-on activities! A learning experience for all ages — everyone will craft their own herbal remedy to take home!

Goodell Gardens – Make and Take Worm Box

Visit Goodell Gardens this spring and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature and learn valuable techniques to use around the home and the backyard.

Learn how to make and take care of worms to make compost out of kitchen scraps on Sunday May 5 at the Events Barn. Class begins at 3 p.m. and will be led by Penn State Master Gardeners Judi Vespoli and Maria Blakeslee.

Cost is #15 for members, $20 for non-members. Registration fee includes the material to make a worm box and the worms.

Pre-registration is required for this first Tea Time Talks. To register, info@goodellgardens.com or call 814.734.669

Signs of Spring Today April 26, 2013

Boston Strong: Hope and Concern in Crawford County

gregspinks — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:39:47 +0000

SPECIAL

Ann Bergheim, the current president of the Canadohta Lake Area Business Association (CLABA), has had one heck of a nerve wracking week. Ann’s 25 year old daughter Sara, lives in an apartment in the Boston area just a short distance from alleged Marathon Bomber’s apartment.

“Like everyone else in the area, she can’t leave the apartment and all day Friday she was watching the live news reports,” Ann said. “Ever since the bombing on Monday, we have talked several times a day and chatted online. In fact, we were talking almost immediately after the bombs went off. I just wish this whole thing would end soon.”

Sarah Hopson, Ann’s daughter, is a graduate of Union City High School, was the recipient of a Legion scholarship, and then attended Gannon University before going to Boston to attend school. She will turn 25 in May.

“I’ve been to Boston to visit her several times and I just really like the city and the people,” Ann said. “The people of Boston show great courage and kindness and truly represent the real picture of what America is all about. We need to keep the people of Boston in our prayers as well as those in Texas following that horrible explosion.”

Update: Shortly after this interview was conducted and published, police in Boston at *;45 p.m. announced the second suspect had been taken into custody. Crowds in Boston cheered and Ann took to her Facebook page and cheered as well. Both she and her daughter separated by hundreds of miles will have a much better weekend. Now attention will once again re-focus on those killed and injured.

On the Wild Side

Looks like another weekend of snow and blustery conditions for the anglers in search of a trout dinner. The creeks, similar to last week, will likely be running high and muddy.

The weather next week, according to forecasts will moderate somewhat (hopefully).Spring gobbler for younger hunters also opens up this Saturday.

The leeks emerged in the woods this past week, at least in my neighborhood. Perhaps, next week they should be large enough to dig. It seems whenever the garden garlic garlic emerges from it’s raised beds, it’s time to get in the woods and check the tasty leeks.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

“Nature Center Field Trip…Aquaponics Investigation,” Wednesday, April 24, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Meet at Allegheny College Carr Hall Lobby (directions available) to find out how to garden using an aquaponics system. Thomas Eatmon, Environmental Science Dept., will demonstrate some working aquaponics systems…find out what he is growing! Also take a look at the new Allegheny College Environmental Science Department and see the “living wall.”

In addition to the weekly education programs, stop by the Woodcock Creek Nature Center to check out the many displays and activities! The Nature Center is open all year round Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Directions to the Crawford County Conservation District/ Woodcock Creek Nature Center, 21742 German Road, Meadville, PA (formerly Bear Lodge): From Meadville, follow North Main Street (State Route 86) North; Turn right on German Road just before the bridge and the intersection of Routes 86 & 198; Stay on German Road and follow the creek, bearing left at the “Y.” The Nature Center is the last building (made of stone) on the left before Stainbrook Park.

Foundation for Sustainable Forestry

The Foundation for Sustainable Forestry based in Spartansburg will have a special weekend conference in May. To learn more the special weekend planned by the local Foundation, which was awarded the Conservation Districts 2013 Award for Forestry, Foundation.

Excellence in School and on the Court

I had the opportunity to get acquainted with one of th areas outstanding graduating seniors within the last few weeks. Josiah Hoefler, a senior at Calvary Baptist Academy in Meadville. Like many graduating seniors this spring, he is making choice for the future after a life-long career at the Academt which is celebrating it’s 45 year of existence in Meadville. Thanks to Brian Williams, the Director of Development at the school for the initial contact. Congratulations, Josiah.and Good Luck in your future plans. Read, Josiah.

Safe Driving Classes for Seniors Planned

Both the Active Aging Center in Meadville and the Union City Senior Senior Center are sponsoring AARP Safe Driving Classes in the near future. More detailed information will be posted next Friday. However, if you want immediate information regarding these important classes, call the center in your area.

The number for Meadville’s Active Aging is 336-1792. The contact numer for the Union City Center is 438-2146. The courses will begin soon, early May in general and enrollment is limited.

Hello and Welcome Spring

gregspinks — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:29:09 +0000

While the forecasts call for a somewhat rainy week ahead, the temperatures will be in the fifties and perhaps the sixties. There is the chance of some flooding with the run-off and rains, stay tuned to local reports in your area.

It is good to see the early spring flowers and plants begin to emerge over the weekend.

Be careful of the ice, it is not safe and is breaking up fast. It won’t be long and the the lily pads and frogs will replace the ice. I’ve known several people who have fallen through, luckily no injuries except for embarrassment.

On the Wild Side

April brings two important outdoor holidays; the opening day of trout on April 13 and the first day of spring gobbler on April 23.

Chances are we will hear the spring peepers some night this week, followed by the spring leeks. The weather this week will also keep the beekeepers busy. The weather will waken the hives and the bees will be hungry this spring because of a short nectar supply from the golden rods this past fall.

The warm weather will bring the region’s first harvest to end. By most accounts it was a good maple season and there was a good sap run. Producers pull the taps when the weather warms since it is needed by the swelling leaf buds on the tree.

The Maple Festival in Edinboro and the Taste and Tour Open House at local Sugar House was well attended, although on Saturday with the wintery weather some numbers down.

Pymatuning

Creek Critters

Get in on the fun and discover the amazing world of aquatic insects on Saturday April 20 at 10 a.m.. Meet at the Park Office and be sure to wear boots and dress for the weather. For directions and /or more information, call the park office at 724-932-3142.

Clean-Up Day

Two days later on April 22, the Park will conduct a general clean-up of the shoreline areas. Volunteers are needed for the pre-summer clean up and if you or your organization can help please call the park office for more information and so that adequate supplies can be on hand. The park will provide gloves and trash bags. Be sure to dress for the weather. The number to contact for more information or to volunteer is 724932-3142.

Hickernell United Methodist Church

The Hickernell United Methodist Church will hold a rummage and bake sale on Saturday, April 13^th from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church on the Springboro Road. Delicious homemade baked goods will be available and free coffee. Proceeds of the sale will be used for local mission projects. The Church is located three miles west of Route 98 on Springboro Road and is completely handicapped accessible.

Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center

• “Garden Without Weeds? What?” Wednesday, April 10, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Weeds, who needs them? Bertha Mesarch, Penn State Master Gardeners, will show us several different ways to grow our own plants and minimize those pesky weeds! Learn ways to deal with weeds, container gardening, “mounds,” and more.

• “Spring Warbler Walk,” Tuesday, April 16, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Judy Acker, Audubon French Creek Outreach Coordinator, will lead us on a spring bird walk. Meet at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center. Bring binoculars if you have them!

• The 34th Annual Tree Sale Distribution will be Friday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Crawford County Fairgrounds at Home Show Building #1. For more information or order forms call: 814-763-5269 or go to www.crawfordconservation.com. All orders are due by Friday, March 22, 2013.

• “Nature Center Field Trip…Aquaponics Investigation,” Wednesday, April 24, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Meet at Allegheny College Carr Hall Lobby (directions available) to find out how to garden using an aquaponics system. Thomas Eatmon, Environmental Science Dept., will demonstrate some working aquaponics systems…find out what he is growing! Also take a look at the new Allegheny College Environmental Science Department and see the “living wall.”