It almost hard to believe that schools will re-open in the next several weeks. Some high schools students in my neighborhood expressed they are ready to get back and I do know some teachers who are ready to get back.. Fall is drawing near.
The weather was near perfect this past week with some good rain and cooler temperatures. The long range forecasts are calling for sunny, yet, cool temperatures; seventies during the day and the fifties at night, almost fall-like..
Elections will be the news makers from now until November. Pennsylvania recently adopted a new law requiring photo ID’s to be presented when casting a ballot; be sure to contact election officials to make sure you have the proper identification to cast a ballot. For some, it could prove to be something of a headache. For now, the law remains on the books, however, the case is likely to go before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. It is also being investigated by the US Justice Department. Voter Services in Crawford County can be contacted at 814-333-7307 for more information. The new law also makes some major changes in how to properly file an absentee ballot. For a lot more information, VOTE.
The local corn crop and soybeans seem to be doing very well. However, the crops in other states , according to sources, will not yield as much as generally expected. Blame the drought. For some local reactions to the growing season, Corn.
For home gardens, the rain was also a welcome relief. For those growing in pots it was a chore to keep everything watered. Although, the cherry tomatoes have been ripening for weeks now, paste and eating tomatoes are beginning to ripen, at least in my garden. I see a lot of tomato dishes in the future.
IMPORTANT: DEP has announced that mosquito spraying will take place in Randolph Township, Crawford County on August 21. For more information and you can help diminish and protect yourself an family this buggy problem, Mosquito. These insects can be dangerous since they carry any number of dangerous diseases.
From the press release:
“The treatments will be administered by truck-mounted equipment to spray open spaces in residential areas. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3+15 at a rate of .75 ounces per acre.
These products are designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. The application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and are safe for the environment.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.”
Besides helping the mosquito population, the rain also helped the garden weeds grow faster. But the cooler temperatures this upcoming week will be appreciated by home gardeners.
Change is in the August air and summer sure went by quickly.
Summer sped by this year; it seems just a few short weeks ago, it was wild leek season.
On the Wild Side
The native herb boneset is blooming along with the important native goldenrod.
The goldenrods are blooming and turning fields yellow. The native plant is an important source of food for the bees, both the native species and the honeybees. For more information, goldenrod. The goldenrod also provides many other benefits to numerous insects including the praying mantis. It is till being studied as a possible source for rubber. For additional information on the common golden rod, click Yellow.
The native herbs boneset and jewelweed are also in full bloom adding more color to the “wild” areas.
Boneset, which blooms white, is an herb once used to make a tea. It was used to fight the flu symptoms and coughs. Jewelweed has orange blossoms. The stems can be broken and the liquid can be applied to insect bites. It works for me on mosquito bites.
Autumn is a good time to re-arrange the backyard and divide existing plants and establish new species. Think about a chemical free, wild zone to help the native pollinators. For some hints click, WILD.
On a recent walk through the woods, there were a lot of hickory nuts on the ground. It just seems a little early (everything else seemed early this year). But it is a sure sign that fall is approaching.
For many, the wooly bears can predict the winter, will they be early this year like many other nature signs?
Canadohta Lake
As mentioned last week, the Canadohta Lake Book Swap program has been temporarily suspended. The program is sponsored by the Canadohta Lake Art Society under the direction of Ann Bergheim, who said in an interview that a new location is being sought.
She also said the program will have a giant book sale on Saturday, September 1. The sale features over 1,500 book titles for all age groups. It will be held being at 11 a.m. at Hawthorne Park. The sale ends at dusk when the community celebrates Light Up the Night, an occasion to remember all of the deceased from the lake community. Campfires, flares and candles will be lit all around the lake, The Canadohta Lake Area Business Association is selling special outdoor luminaries which can be used for this occasion. The cost for five luminary candles is $3 and can be purchased at Sally’s on the Lake .
If your in the Canadohta Lake region, there’s plenty of really good places to get a bite to eat. If you want a great sit down meal visit the Frog Pond Restaurant. Take some time, relax and enjoy the view of Canadohta Lake.
77 kids attend this years Kids Fishing Day at Timberland Bait in Canadohta.
Timberland Bait Store had an exceptional good crowd of kids for their 6 annual Kids Fishing Contest, according to Jerry and Sarah Van Tassel. Seventy-seven kids participated in the event. This year a painted turtle was also captured; last year a large snapping turtle was caught and later released. The winners this year were: Lucas Leech (age 
: 9″ PERCH
3-way tie: 8 1/4″ SUNFISH; Jake Coughenour (age 11): Scot Watson (age 11); Howie Hammond (age 11)
Alex Boylan (age 12) : 12 1/4″ CRAPPIE 2-way tie: 8 1/2″ SMALL MOUTH BASS;Ashton Mineo(age 7); Emily Leehart (age 11)
2-way tie: 14 1/2″ LARGE MOUTH BASS; Nathan Soliwoda (age 11);
Jake Coughenour (age 11); Jordan Shaffer (age 6): 11″ ROCK BASS
Alex Boylan (age 12) : PAINTED TURTLE
No Walleye, Trout or Catfish were caught.
Crawford County Conservation District – Woodcock Creek Nature Center
All Woodcock Creek Natiure Center require pre-registration. The programs are free and open to the public. Please call the Center at 814-763-5369 to register. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Let the center know if you require special accommodations.
• “Butterflies Walk,” Tuesday, August 21, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Lynn Sandieson, Crawford Conservation District, will lead us on a scouting expedition at the Nature Center and through Stainbrook Park to search for and identify some of our most common species.
• “Summer Tree Identification,” Tuesday, August 28, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Mark Lewis, Service Forester, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, will lead a tree identification walk on the Nature Center grounds. This program is open to all ages and will be held rain or shine.
Goodell Gardens
Every Wednesday Goodell Gardens host a local farmer’s Market beginning at 3p.m. The harvest this year appears to be bountiful. Stop by and support our local farms and Goodell Gardens. For more information on upcoming events, click Goodell Gardens.
Darl Black’s Fishing Report
Get the latest information on fishing in the region, learn the hot spots and tips, and view some great photos of the catches. Fish.
