Community Programs Announced
June is a busy month for the Delaware Highlands Conservancy
Beach Lake -- The Delaware Highlands Conservancy announces community programs and workshops for June at the Van Scott Nature Reserve at 571 Perkins Pond Rd.
Events require advance registration. For program details and to register, please visit www.DelawareHighlands.org/events or call Education and Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Morrow at 570-226-3164 ext. 2.
Commumity Garden Workday is Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conservance will begin creating a new community garden space at the nature reserve, and this workday will focus on preparing the site for planting and community use. Between five and 10 volunteers can help with tasks such as clearing the fence line, cleaning up debris, and laying the groundwork for a shared growing space. While working, volunteers learn about the Conservancy’s vision for the garden, and gain valuable tips for preparing their own garden this growing season from representatives of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County. The garden site is in a full-sun area. Be sure to bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty (long-sleeve recommended). Work gloves will be provided. Pack a lunch. Rain date is June 14.
On Friday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to noon the presentation “Stopover Ecology of Landbird Migrants: Why It’s Good to be Fat and Other Migratory Tales” by Drs. Robert Smith and Meg Hatch will educated birders on avian migration and research conducted in northeast Pennsylvania.
The program is planned to include the temporary capture of live birds for attendees to see these migrants and residents up close. The event fee is $5 for Conservancy members and $10 for non-members. Kids under 12 are free.
Join herbalist Heather Houskeeper in exploring the wild edible and medicinal plants that inhabit our landscape on Saturday, June 21 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. for “Forage: Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk.”
Walkers will meet plants that are easy to recognize, safe to work with, and inhabit your backyard, garden, and familiar wild places. Learn how to identify, ethically harvest, and prepare them as delicious meals and useful home remedies. The walk through the rolling fields of the reserve is moderately challenging. Please dress appropriately with sun protection and shoes for walking. Bring water and snacks as needed. Event fee is $10 for Conservancy members and $15 for non-members. This program is best suited for adults.
It’s a mystery! Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy on the last Tuesday of every month through October for a fun and exciting Mystery Zoom. The first is on Tuesday, June 24 from noon to 1 p.m. Engage with us each week on social media to try and guess the theme based on clues and questions we share. Each Zoom will cover a different topic, so stay tuned until the end of the month to see if your guess was right! And if the topic sparks your interest, stick around and learn something new with us! Zoom meeting details will be emailed to you after registration.
Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy for a relaxed hike at the Van Scott Nature Reserve with Trevor Tochydlowski, Forest Specialist from the Wayne County Conservation District on Friday, June 27, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Whether you’re curious about tree identification, forest management, invasive species, wildlife habitats, or simply have questions about what you’re seeing in the woods, Trevor will be on hand to share his knowledge and answer your questions. Please be prepared to walk on sloped terrain, and wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that are appropriate for the weather. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Fee is $5 for Conservancy members and $10 for non-members. Advance registration is requested.
Saturday, June 28 – 11am-1pm – Pond Investigation
Join the conservancy for an in-depth look into life in a pond.on Saturday, June 28. During the pond investigation, you will be getting your hands dirty looking for insects known as macroinvertebrates. We will use our findings to determine the quality of our pond! Space is limited and prior registration is required. Event fee is $10 for Conservancy members; $15 for non-members; kids 12 and under $5. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend the program.