DCNR is in the process of writing a new strategic plan -- designed to set its mission and overarching goals for forestlands in Pennsylvania. The plan guides how the department provides leadership in forest management and conservation on both public and private lands in urban and rural areas. Citizens are invited to give input regarding the future of commonwealth forests by read more
General Interest
12
August
7
August
Hawk Mountain Flies into Fall with Annual Autumn Migration Kick-off
Hawk Mountain invites visitors to watch and monitor the annual passage of raptor migrants as they move south during the Autumn Hawk Watch, held daily August 15 through December 15, at the Sanctuary’s famous North Lookout. Trail fees apply for non-members and cost $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Members are admitted free year-round, and read more
7
August
Land Conservancy of Adams County Art Auction Goes Virtual Beginning Sept. 4
The Land Conservancy of Adams County’s 23rd annual Art Auction will go virtual this year beginning Friday, Sept. 4. The long-running auction, which raises money to support rural land conservation in Adams County, will feature a wide variety of artwork donated by local and regional artists and art collectors—everything from painting and drawing to ceramics, jewelry, and other read more
27
July
Nominate a Great Public Place or Great Neighborhood in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA PA) will be recognizing “Great Public Spaces” and “Great Neighborhoods” in 2020. Overall, Great Places are unique, memorable places that display a wealth of best practices in community planning, serve as a community focal point, and strengthen the local economy. Everyone should be proud of the “great” planning read more
23
July
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Pennsylvania Release Draft Plan to Conserve Bats on State Lands
As bats in Pennsylvania continue to recover from the deadly disease white-nose syndrome and other threats, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pennsylvania Game Commission, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) are working together to conserve federally protected Indiana and northern long-eared bats on nearly 4 million acres of read more
23
July
DCNR Bureau of Forestry Strategic Plan Stakeholder Input Session with PALTA and Friends
The PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry is in the process of writing a new strategic plan that will set the bureau’s mission and overarching goals. It will guide how the bureau provides leadership in forest management and conservation on both public and private lands in urban and rural areas. The bureau is conducting a series of stakeholder group consultations to gather input during read more
17
July
2019 Biennial Census Report
The 2019 biennial census report was recently released. Highlights from the report found that between 2010 and 2019, land trusts in Pennsylvania: Expanded the lands they have conserved by 35%; Conserved 207,000 acres of land (323 sq. mi. - roughly the size of Lehigh County); On average, conserved 57 acres every day; Increased their acreage protected with perpetual read more
15
June
Get Involved: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Council
The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association seeks to form a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Council to provide people a forum to share experiences, advance good practices, and identify opportunities for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in conservation work and organizations. If you are with a land trust, trail group, or other conservation read more
12
June
Hawk Mountain Welcomes Visitors as Trails Reopened on June 5
As Berks County moved into the yellow phase of the governor’s Pennsylvania Reopening Plan, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has reopened trails with new safety protocols in place. June 5 marked the official opening of all trails, while the Visitor Center remains closed. To ensure the health and well-being of visitors and employees, modified safety measures are currently in place. “The read more
28
May
DCNR Accepting Final Comments on PA’s Outdoor Recreation Plan
DCNR has finalized Pennsylvania’s next outdoor recreation plan -- the blueprint for delivering outdoor recreation services for the next five years. Over the past year, public input has been collected and analyzed relating to the five priority themes for the plan: Health and wellness Recreation for all Sustainable systems Technology Funding and economic read more
27
May
Support Hawk Mountain during the 2020 Benefit for the Birds
Hawk Mountain's annual fundraiser, the Benefit for the Birds Gala has been transformed into a month-long, online-only silent auction with a live-streamed event. The annual gala, which had to be cancelled, is the Sanctuary's largest and only fundraiser, garnering critical general operating support for Hawk Mountain science, education, stewardship, and other conservation read more
20
May
DCNR Announces Plans to Reopen More State Park, Forest Facilities
On May 19, 2020, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced a phased reopening of more state park and forest facilities in keeping with Governor Wolf’s direction to ensure Pennsylvanians have opportunities to safely enjoy outdoor recreation and help maintain positive physical and mental health. “With appropriate read more
15
May
Common Wasps and Hornets of Pennsylvania
As the days become warmer, many insects throughout Pennsylvania emerge. Spring, summer, and fall are some of the busiest times of year for insects and the best times of year for people to come into contact with them. Some of the insects that Pennsylvanians may encounter are stinging insects, such as bees, wasps, and hornets. Most people are familiar with the importance of bees read more
8
May
World Migratory Bird Day: Calling Us to Conservation
We were all gathered in the pre-dawn for a very well-attended spring migratory bird hike. I was standing groggily at the back of the group, watching the yellow tinge of the sunrise break upon the eastern horizon. As if on cue to welcome the rising sun, a chorus of birdsong trilled from the brambles of nearby thicket. “Do you think a new day would even happen without birds read more
2
May
DCNR Announces Plan for Reopening Some State Park, Forest Facilities
On May 2, 2020, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced a phased reopening of state park and forest facilities in keeping with Governor Wolf’s direction to ensure that Pennsylvanians have opportunities to safely enjoy outdoor recreation as a way to maintain positive physical and mental health. “As the weather read more
