None The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania Press Releases Search All Press Releases Patti O’Keefe Phone: (570) 643-7922, ext.123 E-mail: pokeefe@tnc.org

The Nature Conservancy’s Summer Exploration Events

June 24, 2005—The Nature Conservancy begins its Summer Exploration Series with several walks and programs to explore the Pocono’s special places.

Saturday, July 2 – Walk to Warnertown Falls - Tobyhanna Creek cascades over a series of rock ledges creating a beautiful destination at State Game Land # 127.  Discover the variety of plant life and changing habitats along the trail.  Easy, 90 minute hike for ages 10 and up.  Meet at The Nature Conservancy’s Hauser Nature Center at 9:00 a.m. 

Saturday, July 16 – Take a stroll in the Moonlight -  Visit Grass Lake and enjoy the scents and sounds unique to an evening walk.  Perhaps we will hear the elusive whip-poor-will or the eerie call of an owl.  Easy, 90 minute walk, but participants must be able to stay quiet:  good for adults.  Meet  at The Nature Conservancy’s Hauser Nature Center at 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 27 – Survivor – Discover how to find your way in the woods.   Learn survival tips and tricks.  The Northeast Search and Rescue team will be here to demonstrate how to be found, not lost!  Fun for the whole family.  Meet at The Nature Conservancy’s Hauser Nature Center at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 10 – Stargazing with Bill MacHose
Back by popular demand, Bill takes us on a virtual tour of the Universe, then outside to view the darkening sky and the appearance of stars, constellations, and planets.  An entertaining program appropriate for ages 10 and up.  Suggested items to bring:  chair or blanket, binoculars, and a flashlight.  Meet at the Hauser Nature Center at 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 13 – Tobyhanna Lake Trail – Tobyhanna State Park is our destination to get up close to a variety of plants including the carnivorous sundew and pitcher plants.  Easy, 90 minute walk for all ages.  Meet at the Boat Launch parking lot at the Park at 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, August 27 – Hike to Hawk Falls – Hawk Falls in Hickory Run State Park is the perfect spot to visit on a hot summer day.  Huge rhododendrons shade the path down to a stream we will rock hop or wade across, then it’s on to the Falls and the sparkling streams below.  Moderate, 90 minute walk.  Meet at The Nature Conservancy’s Hauser Nature Center at 9:00 a.m. 

Tuesday, August 30 – Bats, Bats, Bats!!! – Greg Turner, Endangered Mammal Specialist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, presents a program on the misunderstood nighttime bug catcher, the Bat.  We might even be able to catch a few live bats.  Meet at The Nature Conservancy’s Hauser Nature Center at 7:30 p.m.

Due to the changing terrain and weather conditions, please be prepared with sturdy footwear and adaptable clothing. Consider bringing a hat, bug spray, suntan lotion and water.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Requested contribution for events is $3 per adult/$2 for children age 10-16. The Hauser Nature Center is located on Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA, for directions or additional information call 570-643-7922 ext. 10.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading, non-profit organization that preserves plants, animals, and natural communities representing the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.  To date, the Conservancy and its members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 90 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific.  Visit us on the Web at nature.org/pennsylvania.