Tuscarora State Park, Pennsylvania

Reminder to all visitors: Hunting is permitted throughout much of Tuscarora State Park Please be aware that hunting has been expanded for the next three Sundays throughout the state. When visiting our parks during hunting seasons, we always recommend wearing bright colors such as orange so you can easily be seen.... See details from the PA Game Commission for more information.

Our Eagle Scout, Jathan working on building a new bridge in spirit trail. Way to go guys!!

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced Pennsylvanians are being asked to nominate their favorite trail for... the 2021 Trail of the Year. The designation is coordinated by the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee to elevate public awareness of the thousands of miles of trails available for public enjoyment in Pennsylvania. The advisory committee is charged with implementing the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Trails Strategic Plan to develop a statewide land and water trail network. In these trying times we see people turning to the outdoors in unprecedented numbers and trails are among the strongest attractions, Dunn said. Pennsylvania has it all, from gentle pathways threading through miles of preserved greenways, to remote, rugged trails scaling the state’s magnificent mountains. We want to hear from those who hold these special places close to their heart. The 2021 Trail of the Year will be recognized in a news release by the advisory committee and DCNR; a commemorative poster for statewide distribution; a trailhead marker along the trail; and a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail. For consideration, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by Friday, November 20, 2020. Visit the Trail of the Year webpage to submit the form and supporting materials. Just click right here----> https://www.dcnr.pa.gov//TrailDevelopment/TrailOfTheYear/P The Trail of the Year will be announced in early 2021. Learn more about the trails covering more than 12,000 miles in Pennsylvania. Yep, you can click here for this great resource! http://trails.dcnr.pa.gov/

With Halloween right around the corner, what better time to celebrate International Bat Week! Did you know Pennsylvania is home to nine species of bats, five of... which are listed as threatened or endangered? Despite the rumors, bats provide us with valuable ecological services, such as insect control. One little brown bat alone is estimated to consume between 300-3,000 insects in one night! In fall, winter and early spring, however, insects are not readily available to bats in Pennsylvania. At this time, three species of bats migrate south; the other six hibernate underground, usually in caves. Pennsylvania’s cave bats are true hibernators, meaning they do not eat during hibernation, instead bats survive by slowing burning fat accumulated through the summer. During hibernation a bat’s body temperature drops close to the air temperature; respiration slows; and the heartbeat drops from approximately 250 beats to 10 beats per minute. Threats to bats include vehicle collisions, wind farms, diseases, specifically white-nose syndrome, and disturbances during hibernation. Here are some ways you can help bats survive: reduce pesticide use; put up a bat house for roosting; don’t disturb bats while hibernating; and safely remove bats when found in your home. Learn how to safely remove a bat from your home here https://www.pgc.pa.gov//Ba/Pages/BatProblemsSolutions.aspx. Build a bat box https://www.pgc.pa.gov/InformationResources/GetInvolved/Pages/WildlifeHomePlans.aspx

Schuykill River CLEANUP