Highlighted Programs:

Please note:  Pre-registration is suggested for all programs offered.  For more information, or to register for a program please contact our office at 570-629-3061.

2010 BioBliz Results  

Peru Trip 2011

Fall Kettle Creek for Kids Program (Ages 4 - 6)

Halloween Night Hikes at Kettle Creek 

Field Trips

Kettle Creek Art Gallery Schedule 2010                                                                                                                                                             

Snipe Hunt

Tannersville Cranberry Bog  Walks and Bog Day Celebration 2010  

2010 Annual Bird Seed Sale Scheduled

Horseback Adventure  - Deadline Extended to May 21, 2010

2010 BioBlitz 

Nothstein BioBlitz – A BLAST!!!

On June 18 and 19, Monroe County Conservation District (MCCD) Staff and over 60 surveyors combed the Nothstein Property in Paradise Township interested in documenting as many species of flora and fauna as possible within a 24-hour period.  After 24 exhausting, but exciting hours the total number of species reported at 3 pm on Saturday, June 19 was 1061. Surveyors used different methods to discover species, from simply walking through the property to count what they observed, to setting up automatic remote cameras and live traps. They also electro-shocked the stream, used a black light to attract nocturnal insects, and a computer program to document bat calls. The Nothstein property was a hub of activity.

The BioBlitz’s overall goal was to inventory the biodiversity of a certain piece of property. Utilizing the Nothstein property, which was purchased with Monroe County Open Space money, provided us with the opportunity to discover and document the wonderful diversity of life on this newly preserved piece of property. The count included 35 species of aquatic life, 58 birds, 72 mushrooms, 30 lichens, 19 reptiles and amphibians, 545 invertebrates, 13 mammals, 18 mosses and liverworts, and 271 plants. Ten leaders summarized each group’s results and several areas of interest were noted.

The Cranberry Creek, which flows through the property, contained 35 macro-invertebrates, which was excellent but the big surprise was that over 100 brown trout were electro-shocked in 100 feet of stream, a very high number. While 58 species of birds was good, several species such as cooper’s hawk, and sharp-shinned hawks were not found. They did, however, find a healthy population of ruffed grouse, and other shrub-loving birds that seemed to be attracted to areas where oak die-off from gypsy moths had opened the canopy and encouraged more shrub growth.  A wide range of mushrooms, lichens and mosses were found, and two reptiles recorded are listed in Pa as a  “species of conservation concern”- wood turtle and box turtle. Thirteen mammals were documented on site including a mink observed catching a trout, but only one bat species was found. Finally, the biggest group, the invertebrates group had many different species representing fantastic bio-diversity.

Overall, the Nothstein Preserve should be considered a healthy and diverse area with typical Pocono species and several uncommon species. We should all be encouraged by this now-protected area and all its inhabitants.

MCCD would like to thank Paradise Township for all their assistance and the Kettle Creek Environmental Fund for providing financial support.

A complete copy of the report can be obtained by calling our office at 570-629-3061. The MCCD is planning another BioBlitz at a different Monroe County Open Space property in the next year or two.  These protected properties have not only unique natural features, but also many different plants and animals.

Invertabrate Team Members identifying specimens


Pixie Cup Lichen
Slimy Salamander                                Eastern Box Turtle

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Birding in Peru's Amazon Basin Rica Trip 2011

January 12 – 23, 2011

Peru’s Amazon region is a vast watershed of rivers and rainforest that supports one of the most diverse and prolific concentrations of plants, birds, and other wildlife found anywhere in the world. From lodges located on the Amazon River and its tributaries, participants will explore and study the birds and natural history of this biologically rich area.

A tiny sampling of the birdlife to be seen includes macaws, toucans, manakins, puffbirds, cotingas, screamers, hoatzins, and many species of antbirds, as well as other wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, freshwater dolphins, caiman, frogs, and iguanas.
Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman will lead this trip sponsored by MCEEC in conjunction with Caligo Ventures travel company. For more details on this Amazonian adventure, please contact Brian at bhmccd@ptd.net or (570) 629-3061.

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Fall Kettle Creek for Kids

The Fall Kettle Creek for Kids program begins Tuesday, September 21, and runs through Tuesday, November 16, 2010.  The program for children ages 4-6 is scheduled every other Tuesday from 1:30 - 2:30pm.  Cost: $5/non-member, $3/EE member, pre-registration is required, space is limited and parents must attend with their children.   You may only make your reservations one week before the program date.  Register by calling the Center at (570) 629-3061, Monday to Friday from 8am - 4:30pm and some Saturdays from 9am - 1pm.

September 21 - Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall - a look at seasonal changes.
October 5 - Katydid - A program about how insects sing.
October 19 - Snakes Alive! -  Snakes are very cool creatures.
November 2 - Whitetail in Winter - How whitetail deer survive the winter.
November 16 - Who’s Getting Sleepy Now? - Which Pocono critters hibernate

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Halloween Night Hikes at Kettle Creek

The woods come alive at Kettle Creek as we get closer to Halloween. If you are looking for something new to do this Halloween season then we have an event for you. On October 22 and 23 we will be hosting Halloween Night Hikes at the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Bartonsville. You won’t run into vampires on this hike but you might learn something you didn’t know about bats.  There won’t be a werewolf breathing down your neck but you may learn what that eerie screech is you hear in the night, and owls, worms, a giant swamp creature and the legend of Irish Jack and the jack-o-lantern all await those that dare to attend this entertaining educational experience. What you won’t run into is anyone in a leather mask wielding a chainsaw or gallons of fake blood and repulsive zombies with festering wounds. There are plenty of the Halloween clichés out there to chill your blood, but on those lonely nights when you feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up wouldn’t be nice to know what really made that sound? The evening’s events will begin at 6:30pm with tours every fifteen minutes. Pre-registration is required for a time slot. The last tour will leave the building at 8:30pm. Cost: $8/non-members, $5/EE members and children under 12. 

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Field Trips

Pre-registration and payment are required for all field trips. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week prior to the trip.

DWGNRA Thunder Mtn. Hike -  August 20 - Friday - This 4 mile round-trip hike, led by Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman, explores the forests and wetlands surrounding a remote lake in the Walpack area of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Meet 8:30am at MCEEC and return 5pm. Participants should pack a lunch and plenty of water, and need to be physically fit for hiking distances over rocky, uneven terrain. Cost: $20/non-member, $14/EE member and includes van transportation. Pre-registration and payment required and limited. Refunds given only if notification is made at least one week prior to the trip.    

Monarch Migration Field Trip - September 8 - Wednesday - Join Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman on this special outing to New Jersey’s Merrill Creek Reservoir and Environmental Preserve to learn about the monarch butterfly and its amazing migration.   Merrill Creek Naturalist Jane Bullis will present a slide program on the biology of the monarch butterfly which includes photos of her travels to their Mexican wintering location. Conditions permitting, time will be spent outdoors observing monarchs and Jane will demonstrate techniques used to capture and tag the butterflies. Participants will meet at MCEEC at 8:30am and return at 5pm. Cost: $20/non-member, $14/EE member and includes van transportation. Lunch, binoculars, and camera should be packed. Pre-registration and payment required and limited. Refunds given only if notification is given at least one week prior to the trip. 

DWGNRA Hogback Hike - September 11 - Saturday - Join Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman for the last of his “discovery” hikes in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This 2 mile round-trip hike traverses the biologically diverse Hogback Ridge above the Delaware River. Meet 8:30am at MCEEC and return 1pm. Participants should pack a snack and water. Cost: $15/non-member, $10/EE member and includes van transportation. Pre-registration and payment required and limited. Refunds given only if notification is made at least one week prior to the trip.    

PA Alternative Energy Festival in Kempton, PA. - September 18 - Saturday – 8am to 5pm –  The Monroe County Conservation District is chartering a bus so we can all journey together down to Kempton and attend the 4th Annual PA Alternative Energy Festival. Given all of the advances in alternative energy technology and our increasing understanding of the social, environmental and political problems associated with fossil fuel consumption, there has never been a more urgent time to change how we get and use energy. So how do we change our ways? Here is your chance to learn everything new and exciting in alternative energy and you don’t have to drive. We meet in the parking lot at Kettle Creek and the bus will leave promptly at 8am for the I ½ hour ride to Kempton. We’ll have 6 hours to visit the vendors and attend seminars before boarding the bus at 3:30pm for the ride home. Cost: $25/non-member, $20/EE member and child under 12 and includes transportation and the entrance fee to the festival. Pre-registration and payment are required and limited. Registration deadline is Thursday, September 16, 2010.  Refunds given only if notification is made at least one week prior to the event. Space is limited so sign up today. 

Fall Canoe/Kayak Trip down the Delaware River – October 6 – Saturday - October is a beautiful month to experience the changing seasons on the Delaware River. Join the MCEEC for a guided canoe/kayak trip from Bushkill to Smithfield Beach on the Delaware River. This leisurely–paced trip will cover 10 miles of river and include information on fauna and flora that lives along the shore.  We will discuss birds, mammals, fish and more, as we experience one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Eastern United States. We will meet at Chamberlain Canoes in Minisink Hills at 8am and will return around 4pm. Cost: $35/non-members and $30/EE members for canoes. $42/non-members, $36/EE members for kayaks; and $15 for a non-paddling child under 12. Cost includes canoe/kayak rental, transportation from Chamberlain’s and all programs during the trip. You will need to provide your own lunch and drinks and dress for the October weather. Pre-registration and payment is required by Thursday, October 7. Refunds given only if notification is given at least one week prior to the trip.

Raccoon Ridge Hike  - October 22 - Friday - Join Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman on this hike to Raccoon Ridge, a spectacular mountain-top lookout along the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey. Participants will observe the hawk migration, fall foliage, and a nearly 360 degree view from this stunning perch high above the Delaware River. Meet at MCEEC at 8:30am and return at 5:30pm. Cost: $20/non-member and $14/EE member and includes van transportation. Pre-registration and payment are required and limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week in advance. Access to Raccoon Ridge involves a challenging, strenuous, and rocky uphill hike of 1 ½ miles to the lookout where cold, windy conditions are possible. Binoculars, food, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes, and warm layered clothing is recommended.  

Birding at Brig  - November 16 – Tuesday - Join Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman for this bird-filled trip to Brigantine (Forsythe) National Wildlife Refuge in southern N.J. “Brig” is a migratory hotspot for birds and a diversity of waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors can be expected. Participants should pack a lunch, binoculars, and dress appropriately for the weather—it can be cold and windy on the refuge. Meet at 7am at MCEEC and return approximately 8:30pm. A dinner stop will be made. Cost: $20/non-member, $14/EE member and includes van transportation. Pre-registration and payment are required. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week in advance.  

POCONO  MOUNTAIN  CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Sunday, December 19, 2010 - Birdwatchers of all skill levels wanted.  For more information contact Brian Hardiman at bhmccd@ptd.net or (570)629-3061.    

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2010 Kettle Creek Art Gallery Schedule

The Kettle Creek Art Gallery displays artwork with natural themes by local artists and art groups.
Opening receptions are free and open to the public.

November – December - Bill Konstant, Nature Photographer - Intimate Encounters with Creatures Large and Small -  Bill has spent the last quarter century working to ensure the survival of endangered species.  His wildlife portraits provide an up-close-and-personal look at diverse creatures from around the world, reinforcing our appreciation of nature.  Opening Reception: Saturday, November 14, 11am - 1pm.

Snipe Hunt  

Friday - Saturday, October 1 - 2 - The Great Monroe County Snipe Hunt is back. This 24-hour birding adventure pits teams in competition for the coveted Great Monroe County Snipe Hunt Trophy. Each bird species is given a weighted point value, the rarer the bird the greater its worth. The team with the highest point total wins.  The event begins at 5pm on Friday evening and ends at the District’s EE Center in Bartonsville Saturday evening at 5pm. Tally sheets are then scored and the winning team is announced. Participants will enjoy sharing stories of their adventures over pizza and refreshments while scoring is being conducted. For a copy of the official Great Monroe County Snipe Hunt rules and registration information contact the EE Center at (570) 629-3061. Cost: $15/team member. All participating team members will receive an official Great Monroe County Snipe Hunt license. Registration deadline is Wednesday, September 29.

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Tannersville Cranberry Bog Walks and Bog Day Celebration 2010

Sunday Bog Walks 
Sundays May 16, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 19, and **Friday, September 24, 2010
Sunday walks begin at 1pm.  Meet at the bog parking lot. Cost: $5/non-members, $3/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required  **PLEASE NOTE:  Friday, September 24, 2010 - Full moon bog walk from 7 - 10pm and bring a flashlight.

Summer Wednesday Walks - June  9 - September 1
From 10 - 12:30pm we’ll be leading walks through a very unique National Natural Landmark - the Tannersville Cranberry Bog.  Summer is an excellent time to explore the Bog and learn about this unique wetland.  Cost: $5/non-members, $3/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12.  Meet at the EE Center.  Pre-registration is required.

Fall Wednesday Walks - September 8 - November 3
From 1 - 3:30pm we’ll be leading walks through a very unique National Natural Landmark - the Tannersville Cranberry Bog.  Fall is an excellent time to explore the Bog and learn about this unique wetland.  Cost: $5/non-members, $3/Nature Conservancy or EE members and children under 12.  Meet at the EE Center.  Pre-registration is required.

Bog Day Celebration 2010
October - 17 - Sunday - Annual Bog Day - A unique environment with many beautiful and unusual plants and animals, the Tannersville Cranberry Bog is certainly one of Pennsylvania’s authentic natural treasures.  Long valued as an outdoor “museum” and laboratory by scientists, professional botanists, and educators, The Nature Conservancy has protected it since 1956.  Join Bog Committee members and Environmental Educators from the Monroe County Conservation District's EE Center for one of many walks offered throughout the day  from 9am to 4pm. Information on the bog preserve history as well as The Nature Conservancy .  All walks are free and open to the public.  Pre-registration is required for all walks.  To register call (570)629-3061, Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm and some Saturdays 9am - 1pm.  Schedule of Events: To Be Announced

2010 Bog Newlsletter 

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2010 Annual Bird Seed Sale Scheduled 

This year’s sale will be  from 9am to 1pm at the EE Center.  Along with the seed, we will be offering a wide selection of “Top of the Line” Droll Yankee and Duncraft feeders for sale.  For more information call us at the Center at 570-629-3061, Monday - Friday 8am -  4:30pm and  some Saturdays from 9am - 1pm.  Don’t miss out on the chance to buy the best bird seed on the market at very reasonable prices.

      

2010 Bird Seed Brochure Click Here  

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Horseback Adventure 2010 - June 22 - 23

deadline has been extended by the outfitter until Friday, May 21

• Guided by the professional outfitters of "Mountain Trail Horse Center" of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.

• All skill levels accommodated. (Participants must be physically active, healthy, and free of any disabilities that would prohibit safe riding.)

• Outfitters will provide horses, guides, instruction, tents and four meals.

• E.E. Center provides van transportation to Tioga County and natural history interpretation along the trail.

• Participants bring a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, change of clothes and personal items.

• Cost: $315/non-members, $295/E. E. members. Children must be at least 12 years old.

• Pre-payment is required to hold your registration.

For more information, call Debbie Martin at 570-629-3060.

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