Moshannon Group News

Events to explore

All events and presentations are open to the public as well as Moshannon Group members unless otherwise stated.

Fri, Mar 16 – Sat, Mar 17
Lehigh Valley Sierra Club and Berks Gas Truth present
Marcellus Shale Exposed: A Symposium for Truth and Action
Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA

Join the Lehigh Valley Group and Berks Gas Truth to plan actions to protect our environmnet, health and safety. Learn the truth about deep shale gas drilling impacts through speakers, exhibitors, and media presentations. Participate in one of six Task Force sessions conducted by leading experts, organizers and activists. Keynote Speaker is Professor Anthony Ingraffea (9 a.m. Saturday). For up-to-date information and to register, visit marcellus-shale-exposed.org Download a Symposium flyer to share.

Thu, Mar 22 • 7 p.m.
Mark Schmerling presents
Images from the Marcellus
State College Boro Municipal Building Room 201

Photographer Mark Schmerling presents a visual study of the impacts of the development of natural gas from deep shale formations in Pennsylvania.

Thu, Apr 19 • 7 p.m.
Kerry Gyekis presents
Cougars: What Is Real and What Is Not
State College Boro Municipal Building Room 201

Kerry Gyekis will speak about cougars — their history, biology, behavior, kill statistics (both animal and human), hoaxes, “sightings,” and what is real both in the East and elsewhere in North America at the State College Boro Municipal Building Room 201. Gyekis will conclude with a discussion on habitat both for cougars and ourselves.

Of Interest...
Fri, Apr 27–28
West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium
Ramada Inn and Conference Center, State College

Trout Unlimited and the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition host. April 27 will be filled with a variety of presentations on topics related to abandoned mine drainage cleanup efforts in the West Branch Susquehanna watershed. On April 28, training sessions will be offered for teachers who are interested in implementing AMD curriculum in their
classrooms. A field trip will also be offered to visit treatment systems in the headwaters of the West Branch Susquehanna River, including the recently completed Lancashire #15 active treatment facility. More Info and How to Register...

Need ideas for a daytrip or a weekend outing?
Check out our “On The Trail” columns for articles about central Pennsylvania outings to help plan your next nature walk, hiking, backpacking, camping or paddling excursion.

Outings to enjoy

All outings are open to the public as well as Moshannon Group members.

Sat, Mar 24 • 8 a.m.
Waterfowl Watch at Dunning Creek Wetlands

Mike and Laura Jackson will lead a field trip to Dunning Creek Wetlands (Bedford County) to observe migrating waterfowl. Meet at the Apple Bin Restaurant, on Pa. Route 56, a few miles west of I-99 at 8 a.m. Wear boots (it will be wet) and be prepared for cold, windy conditions. The trip will last most of the morning. For more info, contact the Jacksons at mljackson2@embarqmail.com.

Sat, Apr 14 • 7:30 p.m.
Flight of the Timberdoodle

Canoe Creek State Park has a variety of wetlands and old fields that provide ideal habitat for woodcock. Observe the fascinating and unique flight of the timberdoodle. Meet at Canoe Creek Pavilion 1 at 7:30 p.m. Contact Dr. Stan Kotala by email or at 814-946-8840 for more details.

*** SERVICE OUTING ***
Sat, Apr 21 • 8 a.m.
Spring Creek Canyon Cleanup

Enjoy the newly open-to-the-public Spring Creek Canyon Cooperative Management Area on this annual spring cleanup. Cleanup is typically done by canoe and kayak with shoreline collection. Lasts until around Noon. Contact Ron Johnson by email or at 814-359-6841 for details. RSVP required.

Sun, Apr 22 • 11 a.m.
Sunday Trillium Hike on the Lower Trail

Join Deb Tencer to see the repeat performance of thousands of red and yellow trilliums and Dutchman’s-breeches that cover the hillside along a section of the Lower Trail. Meet at the Water Street flea market at 11 a.m. The hike is only 2 miles and is quite easy. Join us for pizza afterwards! Contact Deb at naturehikergal@gmail.com for more info.

Fri, Apr 27 – Sun Apr, 29
Marsh and Pine Creek Outing

Ron Johnson will lead an evening cruise on Marsh Creek on April 27, a run on Pine Creek from Ansonia to Blackwell on April 28, and a run on Babbs Creek into Blackwell on April 29. Free camping and modern facilities near Ansonia. The Pine Creek Rail Trail offers additional recreational opportunities. Contact Ron Johnson by email or at 814-355-5434 for details.

More Outings...

Visit our Facebook page for more available outings

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Issues to protect

** Action Item **
Catherine Twp Quarry

Congratulations to everyone who worked on this issue! Read the 2/20/2012 Press Release from JVAS for more details about the resolution of this issue.

Trial CANCELLED!
Notice:
JVAS v. DEP Trial Date Set:
Monday, February 27 at 10 a.m.
2nd Floor, Rachel Carson Building, Room 1
400 Market Street, Harrisburg

The trial of Juniata Valley Audubon vs. DEP to save the threatened small-footed bat habitat at the Heller Caves is scheduled for the last week in February 2012 in Harrisburg.
Spectators are welcome. Many spectators will indicate to the judge that this is an issue of importance to our community. Please pencil this in on your calendars.

Lower Trail (Covedale area, Blair Co.), its users, local residents, the Frankstown Branch Important Bird Area (IBA), and the Heller Caves Biological Diversity Area (BDA) at risk from proposed Catharine Properties Limestone Quarry. Learn more...

Feature Articles:

Heller Caves BDA on YouTube

On The Trail —
Lower Trail: A Threatened Treasure

Conservation Groups Sue DEP to
Save Heller Caves Bat Hibernaculum, Habitat for Threatened Species

*** New Issue ***
Bellwood (Blair Co.) Hydroelectric Project

Location of any development is key to avoiding negative environmental impacts. Should high-quality wildlife habitat, trout streams, and public lands be sacrificed for corporate profits in the name of ‘green’ energy? Learn more...

*** Ongoing Issue ***
Marcellus/Shale Gas Drilling

Groundwater, surface water, air quality, and wildlife habitat resources at risk. See our Marcellus Shale page for more information and resources.

Resources:
DCNR Natural Gas Impacts Mapping Analysis referenced in On The Trail — Quehanna Wild Area

Interactive Map of Deep Shale Gas Wells and Wind Turbines (existing and projected) from The Nature Conservancy

Act Now: Seven Steps to Make Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Safer

Centre County Landfill

America’s “largest landfill East of the Mississippi” for other states’ garbage proposed for Centre County. See stoplandfill.com to learn more about this issue.

*** Take Action ***
Allegheny National Forest Wilderness

Send a Letter to Your U.S. Senators and Representative — Help permanently protect the remaining wilderness in ANF. Read about the ANF Wilderness proposal to learn more.

Wind Power Development

Inappropriate placement of wind farms planned for Central PA ridgetops.

More details about Issues...

What’s Your Carbon Footprint?

Every household can be a part of the solution to global warming.

Begin by calculating your household carbon footprint to learn exactly how many pounds of carbon dioxide (CO₂) you are responsible for emitting.

Learn many practical steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and the reduction in CO₂ each offers.

By using these easy tools, your concern for the environment can make a real difference.

Have a group who would like to learn more about their Carbon Footprints? Contact Lynne Heritage to arrange for a group presentation.

Learn more about Your Carbon Footprint...

Thinking about installing a solar electric system for your home? Want to know how to keep your lawn healthy without all of the chemicals? Are you curious about how to reduce your home’s carbon footprint? For most people, the journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle begins at home.

That’s why, as part of our mission to help people explore, enjoy, and protect the planet, we’re pleased to announce the launch of our partner website, Sierra Club Green Home, which was created to help individuals, like you, take simple steps to green their homes.

By helping people make their homes more energy efficient, ecologically sustainably, and healthy, Sierra Club Green Home advances our efforts to improve the environment.

Sierra Club Green Home is an information-rich resource that provides a wealth of information regarding environmentally friendly products and practices relating to every aspect of home life.