Moshannon Group News

Events to explore

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

Of Interest...
Sat, Feb 13 • 2:30 p.m.
Climate Change, Climate Justice: Lessons from Copenhagen

This discussion, hosted by the Creation Care Coalition at the Community Room of the Schlow Centre Region Library (211 South Allen Street, State College), includes panelists Donald A. Brown, Nancy Tuana, and Petra Tschakert. See (and share) the Climate Change, Climate Justice flyer or contact Sylvia Neely by email for details.

Thurs, Mar 25 • 7 p.m.
The Marcellus Shale Gas Boom: What Are the Environmental Costs?
by Thomas Au

Sierra Club Chapter Conservation Chair Thomas Au will be presenting an overview of natural gas exploration in the Marcellus Shale at the Courthouse Annex (S. Allegheny Street and High Streets, Bellefonte). The talk will cover the technology associated with Marcellus shale drilling and the environmental problems that have been identified.

Tues, Apr 13 – Wed, Apr 14
Banff Mountain Film Festival
The State Theatre, State College
doors open at 6 p.m.

Join the Sierra Club Moshannon Group when the 2009/2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to State College, Pennsylvania. More details soon!

Thurs, April 29 • 7 p.m.
Gardening for Wildlife
by Dr. Stan Kotala

Gardening for Wildlife covers the essentials of attracting wildlife to your yard — food, water, and shelter — including native plants, recommended species, wildlife-friendly landscaping, the importance of water, and supplemental seed and suet. Presentation counts as Advanced Training for Master Gardeners.

Of Interest...
Fri, Apr 30 • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat, May 1 • 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Centre County Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Centre County Solid Waste Authority on Transfer Road off State Route 26 will be collecting household hazardous waste including insecticides, weed killers, pool chemicals, cleaners, poisons, corrosives, flammables, oil-based paints, mercury and mercury related items, fluorescent light tubes & bulbs and most other hazardous chemicals from households. See CCSWA flyer for details.

More details about Events...

Need an idea 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.

Sun, Feb 21 • Noon
Bell Gap Rail Trail

5-mile hike or cross-country ski, depending on snow conditions. Contact Helena Kotala by email or at 814-502-7967 for more details.

Sat, Mar 20 – Sun, Mar 21
Pine Creek Gorge
Rafting, Hiking, optional Camping

Pine Creek Gorge rafting and hiking with optional Overnight Camping. Reservations (and a small fee) Required for Rafting — Please RSVP by March 7. See the Outings page or contact Helena Kotala by email or at 814-502-7967 for more details.

Sat, Apr 3 • Noon
Ironstone Trail Shuttle Hike

Five-mile downhill hike from the top of Tussey Mountain along Shaver’s Creek. Meet at Jo Hays Vista on Rt 26 at the top of Tussey Mountain. Contact Helena Kotala by email or at 814-502-7967 for details.

Of Interest...
SERVICE OUTING
Sat, Apr 10 • 8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Gillentown Trailhead Cleanup

PA Cleanways seeks volunteers to help clean up an illegal dump near the Gillentown Trailhead of the Snow-Shoe Rail-Trail. Lunch provided. Preregister with Andrea Viazanko by email by April 8th. See the PA Cleanways flyer for more details.

Sat, Apr 10 • 7:30 p.m.
Timberdoodles at Canoe Creek State Park

Observe the fascinating and unique flight of the timberdoodle. Meet at Canoe Creek Pavilion #1. Contact Stan Kotala by email or at 814-946-8840 for more details.

Sun, Apr 18 • 6:30 p.m.
Frogwatch at Flowing Spring

Meet at the Lower Trail Flowing Spring trailhead for a short walk to listen to spring peepers, wood frogs, and perhaps other species, and possibly observe salamanders in the pools between the trail and the river. Bring a flashlight and/or headlamp. Contact Stan Kotala by email or at 814-946-8840 for more details.

Sat, Apr 24 • 6:30 p.m.
Bear Meadows Loop

Three-mile trail around this National Natural Landmark in Rothrock State Forest. Spring peepers and wood frogs will be in full chorus. Possibility of seeing spotted salamanders. Bring a headlamp and/or a flashlight as we will be completing the hike after dark. Meet at the Bear Meadows Natural Area parking. Contact Stan Kotala by email or at 814-946-8840 for more details.

Sun, April 25 • 1 p.m.
Nature Hike at TNC's Brush Mountain Preserve

Local naturalist Dr. Stan Kotala will lead a nature hike along the trails in TNC's new Brush Mountain Preserve in Blair County.  Meet the carpool to the Brush Mountain Preserve at the Canoe Creek State Park Environmental Education Center at 1 p.m. Contact Stan Kotala by email or at 814-946-8840 for more details.

More details about Outings and 2010 Outings schedule...

Issues to protect

Action Item
Spring Creek Canyon

State protection recommended for pristine canyon in Centre County.

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.

Updated Regularly
Marcellus Shale Drilling

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

Centre County Landfill

Sign up for Dump Alerts — America’s “largest landfill East of the Mississippi” for other states’ garbage proposed for Centre County.

Wind Power Development

Inappropriate placement of wind farms planned for Central PA ridgetops.

Stream Buffers

Statewide stream buffer requirements recommended for water quality and stormwater management.

I-99 Construction

Acid leakage from pyrite compromises local watersheds.

Corporate Development in Pennsylvania’s State Parks

Public lands to be used for private profit.

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 and the reduction in CO₂ each offers.

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

Contact Lynne Heritage for your Household Carbon Calculator — a spreadsheet that lets you enter information that reflects your lifestyle, then calculate your carbon footprint.

Lynne will also send you steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint.

More about Your Carbon Footprint
(spreadsheet now available)...

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.