Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet
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Development of Natural Gas from Shales: Some Myths and Realities on DVD
Get Your Copy Today!

Professor Anthony Ingraffea

Professor Ingraffea is one of the most articulate voices in the discussion of whether we should be drilling for deep shale natural gas.

Watch this DVD. Take notes. This DVD will show you why the technology is flawed, and why stronger regulations will not be enough to protect our environment and our communities.

Preview this DVD at the Moshannon Group Channel on YouTube (Audience Q&A not yet available on YouTube)

To receive a copy of Dr. Ingraffea’s May 10th presentation on DVD by mail, send a check for $3 (or more, if you would like to help us distribute more of these DVDs) made out to “Sierra Club Moshannon Group”.

Mail your request to
Gary Thornbloom
702 Hall Road, Julian, PA 16844

Events to explore

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

Thu, Apr 19 • 7 p.m.
Cougars in the Northeast:
What Is Real and What Is Not
State College Boro Municipal Bldg, 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. 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 include 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 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...

Moshannon Group cosponsors...
Mon, Apr 30 • 7 p.m.
Changing the Moral Climate on Climate Change
100 Thomas Building, University Park

Climate change is real and we need to do something about it — but a well-organized disinformation campaign with deep pockets is trying to confuse, discourage, or upset our citizenry. Noted Penn Staters, including Dr. Michael E. Mann, will confront the climate change denial machine and call for deeper education, outreach, and action. Confirmed speakers include Dr (Juris). Donald Brown, Peter Buckland, Dr. Janet Swim, Dr. Rick Shuhmann, and Dr. Michael Mann. Contact Peter Buckland at pdb118@psu.edu for more information or download the Climate Change event flyer.

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.

*** 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.

*** SERVICE OUTING ***
Sat, Apr 28 • 9;00 a.m.
Tree Planting Workday at Brush Mountain Woodlands

The objective of this workday is to plant 500 white pine seedlings in a sloped section of the 640-acre Brush Mountain Woodlands property. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the end of Starling Drive/start of Fire Tower Road in the Sylvan Oaks development. For more information, read the Brush Mountain Woodlands Workday flyer or contact Molly Anderson by email or at 717-418-9518.

Sat, Apr 28 • 7:30 p.m.
Save the Frogs Day

In an effort to raise awareness of the plight of amphibians, the scientific community has declared Saturday, April 28 as “Save The Frogs Day.” On this day, we encourage the appreciation and celebration of amphibians. Join Moshannon Group Endangered Species and Wildlife Chairman Dr. Stan Kotala for a short educational program about frogs and toads, followed by a brief evening stroll looking for amphibians along the Lower Trail. Meet at the Lower Trail Mt. Etna Trailhead pavilion at 7:30 p.m. (Lower Trail Map). Contact Dr. Stan Kotala by email or at 814-946-8840 for more details.

** Rescheduled from 4/27 thru 4/29 **
Sat, May 5 and Sun, May 6
Marsh and Pine Creek Outing

The Moshannon Group is partnering with the Canoe Club of Centre County (CCofCC) to offer an overnight canoe/camp along Pine Creek. Canoe from Ansonia to Slate Run with hiking and camping. Contact Ron Johnson by email or at 814-355-5434 for details or visit the Outings page.

Sat, May 5 • 8 a.m.
Wildflowers and Warblers at Blue Knob State Park

Mike and Laura Jackson will lead a field trip to Blue Knob State Park to view spring wildflowers and migrating warblers. Meet at Chappell’s Field in Blue Knob State Park at 8 a.m. The 3-hour walk will be on Sawmill Trail, which is easy, but rocky in places. Contact the Jacksons at mljackson2@embarqmail.com for details.

Sun, May 6 • Noon
Spring Mushroom Walk along The Lower Trail

Join Bill Russell, author of Field Guide to the Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic, along with Karen Croyle. The Lower Trail is heavily collected for morels, but many other interesting mushrooms are fruiting at this time of year. This 4-mile hike will take about 3 hours. Meet at the Water Street entrance to the Lower Trail (near the intersection of U.S. Route 22 and SR 453) at noon. Contact Deb Tencer at naturehikergal@gmail.com for more info.

More Outings...

Visit our Facebook page for more available outings
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Outings News

The Moshannon Group Outings Chair seeks additional outings leaders to expand and diversify outing locations.

Read about leading an outing...

Issues to protect

*** 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

*** 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...

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...

SUCCESS!

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 between Catherine Properties, JVAS and CBD.

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

Swallowtail butterfly on echineachea
Swallowtail butterfly on Echinacea
Photo by Helena Kotala

Moshannon Group eNews is here!

Interested in keeping up with the Moshannon Group through your Inbox? Our e-mail newsletter will keep you informed of upcoming presentations, outings, special events, and local issues. Announcements are sent on a weekly or biweekly basis. This is not a listserv.

To subscribe to Moshannon eNews, follow the link and select “Join the List.” You may also unsubscribe by choosing “Leave the List” on this eNews sign up page.

See you out there!

Bull elk from Pennsylvania Elk country
Bull elk in Moshannon country
Photo by Helena Kotala

What’s Your Carbon Footprint?

carbon dioxide 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...

Sierra Club Green Home Website

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.

FreeCycle™

We acknowledge that part of being ecologically responsible involves what happens within our own households. We participate in responsible use of resources when we are careful to recycle our wastes, but recycling takes on a broader meaning if we utilize the resources available locally in Freecycle.

Tired of that well-intentioned project item taking up space but feeling guilty about tossing it? Have outgrown clothes or toys that are usable but not yard sale-worthy? If you would like to pass items on to your neighbors for free, consider giving them away through Freecycle™.

Acquiring used items locally rather than buying new can help reduce your carbon footprint. To find the local group for where you live visit:

http://www.freecycle.org/group/US/Pennsylvania

The Sierra Club is a dedicated grassroots environmental organization, inspired by and pursuing John Muir’s goals: