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December Is Here, but There Is Still Plenty to Do Outside
Here some area events this weekend. Remember to check their websites for details, as some require pre-registration and some charge fees. Both Saturday and Sunday mornings John Heinz Wildlife Refuge has their bird walks and on Sunday afternoon they will also host a plant walk at the refuge. In the afternoon, the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is holding a Waterfowl Watch at Green Lane Park. Saturday afternoon visit Silver Lake Nature Center to find out who lives in the water and how they survive over winter. Sunday afternoon adults and teens can join an RNC naturalist in a hike through varied habitats at Rancocas Nature Center and families can learn about…
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Looking to Spend Time Outdoors This Weekend?
While many will be spending this Thanksgiving weekend shopping, some local organizations have planned activities for those who prefer the outdoors. Remember to check their websites for details, as some require pre-registration and some charge fees. Black Friday afternoon you can take a walk with the Friends of the Wissahickon along the Monoshone Creek. Saturday morning offerings include bird walks at John Heinz Wildlife Refuge and Churchville Nature Center. A “Wellness Walk” is scheduled at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education on Saturday afternoon. Another bird walk will be held at John Heinz on Sunday morning.
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The Ruffed Grouse, an American Native
The Ruffed Grouse is one of 10 native grouse species native to the U.S. They live in 38 states, mostly in the northern section of the country. In the east they live as far south as northern Georgia and northeastern Alabama. This is a hardy bird, and thrives during severe winters. They range in size from 17 to 25 ounces, which is slightly larger than a pigeon. As with most species, the males are generally larger than females. The name “ruffed” comes from the long shiny feathers on the neck (which is more prominent in males) that when the bird is threatened or showing off, puff up to make…
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This Weekend: Hikes, Birds and Prepare to Get Lost
You may be planning on eating too much next week, making this weekend a good time to get outside and walk. The following area organizations have activities planned this weekend. Remember to check their websites for details, as some require pre-registration and some charge fees. On Saturday morning, you can head to Churchville Nature Center or John Heinz Wildlife Refuge to explore the area with birding experts, or participate in Beginning Birding for Adults at Palmyra Cove Nature Park. On Sunday afternoon, the staff at Rancocas Nature Center will teach you about the eight species of owls that over-winter in New Jersey. Rancocas Nature Center and Natural Lands Trust (NLT)…
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Outside This Weekend: Birds, Rocks and a SuperMoon
As always, local parks and organizations have activities planned to get you enjoying the great outdoors this weekend. Remember to check their websites for details, as some require pre-registration and some charge fees. On Saturday, you can head to Crossways Preserve, Churchville Nature Center or Tacony Creek Park to explore the area with birding experts in the morning, or throughout the day at John Heinz Wildlife Refuge. There will be another bird walk at John Heinz Refuge on Sunday morning. Another option for Saturday morning is to explore the geology along the Wissahickon Creek with Friends of the Wissahickon or joining Appalachian Club Members on a bike ride through Delaware…
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Bicycling Is More Fun in a Group
The benefits of joining a special interest club are many. You get to meet people who share (or help you find) your passion and will encourage you to get out more often. You will likely learn about new routes and options. Getting out more often will increase your personal fitness and skill levels. Going on group rides can be more fun and safer than riding alone. Club members often have varied experience levels, so you are likely to find people who can give you some tips. Club websites also provide a community to share information about trails and temporary detours as well as advice on the latest gear. Rides are…
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11 Things to Do Outside This Weekend
Looking for something to do this weekend? Here’s a list of outdoor activities to choose from. For more information, you can go to our calendar, or better yet, to the sponsoring organization’s website. Note that some of these activities involve a fee and some require you to register in advance. Go for a walk Churchville Nature Center will have its regular morning bird walk Saturday morning or you can head to Palmyra Cove Nature Park for a naturalist-led family walk in the park (reserve your spot in advance). Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) will also have a bird walk on Sunday morning (register in advance). If you are up for more…
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An Overview of Pennsylvania State Parks – Bucks County
The Pennsylvania’s State Park system provides access to 200,000 acres of nature and includes a variety of terrain and geological features. In Philadelphia and the adjacent counties alone, there are 14 state parks, where anyone can go enjoy forests, fields and water, free of charge. The parks are open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset, with day areas closing at dusk. Some also offer overnight camping to groups or individuals. Picnic tables are usually easy to find and some areas also have grills. Dogs are allowed in most areas of the parks, but must be kept on a leash. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after…
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An Overview of Pennsylvania State Parks – Philadelphia and Adjacent Counties
Note: Due to the large number of state parks in Bucks County, those parks are listed in a separate post. The Pennsylvania’s State Park system provides access to 200,000 acres of nature and includes a variety of terrain and geological features. In Philadelphia and the adjacent counties alone, there are 14 state parks, where anyone can go enjoy forests, fields and water, free of charge. The parks are open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset, with day areas closing at dusk. Some also offer overnight camping to groups or individuals. Picnic tables are usually easy to find. Dogs are allowed in most areas of the parks, but…
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White Tailed Deer Are Part of Pennsylvania’s History
The White Tailed Deer was named the official state animal on October 2, 1959. As found in the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 71, Chapter 6, Section 1007: The whitetail deer is an animal that is found in abundance in the wooded areas of our Commonwealth and has played an integral part in solving the problem of survival of our early settlers and Indian population. The “whitetail,” as it is affectionately referred to, is a proud and noble animal possessing intelligence, endurance and character. Therefore, the “whitetail deer” is selected, designated and adopted as the official State animal of this Commonwealth. These deer are tan or brown in summer, and grayish brown…