The Brodhead Watershed Association announced it has two special outdoor education programs coming up in July.

July 14 - Water Wiser Kids

Snorkeling is a great way to come face-to-face with a new and different world: the underwater world of a creek bed and the Brodhead Watershed Association will offer the opportunity to snorkel in Cherry Creek on July 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as part of its Water Wiser Kids Series of programs.

School-age children and their families are invited to learn firsthand about life in Cherry Creek with Brittney Coleman of Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center.

Learn about the critters that call this creek home. Find out where the creek water comes from, where it goes, and what happens to it along the way.

The program is intended for elementary-age children, though older children and parents may take part. Kettle Creek will provide sterilized snorkels and masks and a life jacket (which must be worn) to each participant. Participants must bring the following:

-- Swimsuit/board shorts, worn under clothing as there are no changing facilities.

-- Wading shoes, water shoes, strap-on sandals, or old sneakers — NO flip flops or bare feet.

-- Towel.

-- Sunscreen.

This program is very weather dependent. If the water is too high or murky, if thunder and lightning are present, or if the water or air temperature is too cold, we may need to postpone/cancel.

The event is free, and equipment is provided. Reservations are required. Call 570-839-1120 or send email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org to register.  Directions will be provided at time of registration.

Click Here for more information.

July 20 Cherry Valley Refuge Turtle Hike

Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge’s newest addition doesn’t look like much at first-- 20 acres of open field, formerly in soybeans, now mostly bare ground.

But participants in the July 20 guided hike hosted by Brodhead Watershed Association will learn that this is the “before” picture.

Workers recently planted native warm-season grasses like big bluestem, Indiangrass and switchgrass, meant to stabilize the soil, prevent further erosion, and let nature take over. This will keep silt out of Cherry Creek, protect downstream drinking water, and provide habitat and protection for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Colonies of bog turtles have been documented in the 3,000 acres under protection in the refuge. The tiny, 3- to 4-inch turtles are listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act — one small step away from endangered.

They’re found only in the eastern U.S. and have been documented to live to more than 60 years. But invasive plants and loss of habitat put them at risk. People stealing them from the wild to sell on the black market is also a problem.

Because the land here is protected and patrolled, the bog turtles are doing well and could serve as a source to repopulate lost colonies in other areas.

Suddenly, this place looks very special indeed.

This part of Cherry Valley Wildlife Refuge near Stroudsburg consists of 60 acres. It is not open to the public. By permission, Carol Hillestad will lead a moderate walk of about one mile around the property’s perimeter to Cherry Creek from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.

This is an off-trail walk. Footing is often irregular, with high grass. Tick protection and hiking stick are essential.

This hike is part of the Get Outdoors Poconos Series administered by Brodhead Watershed Association and supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation.

This event is free, but registration is required. Call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727 or send email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org to register.

Click Here for more information on this hike.

Watershed Ramble Aug. 4

Mark your calendars for the popular Brodhead Watershed Ramble to be held August 4 in Barrett.

For more information on programs, initiatives, other upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Brodhead Watershed Association website.

Related Articles:

Brodhead Watershed Assn: July 13 - How We Can Help Wildlife Withstand Climate Change, Monroe County

Brodhead Watershed Association Annual River Ramble Will Tour Unique Sites On 2 Of Monroe County's Purest Creeks

[Posted: June 27, 2019]

7/1/2019