On August 11, the North Branch Land Trust will host “Friends in the Forest” at George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary South in Foster Township, Luzerne County from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In addition to their family “Adopt a Pet Rock” activity, staff will also lead a scenic hiking tour of the Sanctuary.  Pet Rock Adoption Day will take place near Picton’s Pollinator Garden.

Adopters will select their domestic (painted) rock from among their wild cousins, fill out their adoption form, and bring their new pet on a walk around Lillian’s Pond to learn more about caring for the plants, rocks, and critters that call Picton, and other natural areas of NEPA home.

“North Branch Land Trust’s Pet Rock Adoption experience is a bit different than the toy of the 1970s,” Executive Director Ellen Ferretti said. “We are always looking for unique ways to connect people to caring about the land, and this is an opportunity to do just that. Leave No Trace principles are a habit, so getting practice in early, especially with a Rock Buddy, is vital.”

In addition to this family activity, outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore all of Picton South Sanctuary with NBLT Staff.

With a total length nearing 4 miles with some incline, views along the hike include the flora and fauna of Lillian’s Pond, geologic marvel Split Rock, and the stunning skyline of the Lookout.

There are two early off-ramps on the trail that will allow participants to safely shorten their hike if desired.

Land Conservation and Stewardship Coordinator Emma Thompson will be leading the hike.

“This hike has a little bit for everyone and is adaptable to most skill levels. We are looking forward to showcasing our beautiful Picton Preserve and doing some learning along the way!”

            Click Here for more information.

For more information on land conservation, programs, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the North Branch Land Trust website, following them on Facebook and Twitter.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates (bottom of page).

Related Articles:

-- Western PA Conservancy Adds 122 Acres To State Game Lands In French Creek Watershed, Crawford County [PaEN] 

-- North Branch Land Trust Hosts Hiking Tour Of The George & Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary South Aug. 11 In Luzerne County  [PaEN] 

-- Brodhead Watershed Assn. Hosts Guided Walk Thru The Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve Aug. 17 In Monroe County  [PaEN]

-- TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Now Accepting Applications For Street, Park, Trail Tree Planting Grants In Pittsburgh + Allegheny County; Resources Also Available Outside The County  [PaEN] 

-- Allegheny County Health Dept. Accepting Applications For $5 Million In Local Climate Resiliency And Adaptation Project Grants [PaEN] 

-- Aug. 23 In-Person Managing Invasive Plants Full-Day Penn State Extension Workshop In State College  [PaEN] 

-- Penn State Extension Hosts Sept. 6 Webinar On Classic Biological Control Of PA Invasive Species  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- TribLive: Allegheny Land Trust Seeks Public’s Help To Buy, Preserve 280 Acres In Indiana Township,  Allegheny County 

-- TribLive: Birds, Blooms Prosper At Westmoreland Land Trust Unity Nature Preserve; Master Site Plan In The Wings

-- LancasterOnline - Ad Crable: Lancaster Conservancy’s Nature Preserves Getting Special Trails To Attract Those With Families, Mobility Issues 

-- Stroud Water Research Center: Small Actions At Home Can Make A Big Difference In Watershed Health - By Teresa Avery, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Volunteer  [PaEN]

-- WESA: Allegheny County Offers $5 Million In Clean Air Fund Grants For Air Quality Improvement Projects

-- Penn State Extension Guide Provides Advice On Managing Spotted Lanternfly

[Posted: August 2, 2024]

8/5/2024