The North Branch Land Trust invites nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and families to join in preparation for February’s The Great Backyard Bird Count.

On Sunday, February 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Great Backyard Bird County & Craft participants will walk the Anthracite Scenic Trail Association’s - David and Judith Rimple Loop to learn how to join the global citizen science event and then “migrate” indoors to North Branch Land Trust to decorate a birdhouse for their own backyard.

The Great Backyard Bird Count, hosted in partnership with Cornell Lab, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada (Oiseaux Canada), is a global citizen science event aimed at tracking bird populations and migration patterns.

Taking place from February 13–16, participants count birds in their backyards, local parks, or nature reserves for at least 15 minutes each day during the event.

Data collected helps researchers understand changes in bird populations and guide conservation efforts.

Participants at the February 9 event will have the opportunity to learn more about GBBC, eBird, the Merlin app and other tools that help track bird migration and contribute valuable data to conservation efforts.

Attendees will quietly explore the Rimple Loop Trail (less than 1-mile, easy rating) to spot migrating birds without disturbing them.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced birdwatcher, Environmental Education Coordinator Leah Malarkey will help you become a citizen scientist!

After the walk, there will be an indoor crafting session where participants will decorate a birdhouse to take home for their backyard.

Malarkey and other members of the Land Trust staff will also be present to share more information on native bird habitat and houses so you can support your backyard birds year-round.

North Branch Land Trust will provide all the supplies needed for birdhouse customization.

Registration cost is $30 and includes take home birdhouse and decoration supplies. Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early!

Please dress warmly for outdoor activities and bring binoculars if you’d like a closer view of our local wildlife.

This is a great way to enjoy nature, contribute to important conservation efforts, and make memories with family and friends.

Click Here to register and for more information.  Trust Members are reminded to check their email for their discount code.

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).

Resource Links:

-- North Branch Land Trust Announces Board Of Director, Staff Changes

-- Warren Times: Our Biggest Resolution - Our Commitment To The Planet That Sustains Us - By Mac Dawson, Nature Educator, Audubon Community Nature Center [PaEN] 

-- Appalachian Chapter Of The Audubon Society Accepting Applications For Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarship To The Mountains To Sea Birding For Teens Camp In Maine  [PaEN]

-- Warren Times: Warren County Conservation District Accepting Applications For Scholarships In Conservation, Agriculture

-- NOAA Now Accepting Applications For K-12 Environmental Literacy Grants For Delaware Bay Watershed; Applicant Webinars  [PaEN]

Related Articles:

-- Pennsylvania Deploys 40 Skilled Wildland Firefighters To Support California’s Battle Against Devastating Wildfires  [PaEN]

-- DCNR Now Accepting Applications For Recreation, Land Conservation, Riparian Buffers Thru April 2   [PaEN]

-- DCNR-Funded Mini-Grants Will Be Available From 15 Groups Across PA In 2025 To Support Smaller Local Projects  [PaEN]

-- DCNR Grants Newsletter Highlights Opening Of New Community Conservation Partnership Grant Round; Mini-Grants Available Thru 15 Groups In 2025 

-- Jan. 24 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation [PaEN] 

-- Berks Nature Protects 607 Acre Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation In Schuylkill County  [PaEN]

-- Manada Conservancy Partners With Laudenslager Family To Preserve 575 Acres In Dauphin County  [PaEN]

-- Berks Nature Establishes Ruth E. Fetterman Woodland To Preserve 102 Acres In Berks County [PaEN]

-- Northcentral PA Conservancy Partners With McMorris Family To Preserve 60-Acre Farm In Lycoming County  [PaEN]

-- Join North Branch Land Trust For A Special Event: Great Backyard Bird Count & Craft  Feb. 9 In Luzerne County  [PaEN]

-- Help Wanted: LandForce Starts Accepting Applications For Workforce Training Crew Members Jan. 27; Hire A LandForce Crew  [PaEN]

-- WeConservePA Hosts Feb. 27 What Does It Mean To Love A Forest Webinar; More Educational Opportunities  [PaEN]

-- Dept. Of Health Invites Students To Enter Art Contest To Raise Awareness About Ticks And Lyme Disease  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- Beaver Times - Brian Whipkey: Snowmobilers Discover Ideal Conditions On State Trails, Here’s Why

-- WGAL: Game Commission Seeks Snowmobilers Who Chased, Ran Over Fox In Lebanon County

-- PennLive: Reward Now Tops $2,000  In Search Of Snowmobilers Who Ran Over Fox In Lebanon County

-- LancasterOnline: Middle Creek Wildlife Area May Close Areas To Public If Avian Flu Affects Large Numbers Of Migrating Birds

-- NextPittsburgh: 10-Year Vision For Three Rivers Water Trail Seeks To Expand, Improve Trail Access

-- WHYY: Philadelphia Receives Federal Funding To Expand Schuylkill River Trail

-- WHYY: Philly’s Rail Park Raises Millions For Next Phase From State, Federal Grants

-- TribLive: Iron Horse Bridge Rehab Seen As ‘Linchpin’ In Effort To Expand Trails And Connellsville’s Economy

-- NextPittsburgh: Train Delays Highlight Growing Problem At Etna Park Blocking Use

-- Post-Gazette: Why You Should Learn To Love Lichen And Leave It On Trees

-- Erie Times: When Snowy Owls Come South, Some Stop At Presque Isle State Park

[Posted: January 20, 2025]

1/27/2025