Buoyed by success at other state parks, organizers of the Wild Resource Festival this week announced plans to broaden the scope and audience of their annual salute to nature by hosting a festival at Moraine State Park in Butler County on May 12.

“From songbirds in the trees, to mushrooms enriching the forest floor, Pennsylvania’s vast natural heritage has been showcased at Bald Eagle and French Creek state parks during previous Wild Resources Festivals,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. “Now, it is Moraine’s chance to shine after being selected to host a Wild Resource Conservation Program festival this year.”

Festival activities will also be held June 9 at French Creek State Park in Chester and Berks counties. The festivals in eastern and western parks are part of the Wild Resource Conservation Program’s 25th anniversary celebration. Two festivals give more people the opportunity to participate.

“Whether they’re seeking a closer look at a raptor or a peek at a normally nocturnal flying squirrel, visitors to either festival can sample a broad spectrum of the outdoor world around them,” said Secretary DiBerardinis. “After last year’s event at French Creek drew more than 800 people, we knew it was time to expand our efforts westward, and Moraine’s 16,725 acres and 3,225-acre Lake Arthur provide the ideal venue.”

Sponsored by DCNR’s Wild Resource Conservation Program, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission, the two Wild Resource Festivals will be offered free to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are hoping for widespread public participation in these ‘celebrations of nature,’ featuring no less than 35 environment-based demonstrations and hands-on activities that are unique to the two parks and geared for the entire family,” said Sally Just, director of DCNR’s Office of Conservation Science. “We are proud of the many prominent naturalists, botanists, biologists and other speakers who will be introducing park visitors to our wealth of outdoor riches.”

Many of the festival speakers have been involved in Wild Resource Conservation Program-supported projects in recent years, studying mammals, inventorying plants and banding birds. Both festivals will be highlighted by presentations on the rare northern flying squirrel, the program’s featured species for 2007 that will be included on patches and in educational materials.

Events also will include stationary exhibits with live animals and demonstrations, as well as a series of hikes and nature walks. Food vendors, musicians and volunteers will be on hand.

A list of events, directions and other festival details can be found online at the Wild Resource Festival webpage.

5/4/2007