Stewardship

April 29, 2022

150 Years of Arbor Day!

The first U.S. Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872, after being proposed by the secretary of the Nebraska Territory, J. Sterling Morton. By 1920, over 45 U.S. states had started to observe Arbor Day. This year marks the 150th anniversary since the first one when it is estimated that over a million trees were planted on that single day in Nebraska!

April 20, 2022

Use these four ‘Leave No Trace’ tips on your next birdwatching trip

Birding is an activity that can be enjoyed in all seasons. Check out these tips from the Leave No Trace Organization and make your next birding trip a great one!

April 14, 2022

A good year, and season, for mast

The mast is the fruit of forest trees. There are hard masts, like acorns, and soft masts, like fox grapes, and both can be found across the state of Pennsylvania. But what causes a good year for masts?

March 31, 2022

What in the world is the Susquehanna River Water Trail?

The Susquehanna River Water Trail runs over 500 miles throughout PA. From the West Branch of the Susquehanna in the PA Wilds, through the valleys of Central PA, to Harrisburg and continuing into Maryland, one can have an amazing adventure anywhere.

March 24, 2022

Volunteers with a passion for stewardship restore bird boxes in the PA Wilds

Volunteers from the Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited (PWHU) restore bird boxes at Beaver Run and Shaggers Inn Pond in the PA Wilds! PWHU organization has been dedicated to stewardship efforts in the PA Wilds for decades. Learn about their most recent project and upcoming stewardship efforts from the PWHU.

March 14, 2022

This sugaring season, make maple syrup without a maple tree

Sugaring Season is underway across the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states! If you don’t have sugar maples, then why not try something else? Check out what other trees can make a good syrup to put on your pancakes, waffles and more!

March 3, 2022

Perfect Little “Pines”

If you've ever walked through the forests of Penn's Woods, you have probably seen these perfect little "pines". You may be surprised to learn that these little "pines" are actually a type of moss - and they are ancient.

January 27, 2022

The tenacity of Marcescent leaves

There is a phenomenon that occurs in some trees during the winter months. Learn about the fascinating marcescence (mar-sess-ents) leaves that can be found in the forests of Pennsylvania.

January 13, 2022

The benefits of harvesting timber on State Forest lands

The PA Wilds has two million acres of public land in its region, including 8 State Forests. In order to keep our beautiful forests healthy, timber is harvested. Learn from DCNR what some of the benefits of harvesting timber can be!

January 6, 2022

Recycle your Christmas tree to nature this season!

When the holidays are over, don’t throw your real Christmas tree out with the trash -- recycle it! Here are some great tips to give a new purpose to your real Christmas tree after the holidays.