FALL 2019

IN THIS ISSUE: Golden Migration

Profile In Conservation: Tim Schaeffer, PA Fish & Boat Commission Bear Mange in PA Prescribed Fire—Land Management Tool and more!

FOUNDATION fall 2019

FOUNDATION CONTENTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE

Wildlife for Everyone Foundation 341 Science Park Road, Suite 103 State College, PA 16803-2287 (814) 238-8138 Photo© Mark Nale Mark Photo© [email protected] 4 8 10 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Russ Schleiden FEATURES: utumn is to Wildlife for PRESIDENT Aone of my Everyone so that Janet Nyce 4 PLAYS PROMINENT ROLE IN favorite seasons in we may expand TREASURER GOLDEN EAGLE MIGRATION Bill Bennett Pennsylvania. I love our activities SECRETARY By Greg Grove. PA’s location central to migration corridor. how the verdant and increase our Michael Schaul GETTING A READ ON BEAR MANGE trees morph into Great Egret in Tom Ridge impact across the John Blaschak 8 Margaret Brittingham By Asher Jones. Researchers look for answers to rise in disease. yellow, red, and state. If you are Ashley Diehl orange hues. I love the cozy warmth of fleece already a contributor to Wildlife for Everyone, James Eckles PROFILE IN CONSERVATION John Frailey 10 sweaters as the air turns chilly. please consider giving more. Mike Harpster By Barbara Schroeder. Featuring Tim Schaeffer, PFBC. When you love nature, it transcends all When I first started raising money for non- Gregory Isabella Ralph Martone CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY four seasons. Wildlife for Everyone works profits, I felt a little uncomfortable asking people Reed McCormick 14 hard all year long for all nature lovers and to give more. A colleague said the following to Mike Mulvihill By Mitch Blake. Prescribed fire-valuable habitat management tool. Jerry Regan outdoor enthusiasts... from hikers, to birders, to me, “If you are committed to this project, and Carl Roe 16 AMERICAN BULLFROGS: HUNGRY INVADERS hunters, to anglers, to photographers, to nature believe in why you are raising money, then Blair Soars By Carter Wynn. Population increase impacting existing ecosystems. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR writers, each person’s connection to nature is you should not feel bad about asking people to Susan Hawthorne SEEDLINGS FOR SCHOOLS unique. Wildlife for Everyone is working to give; you are offering them the opportunity to EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS 18 educate Pennsylvania citizens and conserve our invest in something wonderful.” So true! Your Bryan Burhans Pollinator Gardens popular new option. Thomas Grohol woodlands and streams to benefit wildlife and investment will make a difference! Richard Palmer 19 NATURE CENTER VISION TAKES FOCUS you, the nature lover. We want to ensure that Wildlife for Everyone is laying the PA Game Commission By Jerry Regan. Stream restoration anchors Nature Center. OFFICE MANAGER what each of you love best about nature will groundwork for a Nature Center on the site of Judy Onufrak OWL EXPERT TO SPEAK AT 2020 WILDLIFE GALA always be here for you. the Tom Ridge Wetlands in Centre County. The PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR 20 Scott Weidensaul headlines Gala. It is no great secret that it takes money for design will feature elements that meet ADA Barbara Schroeder Wildlife for Everyone to present educational standards allowing all individuals, regardless of HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Suzanne Paterno NEWS AND NOTES: programs and collaborate with conservation physical limitation, the opportunity to connect Tom Ridge partners to restore streams and improve with nature through recreational pursuits. I 21 EVENTS EDITORIAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS habitat, and to offer scholarships that advance encourage you to visit the Tom Ridge Wetlands. Ralph Martone, WFEF Board Member Gala, Clay Shoot, Great Outdoor Picnic & Scholarship Fund and Committee Chair, NWTF and POWA the careers of our future conservation Call us at 814-238-8138 to set up a tour or Board Member 22 MEMBERSHIP / ANNUAL APPEAL leaders. Every year we seek funding through for directions. Search Wildlife for Everyone Mark Nale, Outdoor Columnist and Photographer 23 PLANNED GIVING / PRESIDENT’S WILDLIFE CIRCLE memberships, an annual appeal, special Foundation on Facebook and like us to stay Carl Roe, WFEF Board Member events like the annual Wildlife Gala, Sporting informed about the happenings at Wildlife Barbara Schroeder, Editor Clay Classic and Great Outdoor Picnic, as for Everyone. Check out our website, www. SDPcreative, Publication Design well as grants. Every year, we seek to expand wildlifeforeveryone.org to learn more about

The mission of the Wildlife for our reach throughout the state, spreading our organization. Everyone Foundation is to promote the conservation message and seeking I thank you for your passion and generosity. wildlife conservation and education SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MAGAZINE SPONSORS: in Pennsylvania. opportunities to improve wildlife habitat and Best, conserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources. www.wildlifeforeveryone.org If you value nature and the restorative Jim and Janet Nyce benefit it provides, please make a donation Susan Hawthorne, Executive Director

Cover photo: Linda Stager PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 3 PENNSYLVANIA plays prominent role in veteran -counters will cite the Golden slowly, and when necessary, finding another GOLDEN EAGLE MIGRATION Eagle as their personal favorite. They are top thermal to repeat the process. While both level predators that nest in far northeastern wind and thermals work for the raptors, hawk and in the rugged mountains and watchers like windy days better because the by GREG GROVE high of the western U.S. and Canada. In updrafts bring the raptors closer to the ridge, the east, Pennsylvania sits right in the center providing a better view. of their principal migration corridor. The Golden migrate mostly in the ennsylvania mystique of the Golden Eagle is enhanced colder weather of early spring and late Poccupies a central by the timing of their north and south fall, when thermal formation is limited by location in the Ridge- movements, which usually take place during shorter days and weaker sun, and when and-Valley Region of the cold, sometimes brutal conditions of early windy days are more frequent. The best of spring (early March) and late fall (November days for seeing migrating Golden Eagles in eastern , and December)—conditions that push Pennsylvania occur soon after a cold front a series of roughly humans who are not well dressed quickly has passed through the state, especially in parallel long, high towards something resembling hypothermia. very late October and much of November. ridges that more-or-less But the big fly undaunted on the cold Golden Eagle numbers peak on such days, bisect the state from winds, impervious to the numbing chill felt by with the best hours often occurring late northeast to southwest. the earthbound counters. morning to mid-afternoon. Really good Each ridge serves as a Golden Eagles and other raptors migrate days might see the count push past 25, and “highway-in-the-sky” hundreds of miles (some migrate on a few rare occasions counts in excess of during raptor migration thousands). Using wing power all the way 35 may occur, but such days do not happen and also provides high would require enormous amounts of energy annually (see Table). perches for humans where, and time spent hunting. Instead, raptors use with an open view and moving air to keep them in flight with far less the right wind, an observer effort than beating their wings all the way “Raptors use moving air to keep can see dozens, hundreds, south and north each year. or, occasionally, thousands of Moving air occurs in two ways. Wind them in flight with far less effort migrating raptors in a single day; which strikes the ridges at a favorable angle than beating their wings all the and is then deflected upwards in strong drafts for some species, more in a single way south and north each year.” season than one could see in a lifetime provides enough current to support migrating of regular birding. birds. At a little over ten pounds, eagles, Fourteen migrating raptor species, as with their great wing surface area, readily well as two vultures, are recorded annually find sufficient lift even on light wind. The Pennsylvania has a dozen or more hawk in Pennsylvania. The two largest species are second kind of moving air is the “thermal”, watch sites that are staffed full-time during the and the Golden Eagle, with which occurs on sunny, warm days with the fall season. Two sites average over 200 wing spans of over six feet. While non-birders little wind. As the sun warms the ground, the Golden Eagles in the fall season—Wagoner’s are most familiar with the Bald Eagle, many air above (especially on non-forested land) Gap near Carlisle and Allegheny Front, begins to warm and rise, creating a thermal west of Bedford. In the spring, the premier updraft. Raptors are expert at finding and Golden Eagle watch is at Tussey Mt., near Greg Grove is the founder and lead counter at the Stone using thermals to gain elevation. When high State College, where the counting begins Mt. Hawk Watch in Huntingdon County, the compiler of enough, they set their wings and glide in the in late February to catch the early Golden Winter Raptor Surveys in Pennsylvania, former President of the Pennsylvania Society for and Editor of desired direction. They can cover miles with Eagles; most have already moved north of Pennsylvania Birds. scarcely a wing-flap, losing elevation only Pennsylvania by the third week of March. Photo© Don Bryant Don Photo©

4 PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 5 Golden Eagle identification is not difficult 10-year High with a bit of experience. Golden Eagles are Site Location (County) Season season avg. one-day count mostly brown but derive their name from the golden on the nape of the neck. They Allegheny Front Bedford/Somerset Fall 205 74 (2015) may be confused with immature Bald Eagles, Carbon/Lehigh Fall 100 42 (2012) also mostly brown but lacking the adult’s white head and tail. When gliding, as in migratory Hawk Mt. Berks/Schuylkill Fall 133 48 (2012) flight, Golden Eagles often hold their wings in Jacks Mt. Mifflin Fall 92 56 (2014) a slight dihedral (a very shallow V) with wing tips pulled back, in contrast to Bald Eagles who Stone Mt. Huntingdon/Mifflin Fall 129 61 (2018) hold their wings straight and perpendicular to the body, giving the appearance of a Wagoner’s Gap Cumberland/Perry Fall 236 50 (2012) Photo© Nick Bolgiano long, straight plank. Allegheny Front Bedford/Somerset Spring 70 70 (2019) The recovery of Bald and Golden Eagles, and other raptors, is a true Tussey Mt. Centre/Huntingdon Spring 185 62 (2008) conservation success story. Thanks to suspension of DDT use, less poison- baiting of predators such as , and presumably fewer people that shoot raptors on sight, Golden Eagle numbers in the east may be increasing. To see a Golden Eagle soaring overhead on a cold November wind is to see true wilderness.

Hawk is a term used by raptor counters to refer to all species being counted on a watch (, accipiters, falcons, , harriers, eagles and even vultures). Photo© Nick Bolgiano

6 PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 7 parasitic mite responsible for Getting a Read on the bear’s condition. According to Greenberg, the tiny mites

burrow into the skin, triggering Miller Taylor Photo© Bear Mange a hypersensitive reaction that makes bears uncomfortable and by ASHER JONES itchy. Mangy bears often scratch themselves vigorously, opening eering through the holes of the trap, I can wounds and causing further Pmake out the bear’s back. In places where skin infections. the fur is thinning, the skin beneath is dark, Using a set of criteria, thickened, and crusty with deep fissures that Greenberg deems the bear to remind me of cracks in parched earth. have a moderate case of mange. It’s early July and I’m in Sproul State Forest Bears with severe mange can with Brandon Snavely, bear biologist aide for lose their fur almost entirely, Hannah Greenberg examining a sedated, healthy black bear. the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and become emaciated because they Hannah Greenberg, doctoral candidate in cannot forage effectively, and may entomology at Penn State University. Of the eventually die. “When you think bears with an anti-parasite medication called seven black bears the team has trapped today, of a bear you think of a very strong ,” Ivermectin to assess if a single dose can this bear is the first with mange. says Erika Machtinger, assistant professor of effectively treat the disease, and whether The now-sedated bear is a young female. entomology at Penn State. “So, when you see bears can recover without intervention. She is missing fur from almost half of her that animal reduced to basically a skeleton, it can To limit further spread of mange, body, and emits a strange, musty odor. be extremely shocking. You can’t imagine how it Greenberg urges people not to feed wildlife. Greenberg scrapes skin from the bear’s chest got that way and how it’s still alive. It’s really sad.” The disease is highly contagious, and feed and legs and examines the samples with a Since the first cases of mange were identified piles are likely hotspots for mite transmission microscope propped on the truck tailgate. in black bears in the early 1990s, the disease has between bears. She’s looking for Sarcoptes scabiei, the increased in prevalence and range, radiating Greenberg collects skin biopsies and outwards from Pennsylvania into neighboring blood samples from the bear for lab analysis. states. Although black bears are still at record Historically, mange had affected coyotes Asher Jones is a PhD Entomology student at Penn State numbers in Pennsylvania, mange has caught the and red —but not bears. Greenberg University and an aspiring science writer. attention of Mark Ternent, black bear biologist and Machtinger want to understand how with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. “We the Sarcoptes mite was able to jump hosts. don’t necessarily understand the disease in bears If the mite has become more bear specific, that well yet,” says Ternent. “So, we have a lot of the researchers could find evidence of this questions and I think the more of those we get adaptation in its genes. answered, then that can influence our policies Our sedated bear receives an ear tag and

Photo© Hannah Greenberg Photo© Hannah and management strategies in the future.” collar. The team can now monitor her location The game commission has partnered with from a computer, and they will re-examine researchers like Greenberg and Machtinger to her health during the winter denning season. learn more about mange in bears. As part of For now, newly dubbed Bear #51308 rouses her doctoral research, Greenberg will collar suddenly from the sedative and lumbers away, 12 healthy bears and 24 mange bears with turning once to look back at us before she GPS sensors. She will track the across disappears into the forest. the landscape to study how the disease affects If you see a bear with mange, contact the their behavior, movement, and reproduction. appropriate Pennsylvania Game Commission Greenberg will also inject 12 of the mange regional office.

PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 9 Since returning to Pennsylvania, Schaeffer system that will allow the PFBC to analyze PROFILE IN has strived for a collaborative approach data and foresee trends. Equipped with this to initiatives he oversees, seeking to make knowledge, the Commission will be able to CONSERVATION conservation relevant to the groups involved. connect the fishermen with the fishing and His philosophy is: “If the parties involved get boating opportunities most appealing to something out of the project, then it will be them. “It will allow us to be more strategic relevant to them. If it’s relevant to them, they and deliberate in delivering our message,” will invest themselves in it.” Communicating says Schaeffer. that relevance is his biggest challenge, but it Schaeffer’s vision for the PFBC is to find ensures a positive outcome. a way to communicate the vast array of All of these projects require funding which fishing and boating opportunities available Tim Schaeffer is the biggest need of the PFBC according to the residents of Pennsylvania and make Executive Director, to Schaeffer. There are no general state fund it easier to take advantage of them. “I Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission appropriations allocated to the agency. Funds want to demystify fishing and convey to are generated by the sale of fishing licenses, by BARBARA SCHROEDER boating registrations and the excise tax added to the cost of equipment purchased “PFBC offers more than trout by the consumer. License fees are set by the legislators. “This arrangement has resulted and bass fishing. This year, in a boom then bust pattern in terms of the 27,000 muskies will be stocked number of licensed fishermen and women,” remarks Schaeffer. Under the current system, in Pennsylvania waters.” anglers may pay the same price for a license for 15 years, and then suddenly face a big fee increase in order to make up the deficit. The end im Schaeffer does not let any grass grow relationships I had forged, made it feel like result has been a reduction Tunder his feet. A master multi-tasker, pursuing the Executive Director position was in the number of licensed he is focused and super organized; he has the right move for me,” he says. fishing Pennsylvanians. to be to oversee 400 employees responsible Surprisingly, it wasn’t until grad school According to Schaeffer, for Pennsylvania’s more than 86,000 miles that he learned a career in conservation was “We are very close to

Photo© Bill Moses Bill Photo© of streams and rivers, 4,000 inland and even possible. This epiphany came during an getting the bill passed that ponds (in addition to Erie), as well as environmental policy class that often featured will permit the PFBC to the massive fishing and boating opportunities a conservationist and lawyer debating policy. set its own fees. This will these aquatic resources present. Schaeffer realized that an intermediary was result in gradual increases Schaeffer has been in his current position at needed; someone who could communicate that will keep the number the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission the intent of both parties. He enrolled in of anglers constant, (PFBC) since November of last year. Prior the Syracuse University College of Law and lessening the negative to a brief stint at the PA Department of the State University of College of impact on funding.” Environmental Protection, he served for Environmental Science and Forestry where Schaeffer is hopeful the almost 10 years as Director of Policy and he simultaneously earned the degrees of Juris bill will be approved by Planning at PFBC. According to Schaeffer, Doctor and Doctor of Philosophy. The unique the Senate this fall. his career moves have been driven by where skill set he attained provided a background Within the next he can make the biggest difference on the in policy and an expertise in environmental year the fishing license conservation front. “My understanding of science that would prove immeasurably buyer will experience the Commission and the issues, as well as the valuable in the career that followed. an automated license Stocking Muskies in the Susquehanna.

10 PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 11 Commission’s goals whim of his sons. He and his boys typically assumption of people’s good intentions. “I feel of Recruitment, ski 30 times during the winter season! “It’s it is a privilege and an honor to do this job,” Retention and a challenge to do, but you need to make says Schaeffer. “I hope to harness the existing Reactivation. the time,” states Schaeffer. Returning to the energy of the staff and empower them with Photos© Andrea Feeney Photos© Andrea A native of idea of relevance, Schaeffer opines, “if the resources to do the work of the future.” central Pennsylvania, environment is relevant to kids, they’ll take Schaeffer care of it. If kids are outdoors doing what his upbringing as they love,” he continues, “they’ll appreciate the source of his the land, water and air they’re using, and The PFBC is doing all it can to respond to current interest in want to protect and conserve it. It’s important the effects of climate change on habitat. the environment to instill this ethos in the next generation.” One example addresses the brook trout’s These youth are participating in Mentored Youth Fishing Days. and conservation. On the day I interviewed Tim Schaeffer, need for cooler water. Biologists have He recalls an idyllic he was heading to Luzerne County to assist identified where the fish are located, and in parents that it is easier to get kids out for youth swimming and fishing with friends biologists with the installation of habitat some cases, removed dams and felled trees the fishing experience,” states Schaeffer. To at Yellow Breeches Creek in Cumberland structures at Frances Slocum State Park. In over streams to lower the water temperature. accomplish this, the PFBC has a mobile County. A love of the outdoors is part of addition to providing another set of hands, app, Fish Boat PA (available at https:// Schaeffer’s fabric and he is committed to Schaeffer wanted to learn what they were Check out the PFBC website to find out the pfbc.pa.gov/mobile.htm), an active social fostering that value in his 15-year old twin doing and why. A hands-on leader, Schaeffer programs and events planned in your area: media presence, and will be hiring an sons. He is earnest about carving out time for earns the respect of his staff by his hard www.fishandboat.com. “R3” Coordinator to develop strategies to his family, dedicating a day on the weekend work, ability to trust and delegate to those communicate opportunities and achieve the to get outside and engage in adventure at the who are the field experts, and his genuine

Support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), the federal bill to fund state-based conserva- tion efforts for more than 12,000 species of fish, wildlife and plants identified in the greatest need of conservation. This bill would provide $1.3 billion annually to state agencies to help keep at-risk, non-game species off the endan- gered lists.

12 PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 13 CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY

natural fires. In the absence of fire, shade Prescribed Fire tolerant /fire intolerant species such as red Controlled burns are conducted by highly Valuable Wildlife Habitat Management Tool maple, black gum, and black have trained crews. Crews plan operations and proliferated. To restore these habitats, teams prep burn lines to ensure the safety of of workers use a Royer machine (which is themselves and the public. by MITCH BLAKE like a big shredder) to thin the underbrush Biologist, National Wild Federation by mowing the undesirable trees and leaving the woody material to be used as fuel during the fire. The controlled burn removes the decomposed layer of organic material called make the space usable or not usable. Fire rescribed fire, also known as a controlled The size of the area affected by a controlled the duff layer, stimulating the herbaceous and transforms marginal habitat (non-usable Pburn, can do great things for habitat burn may cover a large expanse that includes grass seed bank, thus initiating regeneration. space) into usable habitat. The best example and the wildlife that rely on the land for a range of ecosystems, conservation objectives Controlled burns are also being used to is mountain laurel, which often occurs in food and cover. Legislation passed in 2009 and land uses. Many species, including the establish seedlings in the understory, impenetrable patches. The use of prescribed made it easier to conduct prescribed fires in , are considered disturbance ensuring that this valuable hardwood will fire on these low quality, non-commercial Pennsylvania by declaring its use as a land species requiring different habitat types and remain dominant in a stand of timber, and sites turns non-usable space into highly management tool that benefits the safety of ages of forest succession to meet their annual wildlife can continue to depend on its acorns valued usable space. The new landscape the public, the environment and the economy needs. Using fire to create this habitat mosaic as a primary source of food. creates great nesting habitat for many of the Commonwealth. is not only the easiest way to manage large Many vulnerable habitats can’t be species and brood rearing habitat for acres, but it is also the most cost effective. sustained without routine prescribed fire. wild turkeys. By cost effectively managing In addition to its function as a landscape Habitat is roughly defined as an animal’s and restoring natural forest cover on a scale management tool, controlled burning requirement for food, cover, water, and space. landscape scale, the use of prescribed fire promotes restoration of woodlands. Located While the first three are tangible, space is is a win from every angle. near ridge tops where the soil is dry and not as easily understood. Most think wildlife sandy in Pennsylvania, are stands of low- is surrounded by space in a large-scale quality timber such as pitch or scrub state forest. While true, the conditions of oak. Historically, these sites were subject to the forest and more specifically the habitat

Controlled burn ignition patterns pro- vide wildlife escape routes as the burn progresses. Choosing the correct weather conditions ensures that spread rates are slow and flame heights low, allowing the slowest wildlife to reach safety.

14 PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 15 A WORD FROM OUR FUTURE CONSERVATION LEADERS

its native range in search of new ecosystems containing the necessary prey and places to “Bullfrogs will eat anything they breed. Historically, bullfrogs were only found in the central and southern portions of the can fit in their mouths, including , but due to increasing insects, spiders, small mammals, populations, they are now migrating into the northern and western states. fish, small snakes, frogs, and American bullfrogs are the largest frog even other bullfrogs.” species in the United States, growing up to –Carter Wynn eight inches in body length. Typically, females are slightly larger than males, but males have larger tympanic membranes than females. Analyzing the sex of a bullfrog is actually Eradicating the American bullfrog from quite simple; if the tympanic membrane is these new areas is a difficult task. While larger than the frog’s eye, it is a male. If the American bullfrogs are big, they are also tympanic membrane is smaller than the frog’s stealthy. Attempting to catch one during the eye, the frog is a female. day is nearly impossible if they are close to a One of the detrimental problems associated water source. The best time to catch American with the movement of the American bullfrog bullfrogs is at night when they are most active is its voracious appetite. Bullfrogs will eat and engaged in feeding. Shining a spotlight on anything they can fit in their mouths, including the frogs causes them to have a delayed reaction insects, spiders, small mammals, fish, small to anyone in pursuit of them. The biggest AMERICAN BULLFROGS snakes, frogs, and even other bullfrogs. They challenge is finding people who are willing to have also been known to actively prey on birds spend their night trying to catch these frogs. HUNGRY INVADERS sitting on the water. As a result, American While the Bullfrog is considered a nuisance bullfrogs decimate small animal species as and an invasive species in some parts of the United States, they are unique frogs and very by CARTER WYNN they begin to move into new ecosystems. he United States is home to about 90 For example, native amphibian populations interesting to observe in their native range. Tspecies of frogs, most of which do have plummeted in western states since the Learning about the American bullfrog in a not cause disruptions in their ecosystems. American bullfrog migrated into these areas. “hands-on manner” is the best way for people However, the American bullfrog is an Bullfrogs consume anything smaller than to truly understand the beauty, threats, and anomaly; slowly becoming a big problem themselves and compete with native species for excitement of this frog species. in its respective ecosystems. The bullfrog resources like food, water, and breeding space. population is increasing at a rapid rate. This A female bullfrog lays thousands of eggs, which sudden increase is pushing the species out of hatch into voracious and cannibalistic tadpoles. Bullfrogs remain as tadpoles for up to two years, giving them twice the amount of time Carter Wynn is a senior at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter and chances to decimate the tadpoles of other School in Richfield, PA. He is a 2018 graduate of the Brookies amphibian species. Field School of the Wildlife Leadership Academy and a regular contributor to the organization’s NextGen Blog.

16 PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 17 Seedlings NATURE CENTER VISION TAKES FOCUS by JERRY REGAN for Schools Board Member, Wildlife for Everyone Foundation & Chair, Nature Center Committee new & POLLINATOR GARDEN he new nature center project has begun areas, fishing platform and education pavilion Tthanks to our friends at the U.S. Fish and has begun to unfold. We welcome all visitors to A huge success! Wildlife Service (USFWS). The weather has walk our mown trails or sit along the creek and finally cooperated and the major restorations take in nature’s beauty. Before snow returns to to Bald Eagle Creek have been completed after Centre County, the planning committee will be The new Pollinator Garden program was rolled a year of rain delays. Mark Roberts, who heads putting the final touches on all design elements out in 2019. Packages of 25 native, pollinator- the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program for and waiting for permits to be approved by the friendly shrubs and seedlings were packaged for the USFWS in State College, has been doing various agencies so that construction bids can be Pennsylvania teachers to order and plant with this of conservation work for more than solicited. This long-anticipated effort promises their students on school premises. Advertised as 20 years. He is one of the extraordinary people to be worth the wait! When completed, it will available on a first come-first serve basis, these THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 SPONSORS in this field who spends his days restoring the offer everyone, regardless of physical challenge, packages were depleted on the first day! quality of our creeks, planting habitat for all a chance to enjoy nature with dignity and EQT Foundation The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard types of wildlife and creating corridors for receive the restorative benefit it offers. Nursery administers the Seedlings for Schools The Donald B. & Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation migrating species. You may also find Mark Thank you for your continued support. We and Pollinator Garden programs and the Wildlife Holleran Donor-Advised Fund of Berks County operating equipment to combat the invasive are currently seeking contributions to build a for Everyone Foundation raises funds to help Community Foundation species that attack our woods and . $200,000 endowment that will generate $10,000 subsidize the programs which are available at no Mark is a foot soldier for conservation annually to expand our native plantings and cost to all students in Pennsylvania. Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Frist National Bank in Pennsylvania and we share a heartfelt create optimal habitat for our flora and fauna. If These free, hands-on educational appreciation for his work. Thank you, Mark! you want to help us maintain this natural jewel The Sourbeer Family opportunities connect youth to nature and What this means is that our plan to create a for future generations, please consider donating instill an appreciation for conservation FirstEnergy Foundation world class accessible trail with wildlife viewing to our conservation endowment. practices that will impact their future actions. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Constellation Community Champions Program

67 schools ordered pollinator gardens Onufrak Judy Photo©

837 schools participated in Seedlings for Schools program

165,000 students learned about importance of conservation

Additional funding is needed to expand the Pollinator Garden program in 2020. Please make a donation: wildlifeforeveryone.org or 814-238-8138

PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 19 EVENTS EVENTS

OWL EXPERT to speak at 2020 WILDLIFE GALA FOUNDATION

cott Weidensaul, acclaimed writer, National Audubon’s Hog Island Center on the PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE GALA Slecturer and field researcher on topics coast of which offers ecology programs Friday, April 3, 2020 of ornithology and natural history, will that focus on the state’s natural history. Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA be the guest speaker at the third annual A native of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Guest Speaker: Scott Weidensaul, Renowned Owl Expert Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala held at the Nittany Weidensaul started his writing career as a & Pulitzer Prize finalist. Join us for a festive evening in Lion Inn on Friday, April 3, 2020. Well known weekly nature columnist for the Pottsville support of Wildlife for Everyone’s mission of promoting for his research on owls, hummingbirds and Republican. He left that post in 1988 wildlife conservation & education. songbirds, Weidensaul has authored over two to pursue a freelance writing career in dozen books including “Living on the Wind: nature and wildlife. Today, Weidensaul is a SPORTING CLAY CLASSIC Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds,” contributing author to the New York Times, Friday, May 1, 2020 which earned him the distinction of Pulitzer Smithsonian, National Wildlife, Nature Seven Springs Sporting Clay Facility Prize finalist in 2000. Conservancy and Audubon. Weidensaul’s research focuses primarily Teams compete on a nationally rated course nestled in on . He directs the Northern the scenic Laurel Highlands. The challenging course is perfect for novice and competitive shooters of all ages. Saw-whet Owl project that tracks the paths of the small, reclusive owl native to North

America. Along with several colleagues, Photo© Beth Sanders GREAT OUTDOOR PICNIC he established Project SNOWstorm which Saturday, June 20, 2020 uses state-of-the-art tracking technology Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park to understand the sudden increase in the number of snowy owls into southern Canada Family fun event that introduces youth to the outdoor and the U.S. sports. Build a bluebird box, watch a dog demo, expanded Weidensaul is a founder of the Ned Smith activities for kids in 2020, huge raffle. Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, PA, and has served as its research director SUPPORT THE WILDLIFE since 1998. He is Interim Chair of the Board of Directors of Sanctuary. SCHOLARSHIP FUND Weidensaul directs the ornithology program for Advancing our future conservation leaders Scott Weidensaul Five college students were awarded scholarships in 2019 to help advance their career interest in wildlife conservation & natural resource-related fields. Please consider supporting our scholarship fund.

FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala Please sustain our efforts of conserving wildlife in Pennsylvania by FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 including the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation in your estate planning. Nittany Lion Inn • www.wildlifeforeveryone.org Call 814-238-8138 for more info. Featured Speaker, Scott Weidensaul

20 PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 21 GIVING GIVING

HOW CAN I GIVE…Let Me Count the Ways

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL APPEAL PLANNED GIVING JOIN THE PRESIDENT’S WILDLIFE CIRCLE

oin today and be part of a community ur current project is the Nature Center upport Wildlife for Everyone Foundation he President’s Wildlife Circle is a Jof outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to Othat is planned for the Tom Ridge Sthrough planned giving. Call Susan Tprestigious group of benevolent patrons conserving wildlife and its habitat, as well as Wetlands in Centre County. Encompassing Hawthorne, executive director, to discuss a which serves to advance the mission of the educating youth and the public at large about 135 acres that includes wetlands, open water, charitable gift that will benefit your financial Foundation through generous donations environmental issues. wooded stream sides and brushy fields, the status while supporting the mission of of money, expertise and counsel. Circle Your membership gift supports initiatives Center will provide passive recreational Wildlife for Everyone Foundation. Help us members are a diverse and select group that including: opportunities such as light hiking, sustain our efforts to conserve wildlife and will be asked to contribute to projects and • Seedlings for Schools & new Pollinator birdwatching, wildlife observation, fishing educate Pennsylvanians about the importance programs, confirming their position as an Garden programs and picnicking. A fully accessible mile-long of environmental stewardship by including integral part of the inner circle of the Wildlife trail and fishing platform will allow persons Wildlife for Everyone in your will. for Everyone Foundation. • Wildlife Scholarship Fund with physical challenges the opportunity to Inclusion in the President’s Wildlife Circle • Educational programming connect to nature. ATTEND ONE OF OUR EVENTS is established with a $1,000 membership • Coordinated ventures to restore PA A contribution of any amount is acceptable in the Foundation and maintained with streams and improve habitat and appreciated. • Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala a $1,000 membership renewed annually. Various levels of membership are available. • Sporting Clay Classic at Seven Springs A contribution of $25,000 and above will • Great Outdoor Picnic grant lifetime membership in the President’s Wildlife Circle.

Donations are appreciated anytime. You www.wildlifeforeveryone.org don’t have to wait for one of these giving opportunities to contribute to the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation. • Set up monthly donations. • Drop a check by our office. • Call with a credit card.

Invest in the future of Pennsylvania by making your tax-deductible donation today.

FOUNDATION Wildlife for Everyone Foundation 341 Science Park Road, Suite 103 State College, PA 16803 (814) 238-8138

22 PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE fall 2019 23 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID

FOUNDATION State College, PA Permit #213 Wildlife For Everyone Foundation 341 Science Park Road, Suite 103 State College, PA 16803-2287 www.wildlifeforeveryone.org

FOUNDATION Support PA Wildlife by becoming a member, JOIN TODAY! Photo© Hal Korber Hal Photo©