Contributed photo Campers learned how a sawmill runs while on a tour of a local lumberyard. (Click for larger image)

HONESDALE - A tour of a local sawmill was included in "Summer Fun with 4-H," a day camp held June 26 through the 30 at Lakeside Elementary School in Honesdale. 4-H promotes the development of life skills in youth, which includes gathering information and exploring careers.

Wayne County 4-H will be celebrating National 4-H Week, October 1 through 7. For more information contact Wayne County Cooperative Extension at 570/253-5970 ext. 239, or visit the office at the Courthouse, 925 Court Street, Honesdale.

DALLAS - Field data collected by Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers and Land Management Group Supervisors in the Northeast Region indicate abundant natural food supplies and healthy wildlife populations as we head into the autumn months and the start of Pennsylvania's hunting seasons.

"Wet, cool conditions throughout most of the late spring and early summer had a negative impact on early nesting attempts by turkey and grouse," said Barry Warner, Commission Northeast Regional Director. "Cold, wet weather during peak nesting times can greatly affect the survival rate of young birds, making them susceptible to pneumonia. Prolonged periods of rain will also force incubating hens off nests more frequently, exposing eggs to the harsh conditions.

"As summer progressed, however, chick survival greatly improved resulting in increased sighting of both turkey and grouse broods in most counties. Reports by officers indicate turkey populations similar to that of last year, which supports a good to excellent prediction for the upcoming hunting season. Grouse numbers appear to be slightly increasing or stable in most counties."

Warner noted that, generally, small game populations appear to be in good shape heading into autumn.

Northeast WCO reports, coupled with the shear volume of bear complaints handled from various publics in the region, indicate that the upcoming bear season, which is scheduled for November 20 to 22, should be promising.

According to Warner, WCOs have investigated nearly 700 bear complaints since late winter throughout the region and several very large bears have been trapped and relocated into local state game lands.

Deer numbers, too, are up in just about every corner of the region. WCOs reported good fawn survival, and many nice racked bucks are being seen. Officers rate this year's prospect for deer hunting as good to excellent.

Hunters are reminded to seek permission from the landowner before entering on private property, whether that property is posted or not.

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA - Volunteers can do more than just clean up the roadside, they can also beautify the highway. PennDOT District 4-0 is looking for volunteer groups to become part of its "Adopt and Beautify Program."

With "Adopt And Beautify" volunteers don't only pick up litter; they can also plant flowers, ornamental grasses or shrubs. Interested groups or individuals must agree to plant and maintain the section of highway for at least two years. In return, PennDOT places a sign along the highway recognizing the group for its beautification efforts.

PennDOT will help new "Adopt And Beautify" groups get started in their adopted area and will give each group the necessary safety materials and safety training.

For more information call Martha Spaide at 570/963-4048, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

MILFORD - If you depend on your own well or spring for drinking water, it is your responsibility to have your water tested periodically at a certified water-testing laboratory. On Monday, October 23 the Penn State Cooperative Extension will hold a Safe Drinking Water Clinic for people interested in having their drinking water tested and finding out how to protect and maintain their water system. Two Water Resource Specialists from Penn State University will provide information on how to cost-effectively maintain a safe and plentiful water supply.

The clinic will be held on October 23 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Pike County Conservation District Education building on Route 402. Admission is free; however, Penn State Cooperative Extension is providing water testing through a local lab for a fee. For more information call 570/296-3400.

WHITE MILLS - An evening of exploration of "The October Sky" will be offered at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills on October 6 starting at 7:30 p.m. A brief slide-assisted talk will be presented by Dr. Thomas Cupillari.

Light refreshments will be served. This presentation is free of charge to the community. Families with children are encouraged to attend.

The sanctuary is located on Long Ridge Road in White Mills, off Route 6, halfway between Hawley and Honesdale.

Suitable clothing is recommended, bring lawn chairs. Reservations are suggested. For reservations or directions call 570/253-1185.