Are deer impacting forests?

LEDGEDALE — Browsing by white tailed deer on native vegetation is severely impacting regeneration in many ecological communities, portending dramatic changes in composition and diversity. The effects of herbivory in much of the state pose serious ecological consequences for the richness and diversity of Pennsylvania’s flora and fauna.

Join University of Scranton professor and researcher Dr. Daniel Townsend for a walk to his research plots, which are designed to measure these impacts at Lacawac Sanctuary, a field station for research and environmental education center in Wayne County. The plots, called “exclosures,” exclude deer from browsing the growth occurring within.

According to Townsend, “The exclosures are now in their seventh growing season. We have seen tremendous changes in the quantity, size and variety of Pocono plants inside the exclosures, many of which have not been seen flowering outside the exclosures for many years. Black cherry, tulip poplar, black birch and hemlock seedlings, along with Indian cucumber root, bellwort and Canada mayflower, are just a few of the native trees and wildflowers making a reappearance. The overpopulation of deer is an indication that the system is out of balance.”

Townsend is also chair of the Lacawac Board of Trustees. Come and discover the wonders growing within the research plots. The walk is scheduled for Sunday, July 15 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, at Lacawac Sanctuary. A donation of $2 is requested.

For directions or to register, call the Sanctuary at 570/689-9494.

Take a look back

WAYNE COUNTY — Would you enjoy a look back at yesteryear? Would you like to know how lumber was harvested, sawed and transported—even as close as 100 years ago? If so, visit the Hill Sawmill.

A beautiful waterfall flows from the sawmill pond, dropping many feet below into a stream that winds its way to the Delaware River. Guided tours are provided, along with live sawing demonstrations, throughout the day. Books about the Delaware River and local history are available for purchase, along with the annual baked goods sale.

This authentic water powered sawmill opens its doors to the public three times a year: Saturdays, July 7, August 4 and October 6. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. October 6 is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The sawmill is located 12 miles north of Honesdale.

Primitive technology

EQUINUNK — On July 7 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at the Calder House Museum, the Equinunk Historical Society will present a program on primitive technology by Robert Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl.

Berg will demonstrate technologies employed by local Native Americans and other civilizations of the world including atlatl knapping and cordage.

The Calder House is located on the corner of the Pine Mill Road and Route 191. For more information visit www.thunderbirdatlatl.com.

Despite fire, fair will continue

WAYNE COUNTY — Despite the fire which completely destroyed the livestock barns on June 1, the Greene-Dreher-Sterling (GDS) Fair Association would like to reassure exhibitors and attendees that the 2001 edition of the GDS Fair will be held, as previously scheduled, from Tuesday, August 28 through Labor Day, September 3.

Additional stored items such as the milking parlor, beef scale, hay wagon, various stalls and pens and numerous maintenance items were also lost in the fire. A special contributory fund has been established by the Honesdale National Bank to help defray the cost of re-building and replacement of necessities. Contributions are tax-deductible and can be made by mailing a check made payable to GDS Fair Fire Fund to: the Honesdale National Bank, PO Box 66, Hamlin, PA 18427 or by calling Alice Martin at 570/689-1922.

Volunteers will be needed to help in the re-building of stalls, pens, gates, etc. Anyone wishing to help please contact 570/676-4047 or 676-5810.

Pennsylvania residents are invited to showcase their talents in the GSD Fair. Cash prizes will be given in such categories as ceramics, stenciling, folk art, woodworking, canned goods, needlework and photography. Youth categories are also open. For information on how to participate visit www.gdsfair.com.

Farmers Market in full swing

CALLICOON — The Sullivan County Farmers’ Market will be in full swing as summer vegetables are now in season. Sweet corn should be available in limited amounts at the market this week along with snow peas, vine ripened tomatoes, mushrooms, leeks, berries, cherries and many ethnic vegetables.

The entertainment at the market this week will be Bill Engle on Friday, July 6 at the Liberty Market playing and demonstrating the hammer dulcimer. Janet Burgan will once again entertain the crowd at the Ellenville Market. Her bluesy-country-folk is a welcome attraction. On Sunday, July 8 the Country Flickers will perform line dancing at the Callicoon Market. All are encouraged to join in and become part of the show.