Bin composting?

PIKE COUNTY — For the last time this year, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Penn State Cooperative Extension are teaming up to offer composting workshops and free back yard composting bins to Pike County residents.

To meet the challenge of having Pennsylvanians recycle more of the waste they produce and to assist the Commonwealth in meeting their goal of recycling 35 percent of all waste generated, Pike County Cooperative Extension will be holding three workshops on backyard composting this fall. Each person who pre-registers for a workshop and attends will receive a free composting bin (one per family, per year), as long as supplies last.

The workshops are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, September 25, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Dingmans Township Fire Hall, Log Tavern Road
• Thursday, September 27, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Pocono Woodland Lake Clubhouse
• Sunday, September 30, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., Senior Center, Route 739, Lords Valley

Biodegradable waste such as banana peels, grass clippings, leaves and even coffee grounds, will break down into compost. You can spread compost over gardens, lawns and flowerbeds to add nutrients to the soil.

All of the workshops are handicapped accessible. Space is limited at each site, so sign up early. Call 570/296-3400.

Delving into the D&H Canal

LAKE ARIEL — Peter Osborne, Executive Director of the Minisink Valley Historical Society, a regional historical organization located in Port Jervis, NY, will deliver a slide show reviewing the life of the Delaware & Hudson Canal on Wednesday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Lacawac Sanctuary.

Osborne will delve into the history of the Delaware & Hudson Canal, one of the great corporations of the 19th century, its impact on local communities and the efforts underway to preserve it.

Osborne also serves as City Historian for Port Jervis, and is currently writing a book on the Civilian Conservation Corps at High Point State Park in Sussex, New Jersey. He is the president and founder of the consulting firm, Historic Resource Services, which specializes in history related projects.

A $2 donation is requested; members and children under 12 are admitted free. For information or directions call 570/689-9494.

Got a lot of wood?

LIBERTY — On Sunday, August 26 Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County will offer a seminar for owners of woodlots.

This is an enabling program for those who own forested land. Participants will learn about the resources available to help property owners make informed decisions when offered money for timber.

To register or for more information call Ed Mues at 845/292-6180.