Understanding our local insects

THOMPSON — In late summer insects abound at the Florence Shelly Preserve and a nature walk through the preserve on Sunday, August 11 led by Stuart Slocum, a biology teacher at Mountain View High School, will focus on finding, identifying and learning some of the fascinating details of these animals.

There are a million types of insects on earth, each with its own unique behavior, and this walk through woodlands, meadows, and alongside streams will be devoted to discovering just a few of them, each with a life story unlike any other.

The walk will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will last approximately two hours. Children are welcome. Participants are advised to wear footwear appropriate for trekking in wetlands. The group will meet in the parking lot across from Stack Road, a mile north of Thompson on Route 171. For further information call 570/727-4272.

Farmers markets flourish

LIBERTY — On Thursday at Wurtsboro on Canal Street from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.; Liberty on Friday at Darbee Lane from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Callicoon on Sunday at A. Dorrer Drive from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Roscoe, also on Sunday on Highland Avenue 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

At the markets this week will be peaches, berries, sweet corn, tomatoes, new potatoes, beans, beets, baked goods, goat cheese, jams and jellies, strawberries, fine soap, angus beef, wine, local landmark photographs, sunflowers, flowers and fine crafts, maple products and barbecue roast corn.

Atta girl!

HONESDALE — As part of the Wayne County Fair, the Wayne County 4-H Club held its annual horse show at the fairgrounds on July 27, with riders competing in Novice, Junior and Senior divisions.

Winner of the Novice Trail Class program was Kelsey Rutledge, shown astride “Trigger,” her 22 year-old pony. A soon-to-be fourth grader at the Damascus School, Kelsy was emulating her mother, Danielle, who raised Trigger and as a girl had ridden him in similar horse shows.

On Friday afternoon, August 9, the 4-H club will celebrate its 100th year with a 4:00 p.m. parade at the fairgrounds.

Pond plants program

LOOKOUT — Saturday morning, August 10, Ann Rhoads, M.D. director of botany at the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, will describe aquatic plants collected from Wayne County ponds and lakes. The public is invited to join her and Delaware Highlands Conservancy members at 10:00 a.m. at the Duck Harbor Pond PA Fish Commission public access.

Rhoads will illustrate the difference between native and non-native plants; explain rare and endangered plants; and describe those aggressive “weed” species that can choke your pond’s waters. She will also demonstrate how to protect the rare species or control those aggressive weed species.

If you live near a lake or pond, this is a rare opportunity to learn from an expert about the role of aquatic plants in maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. This program is free. Bring a folding chair if you wish and a camera or sketchbook to record plants of concern.

For more information call 570/729-7053.

Kittatinny canoes announces
special events

DINGMANS FERRY — Learn to Days in August include; Learn to Canoe on August 4: Participants will be met at Kittatinny’s Dingmans Ferry, PA river base by a certified instructor who will teach novices the essentials of canoeing. The lesson concludes with a guided eight-mile trip from Milford to Dingmans Ferry.

Learn to Kayak on August 11 and 25: Challenge the river one-on-one in Kittatinny’s easy to use kayaks. Certified instructors meet and instruct participants at Kittatinny’s Matamoras river base and then accompany them on a 10-mile whitewater river trip from Pond Eddy, NY to Matamoras, PA.

Wildflower and Wildlife tour on August 24: Kittatinny’s naturalist and guide will meet and guide participants on an eight-mile river trip from Milford to Dingmans Ferry, PA. This trip best displays the wildflowers at their peak and along the way participants are apt to encounter blue and green herons, Canada geese, ducks, eagles, osprey, beaver lodges, and a variety of fish.

For more information or reservations call 800/FLOAT-KC or visit: www.floatkc.com.

Lacawac announces ‘kids corner’

LAKE ARIEL — Looking for educational summer activities for the kids? Come on out to the Lacawac Sanctuary Tuesdays and Thursdays in August for a fun and educational series of environmental learning programs designed to entertain and educate. Knee High to Nature is intended for kids ages three to five years old and will be held Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dates and themes are as follows:

• August 13, wetland wonders
• August 20, nature detective

Held Thursdays in August from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon is Walking on the Wildside. Designed especially for kids ages six to nine years. Dates and themes are as follows:

• August 8, nature detective
• August 15, tree of life
• August 22, amazing water

Feel free to participate in one or all of the sessions. Pre-registration is required. There is a fee of $2 per session. Contact the Sanctuary at 570/689-9494 for more information or to register.