Summer education programs in the park

LACKAWAXEN, PA — Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River will be offering a wide variety of education programs to the general public, local camps, youth groups and civic organizations.

On Saturday, July 12 at 10:30 a.m., join Park Ranger Ed Higgs at the Minisink Battleground Park in Minisink Ford, NY for The Battle of Minisink program. This battle was Upper Delaware’s only major Revolutionary War skirmish.

The Delaware River Watershed program will be presented on Sunday, July 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Skinners Falls Access. Join Park Ranger Intern Josh Huwig as he explores the extensive and extremely important Delaware River watershed.

The symbol of our nation, the bald eagle, can be seen soaring in the skies above the Delaware River or perched high among the trees. On Saturday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m., come listen to Park Ranger Intern Susie Kaspar as she explains how the population of both wintering and resident eagles has increased over the years. Bald Eagles of the Upper Delaware will be held at the Lackawaxen Access in Lackawaxen, PA.

The Wildside of Plants walk will take place on Sunday, July 20 at 2:30 p.m. at the Ten Mile River Access. Join Park Ranger Intern John Wells as he identifies various plants and explains their historic uses and importance in the ecosystem of the Delaware River Valley.

These programs are free and everyone is welcome to come and learn more about our area’s rich cultural and natural history.

For more information call 570/685-4871.

Climate change and Pocono Lakes

LAKE WALLENPAUPACK, PA — Lacawac Sanctuary continues the popular Wednesday evening forums on July 16 at 7:30 p.m. with “Turning Up the Heat: How will Climate Change Influence Pocono Lakes?”

Changes in climate are leading not only to warming of temperatures and more frequent storm events, but also changes in area lakes. Lakes around the world have recorded earlier ice-out dates and changes in water transparency. These are only a few of the changes related to climate changes.

Learn more about how Pocono lakes may be altered by climate change, and about what researchers from Lehigh University are doing to better understand these changes in Lake Lacawac and other Pocono lakes.

For more information call 570/689-9494 or visit lacawac.org.

Native reptiles and amphibians program

HONESDALE, PA — The Northeast Pennsylvania Audubon Society is presenting a lively program on “Native Reptiles and Amphibians” on Tuesday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Building.

Kathy Michell, Narrowsburg resident and NY State wildlife biologist, will bring live animals, including snakes like copperhead, black rat and rattlesnake and turtles. Her program offers a colorful and up-close slide show of snakes, turtles and salamanders, many of which she has taken while working as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Michell has presented wildlife repair workshops in NY, VT and Canada, and extensively researched wood turtles. She works in the winter for the DEC with bald eagles. Her experience and enjoyable manner make for a wonderful, educational program.

This program will be presented in lieu of the falconry program, which was originally scheduled.

For more information call 570/253-5047.