TRR photo by Scott Rando The characteristic slitted pupil and pit between eye and nostril may be seen in this photo of a northern copperhead. This species is often confused with the eastern milk snake. Note: a telephoto lens was used for this image—don’t try getting this close to a venomous snake.

The serpents of summer

Now that warm summer weather is here, the snakes are active. Among the many species of snake native to the area, three are venomous: the eastern timber rattlesnake, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the northern copperhead. All three are members of the pit viper family, so-named for the small “pits” on the side of their heads that act as heat detectors while hunting prey.

click for story

High-quality riverside plant communities to be identified

PENNSYLVANIA—The Pennsylvania Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) and local landowners, will be conducting field surveys in the coming months to assess and prioritize high-quality riparian plant communities along the Delaware River.

click for story

Yurt camping at PEEC

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA—The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is presenting a new style of camping this year: yurt camping!

Yurts structures are a cross between a geodesic dome and a luxury safari tent. The circular, canvas-covered yurts have plywood sub-floors, wood lattice walls, windows, framed door entry and skylight. This is the first time that these yurts can be experienced in the Pocono Mountains.

click for story

Also in this issue:

• Lacawac to host Casino Night gala
• Forest service sponsors forestry history walk at Grey Towers