Lynn Hocker, owner of Whispering Creek, welcomed the 36 attendees to his Revolutionary War-era log cabin, where he plans to install an array of renewable energy devices demonstrating the effectivenes of solar, small wind, biodiesel and geothermal.

Bryan Swistock, Penn State water specialist, presented an information-packed program on the basics of pond care. He explained how to obtain permits required to install a new pond and discussed techniques recommended for fixing leaky ponds.

Swistock's emphasis was on creating and maintaining a healthy pond. Participants learned about native pond plants and invasive plants, as well as problems created when livestock are allowed to access the pond, causing the pond banks to erode.

More information on pond care can be found here.

August 4 Tour of Forest Product Facilities in Beans Cove

Thank you to all participants, 15 attendees and our gracious tour guides.

September 16, Fire Management and Prescribed Fire Demonstrations with Ray Miller, Bureau of Forestry at Sideling Hill Forest Foreman Headquarters

The 25 attendees saw two recent burns on Sideling Hill, one from November, 2001; the other was burned by Bureau of Forestry personnel on April 27, 2009.

Ray Miller on another prescribed burn in Fulton County

September 20, Create Your Own Leaf Collection at Kerper Tract of Buchanan State Forest

From Fulton County News: Blue skies and warm weather graced a three-hour hike and plant identification walk hosted Sunday afternoon by Fulton County Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the Woodland Owners of the Southern Alleghenies and forester Dave Scamardella. The event held on the Kerper Tract in Ayr Township included leaf collection and identification for the benefit of area youngsters in the midst of completing leaf collections for school. Forester Dave Scamardella, pictured with a portion of the 25 hikers on hand Sunday, also took the opportunity to retrieve some small branches from various trees for eagerly awaiting students.

If you have any questions or suggestions about the workshops, call Dave Scamardella at 717-485-3148 or email us by clicking "WRITE US" at the bottom of this screen.