May programs at Jacobsburg announced

Jacobsburg Environmental Center, 400 Belfast Road, Bushkill Township, will offer the following programs:

Hike for Health: 5:30-7 p.m. May 3. These guided monthly hikes are 2 to 2.5 miles over uneven terrain. Dogs are welcome to hike on a leash. Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole at 400 Belfast Road. Registration is not required. Join the email reminder list by contacting us at 610-746-2801 or jacobsburgsp@pa.gov. Weekly Weeders: 8:30-10:30 a.m. May 4, 11, 18, and 25. Interested in learning more about gardening with native plants? Volunteer to work alongside our education staff as they mulch, pull weeds, divide plants, and amend soil in the center’s native plant garden. We provide instruction, tools, and weeding mats.

Basic Boating Course: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 6. The PA Fish & Boat Commission’s PA Basic Boating Course was developed to supply boaters with practical information so they can make better informed decisions on the water. Instructors provide students with information to help them reduce the risk of injury and conflict on the water. Students who successfully complete this course may apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by the Commission. This course will be held indoors. For questions call Andy Desko at 215-968-3631.

Beginner Birding for Retirees: 9-11 a.m. May 15. The act of “birding” simply means to observe birds in their natural habitat. Conservation volunteers Doug and Dan will help you discover the entertaining aspects of looking and listening for birds while on a short hike around the center. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.

Watershed Education Educator Workshop – Virtual: 3:30-5 p.m. May 17; 6-7:30 p.m. May 25 or June 8. Educators with any certification for grades 6-12 are invited to join them virtually for an introduction to the Bureau of State Parks’ Watershed Education Curriculum to discover lessons and resources that can be used to teach cross-curricular, inquiry-based lessons in the classroom that will prepare students for an

optional field experience at a stream. An online homework assignment will follow. You must attend a virtual meeting and the field day, June 28, to be awarded 14 Act 48 Hours. Register for both the virtual meeting and field day separately on DCNR’s calendar of events.

Birds of a Feather: 9-10:30 a.m. May 20. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded at Jacobsburg. Amateur birdwatchers will improve their skills at identifying birds by sight and sound during this morning hike. Intermediate and experienced birders will also enjoy these walks. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars and a field guide.

Wildflower Folklore: 1-3 p.m. May 20. Join them on a two-hour search for the late spring botanical treasures of Jacobsburg. They will discuss how flowers got their names as well as legends, myths and stories that surround them. Be prepared for a moderate hike that may involve muddy slopes and uphill climbs. Bring binoculars, a camera, water and a snack and wear sturdy shoes.

Knotweed Knockdown: 1-3:30 p.m. May 27. Walk the banks of the Bushkill Creek to eliminate Japanese Knotweed. They will be using machetes to chop down large stands throughout the park before the plant goes to seed later in the summer.

Watershed Education Educator Workshop – Field Day: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28. Educators with any certification for grades 6-12 are invited for an introduction to the Bureau of State Parks’ Watershed Education Curriculum to discover lessons and resources that can be used to teach cross-curricular, inquiry-based lessons in the classroom that will prepare students for an optional field experience at a stream. A fee of $15 may be paid in advance or at the beginning of the in-person portion of the workshop. Exact cash, checks made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and credit cards are accepted. The in-person field day, held at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, will provide the opportunity to practice inquiry-based teaching techniques while using State Parks’ Watershed Education Curriculum and lessons as a guide. You must attend one virtual meeting and the field day to be awarded 14 Act 48 Hours. Register for both the virtual meeting and field day separately on DCNR’s calendar of events.

Registration required, unless noted. You can view and register for community programs online at events.dcnr. pa.gov/search/events?order=date&search=jacobsburg. If you need an accommodation contact the park office at 610-746-2801 or jacobsburgsp@ pa.gov. Interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for programs with at least five days notice.