January community programs at Jacobsburg environmental center
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, 400 Belfast Road, Bushkill Township will offer the following programs in January:
First Day Hikes: 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 1. Get out and get hiking on the first day of 2024. Join a three-mile interpretive hike at Jacobsburg. Explore the fields of the Homestead Trail to enjoy views of Blue Mountain and the village of Belfast. The hike will start and end at the visitor center at 400 Belfast Road. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. Women in the Wild – First Day Hike:
1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 1. Get out and get hiking on the first day of 2024. Join fellow women hikers for a three-mile interpretive hike at Jacobsburg. Explore the fields of the Homestead Trail to enjoy views of Blue Mountain and the village of Belfast. The hike will start and end at the visitor center at 400 Belfast Road. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a water bottle.
Women in the Wild is a new monthly series of outdoor programs held at state parks throughout the Southeast. Each month of 2024 there will be an opportunity to get outdoors, learn a new skill and have fun in a relaxed, friendly and affirming environment. Are you drawn to the outdoors and interested in exploring new hobbies and wilderness skills, but you’re not enthusiastic about entering a hyper-masculine space to do so? This series is designed especially for you. Choose from activities like archery, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and birdwatching. Check out the event at your closest state park or follow Women in the Wild to a new park each month. Not sure if this series is right for you? Contact Lauren at 610-746-2801 with any questions.
Intro to Fly Tying: Three-part Program Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 23 and 30. Learn to tie flies with members of Trout Unlimited’s Forks of the Delaware Chapter during this three-part series. This program will be held indoors with your own worktable on Jan. 9, 23 and 30. All tying equipment will be provided and best of all, you can take home your flies after the program. Open to all ages. You may also wish to sign up for the hands-on portion called “Intro to Fly Fishing” to tie it all together.
Speaker Series: Grouse and Woodcock in Pennsylvania: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 10. Join Reina Tyl, Pennsylvania Game Commission’s woodcock and grouse biologist as she talks about the population status of and primary issues affecting two species of greatest conservation need in Pennsylvania: the ruffed grouse and the American woodcock. She will share interesting research being conducted to inform the management of these beloved species.
Family Science Night – Exploring Eclipses: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Eclipses are a fascinating phenomenon with deep ties throughout humanity’s history, culture and scientific development that you can experience yourself. Learn what causes eclipses and how to safely view them so you can enjoy the upcoming total solar eclipse occurring on April 8.
Winter Plant Walk: 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 24. Join volunteer Doug Burton on a walk through the woods and fields of Jacobsburg in search of winter plants that provide food for birds and other animals. Learn how to identify plants in winter and enjoy the winter landscape. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. If there is deep snow, you will walk in snowshoes. Program is for adults only.
Birding for Beginners: 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 31. It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby. The act of “birding” simply means to observe birds in their natural habitat. Conservation volunteer Doug 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. If there is deep snow, you will walk in snowshoes. Program is for adults only.
Registration is required for all programs, 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 to participate in a program, 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 educational programs with at least five days notice.