WHAT ’ S NEWS IN MILLCREEK & SURROUNDING AREA
OBSERVING WILDLIFE AT PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK
Nearly four million visitors each year enjoy the natural beauty that Presque Isle has to offer . With this many visitors , the challenge of minimizing the impact to flora and fauna is daunting . To ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife , proper etiquette must be observed . This includes watching from a distance and not feeding the animals .
Feeding wild animals threatens not only the safety of humans , but wildlife as well . Certain species , such as coyote and geese , can become reliant on humans for food . When this happens , the wild animals don ’ t get a proper diet , such as when people feed bread to Canada geese who require aquatic vegetation . They simply fill up on non-nutritious things and become weak even though they have a full stomach .
Even after a short period of receiving handouts from well-meaning visitors , these animals may alter their normal routines in order to maximize their exposure to humans to seek food rewards . This can lead to unintended consequences such as chasing , scratches , bites , disease and vehicle strikes . Vehicle strikes have taken a heavy toll on the resident foxes in recent years .
Other wildlife , such as owls and eagles , may use the peninsula for nesting , feeding and shelter during times of migration . It is important to give these animals the space they need so that they don ’ t abandon their
nesting efforts . For example , 1,000 feet of buffer space for eagle nest viewing and 200 feet for an owl nest is recommended .
Some of these animals , such as hawks , owls , and all other birds of prey , are protected by federal law . Harassment of these animals is prohibited by law and violators face arrest and / or fines . Harassment includes approaching nesting areas too close , attempting to startle a bird into flight , lingering too long , and shouting or yelling to get an animal ’ s attention .
For more information , contact the Park Office located on the second floor of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at 814.833.7424 between 8 a . m . and 4 p . m . weekdays .
ASBURY WOODS RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS
Asbury Woods thrives because of volunteers who play a vital role in helping it achieve its goals of conserving the land , connecting people to nature , and inspiring environmental stewardship . It has had 392 volunteers spend over 8,200 hours of their time caring for the property and sustaining the educational programs this past year . Asbury Woods presents awards to an adult , youth , and group volunteer yearly .
The recipients of Asbury Woods ’ annual volunteer awards have gone above and beyond in their efforts to inspire a greater sense of environmental awareness , sustainability , and stewardship to visitors .
“ It ’ s so exciting to be honoring these individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and are helping us connect people of all ages to nature and helping us to ensure that our region is a place where respect and appreciation for natural places is a deeply held value ,” said Jennifer Farrar , Asbury Woods ’ executive director . “ We truly appreciate all of our volunteers , and I wish to congratulate the honorees .”
The Adult Volunteer of the Year is awarded to Beth Kopay .
Fond memories of being outside and exploring nature as a child and visits through school field trips led Beth Kopay back to Asbury Woods as a volunteer to help inspire others to experience the outdoors in fun and engaging ways .
Kopay is a teacher at East Middle School within the Erie City School District . She teaches English language learners in the Newcomer Academy , which helps students who have only been in the country for three years or less who don ’ t have complete command of the English language . Her focus in the classroom is math .
Kopay loves teaching , especially traveling to teach , and also loves learning . She feels that there is always something to learn and to improve . Kopay is enrolled in Edinboro University ’ s M . Ed . Reading program , with the hopes of achieving her Reading Certification . She also has plans to enroll in a doctorate program .
Kopay ’ s love for volunteering and giving back to the community was instilled in her at an early age . She remembers her mom telling her that she needs to give back to the community that gave so much to her . Her first volunteer experience was at a nursing home when she was 13 years old , and it only grew from there .
At the moment , Kopay likes to volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA and she is the secretary on the board of trustees for her church , The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie .
Kopay ’ s love of teaching and the outdoors , and her dedication to helping others , has led her to volunteer at Asbury Woods for over five years . Volunteers like her are essential to Asbury Woods for inspiring others to appreciate and respect the outdoors . Her help is instrumental in assisting the education staff with multiple events and programs .
“ Asbury Woods has a magical feel to it ,” says Kopay . “ It ’ s a warming and welcoming atmosphere every time I walk the trails or
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