WHAT’ S NEWS IN WEST COUNTY
TREC GARDEN PRESENTS MEDICINAL HERBS AND HERBALISM SERIES
Medicinal plants have been used for centuries, but today most of these beneficial plants are considered weeds. Join trained herbalist Leslie Alexander, PhD, RH( AHG), for a series of hands-on workshops, tours and lectures exploring the healing properties of plants. Programs will continue through June 24 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Class fees and registration information can be found at GoNativeErie. com under“ Upcoming Events.” If a participant is unable to attend a program, payment is non-refundable. For questions about this event or other garden programming, contact TREC Garden Coordinator Jen Salem at 814.835.3056, or email trecgarden @ hotmail. com.
PRESQUE ISLE LIGHTHOUSE OPENS FOR SEASON ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Erie’ s own historic Presque Isle Lighthouse will be open to visitors this summer season starting Memorial Day weekend.
Visitors must sign up at the lighthouse, when it is open, to purchase a $ 6 ticket to climb the tower. Walking the grounds, visiting the house and giftshop are free. Each ticket will list the time of the tour.
Anyone from the community who is interested in becoming a volunteer can pick up an application at Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts( formerly known as the Nature Shop and Gallery) in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center or at the Presque Isle Lighthouse when it is open. For more information, go to presqueislelighthouse. org.
YAHN PLANETARIUM DISPLAY AT THE TOM RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Public shows are offered year-round at the Yahn Planetarium of Erie at Penn State Behrend. More than 20 shows are available for private groups, and programs for the general public change seasonally.
Public shows are offered Thursdays at 1 p. m., and Saturdays at 1 and 2:30 p. m. throughout the year except holidays, special event closings, etc.
The Yahn Planetarium also encourages you to schedule a show for your next school or group outing. For additional information, contact planetarium director Jim Gavio at 814.898.7268 or email jvg10 @ psu. edu. Thursdays 1 p. m.—“ Mystery of the Christmas Star” recommended for ages 9 to adult.“ Ring World 2” Mission to Study Saturn recommended for ages 8 to adult. Saturdays 1 p. m.—“ Mystery of the Christmas Star” recommended for ages 9 to adult.“ Ring World 2” Mission to Study Saturn recommended for ages 8 to adult. 2:30 p. m.—“ A Star For Santa’ s Tree” recommended for ages 5 & up. All shows are followed by a look at the current night sky in the planetarium dome.
Admission is $ 5 for adults, $ 3 for children 12 and under.
The Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend is part of the School of Science.
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 our resident foxes in recent years.
Other wildlife, such as owls, use the peninsula for nesting, feeding and shelter during times of migration. Eagles may nest at the park. 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.
6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West County