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 .
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