LOOP
IN
THE
C O N T I N U E D
Education, our state delegation was able
to advance this vote, which will rise or
fall on the strength and merit of the
application.
“I will continue to work with
Governor Wolf and my colleagues to
ensure Erie County’s education needs
are fully considered. Erie County
deserves this vote, one way or the other.”
OBSERVING WILDLIFE
AT PRESQUE ISLE
STATE PARK
Nearly four million visitors each year
enjoy the natural beauty that Presque
Isle has to offer. With so many people,
the challenge of minimizing 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 the
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 just a short period of
receiving handouts from well-meaning
visitors, animals may alter their normal
routines in order to maximize their
exposure to humans and 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
park’s 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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724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
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Some of the 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 to get a desired picture,
lingering too long, and shouting or yelling
to get an animal’s attention.
Spring migration time will provide
many opportunities for visitors to view a
variety of species. All visitors are required
to practice proper viewing etiquette, so a
great experience will be shared by all.
For more information contact
the Presque Isle State Park Office at
814.833.7424 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
on weekdays.
PRESQUE ISLE,
ERIE BLUFFS AND
TREC NOVEMBER
PROGRAMMING
For more information on any of these
programs call 814.833.7424 or email
[email protected].
Veterans Appreciation Day
Monday, Nov. 11
This year will mark the fifth annual
Veterans Appreciation Day at Presque Isle
State Park in honor of our veterans and
active service members.
Start your day with a breakfast in
the Sunset Café at the Tom Ridge
Environmental Center from 8:30 to
9:30 a.m. Then a ceremony will be held at
the center from 10 to 11 a.m. Following
that will be a tour of the building, and a
talk about the history of Presque Isle will
be offered by a park naturalist from
11 a.m. to noon.
Veterans may take advantage of a 20
percent discount at the PI Gallery and
Gifts shop at the TREC.
icmags.com
DiscoverE Program: Deer
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Explore the world of nature with a park
naturalist at the TREC. Children ages 3-5
with an accompanying parent or adult
are invited. There will be fun activities,
including listening to a story and creating
a craft to take home.
Fee is $3 per child, payable in advance
or at the door with exact change or check.
Registration is required by calling the park
office at 814.833.7424.
Family STEM Night: Science
in Motion
Thursday, Nov. 14, 6-7:30 p.m.
Bring the whole family for hands-on
fun and interactive STEM activities—
Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics with an environmental
emphasis!
Using the scientific method to
investigate animal tracks and scat,
students will measure the gait and stride
of certain animals and determine which
direction the animal is going with the use
of a compass. Students will also learn to
differentiate between carnivorous and
herbivorous scat.
Meet at the TREC. There is no fee.
Registration is required, however,
through events.dcnr.pa.gov/presque_
isle_state_park.
Thanksgiving on the Isle
Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. until noon
Before you feast – walk! Join park
naturalists for a two-mile nature hike
focused on wild turkey and the cranberry
plant. Please dress for the weather and
meet at the Presque Isle Lighthouse
parking area.
No fee or registration is required. n