What lovely days we are having outside! After seemingly never-ending snow this winter, we finally get full days of warmth under the sunshine. Of course, we are not the only ones who have some trouble dealing with the cold weather. While we stay warm indoors and enjoy the service of heating systems and insulation thanks…
The Naturalist Notebook
Welcome to the Shaver’s Creek blog! The entries here are posted by staff, interns, and volunteers, and aim to keep you informed about the programs, updates, and natural history happenings here at the Creek. Enjoy!
A lot goes into the production of maple syrup, and the first step in the transition from sap to syrup is tapping. Part of the challenge and the fun of tapping is that we don’t have total control over it. Instead, we are dependent on the weather and the stored energy of the trees, in…
Before coming to Shaver’s Creek, I could identify a few birds, and occasionally noticed them coming to the feeders at my parents’ house. They livened the woods in spring, and endured the cold in winter, and once in 6th grade I wrote a paper imagining the thrill of flying with the powerful wings of a…
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and believe it or not, Pennsylvania has its very own resident bird to fit the occasion! Commonly we refer to this beauty, Tyto alba, as the Barn Owl, but it is also called the Spirit Owl, Monkey-faced Owl, Ghost Owl and of course, the Sweetheart Owl. Now if…
Moons phase through, the sun rises and falls, and stars watch as central Pennsylvania becomes blanketed by fine white snow. Birds flutter away, others take their place. Plants change their tone and water solidifies. And while some curl up and await the re-opening of the skies, others bundle up knowing they will weather the weather…
Winter is here, and along with the snow comes animal tracks. I love following tracks in freshly fallen snow. There is always a chance you might follow the tracks to their source. Animal tracks can be found year round, but the snow makes them easy to see. In other seasons, I might follow animal tracks…
These winds are cold, and they make me feel alive… As December winds blow cold, I am becoming increasingly aware of transformations taking place in and around me. We are in a time of change, transitioning from season to season with each passing day. Trees have shed leaves, animals have prepared for the winter to…
The day had come. That celebrated, highly anticipated, and yet dreaded, day. I graduated from Penn State University this spring, on May 4th, 2013. Two degrees, honors, a thesis, study abroad, and countless other merits and experiences to my name. The future seemed bright but yet I had no idea what I wanted to do…
From astronomers near and far, we heard the rumors: Comet ISON could be the comet of the century. It’s amazingly bright; the intensity of it is almost undreamed-of. Astronomers in the conference rooms of Davey Lab were giddy with excitement. Wake up at dawn, grab your telescope, and get out of town, because this 19th magnitude beauty will be worth whatever…
In the spirit of appreciation, I would like to share a few things about Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center that I sincerely appreciate. I appreciate that each day when I come to work, I am empowered. Here at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, it takes a whole village to keep the ship sailing smoothly, be the waters…