City Nature Challenge 2023: Susquehanna County, PA's Journal

It's #CitScienceMonth! Participating in the #City Nature Challenge means you are contributing to scientific data. Find out about other projects you can participate in.

SciStarter list of events

Located off RT 29 in Dimmock, explore the fields, meadows, creeks, mossy bogs, stone walls and ancient trees of Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve. A portion of the preserve contains the largest remaining old-growth forest in northeast Pennsylvania! A great place to check out during the challenge!

Woodbourne Preserve

Looking for someplace to get out and take a hike during the #CityNatureChallenge? Check out one of the rail-trails in Susquehanna County. Pick up the D&H or O&W Rail Trail in Forest City, or The Endless Mountains Trail in Montrose.

Rail Trail Council of NEPA

You don’t have to go far to participate in the City Nature Challenge. Step outside your front door and what do you see? I’ve identified more than 40 species…in my lawn!
What’s In Your Yard?

If you haven’t you may want to include it on your places to visit during the challenge. The preserve is located just outside of Thompson and has entrances opposite Stack Road on Rt. 171 and on Little Ireland Road. Explore fields, woodlands, streams and a glacial pond surrounded by a floating bog!
Florence Shelly Preserve

Just because it’s dark you don’t have to stop observing,…check out how you can attract and take pictures of night insects, specifically if you’re trying to find moths.

Lightsheeting

• Take pictures from multiple angles – top, underside, and stem
• Include a clear picture of the underside of the mushroom top to show if it is gilled or pored as well as how it is connected to the stem
• Include a picture of the mushroom showing where it is growing – in a field, on a tree, etc.
• If it is growing on a tree and you know the kind of tree, note that in the observation
• Note any bruising or staining that occurs when you touch the mushroom

Mushroom Photography Guide

Let’s share the beauty of Susquehanna County with everyone! Make sure to have your supplies ready -- good footwear for walking distances, maybe an extra battery or a magnifier lens. Share any tips you have for getting out and photographing nature!

Elk Mountain...not just a place to ski! Check out the trails around the mountain now that the snow is gone to see what you can find!

We checked with management and were told it's okay to hike around the mountain. Go Explore!

The City Nature Challenge starts tonight at Midnight! Look for those spring ephemerals, migrating birds, and animals and their babies making an appearance.