Conservation Corner

For thousands of years, two fish species have been making an extraordinary trip from the Atlantic Ocean to the Susquehanna River where they venture to tributaries and feeder streams throughout the northern tier. Unfortunately, the construction of river dams has limited an important part of both species life cycle.  Join us as we discuss the natural history of the American Shad and the America...

With spring in the air (at least some days), we thought we’d discuss a couple of interesting early spring flowers that you might be able to spot on a walk or maybe even while doing some early season yard work right in your own backyard. Join us as we discuss Skunk Cabbage, Yellow Trout Lily, Bloodroot, and Coltsfoot.

The Spotted Lanternfly, a native of Asia, was transported to our country back in 2014. It has since become established within the keystone state and has begun to spread to other states as well. Susquehanna County has been fortunate enough to avoid this invasive species but will likely see the bug spread to the county in the near future. Join us as we discuss the life cycle of the Spotted Lanternfl...

Spring is just around the corner!  So what better time to talk about our seedling sale than right now!  This week we're discussing Swamp White Oak, Red Oak, Hazelnut, and Eastern White Pine.  If you would like to browse our selection of seedlings fruit trees, berries, and perennial veggies, visit our website.

Long ago, Elk roamed the landscape of Pennsylvania.  Over time as settlers moved in, the Elk herd was reduced and eventually extirpated from the keystone state.  Join us as we discuss the life history of Elk in Pennsylvania and exactly where you can still see one up close! Elk Country Visitors Center: https://elkcountryvisitorcenter.com/

Spring is right around the corner and that means it is time to start thinking about how to handle your farm fields.  This week we're talking with SCCD's Ag Technician, Dave Beichler about no-till and cover crop practices and how you can implement them on your farm.

Too much screen time can be a problem. Fortunately, Susquehanna County 4H has worked with several counties close by to form an Outdoor Adventurers Club. Listen in as we discuss what type of activities are planned for the club and how your youth can get involved. As a bonus, we’re also including an environmental scavenger challenge sponsored by the Susquehanna County Conservation District aimed at...

Seasons change, weather changes, climate changes, and subsequently, our entire environment changes.  Are these changes beneficial?  Are they reducing populations of plants and animals?  Are these changes allowing invasives to outcompete natives?  Join us as we discuss Phenology (the study of nature's calendar) and find out how you can help scientists track these changes in your own backyard.   

As snow piles up across the nation, maple producers throughout the northeast are strapping on their snowshoes and running lines to prepare for a sure sign of spring.  Join us as we discuss maple syrup production and find out if any other trees can be tapped for their sugary goodness.

You see them everywhere.  You see them in the backyard, the park, your neighbor's house...  But domesticated rabbits have brought with them a potential scourge that could easily spread to our native cottontails and hares and drastically reduce their population.  Join us as we discuss Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) and how we can reduce the likelihood of its transmission to our n...

While you're trying to stay warm above the snow, many creatures are trying to do the same underneath the snow. In fact, scientists have even given this special place between the snowpack and the bare ground a name. Listen in as we discuss the subnivean zone, the animals that live there, and the activities that take place just beneath our feet during the winter months.

We get it, January can be cold, dark, and a bit depressing.  But research has shown that even five minutes of outdoor activity will boost mood.  Join us on this episode as we discover some local outdoor activities that will get you off the couch this winter.

They're small, they look like they're wearing a little black hat, and their song sounds a lot like words from the English language.  On this week's show, we're discussing everyone's favorite little bird - the Chickadee!  Listen in, as we discuss habitat, songs of the chickadee, range, Pennsylvania's other chickadee, and much more!

Enjoying the outdoors?  Got plans to enjoy the outdoors in the new year?  Join us as we find out where the money comes from that preserves and protects our wild species and wild spaces.

Ittt'ssss beginning to look a lot like Christmas...   Join us as we discuss a pine-tree looking plant called Princess Pine and then get ready to learn about another native shrub that really stands out during the winter season.

Join us as we discuss the history behind a favorite holiday plant and an annual Christmas birding tradition that's been going on for over a century.

The northeastern U.S. has seen a greater increase in extreme precipitation than any other region in the country. Between 1958 and 2010, the Northeast saw more than a 70% increase in the amount of precipitation falling in very heavy events (defined as the heaviest 1% of all daily events)( Horton, 2014 ).  By identifying the floodway on your property and removing movable property (debris piles,...

Join us as we talk with Christmas tree farmer and retired District Forester, Jim Kessler.  Find out how to keep a tree alive through the holiday season, how the industry has changed over the years, Jim's favorite variety, and so much more! 

Asian jumping worms are on the move, but are they in Pennsylvania?  Did they hitch a ride?  Find out where they would be coming from, learn more about their life cycle, and why they're so invasive.

There's a new law in town!  If you plan on hunting this fall, be sure to listen in as we discuss a new law allowing landowners to mark the legal boundaries of property without purchasing "no trespassing" signs.  Of course, we also cover a few fun events happening throughout the Endless Mountains.  

They're colorful, unique, and they're part of the salmon family - this week we're talking about the Brook Trout.  Find out where they live and what they need to survive.  We've even thrown in a couple of fish tales at the end of the program!  

Nature takes it up a notch this time of year.  Thanks to the lack of rain in the latter half of the summer season and some cool nights in September, the display of fall foliage is spectacular here in Northern Pennsylvania.  Join us as we discuss the fall colors and some other fall topics such as acorns and apples.

They might have small wings, but they've got big plans!  As fall takes center stage, Monarchs are headed south on the migration route they take every year.  Join us as we discuss this trip, find out how far some monarchs travel, and how you can help scientists track their journey and monitor their population. Links mentioned on the show: monarchwatch.org journeynorth.org/monarchs

Ever wondered what animals roamed your property?  In this episode, we take a closer look at species that once resided in the Keystone State but can no longer be found here today.  Tune in as we discuss past climate, habitat, and some reasons why these species are no longer present in our state.

Each month, we've been covering a Pennsylvania state symbol.  This month we're discussing the Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).  Found in the cool, moist, habitats of ravines and northern facing slopes, the tree is struggling to hold its ground thanks to a formidable pest.  Listen in as we talk about habitat, pests, how the tree became a state symbol, and so much more.