Posted on 01 November 2021 at 13:39

The Carbon County Environmental Education Center at Summit Hill has announced several events taking place at the center. Event registration links are available at www.carboneec.org/publicprograms.

• Flight to Oblivion: Extinction of the Passenger Pigeon: November 3, 6 pm, virtual presentation only.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Information and Education Supervisor William Williams tells how these birds went from being the most abundant bird in North America to extinction in just a few decades. Their disappearance resulted in federal legislation and an international treaty that offer better protection to migratory bird species that exist today.

The issues currently facing Pennsylvania’s threatened and endangered birds and mammals will also be discussed.

The program is offered virtually through Zoom. It is free and open to all, but prior registration is required. Visit the centre’s website to register.

• Meet the beekeeper: November 7 at 11 am The centre’s resident beekeeper, Elise Reabold, invites everyone to join her for a short talk, followed by a quick tour of the two beehives at CCEEC. Elise will demonstrate techniques for keeping a beehive clean and healthy, open the hives to show how bees store food and care for the young, and offer a tasty sample of local honey.

While participants will be asked to observe the hives only from a distance and cooler temperatures should keep the bees less active, staff cannot guarantee against stings. People with known and severe allergies to bee stings are advised not to attend.

• Meet the reptiles: November 20 at 10 am: Join naturalist Jeannie Carl for an up-close look at the centre’s resident reptiles. Learn to identify common local snakes and turtles, including poisonous species. Living snakes will be close at hand as well as skins, skulls and bones.

This free program is open to all ages.

• Holiday Crafts: December 15, 6 pm: Brighten up the holidays with crafts: Yule logs, wreaths, jewelry designs, gift bags and tree ornaments will be available for everyone. Holiday music and refreshments will complement the evening.

There is a charge of $ 10 per adult participant and pre-registration is required. All ages are welcome.