Around the Lake

I am writing this article on February 25, a day during which the TLCA office is closed due to a snow-andice storm. Being stuck inside on a treacherously cold day makes one appreciate our great outdoors, and thoughts of spring, warmer weather and birdsong began to crowd my imagination. I wondered – what is Pennsylvania’s state bird? Do we have a state fish? According to pa.gov, here are the answers:

PA’s state bird is the ruffed grouse, a grouse distinguished by the black ruffs on its neck.

State animal: white tailed deer

State fish: brook trout (the only trout native to PA)

State insect: firefly State amphibian: eastern hellbender, the largest salamander in North America

Our state tree is the eastern hemlock, which may take up to three hundred years to reach maturity and may live to be eight hundred years old. Sadly, eastern hemlocks, like the ash trees in our area, are under attack by an invasive insect, in this case, the woolly aldegid.

PA’s state flower: mountain laurel Our state dog is the great Dane. Founder William Penn owned a great Dane; these dogs were used as guard dogs and to hunt wild boar.

From this website (pa.gov), you may find information on your nearest parks, real IDs, how to get a fishing license, where to go for arts and culture, our state’s history, and much more! Those of us lucky enough to own property in TLCA are of course familiar with Lake Wallenpaupack and Lake Tanglwood, but other beautiful lakes are close by and offer sights and sounds to discover. Bruce Lake (off Route 390 in Greentown) is a glacial lake on almost three acres with moderately difficult trails cutting through the Delaware State Forest. Paths meander through wetlands and shady forested areas, eventually connecting with Egypt Meadow Lake and Promised Land State Park. Dogs on leashes are welcome. Due to the uneven and sometimes marshy ground, be sure to wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and dress accordingly. Alltrails.com can provide you with trail maps and more information.

Promised Land State Park has several hiking trails for you to enjoy, among them Conservation Island Nature Trail, an easy walk just over one mile long. You’ll find plenty of parking space before crossing over a picturesque stone bridge to the island. The trail is kidfriendly and dogs on leashes are welcome. You may go boating on the lake at Promised Land, sunbathe on the beach, watch your children having fun on the playground or enjoy a picnic under one of its many pavilions.

If you’re in Scranton, take a while to enjoy a birds-eye view from the David Wenzel treehouse, 150 feet above a gorge in Nay Aug Park. If you have your kids in tow, be sure to take advantage of the walking trails, playgrounds, rides and picnic areas. Go to visitnepa.org to learn more.

Ever wonder why Scranton is called “The Electric City”? The city’s moniker came from its electric trolley line, the first electricpowered streetcar system in the country. Hop aboard the early 20th-century trolleys and ride along the Laurel Line for five and a half miles while learning about life in the area during the 1920s and 30s. The Electric City Trolley Museum is located at the Steamtown Historic Site and will provide further facts and history about the trolley system. Call 570 963 6590 for more information.

For something completely different, drive about an hour south of Greentown to Columbia NJ, where you will find the Lakota Wolf Preserve. Schedule a wolf watch tour, during which you will encounter several distinct wolf packs along with foxes, bobcats and lynx, or take advantage of their wolf and wildlife photography sessions. The preserve maintains strict rules for the safety of all animals (humans included). Check it out at lakotawolf.com or call 908 496 9244.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel NY always has something going on. On May first, the center will have its More Than a Meal event, during which you can enjoy several food courses under their open-air market sheds overlooking the field of the original 1969 Woodstock Festival. In addition, a New York Cratf Beer and Food Festival will take place on May 21st and May 22nd. Go to bethelwoodscenter.org to check out the changing exhibits at the museum, their concert lineup, and other special events. The grounds are lovely, too! If you’d like an indoor adventure and wish to learn something new, check out The Art Factory of White Mills. Take a class and learn about acrylic pours, attend an alcohol ink workshop, learn how to perfect your drawing skills, take up watercolor painting or hone your photography skills. The Art Factory of White Mills also boasts a beautiful gallery featuring over seventy local artists. Registration for classes is required – call 570 251 1181 or visit them at 736 Texas Palmyra Highway (Route 6) in White Mills.

From April eighth to April tenth, Silver Birches will hold its Wally Wine Fest (wallywinefest.com) from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Enjoy small plates while tasting wines from all over the world. Live music, a silent auction and an online marketplace will also be offered for your enjoyment. Call 570 226 4388 for pricing and information. The Settlers Inn will be hosting a Bubbly Brunch in conjunction with Wally Wine Fest; their number and website are 570 226 2993; thesettlersinn.com. Earth Day is April 22nd, and to help celebrate the occasion, the Pocono Environmental Education Center is having its 50th anniversary Earth Day Festival on April 30th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For $5.00 a car, you can enjoy food, music, crafts, exhibits and educational hikes. Fun for the whole family!! Call 570 828 2319. The Environmental Education Center is located at 538 Emery Road in Dingman’s Ferry.

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, located at 347 Quiet Valley Road in Stroudsburg, is hosting its Farm Animal Frolic, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 21st to May 29th. Bring the kids and let them see for themselves as baby chicks hatch from their eggs, as baby goats and lambs run about while piglets nuzzle their mothers and wiggle their noses. Demonstrations, wagon rides and refreshments will be available. Go to quietvalley.org or call 570 992 6161 to learn more.

Enjoy the warm weather and have fun!