New battlefield nature program begins in Gettysburg
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve to host four-part series in 2012
(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 6/6/2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ...
CONTACT:
Emily Cost
Environmental Education Coordinator
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve
(717) 642-5840
[email protected]
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve will be hosting a four-part family-friendly summer series at the Amphitheater on the Gettysburg battlefield on Southwest Confederate Avenue. These campfire programs run from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
“We will be highlighting topics such as the birds, reptiles and trees of the battlefield, as well as the landscape that had a significant impact on the Battle of Gettysburg,” said Emily Cost, Environmental Education Coordinator with Strawberry Hill.
The first program is titled “The Snakes of Devil’s Den” and will take place on Friday, June 8. The environmentalists at Strawberry Hill will take a close look at the reptiles that call this battlefield their home and were here at the time of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. A slideshow of Pennsylvania snakes will be presented, along with a special live guest at the end of the evening.
Tuesday, July 17 – The Landscape and Rocks of the Gettysburg National Military Park
Guest speaker Geologist Jeri Jones of Jones Geological Services will present a slideshow on the geology of the Gettysburg area and how the Battle was affected. Jones will provide insight into the impact of the land on the battle, as well as the impact of the battle on the land.
Friday, Aug. 24 – The Birds of the Battlefield, an Important Bird Area
From Passenger Pigeons to the American Robin, and wild turkeys to whip-poor-wills, come to learn a few identification tips and hear some of the lore of these animals that were present at the time of the Civil War.
Tuesday, Sept. 18 – Silent Soldiers: Trees of the Battlefield
Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest through the trees, and many of the majestic trees of the National Military Park are remarkable to regard. Discover more about some of these trees and their uses during the war, learn how to recognize them and which ones were prevalent in the 1860s but are no longer.
“Strawberry Hill is excited to build a bridge with the Gettysburg National Military Park by sharing the natural history of local flora and fauna with visitors and park enthusiasts,” said Cost.
For more than 25 years, the non-profit Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve has managed its 609 acres as a living classroom for the community just outside of Fairfield, Pa., a few miles west of Gettysburg. Open to the public year-round, Strawberry Hill offers a picnic area, nature center, and 10 miles of walking trails through wooded hillsides and mountain streams. It provides educational programs and special events throughout the year. To learn more about Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, visit www.strawberryhill.org or call (717) 642-5840.
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