TUESDAY

Trail-care hike, led by Lancaster Hiking Club. At 6 p.m., Doug Kutz (367-1808) or Doug Rupp (898-2328) will lead a trail-care session. Bring your tools or call Kutz to request club tools you want to use. Carpool from Buchahan Park at the end of North West End Ave, or phone about meeting us at our chosen  work site.

Millcreek Sportsmen's Association meets, 7:30 p.m., 1877 Windy Hill Road. Call 393-6416 for more information.

Aquarium Club of Lancaster County meets, 7:30 p.m., corner of Marietta Pike and Stony Battery Road. Call Dave Frehafer at 626-9456 for more information.

Lititz Sportsmen meet, 7:30 p.m., American Legion on North Broad Street. Call Dick Williams at 569-5114 for more information.

Trap shoot, Mount Joy Sportsmen. From 6-7:30 p.m.; $3. Take Route 283 west; left on Route 772; right on Old Market Street.

Manheim Sportsmen's Association's indoor range open for handgun practice from 7-9 p.m. Fee is $5 for nonmembers of the club. The club is at 552 Oak Tree Road.

WEDNESDAY

Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets, 7 p.m., Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road. Photographer Frank Plucinsky will talk about fishing and outdoor photography.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of Ruffed Grouse Society's 25th Anniversary Sponsor Appreciation Dinner, Fish Pond West, 100 Swiftwater Lane, Leesport. Raw bar, cocktails and raffles at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Danny DeLoretta at 610-796-9607, 610-223-2451 or dandelo17@comcast.net.

Sierra Club-Lancaster Group meets, 6:30 p.m., Room 111 of Lancaster County Day School, 725 Hamilton Road.

Practice trap shoot, Manheim Sportsmen, 5-8 p.m. The club is at 552 Oak Tree Road.

Sporting clays shoot, Atglen Sportsmen. Begins at 5 p.m.; $5.50. The club is on Creek Road, Sadsbury Township.

Trap shoot under the lights, Adamstown Rod & Gun Club. Begins at 5 p.m.; $3. The club is at 563 Willow St., Reinholds.

Sporting clays shoot, Elstonville Sportsmen, register from 4-7 p.m.

THURSDAY

Muhlenberg Botanical Society meets, 7L30 p.m., Fred Kinsey Room of North Museum. For more information, call Mike Slater at 610-775-3757.

Donegal Fish and Conservation Association meets, 7 p.m., Donegal Presbyterian Church. Call Kurt Enck at 492-1928. 

Penn Dutch Pacers Volksmarch Club meets, 7 p.m. on first floor of the Diagnostic Imaging Center, Patient and Family Education Conference Room on the Lancaster General Hospital Health Campus.

Evening walk for the public, led by Lancaster Hiking Club, 6:30 p.m. Meet Nessia Shafransky (391-0746) at Bucher Elementary School for a rather easy 4-5-mile walk in the Bel Aire area. Nearly a mile north of Rt. 30 on Fruitville Pike, a sign points left to the school on Candlewyck Road.

Trap shoot, Paradise Sportsmen. Begins at 5 p.m.; $4. Take Route 741 east from Strasburg; right on Belmont Road.

FRIDAY

Junior naturalist program at Gov. Dick Park, 7 p.m., Environmental Center off Pinch Road. Children 7 to 12 can earn a Gov. Dick Junior Naturalist patch. By attending six monthly meetings, the participants will explore the forest and learn about birds, plants, rocks and other natural things. A fee applies. Call Gov. Dick Park at 964-3808 or e-mail governordick@hotmail.com.  

Lancaster Herpetological Society meets, 7 p.m., North Museum. Contact Chad Arment at lancwildlife@verizon.net for more information.

SATURDAY

Wildlife Gardening program, 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m., Environmental Center, Central Park. For all ages. Meet naturalist Karen Waltemyer for a presentation and discussion about plants, shelter, food and other ways to welcome wildlife into your yard. Learn about native and invasive plant species that you may already have. Please call 295-2055 to register for this program.   

Native Plant Fest & Sale, by MAEscapes and Penn State Master Gardeners, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., York County Annex, 112 Pleasant Acres Road, York. For more information, go to www.maescapes.org or call 840-7408.

Lititz Farmer's Market opens, 8 a.m.-noon, 9 North Water Street. Fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers and more.

Public program at Appalachian Trail Museum, 2 p.m. "Meet the AT, America's Long Footpath" is an overview of the great footpath, including  its location, history, famous hikers and much more. The Appalachian Trail Museum is located at 1120 Pine Grove Road, Bardners. Programs are free and open to public. Donations are appreciated. For more information, www.atmuseum.org.

Block shoot, Northern Lancaster County Game & Fish, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $2. Take Route 272 north to Adamstown; left on Route 897; right on Forest Road.

3-D archery shoot, also Sunday,   Mount Joy Sportsmen.  30 targets. From 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; $7 for adults; $3.50 for kids 12-16. Take Route 283 west; left on Route 772; right on Old Market Street.

3-D archery shoot, also Sunday,  Paradise Sportsmen. 40 targets. From 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sat. and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sun.; $10 for adults; free for kids 12 and under. Take Route 741 east from Strasburg; right on Belmont Road.

Trapshooting practice for public, Conewago Rod & Gun Club, Elizabethtown. From 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 426-2016 or see conewagogunclub.org.

Practice trap shoot, Manheim Sportsmen's Association. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The club is at 552 Oak Tree Road.

SUNDAY

Meandering in Money Rocks program, 1-3 p.m., Money Rocks County Park. For ages 6 and up. Many County residents know about and have visited Lancaster County Central Park, but are not aware of the other eight properties managed by the Lancaster County Department of Parks & Recreation.  Here is your chance to become familiar with another beautiful park, one that is a bit more off the beaten path. Join naturalist Mary Ann Schlegel to explore the park. With more acidic rocks and soils than many places in Lancaster County, Money Rocks County Park is host to some less commonly encountered trees and wildflowers. Black birch, chestnut oak, and mountain laurel are just a couple plants that grace the forest of this gem of natural history.  Please dress for the weather and wear footgear appropriate for covering a couple miles on rough and rocky terrain. Anyone ages 6 and up is welcome to attend and adults must accompany children. Bring water and a snack if desired. Meet in the parking lot off Narvon Road. There are no facilities at Money Rocks County Park.    Please call 295-2055 to register for this program

Develop fitness by increasing your heart rate at Gov. Dick Park. 9 a.m., meet at the Environmental Center off Pinch Road. Join Diana for a faster-paced hike on the trails to raise your fitness level. Registration required by calling 964-3808 or e-mail governordick@hotmail.com.

Hikes for the public, led by Lancaster Hiking Club. At 8 a.m., hike 12.8 strenuous miles with John Hamilton (898-0595) on the Mason-Dixon Trail from Whiskey Spring to Garrett Road. Carpool from Buchanan Park near 405 Race Ave. Or, at 1:15 p.m., Robin Fears (898-2232) leads 5 moderate miles with some difficult rocks along the water and a steep hill at Kelly's Run. Or, an impromptu hike. Carpools for both these hikes leave promptly from North West End Avenue at Buchanan Avenue in Lancaster.

3-D archery shoot, Adamstown Rod & Gun Club. 30 targets. From 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; $10 for adults; free for kids 15 and under. The club is at 563 Willow St., Reinholds.

3-D archery shoot, Columbia Fish & Game. 32 targets. From 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; $8 for adults; $3 for kids 12-16. Take Route 30 west; right on Prospect Road; left on Fairview Road.

3-D archery shoot, Northern Lancaster County Game & Fish. 30 target. From 7 a.m.-noon; $10. Take Route 272 north to Adamstown; left on Route 897; right on Forest Road.

Sporting clays shoot, Elstonville Sportsmen. Register from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Take Route 72 north from Manheim; left on Pinch Road. The club is on the right after you cross the turnpike.

Indoor handgun shoot, Mill Creek Sportsmen's Association. From noon-2:30 p.m. Nonmembers, $15. Call 393-6416. Handgun safety course available.

MONDAY

Practice trap shoot, Paradise Sportsmen. Shoot begins at 5 p.m.; $4. Take Route 741 east from Strasburg; right on Belmont Road.

ONGOING

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has launched its periodic colonial nesting waterbird survey and is asking for the public's assistance now through the end of May. This survey is a key tool to monitor heron and egret populations and their distribution in the state. "The survey focuses chiefly on great blue herons, black-crowned night-herons and yellow-crowned night-herons, all of which are state Wildlife Action Plan priority species," said Patti Barber, Game Commission endangered bird specialist. "Many heron colonies have been identified across the Commonwealth, and each needs to be visited to update our information. Residents may know about additional colonies that need to be surveyed to improve our understanding of heron populations and nesting colonies, which can and have changed suddenly in Pennsylvania. We are primarily interested in the location of colonies, number of active nests in a colony and the type of habitat they're found in.  Participants also are asked to document threats to colonies. This survey is not new; it's conducted periodically about once every five years," Barber said. "This appeal is being made because participation of the state's birding community, as well as the general public, will strengthen the survey by providing better coverage of the Commonwealth's more than 46,000 square miles for nesting herons. Together, we can improve this snapshot of Pennsylvania's current heron population and distribution statewide. The information also will be used to update the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program database and help us to better assess the status of these priority species." Barber noted that filling out the survey form is a fairly easy undertaking. Herons are large enough to be easily observed and identified at a distance. Their nests should be monitored with binoculars from a safe distance. "Please do not approach nests. But, if you know where herons are nesting, we'd appreciate hearing from you. Don't assume someone else will report local nests." To download the Heron Colony Observation Data Sheet, please visit the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the "Help Survey Nesting Herons" icon in the center of the homepage. Those interested in participating should read the "Heron Colony Observation Protocols" to understand how to approach this fieldwork without disrupting nesting herons. Completed forms can be submitted via e-mail to Don Detwiler, who is project coordinator and is managing the survey data, at herondata@gmail.com. For information on the natural history and conservation of night-herons in Pennsylvania, please review the "Endangered and Threatened Species" page on the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) under the "Wildlife" section.

The Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation is renting garden plots from April 15 through Oct. 15. Renters can apply for a plot at the park office located at 1050 Rockford Road, Lancaster. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. County residents can select either a 20'x 20' or 20'x 40' plot. Renters pay a one-time fee of $20 for a small plot and $25 for a larger plot. The garden plots are located off Farm View Drive just off Golf Road in Lancaster County Central Park. Gardeners of all skill levels can rent garden plots to grow their own flowers and vegetables. They are ideal for gardeners with limited space at home and great for groups looking for a summer project. Organic plots are also available. These are plots that have been free of pesticides and herbicides for more than three years. For more information, visit www.lancastercountyparks.org or call 717-299-8215.

Game Commission offers "Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania" book. Landowners interested in developing "backyard habitats" beneficial to wildlife are encouraged to check out the book. Written by Marcus Schneck, a noted outdoor and nature writer from Hamburg, Berks County, the 160-page book comes complete with descriptions, drawings and photos of ideal habitat for a variety of species, from hummingbirds to bats, as well as construction plans for a number of wildlife nesting boxes.  The book also contains a chapter on nuisance wildlife and steps to address certain situations, as well as the importance of planting native species and a listing of recommended plants. To order the book, which costs $9.43 (plus state sales tax and shipping and handling), visit the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor over "General Store" in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, click on "Visit the Outdoor Shop" in the drop down menu listing, then choose "Pennsylvania Game Commission Outdoor Shop" in the lower left-hand corner, choose "Merchandise" from the banner listing and then click on "Books" in the categories in the left-hand column.  Orders also are being accepted at 1-888-888-3459.

Penn State Extension's Pollinator Certification Challenge, sponsored by Lancaster County Master Gardeners Pollinator Committee. Certify your garden between now and June 5. Five people will win pollinator baskets. To find out what it takes to certify, go to http://ento.psu/pollinators.... Certify to promote your awareness and beautify your your landscape. Must reside in Lancaster County to be eligible. For more information, contact Lydia Martin at 475-3964 or ldmartin75@comcast.net or Jen Mohler at 808-8754 or jen@robandjenmohler.com.

Dogs are now allowed to stay with their owners at select state park cabins and camping cottages under a pilot program, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said today. "Every year a number of visitors ask us whether their dogs can stay with them at a state park cabin," said Bureau of State Parks Director John Norbeck. "To better serve our customers, we've created this pilot program and will evaluate the success of the program for possible expansion." Norbeck said pets are currently allowed to spend the night at designated sites in 47 state park campgrounds. The pilot program will apply only to dogs and will involve select cabins and camping cottages at seven state parks: Chapman, Warren County; Cowans Gap, Fulton County; Kooser, Somerset County; Poe Valley, Centre County; Prince Gallitzin, Cambria County; Promised Land, Pike County; and Pymatuning, Crawford County. Dogs will not be allowed to be left alone in cabins and cottages. They also must be kept on a leash when in the park, and must stay in the areas designated for pets. there will be a $5 fee added each night for the modern and rustic cabins and deluxe camping cottages, and a $2 nightly fee for a standard camping cottage. No more than two dogs will be permitted per cabin and other rules will apply. Reservations for all state park overnight accommodations can be made online at www.visitPAParks.com or by calling toll-free at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).

Volunteer opportunities at North Museum of Natural History and Science. Community members can share their passion for natural history and science. Needed are docents and tour guides to lead activities and guide visitors throughout the museum. Docents are needed to lead group tours during the week. Tour guides are needed on weekends. Also needed are live animal room associates to introduce visitors to the residents of the museum's live animal room by allowing  them to touch the animals and learn more about their distinct characteristics. Candidates should have a willingness to learn about the exhibits and collections at the museum and a passion for sharing that knowledge and engaging young minds. Applicants should be flexible in their availability to volunteer during the museum's normal business hours and willing to attend volunteer training. If interested, contact Towanda Williams, volunteer coordinator, at twilliams@northmuseum.org or 291-3943.

UPCOMING

Cumberland Valley Chapter, Ruffed Grouse Society's 4th Annual Sporting Clays Shoot, Saturday, June 9, at Blue Ridge Sportsmen's Club, 1176 N. Fairville Ave., Harrisburg. $50 for individuals, $170 for four-man teams, and $30 for youths. For more information, contact Tim Wentz at 576-6794 or e-mail twentz@pa.net.

Lancaster County Sportsmen for Youth 17th annual Youth Field Day for kids age 10-15, 8 a.m. Saturday, June 2, at Southern Lancaster County Farmer-Sportsmen's Association's club grounds. Get registration information at lancastercountysportsmenfor... or by writing to the organization at P.O. Box 44, Elizabethtown, PA, 17022-0044. Events include canoeing, archery, fishing, shotgun shooting and more.

Women in the Outdoors event, hosted by Southern End Strutters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Saturday, June 9, at Southern Lancaster County Farmers & Sportsman Association in Quarryville.   Classes being offered are archery, pistol, shotgun and more. Enjoy the outdoors and meet ladies that have the same interests. Pre-registration is required for this event. Registration can be done by going to www.womenintheoutdoors.org, and then clicking on "Pennsylvania Women In The Outdoors Event Manager Calendar" and then searching the calendar. A beneficial partnership between the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Pennsylvania Game Commission helps provide outdoor opportunities such as this to women in the Keystone State. The Pennsylvania Game Commission recognizes a high interest level in the outdoors among women in the state and wants to provide more opportunities to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. Since 1998, the NWTF's Women in the Outdoors program has organized events designed especially for women. By providing expert instruction and hands-on education, the NWTF helps members develop outdoor skills and emphasizes the importance of wildlife management and the role of hunters in conservation. The combination of sponsorship, such as the Game Commission and local chapter support, allows the NWTF to offer these programs at a low cost to participants. The cost of attending each event includes a subscription to Turkey Country, the NWTF's full-color publication. Turkey County includes stories about the Women in the Outdoors, JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), Wheelin' Sportsmen, NWTF outreach programs, conservation issues, turkey calling and hunting, education programs and much more. For information on this event, contact Tracy Linderman at 717-629-9604 or riverhillspetsitting@frontier.com. For more information on Women in the Outdoors, contact Leslie Smith at 484-634-0069 or lsmith@nwtf.net, call (800) THE-NWTF or visit www.womenintheoutdoors.org. For more information about the NWTF visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

Spaces aboard the Carnival Glory, reserved by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, are beginning to fill for the August 25-30, cruise from New York to Nova Scotia, with stops in St. John and Halifax. "This is the first time that we have offered a cruise, and we are pleased by the interest," said Steve Funk, events committee chair for the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. "In addition to being an excellent 5-night cruise, members of our party will have an exclusive option to tour Old Town Lunenburg on Nova Scotia's south shore. Former Preservation Trust Board Member Kenna Wood will lead the tour." According to the the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: Old Town Lunenburg is the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Established in 1753, it has retained its original layout and overall appearance, based on a rectangular grid pattern drawn up in the home country. The inhabitants have safeguarded the town's identity throughout the centuries by preserving the wooden architecture of the houses and public buildings, some of which date from the 18th century and which constitute an excellent example of a sustained vernacular architectural tradition. Its economic basis has traditionally been the offshore Atlantic fishery. Old Town Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Prices for the Preservation Trust cruise start at just $819 per person (based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin. Price includes cocktail party, accommodations, all meals and snacks, entertainment on board, round trip motor coach from Lancaster to New York pier, port charges and taxes. A portion of the fare benefits the Preservation Trust and their mission to preserve and protect Lancaster County's historic architecture and character. Additional information is available by contacting the Historic Preservation Trust office at 123 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster or by calling 717-291-5861 or sending an e-mail to amygaston@hptrust.org.

The Lancaster County Conservation District, along with local sportsmen's clubs, is taking applications for the annual week-long summer adventure at the Lancaster County Youth Conservation School, to be held from July 22 to 28. The school is a resident program for about 30 teens 14 to 16 years old who are interested in outdoor activities and conservation of our natural resources. It is held on the grounds of the Northern Lancaster County Fish and Game Protection Association in West Cocalico Township. Held in a camp-like setting, students sleep on cots and reside in tents. The school is filled with opportunities to have fun while learning how to conserve our natural resources.  Study topics include forestry, fishing, canoeing, wildlife management, archery, survival and firearm safety. Teens will have the opportunity to meet professionals in various environmental related fields and discuss career options with them. Students are responsible for a $25 registration fee. Generous sportsmen clubs of Lancaster County and community corporations provide the remaining tuition and supplies. To receive an application, contact the Conservation District at 299-5361, extension 5, online at www.lancasterconservation.o...; Applications are due by June 8.

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The Outdoors Calendar welcomes information on hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoors events. E-mail details to acrable@lnpnews.com; or send to Ad Crable, PO Box 1328, Lancaster, Pa. 17608-1328; or call 481-6029.