SATURDAY

Susquehanna River Honor Journey begins, May 25-June 22. Walk, boat, bike, community events, artistic tributes, river cleanups, river ceremonies. For more information, www.susquehannariverhonorjo....

Bus trip to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, led by Sierra Club Lancaster., Saturday, June 1 from 7:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Spend the day at Baltimore 's Inner Harbor, roaming through its wonderful museums and shops. For more details about trip costs and seat availability, contact Jane Druce at sierraclublancaster@yahoo.com.

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

SUNDAY

Manheim Sportsmen's Association's Kids Fish Derby, 1-4 p.m., in Chiques Creek at Manheim Memorial Park. For ages 5 through 15. Open to public. Prizes in several categories. Food. Rain or shine. For more information, call 664-3671.

Hike for public, led by Lancaster Hiking Club. At 1:15 p.m., hike 5 moderate to strenuous miles on Conestoga Trail from House Rock to Wind Cave. Meet to carpool from the statue in Buchanan Park at West End and College avenues.

3-D shoot, Penn-Dutch Sportsmen. From 7 a.m. $8 for adults; $4 for kids. Take Route 897 south from Route 322; right on Sand Mine Road; left on Paes Road.

3-D shoot, today through Monday, Hemlock Archery Club. 40 targets. From 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; $10. Take Route 72 north over PA Turnpike; right on Spring Hill Lane.

3-D shoot, today through Monday, Lancaster Archery Club. 30 targets. From 7 a.m.-noon; $10. Take Prince Street south from Lancaster; right on Eckman Road.

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

Sporting clays shoot, Elstonville Sportsmen. From 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Take Route 72 north from Manheim; left on Pinch Road.

TUESDAY

Trail maintenance hike, led by Lancaster Hiking Club. Meet at 6 p.m. at Buchanan Park. Tools provided and a treat afterward.

Trapshooting practice, Mount Joy Sportsmen. Begins at 6 p.m. Take Route 283 west; left on Route 772; right on Old Market Street.

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

WEDNESDAY

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. From 4-7 p.m. Take Route 72 north from Manheim; left on Pinch Road.

THURSDAY

Mountain Laurel at Money Rocks program, 6-7:30 p.m., at Money Rocks County Park. For ages 6 and up. Free. With different soil than most of Lancaster County, Money Rocks County Park is a great place to find our state flower blooming in the late spring. Join naturalist Andy Yoder for this hike through Money Rocks. We will discuss the geology of the area, its influence on the habitat and some of the history of the site. Please dress for the weather and for hiking over rocky, uneven ground. Meet at the parking lot off Narvon Road. Call 717-295-2055 to register for this program.

Evening hike, led by Lancaster Hiking Club. Five easy miles. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at at the Landis Valley Farm Museum parking lot.

Chicken trap shoot, Paradise Sportsman's Association. From 5-7 p.m.; $5. Take Route 741 east from Strasburg; right on Belmont Road.

Southern Lancaster County Farmers-Sportsmen's cowboy fast-draw shooting practice from 6-8 p.m. Take Route 272 south to Buck; left on Route 372; left on Hollow Road.

3-D shoot, Hemlock Archery Club. 15 targets. From from 4 p.m. until dark; $5. Take Route 72 north over PA Turnpike; right on Spring Hill Lane.

FRIDAY

Hunter-trapper education class, 6-10 p.m. and Saturday, June 1, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Environmental Center, Central Park. For ages 11 and up. Successful completion of this course is required for any first-time hunter who wishes to purchase a Pennsylvania hunting license and has never held a license in Pennsylvania or another state. Registration is required and can be completed online at the PA Game Commission website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Attendance at each session is required to be eligible for certification. Please call naturalist Andy Yoder, 717-209-3234, for more information. Free.

MONDAY

Fish-for-Free Day in Pennsylvania. No fishing license required to fish in the state. All laws and limits still apply.

Practice trap shoot, Paradise Sportsman's Association. From 5-7 p.m.; $4. Take Route 741 east from Strasburg; right on Belmont Road.

ONGOING

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has opened a redesigned Appalachian Trail visitor center at 4 E. First St. in Boiling Springs. The center is open year-round on weekdays from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and closed on weekends and federal holidays though volunteers will be onsite during summer weekends.

The Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation is now renting garden plots for the season beginning April 15 through October 15. Interested parties can apply for a plot at the park office located at 1050 Rockford Road, Lancaster, or call 717-299-8215. 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 several years. For more information, visit www.lancastercountyparks.org.

How to report bald eagle nests. From Pa. Game Commission: Bald eagles are now deep into their nesting season with several pairs on eggs. It is an exciting time for eagle-watchers. I see posts about nests, new and established. It is especially exciting that eagles now are nesting in urban landscapes, providing us with opportunities to engage more people with wildlife and birding. If you find a new nest, report it to our Endangered bird biologist, Patti Barber, including details about location. Her mail is: patbarber@pa.gov. We have provided a lot of information about eagles and eagle-watching. Please take advantage of this information and provide it to others. See: http://www.portal.state.pa..... We hope that our experienced birders and raptor-watchers can provide some in-the-field guidance to new eagle-watchers and instill in them a respect for the birds. Yes, eagles seem more tolerant of people than in the past, but they still are vulnerable to human intrusion. You can help by providing some leadership in the field.

The Quittapahilla Audubon Society has grants up to a $500 amount for the enhancement and advancement of environmental conservation. This grant is available to any individual or organization in Pennsylvania that would need financial assistance to engage in a project beneficial to the environment, and which would otherwise not be fully funded. Acceptance will be based on, but not limited to, such factors as the expected benefits and scope of the project. Acceptance is at the discretion of the QAS board of directors. Additional information and the grant application form can be found at the QAS website www.QASAudubon.org

HARRISBURG — If you are interested in connecting with wildlife in your own backyard, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is now selling bluebird nesting boxes at its Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Avenue. The boxes sell for $10.60 (includes sales tax), and customers can select from assembled boxes or kits that can be assembled as a wood-working project. "Bluebirds are early nesters, so now is the time to put up new nest boxes, as well as to clean and repair existing boxes," said Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief. "These bluebird boxes enable Pennsylvanians to help wildlife in a natural way. Also, building nesting boxes is a great project for individuals, families or civic organizations interested in connecting with wildlife. These box designs are proven to attract bluebirds and other native species, such as tree swallows and house wrens." Bluebirds live in open country, and are a beautiful songbird native to Pennsylvania. Bluebirds are cavity nesters and became less common due to a lack of suitable nest sites. Many nest sites have been lost through changing land-use practices, as well as to urban and suburban sprawl. But the introductions of house sparrows and starlings in 1851 and 1890 were the primary reasons for the bluebirds' decline, as these non-native species took over native bluebird nesting cavities. The bluebird boxes offered by the Game Commission include an opening that is the prescribed one-and-one-half inches in diameter. This precludes starlings from being able to enter. However, house sparrows still are able to enter the boxes. If this occurs, the house sparrow nest should be removed immediately. They're usually easy to identify; they fill up the whole nesting cavity with grasses and almost always include feathers and manmade materials in their composition. Native species such as tree swallows and house wrens should not be excluded from nest-boxes. Wrens construct nests with twigs; swallows build a nest with a distinct cup below the entrance hole. Boxes should be erected on a free-standing pole three to five feet above the ground - facing south, if possible - and facing a nearby tree or fence where young birds can safely land on their initial flights from the box. To reduce predation and competition from other species, no perch should be placed on the box; bluebirds do not need one. Boxes placed in pairs, about 20 feet apart, may help reduce competition from swallows. Sales will continue while supplies last, and office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Game Commission's headquarters is at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg. To order by phone, call the Game Commission's Harrisburg office at 1-888-888-3459. If ordering by phone, shipping and handling costs will apply depending on how many boxes are ordered. For more information on bluebirds, visit the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on "Wildlife" in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, and then select "Bluebird" in the "Wild Birds and Birding" section of the page. Also, information about additional wildlife nesting structures can be found by putting your cursor on "Self-Help" in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then clicking on "Download Forms and Brochures" in the drop-down menu listing, and then clicking on "Wildlife Homes Order Form" in the "Agency Programs" section.

Landowners interested in developing "backyard habitats" beneficial to wildlife are encouraged to check out the "Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania," available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. 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. "While spring garden plantings may be several weeks away, now is the time to begin drawing up plans," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "If you are interested in seeing and helping wildlife on your property, then this book is a must. It can help guide any first-time backyard habitat planner, as well as an experienced hand, in helping to create an oasis for wildlife." 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.

Multi-year fishing licenses available for first time. With a new fishing season just around the corner, anglers can ready themselves for years to come by purchasing a multi-year fishing license, available for the first time this year from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). "Beginning Dec. 1, we will start selling 3-year and 5-year fishing licenses for the first time in our history," said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. "Customers want options when they buy products, and fishing is no different. Anglers can select from a variety of rods, reels and equipment, so it only makes sense that they should have the ability to purchase a license which is good for several years," he said. "It's convenient and provides for one less thing to worry about. Now anglers can purchase a multi-year license and know that when friends and family want them to go fishing, they don't have to worry about whether they renewed their fishing license. In addition, we're offering a number of rewards exclusively for customers who buy a multi-year license, including a free online subscription to our flagship publication, Pennsylvania Angler and Boater magazine, along with various offers from popular retailers," added Arway. "Other incentives being offered are also pretty attractive. They include various pieces of fishing equipment and several discount coupons which can be used at sporting goods stores." A 3-year fishing license is valid through 2015 and a 5-year license is valid through 2017. Customers who buy multi-year licenses save money by not having to pay transaction and processing fees each year. For example, a customer who buys a 5-year license will save $6.80. Anglers can also purchase multi-year trout/salmon, Lake Erie and combo permits and experience similar savings. Visit the PFBC website for more information about pricing and answers to frequently asked questions. Customers who purchase their multi-year license through either the PFBC Outdoor Shop (www.pawildlifelicense.com) or from an issuing agent will receive a website link where instructions on accessing their rewards will be located. Also starting December 1, the PFBC is launching a fishing sweepstakes contest to give away a series of fishing trips across the state for many of Pennsylvania's popular game fish. The general public will be eligible to participate in the sweepstakes, and registration for the sweepstakes will be at www.gonefishingpa.com. In addition to the Outdoor Shop, multi-year fishing licenses can be purchased at more than 900 issuing agents (http://fishandboat.com/flag...), county treasurers' offices, and at PFBC regional offices. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, visit www.fishandboat.com.

Game Commission unveils state game lands app. The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced an update to the "PA State Game Lands" app, which can be downloaded for most mobile devices through links on the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). "Using a smartphone or tablet's built-in navigation features, this app provides turn-by-turn directions to destinations you select and includes destination-specific details such as WMU, county, acreage, hunting zones, hunting hours, 2012-13 seasons and bag limits and more," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. The app has built-in mapping capabilities allowing you to browse State Game Land boundaries, parking areas and shooting ranges displayed over your choice of USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps, satellite imagery or road maps. No cellular service where you're headed? Cache maps on your device for use offline. Simple menus allow users to search for State Game Lands by the State Game Land number, Wildlife Management Unit or by which SGL is the closest to your present location. All results appear in distance order, allowing the user to find the nearest State Game Lands access no matter where you are. Looking for State Game Lands beyond your current location? Just enter any Pennsylvania city into the search criteria to plan your next adventure. Then save your favorite destinations for future use. The app also allows you to find and navigate to Game Commission facilities and shooting ranges. Use the "Report Your Harvest" feature to phone in or input harvests and follow turn-by-turn directions to bear and elk check stations. "This update includes significant enhancements, including many that users have requested," Roe said. Users can now store maps on their device for navigating with or without cellular service. Other improvements include 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps, State Game Lands boundaries, new search enhancements to find destinations using maps, fast links to report violations and access a Hunting Hours table and the Game Commission's mobile website. The app was developed by Gogal Publishing, of Warrington, Bucks County, and sells for $9.99 (plus tax). To Connect with Wildlife, visit the Game Commission at the following: Website: www.pgc.state.pa.us; Twitter: www.twitter.com/PAGameComm; YouTube: www.youtube.com/pagamecommi...; Facebook: www.facebook.com/Pennsylvan.... Also, subscribers to the agency's monthly magazine-- Pennsylvania Game News--can read their Game News issues online at www.penngamenews.com. A Game News subscription offers free access to all online issues, including the most recent before it arrives in the mailbox. Issues more than a year old are accessible without a subscription. With the digital edition you'll enjoy links to more information, archived issues, the ability to share your favorite reads and perks like bookmarking and making notes "in the margins." Users of iPads and iPhones will like reading via the Nxtbook Nxtstand app. Download it for free, click on "P" in the catalog, then the PA Game News cover.

As treestand use is a popular part of archery deer seasons, as well as other deer seasons, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering hunters the opportunity to take a free, voluntary online treestand safety course. To take the course, go to the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor on "Education" in the menu bar under the banner, then put your cursor on "Hunter Education" in the drop-down menu list, and then click on "Online Treestand Safety Course" in the drop-down menu list. "Treestand safety has evolved over the years as new research and statistics become available," said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief. "What were once considered to be 'safe' treestand safety practices 10 years ago are simply not considered 'safe' today. "By reviewing this 15-minute interactive, narrated treestand safety course, a hunter will learn about the latest Treestand Manufacturers Association's safety standards and guidelines."

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

String Orienteering program, 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m., Saturday, June 1, Environmental Center, Central Park. For all ages. Designed to introduce young children to the sport of orienteering, a continuous string leads from one control to the next and children reference a simple map as they proceed. Children on the easiest course collect stickers for their maps at each control. A second more challenging course requires children to mark control locations on their maps. Naturalist Mary Ann Schlegel provides a brief introduction before staggered starts on the courses. Dress for the weather and for short walks in the Environmental Center vicinity. Parents must remain with their children at all times. Please call 717-295-2055 to register for this program. There is a $1 fee.

Lancaster Optimist Fishing Derby, Saturday, June 1, at Willow Valley Lake, behind the chapel. Boys and girls in age groups 5-8 and 9-12 are encouraged to come and fish from 8-11 a.m. There is no cost and prizes will be awarded. Bring your fishing pole or we have some. Preregistration is available. Call Bob Ruof at 397-0410.

Friends of Fishing Creek's youth trout-fishing derby for kids 5-12, Saturday, June 1, at Valley Lea Riding Club on Furniss Road, Drumore Township, from 9 a.m.-noon.

Youth Field Day, at Northern Lancaster County Sportsmen Club, Saturday, June 1, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Volunteers needed for fly casting instructors and fly tying. Contact Kevin Fausey at kevin40@ptd.net.

Second Annual Eric Altemus Memorial Catfish Tournament, Saturday, June 8, from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Fishing from Chesapeake City Basin to mouth of Bohemia. Three cash prizes. Top prize $600. Also door prizes and auction items. Entry fees are $25 for adults prior to May 29 and $30 after May 29. Children under 12 are free. Proceeds benefit American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services. For more information, call 302-731-9246,

Bowhunter education course, Mount Joy Sportsmen's Club, Saturday, June 15 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Register at pgc.state.pa.us.

The Lancaster County Conservation District, along with local sportsmen's clubs, will host the week-long 34th annual Lancaster County Youth Conservation School, July 21-27. The school is a resident program for approximately 30 teens ages 14-16 who are interested in outdoor activities and conservation of natural resources. Held on the grounds of the Northern Lancaster County Game and Fish Protective Association in West Cocalico Township, students sleep on cots and reside in tents for the week. Students will have fun and be challenged with hands-on, minds-on learning to conserve natural resources. Study topics include forestry, canoeing, wildlife management, archery, survival, orienteering 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. Sportsmen's clubs and community organizations provide the remaining tuition. For an application, contact the Conservation District at 299-5361, ext.5, or visit www.lancasterconservation.org . Applications are due June 7.

Permaculture Design Course offered. The Susquehanna Farm School, in association with the Lancaster County Conservancy, is offering "PDC: Establishing a Food Forest — from Resilient Gardens to Forest Gardens." Presented by Brandon Tennis of the Susquehanna Farm School, and co-facilitated by Jon Darby of the Horn Farm Center, Eli Weaver of the Lancaster Farmacy, Wilson Alvarez of Rebel Garden Tools, Nathan Carlos Rupley of nathanrupley.wordpress.com, Dale Hendricks of Green Light Plants, Wendy Brister of Harvey's Gardens and other bioregional permaculture practitioners. Earn an internationally recognized certification in permaculture while learning how to produce food within sustainable, natural, and local ecosystems... across public lands and even in your own backyard! Help design a forest garden that will be established on Lancaster County Conservancy public land. This class is intended for teens and adults, the beginner, the novice, and the advanced, as well as the guerrilla gardener, the organic farmer, the hunter/gatherer, the backyard grower, the homesteader, the prepper, the community planner, and the outdoor educator in all of us. Visit www.SusquehannaFarmSchool.org or www.LancasterConservancy.org for more details.

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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.