The Brodhead Watershed Association will host 2 hikes in October, one part of the Get Outdoors Poconos series and the second a Water Wiser Kids event.
October 21 - Chestnut Mountain
At 1,900 feet above sea level, Chestnut Mountain is one of Monroe County’s jewels of conserved land, open to the public. It is part of the miles-long Pocono escarpment in northeastern Pennsylvania-- that massive procession of folded rock bluffs that marches across the county.
Starting in the West End, near Hypsy Gap, familiar landmarks punctuate the escarpment’s rocky heights-- Camelback, Pocono Manor, the Knob in Mount Pocono, Cresco Heights. Then Chestnut Mountain, Spruce Mountain, Mount Wismer, and Skytop’s West Mountain.
The preserve’s large parking area off Route 191 is a relic of the days when the previous landowner heavily timbered the mountain. Formerly the loggers’ staging area, it is open to the sun, and so has been overrun with opportunistic non-natives such as stilt grass, barberry and multiflora rose.
Just ahead, the blue-blazed trail leads into the woods. Moving downhill, the trail dries out, and, like trails throughout the Poconos, becomes rocky.
Hikers will move through tall, old stands of native rhododendrons, past the bear-clawed beech tree and through the woods of beech, maple, ash and many kinds of oak. Deep among the trees, enormous glacier-dropped boulders look like a mammoth sculpture garden.
Join hike leader Patti O’Keefe for this moderate-to-messy nature hike of about 2 miles out and back. Sturdy boots and walking stick strongly recommended.
The free hike will start at 10:00 a.m. and participants are asked to meet off Route 191 in Barrett Township. Directions will be made available when you register by calling 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727 or sending email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org.
October 27- Stars At Skywood
Dark, starry skies have filled people with awe forever. Many of humankind’s greatest scientific achievements come from studying how the stars and planets move across the sky.
From the earliest times, people learned to use the stars to tell time of year, keep track of the seasons, and understand the direction they are traveling on land and sea – north, south, east, west.
On October 27, at Skywood Park in Paradise Township, come hear great stories, myths, and legends inspired by the night sky. Even the characters from Harry Potter can be found among the stars!
Darryl and Jackie Speicher, renowned local naturalists, will lead the evening of entertaining tales about the night sky.
Gazing upward, you’ll start to become familiar with some of the most common constellations and star clusters. With these bright lights guiding the way, begin to orient yourself in the galaxy.
The celestial roadmap leads the way. Darryl and Jackie will retell some of the Greek mythology and American Indian folklore to bring the stars to life.
They will also introduce you to the “navigator stars” that help you find your way through the galaxy, and look for shooting stars, planets, satellites, and other cosmic activity to catch children’s imagination.
Bring a blanket and binoculars (we will have some to share). Come lay out under the stars at Skywood Park and contemplate our place in the universe!
Dress in layers to be outside, and bring a blanket and flashlight. Suitable for elementary-age children, teens, and adults.
This event is part of the Water Wiser Kids Series sponsored by Brodhead Watershed Association, funded by a Dr. Claus Jordan Endowment Grant from Lehigh Valley Health Network Pocono Foundation.
The free hike will be held from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Directions will be made available when you register by calling 570-839-1120 or sending email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Brodhead Watershed Association website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Association. Click Here to become a member.
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