North Branch Land Trust: Hike & Photograph Luzerne County’s Acidic Ridgetop Barrens June 15

 Nature Photography Day is June 15. Celebrate with North Branch Land Trust on the Butler Preserve Barrens Trail in Hazle Township for a Guided Photography Hike. 

Barren might not mean what you think it does—at least in Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

“That’s a LOT of color” is always a first thought visiting the barrens portion of North Branch Land Trust’s Butler Preserve in Hazle Township.

Spring and summer boast the pinks and greens of blooming laurels, and even the dead of winter is speckled green with pines. 

“We are about a week out from full bloom for the sheep and mountain laurels, so timing couldn’t be better.” Emma Thompson, Conservation and Stewardship Coordinator at North Branch Land Trust, spent Thursday morning preparing the trail for the event. “This is such a unique ecosystem, and we are really looking forward to finding out what visitors see! Not only is the flora on full display, but we also anticipate plenty of chances to see stunning butterflies and pollinators. And, for the more keen-eyed, a variety of bird species call this habitat home.” 

Thomspon, along with Marketing and Development Director Karley Stasko, will be leading the June 15 hike. Staff are excited to lead this hike in conjunction with an ongoing research partnership. 

Thanks to a PPL Cares Grant, North Branch Land Trust has been able to work with the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program and WeConservePA to identify the full extent of this unique habitat. 

Hike participants can support their project by submitting their photos for species identification. 

Stasko said, “Barrens feels like a misnomer, because the life out here is truly mind-blowing. Along this hike you will have chances to see carnivorous plants, pink moths, and trees that love fire! It feels like pure fiction sometimes. Even if you’re not into taking pictures and just want to take it all in, we hope that you’ll join us in this truly special ecosystem.” 

The Butler Preserve Nature Photography Day Hike is free and open to all ages. 

Participants will meet in the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails Parking lot on E Broad St and begin the approximately 1-mile hike promptly at 10:30 a.m. and will last approximately 90 minutes.

Staff stresses that, while no photography experience is necessary, participants should be aware that this hike leaves the paved trail into some elevation and rocky areas.

Participants who pre-register online will receive a conservation gift. 

For more information on land conservation, programs, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the North Branch Land Trust website, following them on Facebook and Twitter.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates (bottom of page).

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[Posted: June 7, 2024]  PA Environment Digest