Published: March 20, 2009 03:30 pm      

Environment is in the forefront

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

A local nature-loving event is growing as wide as the great outdoors.

Outdoor Heritage Month will be celebrated throughout the area with fish stockings, clean-up days, whitewater rafting and other presentations.

Activities will begin with the presentation of a state House of Representatives resolution declaring April as Outdoor Heritage Month at REI’s Bedford distribution center, said Melissa Reckner, director of the Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team.

The stream team, along with Natural Biodiversity and Johnstown Area Heritage Association, are major sponsors of the monthlong activities.

Outdoor Adventures at Summer’s Best Two Weeks at the Quemahoning Reservoir, an outdoor field trip for elementary students, which will be held April 23-24, is the educational centerpiece of Outdoor Heritage Month, Reckner said.

The two field days are on a first-come first-served basis, and students from schools in Cambria and surrounding counties have taken up all available slots for this year.

Volunteers are needed to introduce the 1,000 students to the great outdoors.

“We have a fish pond we need to stock with trout,” Reckner said. “For some of them, it’s their first time fishing, so they might be squeamish to bait the line. They also need help with casting and untangling the line and getting the fish off the hook.”

Reckner added that volunteers also can help direct traffic, help with exhibitors and with setting up and cleaning up.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Reckner at 444-2669 or Kristin Sewak of Natural Biodiversity at 532-5049.

Sponsorships also are being accepted.

“This is free to the kids, so we have contributing area businesses, partners and grants, but they don’t cover everything,” Reckner said.

Help also is needed at Clear Shade Creek to stock fish beginning at 8:30 a.m. April 9 at the Iron Bridge.

There also will be a fish stocking at 8 a.m. April 17 at Quemahoning Creek.

Outdoor Heritage Month recognizes, conserves and celebrates the rich natural and cultural heritage of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains.



Getting involved

Activities for Outdoor Heritage Month include:

Rain barrel workshop, 7 p.m. April 14, Paint Township Municipal Building; cost, $10; registration, 445-2997 or amanda-scd@wpia.net.

Quemahoning Creek fish stocking, 8 a.m., April 17; information: 445-4652, ext. 136.

Whitewater fun with Stonycreek Rendezvous, April 24; information, www.benscreekcanoeclub.org/rendezvous.

“Discovering Architectural Clues to Your Community’s Past,” 3 p.m. April 25, Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown; information: 536-5399.

“Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscapes: The Place for Our Economic Future,” April 26-27, Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort; information: (724) 437-9877.