Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) is the local sponsor of a state-wide initiative geared to getting people outdoors to enjoy all that nature has to offer. GO Day PA activities planned at Larnard-Hornbrook Park in Bradford County on Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14; encompass environmental stewardship, stargazing, bird watching, kayaking, and a historical perspective on survival in the region prior to the arrival of European settlers.
Numerous experts will offer presentations and conduct hands-on activities, including archery, fishing, and a black powder shoot. Families and friends can enjoy live jazz music at nightfall, participate in a midmorning outdoor workout with dancing, and get a lesson on the best native plant species for gardens and landscaping.
Several state agencies, including the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Recreation and Park Society, Land Trust Association, Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, and Department of Health have partnered to promote outdoor recreation and bring outdoor experiences closer to where people live.
On the local level, EMHR has collaborated with the Bradford County Conservation District (BCCD) and Bradford County Parks to sponsor the family-friendly event. Get Outdoors PA is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, having started in Pennsylvania’s state parks. This is the first year that event has been staged locally, and EMHR’s Lydia Whipple is excited about the variety of activities and the broad appeal of the scheduled presentations. She hopes that participants will be further motivated to explore the area’s natural surroundings and that youths will learn to embrace outdoor recreation.
Admission to Larnard-Hornbrook Park is free, though some activities require preregistration or nominal fees.
GO Day PA will kick off with a tree planting ceremony at 4 p.m. on June 13, followed by a “stream stomp” conducted by naturalist and educator Nicole Carman. A five mile kayak trip on the Susquehanna River from Ulster to the Park in Sheshequin Township will begin at 4:30 p.m. at a cost of $20 per paddler.
Marty Borko of the Carantouan Greenway will conduct a nature walk at 5 p.m., and Bradford County Conservation District Educator, Dan Rhodes, will speak about camping and wilderness techniques employed by Native Americans and early explorers at 6 p.m.
At 7 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy classic American picnic fare at $7 per plate, after which T2 Jazz Affair will offer an interactive program of live music and storytelling. Joan Cashin will point out constellations and other celestial features, starting at 10 p.m.
Several activities will occur simultaneously on Saturday morning. Borko will take early risers on a bird walk at 9 a.m., while runners and walkers begin to register for a 5K Run that starts at 9:30 a.m. Those who preregister at www.bradfordcountypa.org will receive a free tee shirt. A one-mile fun walk for kids will step off at 9:45 a.m.
From 9 a.m. to noon, representatives from the Fish and Boat Commissioner will share their fishing tips with families who have preregistered at the news page at www.endlessmountainsheritage.org.
The black powder shoot will take place at 10 a.m., as will a presentation by Master Gardner Tina Kellogg about invasive species and native plants. Sarah Adams and Shari Williams will get guests moving with an outdoor workout at 10:30 a.m.
Local 4-H representatives will conduct an archery demonstration from 11 a.m. to noon, when GO Day PA culminates with a chicken barbecue lunch prepared and sold by members of Boy Scout Troop 19.
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