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Gov. Dick Environmental Center
Newsletter
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Mt. Gretna, PA Vol. 6 Winter 2011
Park News
Volunteers Attack Park Trails
More than thirty-five volunteers were seen and heard attacking the trails with chainsaws and muscle since the last major storm. What a year this has been for wind, rain and even snow! The devastation that accompanies such diverse weather conditions creates an inestimable amount of labor for the trail cleanup process. The good news is that there is a group of dedicated volunteers who, in just three weeks, have given more than 210 hours of their time and energy to help clear the trails of downed trees, branches and debris so that everyone can continue to enjoy the Park. Without their help trails would be closed.
The board members, staff, and trail users are extremely grateful for these volunteers and their willingness to get out, get dirty and get tired to give back to the Park. THANK YOU so much!!
“…snow and ice, the divine jewelry of winter…”
-John Muir
Christmas Tree Drop Off
There is no longer a “Christmas Tree Drop Off” at the Gov. Dick Park lot along Rt. 117. Recycling for trees is available at the West Cornwall Township building at 73 Zinns Mill Rd.
Environmental Center Schedule
The Environmental Center is closed for the winter season and will re-open with the regular schedule the first weekend of March. Check the website for winter programs scheduled in Jan and Feb.
Someone is in the office each week. If you have a question or concern, please call and leave a message. Someone will get back to you.
Wood Cutting Permits
Wood cutting permits are available for interested parties to help clean up downed wood along the Park’s roads and at the same time stock their home woodpiles. A permit must be obtained at the Park office. Call or email for an application. Restrictions include:
- Cutting only wood already on the ground along the road edge
- No chainsaw use on Sundays, you may collect wood
- 30-day permit. After 30 days the permit may be renewed if there is no one on the waiting list.
- Anyone using chainsaws is strongly recommended using safety equipment
First Annual Bouldering Competition Held
With clear skies and low humidity the first annual all-day bouldering event held at Gov. Dick Park Nov. 12 was a huge success. Adam Hartman, event organizer reported, “The turn-out was fantastic with over 90 people participating.” A total of 242 routes were available with potential for more next time. Prizes were made available by more than fifteen sponsors for this competitive event. And funds were raised for the Park’s Support Committee which purchases materials such as trail posts and decals.
Governor Dick Bouldering
After several glitches in the production process the Governor Dick Bouldering guide, a 103-page book featuring the exciting bouldering available at the Park, will soon be on the market. Written by Travis Gault of the Climbnasium in Mechanicsburg, the book covers 300 bouldering problems within the Park. The book includes maps, photos and descriptions as well as safety details. It will be available for purchase at the Climbnasium and the Park office for just $20. All proceeds will benefit Governor Dick Park.
Schedule of Coming Events
All programs are free unless stated otherwise. Meet at the Environmental Center on Pinch Rd.
The 5th annual Christmas Scavenger Hike is almost upon us once again as signs of the season are showing up in stores and yards. Join us on Saturday, December 10, at 1:30 p.m. For $1.00 per person you can join the fun of searching for Christmas items scattered along a section of trail. With one hour to hunt, can you be the person to find all the candy canes, ornaments, and trinkets to win the prize? Come out, young and old, to celebrate the season with us!
Start the year with a commitment to spend more time outside. Join Diana for a
New Year’s Day Hike Jan 1 beginning at 11am. If interested send email to
gretnagirl@verizon.net with “HIKE” in the subject line to register. Include phone number to enable contact if hike is cancelled due to weather or trail conditions.
Jan 21 12:30 This Bud’s For You Come out and enjoy the elixir of a cold winter afternoon and learn to identify trees by buds, bark, and branches.
Break your cabin fever with a refreshing walk on the park trails under a moonlit sky Feb. 10 starting at 7pm. Then warm up with hot chocolate by the fireplace in the Environmental Center.
Be sure to email or call to register for each of these events.
New For 2012!
In a continuing effort to connect children with the outdoors, we are creating a new, year-long program for families with children ages 7 to 12. Still in the planning stages, this will feature a once-a-month program with emphasis on learning about the forest ecosystem and its inhabitants and being outdoors in that environment exploring, learning, and playing. Children will work toward earning a patch, making them the first Governor Dick Park Junior Naturalists. Keep alert for more details as they become available. And get your children ready!
“Perhaps the rebuilding of the body and spirit is the
greatest service derivable from our forests.”
- Arthur Carhart
2011 Stats
From January 1 through November 20, 2011 the Environmental Center saw more than 4000 Park Users participate in school and scout programs, meetings, volunteer projects, and center use.
Ways you can contact us:
*Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Gov. Dick
PO Box 161, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064
*3283 Pinch Rd. Lebanon(diagonally across from the State Game Lands parking lot)
*Phone: (717) 964-3808
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