Anyone with an interest in birds, old-growth forests, mushrooms, rattlesnakes or other aspects of the Lebanon County environment is invited to check out the Quittapahilla Audubon Society.
The organization welcomes new members and also offers a variety of programs for interested guests.
“We have a local board, and many members are very well informed about current issues and people within a certain distance who are willing to offer programs for others,” the QAS said in a press release. “Sometimes they get an idea having seen a program, maybe in Harrisburg or Lancaster. We’ve requested new programs. Presenters interested in providing programs may contact us, and people are welcome to make a suggestion.”
Typically, the release said, the QAS has six programs as well as a December gathering to share slides and treats, and an annual May banquet, featuring a guest speaker. All programs and field trips, with the exception of the banquet, are free to participants and are suitable for all ages.
Although membership is not required to participate, the nonprofit organization does collect dues from its members to support programming and to fund the donation of educational Audubon kits to local schools.
“We’re just in the process of gathering information on the needs of the county libraries to create birding kits ‘that can be taken out for field use’ for upper elementary and middle school students,” the release said. “We fund scholarships to several nature camps. There are generous grants available for those who submit and meet our requirements.”
QAS also raises funds with an annual fall birdseed sale and through donations. Information on the group’s programs and activities is available on the QAS website, along with past newsletters and information on local bird counts.
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“The best way to get involved in our local Audubon would be to attend several meetings, maybe talk to a board member,” the release said. “There are several vacancies on the board and of course we would welcome someone to pitch in.”
The organization also supports other conservation-focused groups, including Lebanon Valley Conservancy, Ned Smith Center, Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, Union Canal Tunnel Park, Red Creek Wildlife Center, and Raven Ridge Wildlife Center.
Information about QAS can often be found at local events at Middle Creek, Hershey Gardens and the Union Canal. For instance, QAS will share a table with the Lancaster Bird Club during National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 22 at Middle Creek.
Here is a summary of some upcoming activities. Unless otherwise noted, program meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 723 Lehman St., Lebanon, and are open to the general public.
Sept. 25 – Rattlesnakes Demystified by Dr. Scott Boback
Snakes in general, and rattlesnakes in particular, are probably one of the most abhorred animals in the western hemisphere. Some of this fear is because rattlesnakes are venomous and can harm or kill people. This talk will reveal how they sense their environment, how and when they use their venom, and how they obtain water when none can be found.
Oct. 23 – Middle Creek: Not Just Snow Geese by Brant Porter
Learn about Middle Creek’s history over the last 50 years and also discover what habitat improvements Middle Creek is making to benefit wildlife.
Nov. 20 – Birding Highlights from Brazil by Steve Rannels.
This program highlights distinct regions of Brazil such as the Amazon, the Atlantic Southeast and the Pantanal, emphasizing bird life as well as additional aspects of tropical natural history, including the diversity of insects and moths.
Dec. 11 – Christmas Social and Member Photos
Join us as members share their favorite slides and digital photos with the group. This is our holiday social, so please bring a plate of holiday treats to share after the program. Drinks will be provided. (Social gathering begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Jan. 22 – Woodland Vernal Ponds by Gene Wingert
Woodland vernal ponds are found throughout Pennsylvania’s woodlands and are an integral part of the forest community. These diminutive wetlands typically fill with water during the fall and dry in late spring or early summer, and the organisms that breed in these ponds are an integral part of the forest ecosystem.
March 26 – Give a Hoot about Barn Owls by Dan Mummert
Dan Mummert from the PA Game Commission will present a program on Pennsylvania’s Barn Owl Conservation Initiative. The program will focus on the state’s barn owls, their nesting habits and habitat requirements, and conservation issues related to their decline in Pennsylvania.
April 23 – Fire Ecology and History by Brant Porter
Fire has been a natural constant on the landscape for thousands of years, shaping entire ecosystems. Learn how the lack of fire for the last few centuries has caused many environmental problems, including wildfires, and how the Game Commission uses fire as a management tool.
May 20 – Annual banquet (reservations required)
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