WELCOME TO THE BACK MOUNTAIN RECREATION TRAIL GEOCACHES!
Do you enjoy hiking? Finding treasure? Geocaching is a real world “treasure hunt” involving a handheld GPS unit or an app on your smartphone. There are over 2 million geocaches located worldwide.
Geocachers get started by accessing the website Geocaching.com. While not the only website devoted to this hobby, it is the best comprehensive, easy to use site devoted to geocaching. So what are geocaches? Geocaches are containers hidden outside in any area. They are disguised to blend in with the location they are placed in, and can be any size- from pencil eraser dimensions to 5 gallon containers. As they are placed, the
GPS coordinates are entered into the website along with a description of the terrain, size of container, and often a helpful clue. Geocachers then access the info on the website, plug in the coordinates, and go find the cache! When you find one, it will have a log- a slip of paper to write your name. If large enough, it will also contain trinkets for trading, called SWAG (stands for Stuff We All Get)
There are a few rules associated with Geocaching.
1. Leave natural areas the way you found them. Practice light footprints as you hike into areas to find caches. CITO is also a good practice ( stands for Cache in Trash Out).
2. If you take an item from a cache, leave one in return. Never leave anything flammable, or liquid, food items or any type of weapon- like objects in a geocache.
3. Replace the cache exactly where and exactly how you found it. Since these are placed based on GPS coordinates, it is important that others after you will be able to find it as well.
Why is this a fun hobby or activity? For starters, it gets people outside, away from the couch! Most importantly, geocachers pride themselves in hiding caches in places that are unique. Geocachers find themselves in places they would never have the chance to be in on a regular basis, or in a place they may have driven by hundreds of times and never had the occasion to stop. Caches are often themed to enlighten hunters to a particular area, or history of a place, or just a breathtaking natural area. Geocaches are often puzzle- themed, involving problem solving skills to actually find the cache or working out how to open the container to get inside. There are even “extreme geocaches”, involving climbing gear, scuba diving, kayaking, etc.
There is more to geocaching that the brief description here. Log on to Geocaching.com for more, and to download a basic geocaching app for your phone. There are also other GPS and caching apps available online. The basic membership to the website is free. Happy Caching- get out and play!
Back Mountain Recreation Center
OUR MISSION
Back Mountain Recreation, Inc. (BMR) is a charitable, non-profit corporation dedicated to the conservation of open space and the development of recreational facilities in the Back Mountain region of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Working together with state, county and local governments; non-profits; youth sports organizations; civic groups; area businesses; foundations; school districts and area residents; we aim to improve the quality of life enjoyed by all Back Mountain residents and meet a wide range of community needs with a special emphasis on serving our youth and seniors.
BMR strives to promote participation in healthy activities and environmental stewardship, provide educational opportunities to the public, and demonstrate sound land use planning in a quickly developing region.
THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE
Our efforts are focused in the "Back Mountain" region of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. This area is commonly defined as the communities served by the Dallas and Lake-Lehman Area School Districts and includes the Boroughs of Dallas and Harveys Lake; the entirety of the Townships of Dallas, Franklin, Jackson, Kingston, Lake, Lehman, Noxen, and Ross; and portions of the Townships of Hunlock, Fairmont, Monroe and Northmoreland.
others Local Links
B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc
Water Research.net
Carbon County Groundwater Guardians
Showing posts with label Luzerne County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luzerne County. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Save Energy and Money - Whole House Energy Auditing
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2012
Contact: Deana Kilmer
President, Green Field
Energy Solutions
(570) 876-0537
SAVE
ENERGY AND MONEY: WHOLE HOUSE ENERGY
AUDITING
On Thursday, October 18, 2012, 6:30-8:00, Green Field Energy
Solutions will continue educational workshops as part of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Environmental Education Grants
Program at Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, Covington Township. The program will provide a lecture to discuss the Energy audit process and provide
information on current rebate programs with local utilities. Green Field Energy will also offer a $50 rebate
for 10 clients that complete an Energy Audit by 11/30/12. For more information
please log on to www.greenfieldenergysolutions.com or call (570)876-0537.
For more energy saving devices, go to Green Living Store or to Check Out Your Water Quality
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Taste the Local Harvest North Branch Land Trust
"Taste the Local Harvest"
Presented by North
Branch Land
Sunday, October 21, 2012
5:00-9:00pm
Please join us for this very casual, relaxed, fun event to
"taste the harvest" from our local farms!
Tickets are $50 and cover
DRINKS
locally produced brews and wines
FOODS
locally grown or raised foods prepared by the chef at Huntsville
FOOTBALL
televised Sunday football games
MUSIC
tap your feet to bluegrass music by
THE COAL TOWN ROUNDERS
Tasting tables will host local brews, wines,
produce, beef, chicken, turkey,
cheese, bread and lots more.
You'll be able to speak with many of the farmers and producers
about their products and learn about their
methods of production and harvest.
Come have a fun evening; dress casually; watch football; be
entertained; sample the local fare at
tasting stations; learn about these local products
***FUN, FUN, FUN***
Price: $50 per person
To purchase tickets please click this link:
http://www.nblt.org/events/taste-the-local-harvest
http://www.nblt.org/events/taste-the-local-harvest
For further information contact:
570-696-5545 570-674-6545
Online Training Programs
Grant
Writing Training Program
Improving Productivity
Managing a Non-Profit Organization
Project Management
Improving Productivity
Managing a Non-Profit Organization
Project Management
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Landscaping With a Purpose Rain gardens in Your Backyard
Homeowners in many parts of the state
are catching on to rain gardens - landscaped areas planted with flowers, shrubs
and other native vegetation that soak up rain water, mainly from the roof of a
house or other building. These gardens fill with a few inches of water after a
storm and water slowly filters into the ground rather than running off to a
storm drain. They are very important in reducing storm water runoff, which can
cause flooding and drainage problems in our neighborhoods.
Join Vincent Cotrone, from Penn State Cooperative Extension, for a workshop to learn how to install a rain
garden in your yard! Learn how to choose the best location, size, type of
plants needed, as well as how to maintain your garden after installation. There
will also be hands on component where you can help put the final touches on a
newly created demonstration rain garden at Frances Slocum State Park.
Registration fee of
$15.00 includes informational resources and lunch. Please dress for weather
and plan to be outside
for part of the workshop.
This workshop is
part of the Sustainable Backyard Landscapes Education Series developed through a partnership of
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Penn State
Cooperative Extension and Pennsylvania Environmental Council. For more
information contact the Luzerne County Cooperative Extension at 570-825-1701 or
Frances Slocum State Park at 570-696-3525.
Saturday,
May
12, 2012
Environmental Education
Center
Frances Slocum State
Park 10:00am – 2:00pm
Fee:
$15.00
Make checks payable to:
Luzerne Co. Cooperative Ext.,
mail to:
*Luzerne Co.
*Luzerne Co.
Cooperative Extension
16 Luzerne Ave.
West Pittston, PA 18643
*Please include: Name, address, phone, email and name of program with your check payment or
For More Green Products - Visit
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Independent Water Testing and Baseline Groundwater Testing State Certified Laboratories in Northeastern Pennsylvania - Columbia, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming
The following is a short listing of state or national certified testing laboratories in our region. If you want you can find in this blog a listing of all of the laboratories in the state.
First of all what is baseline testing and some details.
Because of the specifics concerns with respect to the Marcellus Shale, the citizens are recognizing the importance of documenting the baseline quality of their drinking water and recreational water sources. The primary concern is that many professionals are recommending baseline analysis that either provide a very broad range of parameters that are not specific enough to target the Marcellus Shale or a baseline analysis that targets only the potential impacts related to the develop of natural gas and in some cases there are companies with very little experience in environmental consulting.
From the citizens perspective - It is my professional opinion, the baseline analysis needs to take into consideration the following:
a. The existing geological conditions that may affect water quality for the region or area.
b. The existing land-use or activities occurring within the recharge zone for the well or spring or watershed area for the surfacewater resource.
c. Potential sources of contaminants from proposed developments that target the various phases of the development, i.e., drilling / drilling muds, intermixing of freshwater with saline and brine water, interception of shallow gas deposits, and management of the drilling pad.
d. The existing quality of your water and type of water source.
Of these 4 items, I believe that if the professional you are considering hiring does not ask you questions about your well and your current water quality you will not be establishing an affective baseline. In addition, the professional providing this information should not be just reading off a list of recommendations by some third party, but have solid understanding of earth sciences, hydrology, well drilling, and groundwater. Remember - you are establishing a "legal" baseline that may need to address a multitude of issues not just Marcellus Shale Drilling or Hydrofracing.
Establishing a baseline - the following questions should be asked and used in the decision making process.
1. Where are you located and What is the type of water source?
2. If it is a well, what is the depth of the well, static water level, and depth of casing?
3. Does the water system have an existing treatment system? If yes, why?
4. Does the water quality change when there is a heavy rain or snow melt?
5. Has it been tested in the past?
6. Are there any problems or issues? Such as: discolored water, metallic taste, turbidity, staining, blue-green staining, etc
7. This water source supports what type of use? Single-family home, house and small farm, etc.
8. What is the size of your parcel?
9. What is the existing and past use of your parcel?
10. What is the land-use surrounding and upgradient of this source?
If the person conducting your baseline analysis - is not asking you these questions - he/she may not be providing you the help you need.
Before we get into more detail - I you do not contact a certified laboratory for guidance - then at least call a professional. This should be a licensed water or wastewater operator or other licensed professional in the state. There are many persons making a lot of claims, but what is there experience in the profession, do not hirer someone that basically has not professional background in the subject. Personally - I have had retired or displaced nurserys, salesman, and many others ask me to train. This is not appropriate and will cause you to make a bad decision.
I read on other sites that there are 4 componets to a legally defensible baseline water test. Here they are:
1. The test must be conducted by an independent 3rd party.
2. Training and protocols must be in place
3. There must be an identifiable chain of custody
4. The test must be conducted by a Pennsylvania State Certified Laboratory.
Guess What ?
These are wrong!
This is the right concept.
To adequately meet your needs - you must establish a baseline that does the following:
1. Addresses the existing condition of the groundwater source including volume and quality based on the existing or proposed usage and surrounding conditions. Therefore, a person with a quarry near their home and a spring - may need a different set a parameters than a person living in the middle of a 100+ acre forest.
(Pick the right parameters that meet YOUR budget, YOUR Need, and relates to YOUR situation - One package does not fit ALL).
2. Characterize your well - static and dynamic water level- measure flow or rate - calculate specific capacity.
3. Work with a "certified laboratory" using their technician or a technician that they approve or authorize.
4. The laboratory could be PADEP approve or Nationally Accredited and the laboratory must be certified for the specific methods or process your sample in cooperation with another laboratory that is certified for the necessary methods.
You can contact me at
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/
Over 20 years experience in geology, hydrology, and water quality related issues in Northeastern PA; expert witness, licensed water well driller, soil scientist, and much more.
The State Certified Laboratories that serve Northeastern PA are (partial list):
Aqua-Tech Lab, Mountaintop, PA 868-5346
Benchmark Analytical, East Stroudsburg, PA, 421-5122
Kirby Health Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA 822-4278
Friend Lab Inc., Waverly, NY, 607-565-2893
Northeastern Environmental Labs, Scranton, PA, 348-0775
Quantum Labs in Dickson City, PA 570-489-6964
Hawk Mountain Labs 570-455-6011 (Hazle Township, PA)
Seewald Laboratories 570.326.4001 ( Williamsport, PA)
(always willing to update)
Do not be fooled - there are a number of "lab" websites. When you look deep enough- these are actually just collectors with little expertise in groundwater, water chemistry, and are not likely worth the money.
First of all what is baseline testing and some details.
Because of the specifics concerns with respect to the Marcellus Shale, the citizens are recognizing the importance of documenting the baseline quality of their drinking water and recreational water sources. The primary concern is that many professionals are recommending baseline analysis that either provide a very broad range of parameters that are not specific enough to target the Marcellus Shale or a baseline analysis that targets only the potential impacts related to the develop of natural gas and in some cases there are companies with very little experience in environmental consulting.
From the citizens perspective - It is my professional opinion, the baseline analysis needs to take into consideration the following:
a. The existing geological conditions that may affect water quality for the region or area.
b. The existing land-use or activities occurring within the recharge zone for the well or spring or watershed area for the surfacewater resource.
c. Potential sources of contaminants from proposed developments that target the various phases of the development, i.e., drilling / drilling muds, intermixing of freshwater with saline and brine water, interception of shallow gas deposits, and management of the drilling pad.
d. The existing quality of your water and type of water source.
Of these 4 items, I believe that if the professional you are considering hiring does not ask you questions about your well and your current water quality you will not be establishing an affective baseline. In addition, the professional providing this information should not be just reading off a list of recommendations by some third party, but have solid understanding of earth sciences, hydrology, well drilling, and groundwater. Remember - you are establishing a "legal" baseline that may need to address a multitude of issues not just Marcellus Shale Drilling or Hydrofracing.
Establishing a baseline - the following questions should be asked and used in the decision making process.
1. Where are you located and What is the type of water source?
2. If it is a well, what is the depth of the well, static water level, and depth of casing?
3. Does the water system have an existing treatment system? If yes, why?
4. Does the water quality change when there is a heavy rain or snow melt?
5. Has it been tested in the past?
6. Are there any problems or issues? Such as: discolored water, metallic taste, turbidity, staining, blue-green staining, etc
7. This water source supports what type of use? Single-family home, house and small farm, etc.
8. What is the size of your parcel?
9. What is the existing and past use of your parcel?
10. What is the land-use surrounding and upgradient of this source?
If the person conducting your baseline analysis - is not asking you these questions - he/she may not be providing you the help you need.
Before we get into more detail - I you do not contact a certified laboratory for guidance - then at least call a professional. This should be a licensed water or wastewater operator or other licensed professional in the state. There are many persons making a lot of claims, but what is there experience in the profession, do not hirer someone that basically has not professional background in the subject. Personally - I have had retired or displaced nurserys, salesman, and many others ask me to train. This is not appropriate and will cause you to make a bad decision.
I read on other sites that there are 4 componets to a legally defensible baseline water test. Here they are:
1. The test must be conducted by an independent 3rd party.
2. Training and protocols must be in place
3. There must be an identifiable chain of custody
4. The test must be conducted by a Pennsylvania State Certified Laboratory.
Guess What ?
These are wrong!
This is the right concept.
To adequately meet your needs - you must establish a baseline that does the following:
1. Addresses the existing condition of the groundwater source including volume and quality based on the existing or proposed usage and surrounding conditions. Therefore, a person with a quarry near their home and a spring - may need a different set a parameters than a person living in the middle of a 100+ acre forest.
(Pick the right parameters that meet YOUR budget, YOUR Need, and relates to YOUR situation - One package does not fit ALL).
2. Characterize your well - static and dynamic water level- measure flow or rate - calculate specific capacity.
3. Work with a "certified laboratory" using their technician or a technician that they approve or authorize.
4. The laboratory could be PADEP approve or Nationally Accredited and the laboratory must be certified for the specific methods or process your sample in cooperation with another laboratory that is certified for the necessary methods.
You can contact me at
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/
Over 20 years experience in geology, hydrology, and water quality related issues in Northeastern PA; expert witness, licensed water well driller, soil scientist, and much more.
The State Certified Laboratories that serve Northeastern PA are (partial list):
Aqua-Tech Lab, Mountaintop, PA 868-5346
Benchmark Analytical, East Stroudsburg, PA, 421-5122
Kirby Health Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA 822-4278
Friend Lab Inc., Waverly, NY, 607-565-2893
Northeastern Environmental Labs, Scranton, PA, 348-0775
Quantum Labs in Dickson City, PA 570-489-6964
Hawk Mountain Labs 570-455-6011 (Hazle Township, PA)
Seewald Laboratories 570.326.4001 ( Williamsport, PA)
(always willing to update)
Do not be fooled - there are a number of "lab" websites. When you look deep enough- these are actually just collectors with little expertise in groundwater, water chemistry, and are not likely worth the money.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wilkes University - Homeowner Outreach Program - Harveys Lake Area
Drinking water well testing offered
Published: July 9, 2010
http://citizensvoice.com/news/drinking-water-well-testing-offered-1.882822
Harveys Lake Environmental Advisory Council, in partnership with Wilkes University, is offering a package of drinking water well tests to borough residents at a discounted price.
Wilkes University's Water Quality Laboratory will measure residents' water for pH, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total coliform, fecal coliform, fecal streptococcus, sodium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, chloride, sulfate, nitrate-nitrite, and phosphate. Additional parameters will be tested this year.
However, residents should note that the testing is for informational and educational purposes only and does not meet the legal requirements for baseline water testing related to natural gas drilling.
EAC Vice President Catherine Link said the council offers the testing about every two years, as a public service to the community.
The tests are as comprehensive as the ones that cost more: residents are charged $75 for the package, which has a retail value of at least $180, according to Link.
Interested residents should register with EAC Administrative Assistant Denise Sult by calling 639-1042. Participants can pick up water sampling kits at the Harveys Lake Borough Building between July 12 and 24.
Water samples must be dropped off between 10 a.m. and noon on July 24 in the borough building's meeting room, where scientists will perform certain tests immediately.
Confidential final test results will be mailed to participants directly from the Wilkes laboratory within two weeks of the testing date. Payment in full for the testing is due on July 24
A free follow-up question-and-answer session on water well systems and non-point source pollution issues will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, by Brian Oram, a professional geologist and director of the Wilkes University Center for Environmental Quality Water Lab.
The next Harveys Lake Environmental Advisory Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the borough building. Meetings are open to the public.
http://www.wilkes.edu/water
New Publication is Online
*****
Comment - attend the August 14 session to learn more about wellhead protection, baseline monitoring, well construction, and non-point source pollution control.
Other informational water testing services
http://www.carbon-filtration.com/
Published: July 9, 2010
http://citizensvoice.com/news/drinking-water-well-testing-offered-1.882822
Harveys Lake Environmental Advisory Council, in partnership with Wilkes University, is offering a package of drinking water well tests to borough residents at a discounted price.
Wilkes University's Water Quality Laboratory will measure residents' water for pH, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total coliform, fecal coliform, fecal streptococcus, sodium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, chloride, sulfate, nitrate-nitrite, and phosphate. Additional parameters will be tested this year.
However, residents should note that the testing is for informational and educational purposes only and does not meet the legal requirements for baseline water testing related to natural gas drilling.
EAC Vice President Catherine Link said the council offers the testing about every two years, as a public service to the community.
The tests are as comprehensive as the ones that cost more: residents are charged $75 for the package, which has a retail value of at least $180, according to Link.
Interested residents should register with EAC Administrative Assistant Denise Sult by calling 639-1042. Participants can pick up water sampling kits at the Harveys Lake Borough Building between July 12 and 24.
Water samples must be dropped off between 10 a.m. and noon on July 24 in the borough building's meeting room, where scientists will perform certain tests immediately.
Confidential final test results will be mailed to participants directly from the Wilkes laboratory within two weeks of the testing date. Payment in full for the testing is due on July 24
A free follow-up question-and-answer session on water well systems and non-point source pollution issues will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, by Brian Oram, a professional geologist and director of the Wilkes University Center for Environmental Quality Water Lab.
The next Harveys Lake Environmental Advisory Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the borough building. Meetings are open to the public.
http://www.wilkes.edu/water
New Publication is Online
*****
Comment - attend the August 14 session to learn more about wellhead protection, baseline monitoring, well construction, and non-point source pollution control.
Other informational water testing services
http://www.carbon-filtration.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)