Lightning Strike

Mother Nature has been making her presence known very forcefully this spring and summer.  Not only here in Northwestern PA, but across the United States (including the recent earthquake at one of the Alaskan islands!).  The incredible force and speed with which she strikes is worthy of respect and awe.  During one of our recent and numerous storms, we apparently hosted a lightning strike within the Park that left fascinating damage.

Let's debunk a myth about lightning strikes.  They CAN strike twice in the same place.  It's more likely to happen if the item is tall, a great conductor, and/or stands alone.  Think conductor rods on tall towers, lone trees in a field, or fire towers on a mountain.  They may sustain multiple strikes in one storm.  Focusing on trees, there are two main ways that a tree can be affected by a strike:  a strike may be noticed by a stripping of the bark down to bare wood, or it may go unnoticed as it is a systemic strike through the tissues of the tree.

One of the hemlock branches blown off in the strike

This particular strike on our Eastern hemlock along Mill Creek sustained the strike along the outside of the tree.  It blew several branches off, which were located 20-40 meters away.  The force of the strike caused some of the splinters to become embedded within the earth.

Perhaps most fascinating (in the safety of this sunny afternoon) was observing the curled bark pieces that had also been blown off with intense force.  

A few safety reminders in this season of enjoying the outdoors when sudden weather can appear:

• Lightning can strike up to 9 miles ahead of a storm.  
• If a storm moves in, find shelter immediately in a safe building or car.  Wait at least 30 minutes before heading back to your activity.
• If you cannot get to shelter in time, get off of a hill/mountain and out of any body of water immediately.  Do NOT use trees or rocky overhangs as shelter.  Crouch down in a low spot and hug your knees until the storm breaks or you are otherwise able to find shelter.

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No matter her mood, Mother Nature is a neverending source of wonder for those that take the time to observe their surroundings...

Envirothon 2014

Erie County knows how to represent itself when it comes to demonstrating their interest and knowledge in conservation and the environment.  On May 1st, 2014, nearly 150 students arrived at Headwaters Park to compete in the annual Erie County Envirothon.

Students from nine school districts across the county arrived early that Thursday, assembled in school teams of 3-5 students, to showcase their hard work and preparation in the five competitive categories:  Forestry, Wildlife, Aquatics, Soils/Land Use, and the Current Issue - Sustainable Agriculture and Locally Grown.  The school districts included General McLane, North East, Corry, Wattsburg, Fort LeBoeuf, Fairview, Millcreek, Iroquois, and Northwestern.  The excitement and positive energy from advisors and students was palpable; they had been preparing for this event for nearly the entire school year.

Forestry Station

North East Team

Seneca Team

Students spent the morning rotating through the testing stations out in Headwaters Park, puzzling through detailed questions on soil profiles, native PA species, bird and frog calls, benefits/issues with locally grown food, and invasive species, to name a few.  To get and idea of what the students were working through, take a moment to check out your I.D. knowledge:

This is a...?

Perhaps a...?

Or how about a...?

The students worked very hard all year to prepare for this event.  The above ID is just a taste.

Lunch was a welcome finale to several hours of hard work and good-natured play in the Park.  Following a great lunch buffet generously provided by Headwaters NRC Trust, attendees were ready for the awards.  North East High School took 2nd and 3rd place.  For the third year in a row, a team of young women from General McLane High School took the trophy back to school and advanced to the State competition.  They returned home 17th in the state out of over 60 teams, making Erie County proud of their efforts and achievements!

General McLane High School 1st place

North East High School 2nd place

North East High School 3rd place

The Middle School Envirothon, still in its early years, hosted teams from North East Middle School, JS Wilson from Millcreek, and Fairview Middle School.  Student teams engaged in short quizzes in Forestry, Wildlife, Aquatics, Soils/Land Use, and a team oral presentation focusing on locally grown products in their schools.  Following the quizzes, students were then able to engage in activities with the visiting agencies.  This time gave students interactive exploration into the topics, and also time to talk with different agencies and further understand what is involved in environmental careers.

Working at the Soils/Land Use station

Forestry ID

Map Reading activity

JS Wilson team

Fairview team at the Soils/Land Use station

North East School District swept the first three spots, earning them a morning on Gannon University's Environaut research vessel.  The teams will have the opportunity to engage in various research techniques and enjoy a morning out on Presque Isle Bay!

North East Middle School top three teams

Check out our website for more information and resources regarding our Envirothons at www.erieconservation.com.  If you or someone you know would be interested in a sponsorship, they are greatly appreciated to keep this program as strong as it is and to welcome new schools and teams.  Looking forward to May of 2015!