A program at the Birchwood Lakes Community Association entitled “The Importance of Testing our Well Water” provided an overview of groundwater and watersheds, land use impacts on watersheds and why it is important to have your water tested. George Prosser discussed water testing and water treatment. Approximately 20 people attended.

The Enviroscape model was demonstrated to both adults and youth at the Delaware Valley and Wallenpaupack High Schools, Pocono Environmental Education Center Earth Day, Pike County Conservation District Conservation School, Bushkill Watershed Conservancy and Twin/Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy.

The Enviroscape model tracks pollution from non-point sources, including residential, forestry, recreation, agriculture and construction as well as industry from a point source. It also shows point and non-point source pollution and the steps everyone can take to help prevent environmental contamination as well as the concept of watersheds.

Many residents of Pike County don’t know that their drinking water comes from groundwater as well as how their day-to-day activities can adversely impact groundwater. Approximately 25 residents of Pike & Wayne Counties attended the program to learn about the source of their drinking water, the potential impacts of future growth in our area, procedures for testing household water and how we can protect and manage our groundwater supplies for the continued benefit of all residents. At the program, the Enviroscape model was demonstrated, which addressed point and non-point source pollution from residential areas, forestry, agriculture, construction and industry.

From a population of 500,000 in the early 1980’s, white-tail deer have increased to about 15 million across the country. In Pennsylvania and Pike County, the increasing deer numbers have caused significant damage to ornamental plants, gardens and commercial crops, as well as increasing the number of deer and automobile collisions. A program, “Deer Resistant Landscaping & Other Deer Management Options” was presented at the Blooming Grove Fire Hall, which discussed deer options, such as repellants, fencing, scare devices and deer resistant plants. Approximately 50 people attended the program, which was presented by Extension Wildlife Specialist Gary San Julian and Pike County Master Gardener Carol Linkiewicz.