So many volunteer opportunities exist to help green, clean, preserve – and save – our planet that you could almost fill your weekends trying to pick just which ones to volunteer for. Maybe Earth Tips can help you cut down the search and put those leisure hours to better use. Here’s just one cause that’s somewhat local and more than worthy of green status.
It’s the Blue Mountain - Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Project. We took this information from their site, accessed from audobon.org. So much more info is available on how you can help. Please visit the site to find out more. Some highlights:
The Kittatinny Ridge (also known as Blue Mountain) is a long mountain ridge that winds 185 miles through eastern and central Pennsylvania, to the Maryland line. The Ridge is a globally-significant fall migration flyway used annually by tens of thousands of raptors and vultures and millions of songbirds, and has been designated by Audubon Pennsylvania, as the largest of the state’s “Important Bird Areas.”
The Kittatinny Ridge Project, led by Audubon Pennsylvania, is a collaborative effort of local, regional, and state organizations and agencies to focus public attention on the importance the forested Ridge through Pennsylvania; and to promote conservation activities to protect the Ridge from further habitat loss, fragmentation, and inappropriate land use.
The many rock outcroppings along the ridge also make it an excellent place to watch migrating hawks, eagles and vultures. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and Audubon’s HawkWatch at Waggoner’s Gap are located along the Ridge.
What You Can Do To Help the Kittatinny Ridge
Get to know the Ridge by exploring a new spot. Take a hike, go on a spring wildflower walk or drive to a new spot for a scenic overlook or fall leaf color.
Go Hawk-watching. Eleven locations are listed on the website, with information on each site and driving directions.
Explore the Ridge through maps. Information is available on the site, and you can make your own maps on the Kittatinny interactive mapping site, also available here.
Help Conserve Your Local Piece of the Ridge
Become a Kittatinny Caretaker! Help with local group efforts to restore habitat by planting native plants, and removing non-natives that are taking over our woodlands.
Or, help a local hiking club maintain a piece of the Appalachian Trail or Tuscarora Trail. Check out the of Kittatinny partner groups for local work projects.
Tread lightly! Use care when recreating on the Ridge - or in any wild area. ATVs, trail bikes, and horses can cause a lot of trail damage and erosion. Ride on properly marked trails only. Remember, only hikers are permitted on the Appalachian Trail!
Count birds! Pick a favorite habitat area on the Ridge, near your community, or even your school or home. Add your list on-line to be part of the growing volunteer-gathered database of birds counted in North America.
