Ecology

Update on environmental education at Strawberry Hill

Kara Ferraro
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve

(6/2020) Rewind to this time last year. At Strawberry Hill, the pond is surrounded by children catching macro-invertebrates and learning aquatic ecology. Families enjoy a picnic and splash in the cool, pristine waters of Middle Creek. A group of amateur birders spots a pileated woodpecker during their naturalist-led outing in the Michaux State Forest. All around you, people are nurturing their love of nature.

Since 1986, Strawberry Hill has provided our community with wonderful recreational and educational opportunities. Yet, like many businesses and organizations around the world, our work came to a halt in mid-March. We closed our doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19, and since then, we have been closely monitoring the situation and working hard to make informed decisions regarding our programs.

We were fortunate to have hosted two weekends of Mount Hope Maple Madness just before the stay-at-home orders were mandated. However, the spring and summer months are peak times for school field trips, foraging workshops, tree plantings, trout releases, family classes, guided hikes… all of which had to be cancelled. We missed celebrating our third annual Celebrate Mother Earth Day in partnership with Pennsylvania Master Naturalist volunteers. With a heavy heart, I recently informed families that our eight-week summer camp program would be cancelled as well.

Ultimately, the safety of our program participants is our greatest priority. To date, there have been no viable solutions for how our small nonprofit could provide our regular programs without putting learners, educators, and our community at risk. Based on precautionary guidelines established by Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Strawberry Hill has currently cancelled all programs and events through June 14.

Despite not being able to offer educational programs, there is no shortage of recreational opportunities at Strawberry Hill. Our campus, located in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, provides easy access to mountain creeks, miles of trails, and diverse habitats throughout Michaux State Forest. Our trails have remained open to the public, dawn until dusk, every single day.

We have seen an influx of people depending on Strawberry Hill for their health and wellbeing and I am inspired to see so many people seeking solace in nature. I encourage you, if able, to enjoy the opportunity to spend time in nature and remember that recreation is good for us! Nature is even being prescribed to improve mental health, boost immunity, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Nature can provide that much-needed respite for fresh air and calming surroundings; however, according to experts, you should practice social distancing even out-of-doors. Strawberry Hill is committed to maintaining a safe environment for our visitors, members, volunteers, and staff. We urge you to take precautions for not only your own health and safety, but the health and safety of others.

With the increase in visitation, I am grateful for everyone doing their part to keep our trails free from trash, and the "trail angels" who have cleared trails of branches and invasives. During this time, I would ask that you please consider helping Strawberry Hill in an additional way. Please donate what you can to support our nonprofit through this difficult time. Donations can be made online at StrawberryHill.org, or by mailing a check to: Strawberry Hill Foundation, 1537 Mount Hope Road, Fairfield, PA 17320.

While our doors may be closed, our animals still require daily care, and bills continue to arrive in our mailbox. We are fortunate to have such generous supporters, especially over the past two months, whose donations have sustained our operations. Your support is vital to our survival.

We eagerly await the day we can reopen our doors and get back to educating and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards! In the weeks ahead, we plan to offer small group and family programs, as well as virtual learning options. Our goal is to continue providing quality environmental education opportunities while maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved. Follow us on Facebook or visit our website, StrawberryHill.org, for the most up to date information.

Thank you for your continued support of Strawberry Hill! Until we meet again, please enjoy your time outdoors and stay safe, healthy, and active.