HAWLEY, PA — The Northeast PA (NEPA) Audubon Festival will take place this year on July 16 and 17 at the Wallenpaupack Area High School, an indoor, air-conditioned facility on Route 6. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Among the highlights of the 2016 festival will be hands-on presentations by the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which will do “walk-arounds” with animals throughout the festival, and will also have a display with live birds of prey and animals throughout both days; and Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show, an award-winning children’s presentation on wildlife. Second Chance Wildlife Center will give a presentation on the rescue and rehabilitation of native PA wildlife, as well. There will also be presentations and exhibits by a variety of other environmental groups.

Over 80 of the nation’s finest wildlife and nature artists and craftsmen will exhibit their works. Photography, acrylic and oil painting, serigraphy and watercolor will be on display, as will handmade crafts inspired by nature or wildlife, including clothing, pottery, woodcarving, quilting, metalwork, leatherwork and furniture.

The Pennsylvania State Woodmobile will be at the festival for both days, sponsored by the PA Department of Agriculture. The Woodmobile is a fun, informative display used to introduce the benefits and impact of the PA timber industry.

Envisioned to bring awareness of our natural treasures in our area, the funds from this event have underwritten over 100 environmental scholarships for children and teachers, as well as providing books and research materials for all of the area school and public libraries.

Food is available for purchase at the event.