BEACH LAKE, PA — The Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) will hold a training session for monitoring volunteers from 1 p.m to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29 and Friday, June 7 at the Van Scott Nature Reserve. Volunteers need only attend one session.

Attendees will learn about the monitoring program and how to become a volunteer.

The DHC is a nonprofit land trust operating in Pike and Wayne counties in Pennsylvania and in Sullivan and Delaware counties in New York. To date, the organization has helped to protect nearly 19,000 acres of farms and forests, clean waters and wildlife habitat through land protection agreements called conservation easements.

Conservancy staff visits each one of these conserved properties annually to walk the land, monitor the conservation easement, and ensure that the conservation values of the property are being protected. Monitoring volunteers assist staff with this important task.

The training will include an introduction to monitoring, accompanied by a practical example site visit. Volunteers will gain insights and contribute to the conservation efforts of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy.

Attendees should be prepared to walk at least two miles on sloped terrain during the training day, and wear closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Light refreshments will be provided; attendees should bring a reusable water bottle.

Space is limited and advance registration for the training is required. 

And don’t forget: on Saturday, May 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m, the DHC will host a pond investigation workshop for kids and adults. 

During the pond investigation, you will be getting your hands dirty while looking for the insects known as macroinvertebrates. The findings will be used to determine the quality of the pond.

Space is limited and prior registration is required. The event fee is $10 for conservancy members, $15 for non-members and $5 for kids aged 12 and under.

Register online for the training or the pond investigation at www.DelawareHighlands.org/events  or call 570/226-3164 ext. 4.

For more information, call 570-226-3164/845-583-1010 or visit www.DelawareHighlands.org.