Snappy the Hellbender Says, “Come to the Forest! Get Active with ADP!”

More Hellbender News

By Megan Rulli, Outreach Coordinator

These days, you’d be hard pressed to find a groundhog in denial of the 
imminent arrival of spring. And if you and I are at all similar, it’s
 becoming easier and easier to imagine yourself stepping into a
 welcoming, green forest – perhaps highlighted with the elevated trill of a
 spring songbird and the gushing of water circumventing rocks 
in an active creek bed. Oh!  It may be useful to take a few moments
 and imagine a forest scene in your head – and then continue reading
 this article to learn constructive ways to make that fantasy a 
reality.

Let me assure you that your deep longing for the forest–for that 
first face-to-face encounter with mountain laurel–is a mutual longing 
of the forest for you!  The Allegheny needs you to visit, to enjoy,
 and most of all to speak up.

Below are some upcoming opportunities 
for you to get involved:



Oil & Gas Tour (Winter Outing)

Please join us this weekend, Saturday March 20th, for a tour of oil
 and gas drilling in and around our public forest lands. See the 
impacts associated with deep gas drilling (Marcellus Shale) and 
shallow oil & gas drilling. This is an opportunity to grasp the scale 
of impacts to our forests first hand.

8:45am, Pittsburgh, PA - Folks interested in carpooling are meeting at the 
Sierra Club Office in Oakland at 8:45am (Craig Street Side). We'll be 
leaving at 9am sharp. Directions: http://tinyurl.com/PGHSierra


10:45am. Marienville, PA - Everyone else should meet in Marienville,
PA at the Bucktail Restaurant in the town center.
Directions:
http://tinyurl.com/Bucktail


The oil & gas sites are along dirt roads in and around public lands
 areas. Expect a wide range of possible weather conditions from snow to
rain. Thaw-like conditions are probable so expect mud. Come dressed
 for the outdoors for whatever weather is forecast (check weather for
Marienville, PA). Bring water and pack a lunch and snacks. Expect to 
walk a bit. Sites are about 1/4 mile from main road.



Book the Allegheny Defense Project to Speak in your Community.

Would you like to better understand the issues facing our public lands?
 Would you like to be trained in techniques of Forest Watch and the
 public commenting process?


Are you ready to engage in on-the-ground watershed protection?


Are you involved in a community group that could host our presentation?



The Allegheny Defense Project is touring in April, speaking in venues 
about the impacts of oil and gas drilling, specifically addressing the 
Marcellus Shale. These presentations aim to educate and train 
citizens to become watchdogs of their public lands.



Scheduled Presentations:


April 19. Erie, Pennsylvania – 7 pm at Gannon University, room/building TBA.


April 22.  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 7 pm at Wooden Shoe Bookstore.



Please contact Megan Rulli at mrulli@alleghenydefense.org for further
 information or to book a presentation.