Earth Day 2009
Knowledgeable forest technology students at Pennsylvania College of Technology's Schneebeli Earth Science Center ensured that Wednesday's annual observance of Earth Day wasn't merely a day out of school – or just a chance to tromp through the mud – for fifth-graders from Elimsport Elementary School. Professor Dennis F. Ringling's students staffed various environmental-interest points through the woodlands surrounding the Allenwood-area campus, educating the students on topics ranging from soil analysis and tree measurement to camping safety and wildlife.
– Photos by Melissa M. Stocum, coordinator of matriculation and retention, School of Natural Resources Management,
and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday
Derek J. Peterson, of Corry, and his properly outfitted friend share a laugh amid the serious business of safe tree-climbing.
Jeremy S. Kerr, of Pleasantville, demonstrates how a logger used a skid-steer winch to haul lumber out of the woods.
David J. Shelinski, of Picture Rocks (left,) and Kenneth G. Davis, of Williamsport, explain and demonstrate tools used in forest firefighting.
Jack E. Fisher, laboratory assistant for forest technology, guides pupils through the ESC sawmill.
A killdeer sits on a nest outside the sawmill, marked by a bucket to be noticeable to nearby traffic.
Brett M. Lorson, of Jersey Shore (left), and Evan J. Greene, of Rockton, demonstrate safety equipment.
Evan J. Greene, of Rockton, with classmate Katherine L. Huddleson, of Sheffield, uses diameter tape to measure the size of a tree.
A class, reflected in the water, learns about wildlife near the pond.
Jason L. Freeman, of Greencastle (left), and Joel S. Steppe, of South Williamsport, discuss insect pests prevalent in the area.
Zachary R. Lauer, of Renovo, and Jason M. Baldwin, of Jersey Shore, enlighten schoolchildren about the fast-growing menace posed by invasive vegetation.
"How does it stay up?" was among the questions asked about this mortarless wall, the latest dry-stone collaboration between alumnus James A. Asbury and students in the School of Natural Resources Management.
Jonathan R. Smith, of Falls Creek, talks with a curious fifth-grader about the workings of a Caterpillar 'dozer.
A young visitor reaches up to test the air horn on a logging truck.
Justin Shelinski, horticulture lab assistant, hands out Penn College bracelets and seedlings ...
... and shows his Earth Day audience the best way to plant a tree.