Written By: Sarah Lanphear
On Sunday, October 24, Lycoming's Scholars Program members ventured to Montour Preserve for a hike, picnic, and educational presentation. Each year, the Scholar's Program chooses a unique interdisciplinary topic. It features speakers from various departments at Lycoming and outside presenters to discuss different facets of the concept. This year's topic, hunting and conservation, was suggested by junior Michael Hummel, an avid outdoor enjoyer and an instructor for Lycoming's Outdoor Leadership and Education Program (OLE). Of this course's aim to raise environmental awareness, the leaders of the Scholar's Program thought it essential to get students outside, allowing them to experience the benefits of the conserving ecological sites they have discussed.
Led by Tony, an OLE guide, students bundled up for a chilly 4-mile hike through the beautiful fall foliage at Montour preserve. As suggested by the week's discussion leader, Dr. O'Donnel, a biology professor at Lycoming, students downloaded the app Seek and enjoyed identifying plants throughout the walk. One of the hiking groups was lucky enough to spot an endangered wood turtle, which they removed safely from the hiking trail. Students also took advantage of the landscape, capturing photos and discussing the park's beauty.
The hike was augmented by a presentation by Dr. O'Donnel relating to the Scholar's topic of conservation. She first discussed the importance of hunters, fishers, and other outdoor recreation participants in scientific research, as their time spent outdoors makes them both helpful observers and, due to their need for the environment for their hobbies, often conservationists. She also discussed the vital role of such people in protecting the environment, as their practices can have significant detrimental impacts if they do not adhere to environmental recommendations and guidelines. Her presentation concluded with a call to action for students to do their part in conservation by practicing mindful enjoyment of outdoor spaces with awareness of regulations and aiding researchers through apps such as iNaturalist and Zooniverse.
Concluding the trip was a picnic at a pavilion where students discussed their hiking experience and what they had learned throughout the course. This experience provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn through experience. It empowered them to take action for an important cause, aligning with the Lycoming Slogan: Think Deeply, Act Boldly.