September 13th - Reptiles in Our Forests
Pennsylvania is home to a diverse population of reptiles that inhabit our woodlands, wetlands and waters. These turtles, lizards and snakes play an important role in helping to sustain a healthy, functioning ecosystem. On Thursday, September 13th, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Wildlife Biologist, Aura Stauffer, and Forester, Mike Wright, will present a program on reptiles in our forests at the Cumberland Woodland Owner’s Association. The meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Cumberland County Extension Office which is located at 310 Allen Road in Carlisle. You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend.
Reptiles are important predators within the food webs of their habitats. As such, they help keep animals that humans regard as pests under control. Worldwide, the importance of venomous snakes is being recognized not only for their role as both predator and prey but for their medical value. Recent promising breakthroughs in treatments for hypertension, heart attack, and cancer are attributed to snake venom research. PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry's 2.1 million acres of State Forest lands provide the largest blocks of timber rattlesnake range remaining in the Northeastern states.
The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is an organization of private forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania. The mission of the association is to provide information, education and an exchange of ideas to its members and others about the methods and benefits of proper forest management. For more information about the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association and the September 13th meeting, contact Fred Peabody at 717/776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net).
