ML070720229

River Birding and Wildlife Trail - Trail Guide Map

ML070720229
Person / Time
Site:	Susquehanna
Issue date:	03/07/2007
From:	State of PA, Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
ALICIA MULLINS 301-415-1224
References
Download: ML070720229 (2)

Text

Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail - Trail Guide Map PPL Susquehanna Riverlands PPL Susquehanna Riverlands, 634 Salem Blvd., Berwick PPL Susquehanna Riverlands, on the west and east banks of the Susquehanna River, is open year-round for recreation and wildlife viewing. The 1200 acres of public-use land includes wetlands, riparian, and forest habitats, and offers views of the Susquehanna River. The Riverlands is visitor friendly and offers individual nature enthusiasts and families excellent opportunities to observe wildlife. Pick up a map, trail guide, and bird checklist at the Susquehanna Energy Information Center. The Riverlands Nature Center, located in the Energy Information Center, offers wildlife exhibits and facilities, and the adjoining Wetlands Nature Area provides self-guided trails winding through fields and forests, and along the Susquehanna River. Walk the 0.5-miles Beaver Trail for views of the waterfowl pond and beaver pond. The grounds at Riverlands are open daily 8 a.m. to dusk.

Over 230 bird species have been seen at the Riverlands. The west side of Susquehanna Riverlands consists of a Recreation Area that features a group picnicking area, a ball field Lake Took-A-While, and a Wetlands Nature Area that features nature trails and observation areas. The North Branch Canal and towpath cut through both parts of the park. Riverside Trail in the Recreation Area leads through a tall riparian forest where it is easy to observe Yellow-throated, Warbling, and Red-eyed vireos as well as Fish Crow, Gray Catbird, Northern Parula, and Common Yellowthroat. Five species of swallow nest in the park.

Visitors are delighted with the chance to see both Baltimore and Orchard orioles along the canal.

http://www.pabirdingtrails.org/trail-guide/site.asp?id=90 (1 of 2)3/7/2007 11:00:28 AM

Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail - Trail Guide Map The Wetlands Nature Area has more wetland species including Wood Duck, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Yellow Warbler, Swamp Sparrow, and Red-winged Blackbird. In migration, Pied-billed Grebe and American Bittern are seen fairly regularly. The east side of the Susquehanna Riverlands includes Council Cup Bluff. Beaver and muskrat are active in the wetlands around dawn and dusk.

Other wildlife around the ponds includes herons, mink, painted turtles, frogs, red-spotted newts, northern watersnakes, and gray tree and pickerel frogs. Other wildlife includes bobcat, black bear, river otter, striped skunk, star-nosed mole, and big and little brown bats.

Directions: From the town of Berwick, drive 7 miles north on Route 11.

Riverlands is on the right across the road from the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. Park at the Susquehanna Energy Information Center. To reach the wetlands, drive south on Route 11 about 0.75 miles from the Energy Information Center, then turn left at a sign for the wetlands and follow the small road to its end near the river. Gazetteer page 52.

Contact:

PPL Inc., 634 Salem Blvd., Berwick, PA. (570) 542-2306. www.pplweb.

com/community/enviro_preserves/susq_index.htm Property Hours: 8 AM-sunset Visitor Center Hours: M-F, 8 AM - 3:30 PM Time of Day: AM/PM Time of Year: March-November Developed by 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110 (P) 717-213-6880 (E) info@pabirdingtrails.com

© 2004 Audubon Pennsylvania and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania About Us Getting Started Trail Guide Tourism Birding in PA Birds & Wildlife Home http://www.pabirdingtrails.org/trail-guide/site.asp?id=90 (2 of 2)3/7/2007 11:00:28 AM