Submitted Article / Photos by Bill Kern
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A free guided walk is offered to explore Little Rocky Glen Preserve on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 9 a.m., led by Bill Kern of the Countryside Conservancy and Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center.
The preserve is located between Tunkhannock and Factoryville, just off of US 6, along Lithia Valley Road. There is a new gravel parking lot on the right, if driving from US 6, before the new concrete bridge. Walkers will meet the guides at the gate. To register for this easy to moderate 1 ½ hour walk call the Dietrich Theater at 570-996-1500.
This small preserve is owned and protected by the Countryside Conservancy and it encompasses a shale and sandstone gorge about one hundred feet deep, carved by the South Branch Tunkhannock Creek. The creek features cascades and rapids, with deep pools and potholes carved into the bedrock. Cliffs and ledges often draped by ferns and hemlocks rise above the creek.
“Explore a hemlock ravine and nearby meadows, watch for fish and damselflies from the rocky ledges, discover which wildflowers and birds call the meadows home,” invites naturalist Rebecca Lesko. She also says to wear sturdy shoes – no flip-flops. And she cautions that no restrooms are available.
In September, there will be two more free guided explorations: Saturday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Endless Mountains Nature Center and Nature Walk with Rebecca Lesko; and Saturday, Sept. 29 at 9 a.m. at State Game Lands 57 with Jeff Mitchell.
These explorations help showcase the new Explore Wyoming County Parks and Trails brochure now available at the Dietrich Theater. The brochures were funded by the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Wyoming County Commissioners and Office of Planning.