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   WORD ASSOCIATION... READY?
To completely renovate the Solar portion of our complex To demonstrate to visitors a variety of renewable energy principles and raise awareness of a variety of renewable energy options for heating, cooling and lighting through a beautiful and functional model To showcase a green building design Included in this design: Photovoltaic Energy A 5kW photovoltaic array will produce about 5085kWh. A cistern run by PV power that can have its power stopped by covering a light sensor. Passive Solar Energy A bank of south facing windows to maximize the heat from the winter sun. Louvers are added to shade the windows from the summer sun. Low e argon filled windows for superior energy performance. Landscaping using deciduous trees on the south side providing shade in the summer, sun in the winter. Thermal mass to store residual heat in the building. Water conservation A working Clivus composting toilet and urinal. Faucets with water flow restrictors. Alternative energy resources An Energy Bike what produces electrical energy that is measured as it is pedaled. A wood burning stove. Energy conservation Roof insulation increased. Compact florescent lighting. Environmental Conservation Native plants used in landscaping adjacent to the building. Interactive displays
CHUCK'S TALLY FROM THE VALLEY The winter months are usually harsh and cold, but it is surprising how many birds can be found throughout Peace Valley. Ducks and geese are the most common residents. Ten thousand Canada Geese or more are seen regularly during the winter, depending on how much of the lake becomes frozen. Snow Geese are occasional winter visitors, sometimes in big flocks, and some remain all season. Rarities to look for are Greater White-fronted Goose, Ross' Goose and Brant. There are many ducks present this time of year. Common Merganser can number in the hundreds. Others include Ring-necked Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal. Some common species this time of year are Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, American Wigeon and Gadwall, while those more sought after include Canvasback, Redhead, Common Goldeneye and Long-tailed Duck (formerly called Oldsquaw). Sparrows are numerous also. American Tree Sparrow is a common winter visitor at Peace Valley. In the right habitat other sparrows that can be found include White-crowned, Swamp, Fox, Savannah and Field. Look for the elusive Clay-colored Sparrow. Other birds overwinter in the park. These can be found in fields and woodlands, and at feeder stations. A sampling includes Cooper's Hawk, Wild Turkey, Killdeer, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Purple Finch. Every year is seems that some uncommon or elusive species appear at Peace Valley. Check in the Nature Center building and ask what is currently being seen, or view the sightings book as you enter the building. It's what makes birding here fun and exciting. Come down, visit and enjoy. Chuck Crunkleton shares the nature center's bird walk duties with August Mirabella.
So what exactly is a Native Plant? A native plant is one, which occurred within the state before settlement by Europeans. Native plants include ferns and clubmosses; grasses, sedges, rushes, and their kin; flowering perennials; annuals which only live one year; biennials, which have a two year life cycle; and, of course, the woody trees, shrubs, and vines which covered "Penn's Woods" when the first settlers arrived. There are over 2,100 native plant species known in Pennsylvania. An introduced or non-native plant is one that has been brought into the state and become established. At the turn of the 21st century, about 1,300 species of non-native plants existed in Pennsylvania. That is 37 percent of Pennsylvania's total plant flora (which is about 3,400 species), and more introduced plants are identified every year. An invasive plant is a species that has become a weed pest. One that grows aggressively, spreads, and displaces other plants. Although some native plants are aggressive on disturbed areas, most invasive plants are introduced from other continents, leaving behind pests, diseases, predators, and other natural controls. While new plants are coming into Pennsylvania, native plants are being lost to habitat destruction, invasive plants, and introduced pests and diseases. By 2000, 5 percent of Pennsylvania native plant species had been eliminated and another 25 percent were in danger of becoming so. The good news is that action can be taken to protect and enhance the remaining diversity of beautiful and often useful plant species which grace our Commonwealth: Protect native plant communities and minimize habitat destruction Landscape with native plants Learn more about native plants Buy nursery-propagated native plants Do not remove native plants from the wild Practice responsible landscaping techniques. Article reprinted with permission from PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). This information and more may be found at their website.
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| Website Design & Maintenance by Russ Risko | © 2002-2012 Peace Valley Nature Center. |