Category Archives: Duncannon Outdoors Club

Get outside and learn about the nature surrounding us all.

Stroll for the Handicapped at Wildwood: Where Animals Go In Winter

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On Sat., Nov. 17th at 1:00 pm. the Duncannon Outdoor Club is sponsoring a hike for the handicapped and their families.  All ages are welcome to participate as we stroll the wheelchair accessible walkways in the Wildwood Nature Park at 100 Wildwood Way Harrisburg and learn about where animals go in winter.   Distance is 1.8 miles on the Delta and North Boardwalk trails which meander through woods and meadows.  It is an out and back stroll so participants can return at any time.  After the hike participants have the option of touring the Nature Center and the Nature Center gift shop.

Call Deb at 717-395-2462 or email dtakach@duncannonatc.org to register.  Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather.   Sun., 18th is the rain date should the weather be inclement on Saturday. 

This outing is held in memory of Mayor Jack Conrad.

 

 

How To Make a Drink From Staghorn Sumac

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On September 1st the Duncannon Outdoor Club held a 9.6 mile hike from Rte 225 AT trailhead to the Rte 325 AT trailhead,  It was a very foggy day, so we had little to see from Shock Rock, Table Rock and Kinter views.

Prior to the hike we discussed how to identify Staghorn Sumac and differentiate it from  Poisonous Sumac  https://duncannonatc.org/doc-sumacade-hike/.  After our brief discussion we made a delicious drink, Sumacade, out of red sumac berries.  Directions are as follows:

At late summer, collect the cone shaped red sumac heads from Sumac trees found in fields and openings.  Do this  prior to heavy rains, which will wash out the malic acid responsible for flavoring.  Cover the heads with water and let stand for at least 10 minutes.  Rub or pound the berries to loosen the tiny red hairs on the berries.  Strain through a paper towel to remove the hairs from the liquid.  Add water to desired stength, if necessary,  and sweeten to taste.  This procedure can be repeated with the same berries a number of times until the malic acid is used.  Berries may be stored in the freezer for future and may also be dried and stored for winter use.

Out of lemons?  Make lemon juice from the berries with equal portions of berries and water.  Soak and pound the berries, strain and use as lemon juice!

So next autumn get out there and start collection Sumac berries.  They are getting harder to find as the notorious invasive species, The Tree of Heaven, is taking over Sumac habitat.

Hike and Learn How to Make Sumacade

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 DOC LogoOn Sat., Sept. 1st the Duncannon Outdoor Club (DOC) will hike 9.6 miles at an average pace over moderate terrain from the AT RT 225 trailhead to the RT 325 trailhead.  The hike follows the ridge of Peter’s Mountain and has 3 nice views.  At the beginning of the hike we will be making a delicious drink out of Sumac Berries and learn the difference between Staghorn Sumac and Poison Sumac.  Meet at the Geisinger Holy Spirit Duncannon Center at 9:00 am or alternately at the 325 Trailhead parking lot at 9:30 am.  (Clarks Valley RD. 40.451584,-76.776087).  Bring water and a lunch. Call Deb at 395-2462 or email dtakach@duncannonatc.org to register.