Category Archives: Duncannon Outdoors Club

Get outside and learn about the nature surrounding us all.

Berry Mountain Hike and Hypothermia

DOC LogoWell, we finally had our Berry Mountain hike after canceling once, having no place to park and another winter storm threatening another cancellation.  A few days prior to the hike I checked out the trailhead parking which was under 3 feet of snow.  There were two men there plowing the road, so I batted my big brown eyes explaining my dilemma.  They were wonderful and plowed the parking lot for us.  That just left the threatening weather forecast to deal with.  I said a little prayer and the storm never came.  So the hike was a go!

We had a total of 10 hikers to start, but one missed us at the trailhead, ran, and caught up with us at the top in time to see the beautiful view and take in the surprise that was mentioned on Meet Up.

Once on the mountaintop we took a few moments to discuss hypothermia, a body temperature below 95 degrees F.  The most important thing to know about hypothermia is how to prevent it in the first place. Continue reading

Another Haldeman Island Waterfowl Hike

DOC LogoThe DOC and DATC are hosting another Haldeman Island Waterfowl Hike to be led by Scott Bills, a Land Management Group Supervisor with the PA Game Commission, on March 23rd from 8 AM to 12 PM. Everyone is invited to attend, but we especially encourage people with children to enjoy this fun and highly educational opportunity.

This hike will primarily focus on migrating waterfowl and as many as 20 species could be spotted on both the island and the river. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear one extra layer for the wind, and wear neutral colors to help keep our presence muted. We encourage you to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras , and bird guides. The length of the walk is but a few miles on level ground. Appropriate footwear would be warm boots.

DATC LogoHaldeman Island is located off 11/15 at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers. Parking coordinates are: 40.427407 -77.004258. Access is usually restricted to provide sanctuary for a wide variety of birds including the iconic Bald Eagle so don’t miss out on a rare chance to experience and learn about this wonderful Duncannon area natural resource. There are only 30 spots so hurry and register while there is still time. Call 834-9216 or email dtakach@duncannonatc.org to register. Hope to see you there.

Duncannon Outdoor Club Hike March 15th

DOC LogoOn Saturday, March 15th hike an average paced loop hike for 1.73 miles over easy terrain at the Joseph Ibberson Conservation Area. This is an easy hike for the whole family, ages 6 and older. Learn about the importance of vernal ponds and the migration of the Jefferson Salamander. Meet at the Duncannon Family Health Center at 51 Campus Business Way in Duncannon. Meeting time is 9:00 am. Call 834-9216 or email dtakach@duncannonatc.org to register. The conservation area is about 25 minutes from Duncannon .