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Times-shamrock communiTy newspapers 149 Penn Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: (570) 348-9185 Fax: (570) 207-3448
by Cathleen Lathrop
This article is for the birds — as well as the environment. Those who think the Lackawanna Audubon Society is only about bird watching are wrong. The local organization, committed to preserving many facets of nature, is celebrating its 100th anniversary and all are invited. On Sunday, Aug. 30, the Lackawanna Audubon Society (LAS) will celebrate the milestone at Mia Amore, 280 Main St. in Dickson City. The buffet dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. The guest speaker will be Dr. Jerry Skinner. Skinner is a professor of biology at Keystone College and a resident naturalist at Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve of The Natural Conservancy. Florence Coffin founded the organization in March of 1915. It was originally called the Scranton Bird Club. She was also the president for about 40 years. Described as “the original environmental activist,” Coffin wrote hundreds of letters to members of the legislature on every level — local, state and national. She advocated to save the earth and the wildlife on it, especially the birds. It wasn’t until 1967 that the organization changed its name from the Scranton Bird Club to the Lackawanna Audubon Society. Initially committed to the interest and protection of birds, the name was changed to represent the society’s intent of furthering its scope beyond our feathered friends. It’s now studies and protects wildlife, wildflowers and the environment as a whole. Though the society has broadened their environmental horizon, bird watching is still a meaningful part of the organization. Clarks Summit resident Gene Gallagher, a member of the society for 25 years, shares a mem-
capabilities to take care of the 88 acres. They then worked in conjunction with the Countryside Conservancy, and turned over the properties to them last year. The members of the society still have use of the sanctuaries. The society runs the Christmas Bird Count in the Scranton area, National Audubon Society Spring Migration Count for Lackawanna County, and an annual High Bird Count contest during the spring migration. The Lackawanna Audubon Society sponsors the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC). In fact, on Oct. 7 the LAS is going on an interpretive hike at the LCEEC. There, hikers will learn about the local flora and fauna and what deciduous trees have From left: Bill Speare, Carol Lizell, Gene Gal-their display of fall color. LCEEC’s new bird-feedlagher and Mary Annette Rawls. ing station will also be unveiled, thanks to a donaorable sighting of a rare bird, “About 20 years ago, tion from the LAS. This event is geared to all ages I spotted a hawk owl in Bethany during the win- and is $5 per person. However, pre-registration tertime. This sighting is a rare occurrence and it is required for this event. For more information drew the attention of bird watchers from all over about the hike or to register, contact Lackawanna the northeastern United States. That’s a thrill for College Environmental Education Center at 570bird watchers, when a rare bird comes into their 842-1506. immediate area and they can go and see it.” Gallagher also commented on the financial gains of the hobby. “Bird watching has become a fast-growing hobby and provides an economic benefit. People travel all over and rent hotel rooms, eat at restaurants and purchase gasoline in order to observe birds. It’s not only a great hobby, but also contributes to the economy.” The society made its contribution when some members traveled to Rockford, Texas for a week-long excursion in February. For years the organization managed two nature sanctuaries: The Forest Acres Sanctuary in the Newton Township area, and the Davis Crossing Sanctuary in Mills City, near Lake Winola. Gallagher said the members began losing the physical
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