Farm Show: Nature and the Environment

The Shavers Creek Environmental Center is part of Penn State's Outreach program and was at Farm Show this week making presentations about birds of prey, reptiles, and other nature related topics. A Golden Eagle was just one of the big birds being shown. I've seen and photographed a lot of birds of prey over the years and they are as impressive today as the first time I saw one.

Environmental Educator Jon Kauffman talked about how this bird came to be at Shavers Creek and its rehabilitation after a mishap with some high voltage electrical lines. Farm Show offers a wide range of exhibits and information concerning the environment and anyone interested in a career in a related area could find information about majors and careers at the Ag Sciences exhibit.

Tarrah Geszvain, counselor and advisor for the Environmental Resource Management program, was joined by undergraduate students Kristina and Chad to answer questions regarding Penn State programs, opportunities and experiences.

Another area of environmental concern is the use of pesticides. Sharon Gripp, information specialist with the Pesticide Education program, was also part of the large contingent of Penn State professionals at the Farm Show. Sharon drew the short straw and stood for this picture while her colleagues looked on. This year they had some giant, inflatable, pesticide bottles at their exhibit. They were hard to miss as you walked through the main exhibit hall.

The Farm Show will close tomorrow but there is still time to visit. Lots to see!